Everybody loves a hero, be it in books, films, or real life.
America was built on the bones of great heroes like Boone and Washington, Lee and Lincoln, to name just a few. Historical authors have a wealth of inspiration to draw from and I’m so grateful!
Readers often ask about the inspiration behind my heroes. How I find names. Occupations. Character traits. Physical qualities.
My heroes are created mostly with one consideration in mind. The author must be smitten. If I fall in love with a hero on the page, chances are you will find him reader-worthy, too.
Which one of my heroes do I like/love best?
Imagination is a funny thing:) The heroes of my earlier novels were so real to me I could almost hear them breathing. Red Shirt was so vivid that I became Morrow for a time, joining him on those treacherous trails like many a pioneer woman did long ago. Willing to follow him anywhere.
Silas Ballantyne won my heart for his intrepid Scots spirit and the way he could play a violin. Jack Turlock is a bad boy turned good, redeemed from an unregenerate family in heartbreaking ways. Ian Justice is perhaps not as heroic as Captain Jack, so readers tell me. James Sackett is my most gentlemanly character. Sion Morgan might be the bravest. My military men – Colonel McLinn, General Ogilvy, and Major Rynallt are all cut from the same courageous cloth and have loads of integrity, always a personal hallmark of a hero.
If you take note of hair color, not one of my heroes has been blonde! Most have blue or green eyes. All are tall. I write a hero based on what I find most irresistible in real life. My husband is dark as are my sons:) I’m the only blonde in the bunch.
My favorite literary hero of all time is Mr. Rochester in Jane Eyre. Dark. Intense. Haunted. Passionate. Broody. Brave. Brilliant.
My favorite Biblical hero is Joseph in Genesis. What an epic story, one I never tire of reading.
I’d love to know which fictional or Biblical hero you find irresistible – and why…
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I love what you said about becoming Morrow. I still get lost in that story.
And every time I read Lael’s story I root for Captain Jack until the scene when Ian comes back to the cabin late one night. That scene is amazing and Ian wins hero status.
As for biblical heroes. Joseph had the integrity of a hero, David the passion, Joshua the courage. The New Testament Joseph was a real hero though. I love how the movie The Nativity Story portrayed him. Selfless, kind, humble.
Yes, Morrow and her hero may well be the reader favorites. And it does my heart good knowing at which point Ian won you over:) I feel I know him best as we spent 10 years together while writing that one! And poor guy, coming in at page 200 or so violated every romance novel formula in existence (haha). And I’m glad of it as I don’t care for predictable reads.
Your Biblical heroes and their character qualities really shine. Yes, The Nativity Story is my favorite film done on Christ’s birth. I think Joseph’s character was really inspired and captured so much of what he as a man must have been like. Another man after God’s own heart, truly. Beautiful!
I fell hard and fast for Colonel Cassius McLinn. His selfless love and sacrifice for Roxanna had me. Hook. Line. Sinker. He is still my favorite amongst all the esteemed Laura Frantz men. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read The Colonel’s Lady, but I never tire of it.
King David’s life had more drama than any soap opera, but yet he was called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. THAT right there is irresistible to me.
Love your thoughts here, Amy. I must say Colonel McLinn was truly larger than life to me in a way many heroes aren’t (aside from Red Shirt). Part of that might be because he was the first male POV I wrote. Poor Red Shirt and Ian got short shrift as those first 2 were in the heroine’s POV only. McLinn had me smitten from the get-go. 🙂 Love your Hook. Line. Sinker. Love that he’s your favorite. I do understand why.
Yes, King David is such a conundrum of a man yet so inspiring as he committed so many grievous sins yet still remained ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ If he had been picture perfect we could not admire and relate to him so completely. What a hero! Thank you for taking time here. What a bright spot you are!
Out of all of your heroes, Red Shirt is my favorite! He still holds a piece of my heart! Like Morrow, I would follow him anywhere.
You have such an amazing talent for creating these handsome men. They are all wonderful!
Dear Kailey, Oh, you do my flagging spirits good with your timely encouragement! Yes, there’s just something about Red Shirt:) I have to get back to work today on hero 11 but must confess I’m looking forward to hero 12 as it’s set in Jamestown VA and I step back a century 🙂 Thank you for being here and being such a blessing! Hope your week is extra sweet!
