The Belle of Chatham

A Colonial-Era Historical Romance Set During the American Revolution

By: Laura Frantz

Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon

The call for liberty creates a divide between family and country, desire and duty, love and loyalty.

In 1777, caught in the crossroads of the American Revolution, sisters Maebel and Coralie Bohannon's quaint New Jersey village becomes a battleground as they house American officers. Rebellion ripples through their family as members take opposing sides—Patriots and Loyalists—causing a deep chasm that fractures their once-unbreakable bond.

As Mae's friendship grows with the American general Rhys Harlow, Coralie continues her liaison with her childhood sweetheart, a British officer stationed in New York. Mae, torn between her deepening love for the general and suspicion that her sister is a British spy, leaves the only home she's ever known for the New York frontier. When betrayal strikes in the heart of the wilderness, she's forced to take a perilous journey that tests her very survival and those she loves, all in the name of liberty.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Laura Frantz offers a stirring friends-to-lovers historical romance of divided loyalties, patriotism, sacrifice, sisterhood, and love set during the American Revolution.

©2026 Laura Frantz (P)2026 Recorded Books

Happy 250 birthday America!

This book seems to have been written as a happy birthday to America, as its publishing coincides with America's 250th birthday. This account explores the parts of the Revolutionary War and how it affected soldiers and families. Differing loyalties among families are also explored.

Love, War, and Peace

I would say, I am not the type to read about war, but when it comes to this author anything goes 😊. What a lovely story. I had to pause a few times, because I wanted to saver the moments of love and what’s I knew that war is surely comings. This story is full of love, deception, heartbreaks, and peace.

Love & Betrayal During the Revolution

Another exquisite novel by Laura Frantz. This book takes you on quite a journey! One of romance, divided loyalties, espionage, betrayal, patriotism, and faith. Laura has such a beautiful and rich way of immersing the reader in history without it feeling forced or dry. I also love how comfortable she is with showing that the wedding doesn’t have to be the end of the story. A romance and the development of a meaningful and abiding relationship can be even more compelling while in the marriage. I think this book is one of her best and a fitting tribute on this, America’s 250th anniversary.

Pilar Witherspoon does an okay job with narration. Her tone is pleasant and her voices for the characters are somewhat distinct. However, her bizarre inflections and pauses are off putting and at times distract from the rhythm of the narrative.

Another Exceptional Book by Laura Frantz

Each of Laura Frantz’s books captivates me and are hard for me to put down. She uses just the amount of passion, great characters and storylines. I thoroughly enjoy stepping into the time periods history in each of her books. Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors along with Pilar Witherspoon as one of my favorite narrators. I highly recommend both of them.

Story

Loved this book would recommend it to everyone. And the narration was great. Five star