Laura,
I am so looking forward to meeting these new heroes. I’m sure they will be able to win my heart!
Keep up the good work! Your books are truly a blessing to me!
I hope you have a wonderful week!! 😊
You are truly a kindred spirit, Kailey! Please know I’m praying for you as you go about your almost weekend and coming week. We soul sisters must stick together:)
Book heroes- 1. Mr. Rochester- not only for the reasons you’ve listed in your post, Laura, but also because he starts out as imperious, selfish, sinful- as we all are- wanting what he wants, which is Jane. But by the end God has humbled him and put his priorities back in order- God first, then Jane, then others. And THAT is what I love most about Jane Eyre, because in a way, it’s a redemption story. Also Colonel Brandon is right behind Mr. Rochester- a man with true integrity, mindful of others feelings, of whom still waters run deep as the saying goes. That’s the kind of man I’m praying the Lord has walk into my life one of these days. And next it’s Cass and then James Sackett after him. Until I get my hands on Magnus then it’ll be Cass- Magnus- James😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️. Biblically I’ve always loved the story of Boaz- a man of true integrity and friendship United not to his own benefit but others- a Biblical Colonel Brandon in some ways. And David- I’ve been listening to Colin Smith’s sermon series for months now on David and it’s grand.
Love your insights, Julie! So many worthy heroes to choose from, all of them unique and uniquely flawed:) Yes, Mr. Rochester is a powerful example in that his turnaround was so spectacular. Truly a saved by grace hero who did a complete turnaround. And King David – another spectacular sinner yet still a man after God’s own heart because of his repentance and restoration. Colin Smith’s series sounds like a very wise way to spend time. Being saturated with Biblical truths and Biblical heroes does so much for us! Thank you for taking time here and blessing me and others.
Anytime my friend ❤️❤️
Favorite Biblical hero is Joshua. Favorite literary hero is Jane Austen’s Captain Wentworth. General Ogilvy is my favorite hero of yours. I guess it’s safe to say my hero’s in reading tend to be military which reflects real life. As my real life hero my dad is a military man. I look forward to meeting your next hero as well.
So agree about Wentworth, Carissa – I especially like the film version of him! He is a very dashing captain. And I’m happy General Ogilvy is holding strong for you. Me, too. I was just putting TMoTA bookshelf this morning and miss those characters. And Joshua, yes! Truly one of the Bible’s most epic heroes for so many reasons. Your dad is a real life hero in my book, no pun intended! Since our youngest Paul is now at Fort Lee in VA I have an entirely different respect and perspective of men and women who serve and how much they sacrifice and train. God bless your father for his dedication and commitment past and present. You are blessed to be his daughter! And he’s blessed to have you, too!
Interesting. I didn’t care for Mr Rochester. I found him too narcissistic, and I thought Jane could have done better.
I know what you mean about smitten with the romantic leads we write. Yes, I can hear Duncan breathing…in my ear!
Of your heroes, I think I resonated most with Noble…no maybe Red Shirt.
Aye, aye to Duncan!! Yes, Mr. Rochester is not everyone’s cup of tea, for sure! His intensity can get on your last nerve and you nailed his narcissism lol. Maybe only a hero our longsuffering Jane could love! I know I’m overlooking a great many good men. Thank you for your mention of Noble – and Red Shirt. I wonder what you’ll think of Magnus. He’s not quite like that endearing and leave-me-smitten Duncan but…!
Hi Laura!
Like you, I’m enamored with each hero I write! My favorite movie hero would be Zorro. My favorite novel hero would most likely be Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables. My favorite Biblical hero (other than Jesus) would be David. Love his heart for the Lord! Blessings on your writing journey. My writing has slowed this summer as well. Life is busy.
Hi Cynthia, So happy you’re here! I can’t tell you how you bless me with all those beautiful photos you post – truly you live in a very inspiring place! So much beauty that you capture on camera. Love your hero list 🙂 And yes, David is such a great hero. Love his status as a man after God’s own heart. Even after all his failings! He’s so relatable, thankfully. Praying our writing resumes as the temps cool and we’re called indoors more. I love summer but it sure brings diversions! Ready to sit by the fire soon and write. Thanks for taking time here, my friend. What an encouragement you are!
Oh! How I love your newsletters! And your books and your heroes! 🙂
Some of my Biblical faves are Joseph, Stephen, and Nathaniel- in whom there was nothing false.
My literary faves are Samwise—faithful to the end, Barret from Linda Chaikin’s Port Royal, and all of yours!!! 🙂 I also feel I must throw in the guys from Mine is the Night, Love’s Pursuit, and Lynn Austin’s A Proper Pursuit. 🙂
Cannot wait to read A Bound Heart!!! Looking forward to my after-Christmas treat. 🙂
Dear Jenny, Oh, love your hero list! And you name titles on my keeper shelf 🙂 Joseph, Stephen, and Nathaniel are such worthy men/heroes. I’m so glad there are so many memorable men in Scripture to model the best kind of Godly heroism. I am a big fan of Linda Chaikin and wish she’s write more! In fact, I was cleaning out a closet recently and found her unread one that I believe was set in Hawaii and I need to read. Also love her Port Royal novels. Such rich history there! Thank you for your joy and encouraging support of ABH. That means so very much!
Next to your books I love Linda Chaikins! You ladies are getting me through this brain cancer year of my life!
Dear Kate, Lifting you up and so thankful you are here today! Another dear reading friend like you is walking through the same valley. I think books are so amazing and comforting during life’s many trials. Please know I will be praying for you and your recovery and treatment. I just heard that one of my favorite women of faith, Anne Graham Lotz, has cancer. And I recently learned that Liz Curtis Higgs and Lysa Terkeurst (spelling?) are now cancer free. You are in the Best Hands! Love and hugs and prayers to you are ongoing!
In which of your books was Red Shirt a character? I thought I’d read them all but cannot remember this Red Shirt. Sounds like he’s everybody’s favorite and I’d like to read the book.
Dear Marjorie! Oh my, I”m hoping you read Courting Morrow Little and meet first hand this Red Shirt, my only hero with an unusual name 🙂 You’re so right, too, about him being a reader favorite. He lives on in reading hearts which is something I find amazing and a blessing. I sure loved writing his character so maybe that author fondness spilled over to readers. I’d love to know your thoughts if you read his story!
Oh, I do love this post, Laura! My heartstrings follow a very similar pattern as yours! Strong and brave even when surrounded by uncertainty.
Hannah and I come back again and again to Cass and Red Shirt. I’ll always be drawn to a hero who gets in the trenches and does the hard work…and is tall, broad shouldered and dark haired.
♥️
Oh, love, love that talk of heartstrings, Andrea!! You are such a kindred spirit. You nailed one of the must-have-heroic-qualities I aim for every hero – they must get their hands dirty! No shirker status 😉 I know you and Hannah have wonderful real-life heroes of your own, too. Red Shirt and Cass mean so much to me though we didn’t get a look inside Red Shirt’s head yet he was still, thankfully, larger than life. Oh, aye, tall, broad of shoulder, and dark of hair!
Oh, Laura, I still hold Ian as the best hero, although all of your heroes have so many fine qualities. TFD intoduced me to you so maybe that’s why it’s difficult for me to give up Ian and Lael….as she still remains my fave lady. There are so many biblical heroes for me. Right this moment two come to mind. Jonathan, for his unfailing love for and loyalty to David, for the humility and godly example he set for the would-be king….and to Saul, his flawed father and king, both dying together in battle. And then Uriah the Hittite, who was more couageous and exemplified more moral integrity than King David. Jonathan and Uriah didn’t get much word count, so to speak, but their lives and conduct spoke volumes.
Patti, Your comments on those Biblical men run so rich and deep. Thank you! I’ve always been fond of Uriah who was such a striking counterpoint to David who was then at an all time heroic low. And my heart always went out to Saul who just couldn’t quite ever ‘get it’ or get it right. And I’m glad you mention Jonathan which is a shining example of so many fine qualities – courage, loyalty, Godly friendship, a true prince. Love what you say about Jonathan and Uriah’s conduct speaking volumes. Amen, dear friend.
I have enjoyed all of your heroes, but Redshirt is my top favorite! Biblical heroes are a little more difficult to pick, my top two are Boaz and Hosea.
I’m eagerly looking forward to reading your latest hero!!
Truly Boaz was a Godly hero for Ruth and Hosea wins for endurance and everlasting love! I was just putting Morrow on a new Ikea bookcase so it’s wonderful you mention her here. I still miss those characters all those years later! Sometimes I’m tempted to pen a sequel but think it’s best left alone. Love your heart for my books and Scripture, Trisha!
Good ones Trisha! I agree !!
Hulah, HUGS! So happy you’re here. Your beautiful smile springs to mind and makes me wish we were on the way to CFRR about now. What a wonderful time that was!
Your heroes are compelling men, but, by far Red Shirt is my favorite. My Biblical hero is another flawed hero, Peter. He struggled with things but he followed Christ with gusto. He had a Mother-in-Law, that Jesus healed (Matthew 8:14). The Bible doesn’t mention his wife but apparently he had one. I would love to sit down and talk to her. I’m looking forward to the new book and the one after that.
Marilene, Love your insights about Peter and the fact that Jesus healed his Mother-in-Law. Those connections are so important and add another dimension to Peter’s story. Yes, gusto, a wonderful word that gives us all something to aspire to in our walk with Christ. Like you, I wish we could sit down and talk to these silent women of the Bible. I believe we will in heaven! Thank you for looking forward to my coming books. That encourages me greatly as I edit the one due soon and begin another. Bless you!
When I think manly hero, Nathaniel Bumppo from Last of the Mohicans jumps to first place in my mind. When I think of your heroes, Laura, I’m torn between Red Shirt and Sion Morgan. They each hold a special place in my heart. Bring on that new man! Maybe I’ll have a new favorite.
Mary, You are an ongoing kindred spirit. Would you believe I watched TLOTM about 17 times in the theater when it released and then on video – and I’m not much of a moviegoer! I believe the Lord used that to inspire me to write frontier fiction/Kentucky fiction and those heroes you mention. Forever grateful:) This new leading man is quite a conundrum, my first physically plain hero (my heroine’s spinster aunt has a hilarious reaction to meeting him). But I hope/pray he more than makes up for his plainness with a richness & depth of character that overrides all that. We put too much emphasis on the physical that it was a real joy to work around that. Very thankful the Lord looks at a hero’s heart in real life!
I can hardly stand the though of having to pick just one of your leading men as my favorite, but Silas, Red Shirt, Colonel McLinn, and Jack Turlock are definitely in the running! Love them all!
As far as favorite Biblical heroes, Joseph and Hezekiah are the two that come to mind first.
Oh, love your heart for these heroes, Candy! It really isn’t quite right to single one out when so many heroes in literature are worth mentioning, and not only in my books:) Love your mention of Joseph and the oft overlooked Hezekiah. I had a friend who named her baby Hezekiah and they called him Kiah. And surely there’s no hero quite like Joseph and his love for Mary. I often wonder why God appointed him to be Jesus’s earthly father yet we are left large clues as to that given his character and response to Mary’s shocking news. Puts me in the Christmas spirit already!
I remember reading Marrow Little and I totally wanted to step into her shoes! Red Shirt! Sigh…
I second all that, Hulah! I still want to be Morrow almost 10 years later! And everytime I see a waterfall or walk in the woods…
So, Jack from Love’s Awakening is my favorite hero you’ve created. I love him so much. I adore Love’s Awakening. It’s my #1 favorite of your books. I’m due for another re-read!
Rochester is my most favorite fictional hero of all times too! 😀 Fell for him hard when I was 17, and compare all heroes to him.
My favorite Biblical hero is Boaz. I re-read Ruth many times throughout the year. I love the love story, the example of a kinsman redeemer, and the idea of leaving the old, sinful path of the past for a hopeful, beautiful future.
Nicole, You sum up Boaz so well – he runs so deep. I did a Bible Study on him while in Scotland with Liz Curtis Higgs not long ago and it was so memorable. I’ll never forget it for the reasons you mention – their romance/story is so layered! I think you and I both fell for Mr. Rochester early in life and still haven’t recovered 😉 And I can’t thank you enough for singling out Jack Turlock! He is very dear to me because he was and is so imperfect and has to overcome so much, the sins of the fathers, generational strongholds, etc. My favorite scene in the novel is when he and Ellie are together alone in the parlor (Chloe makes a timely exit, to my memory) and he confesses he’s never heard harp music to our harpist heroine. For some reason that little exchange moved & delighted me for inexplicable reasons. Jack, maybe more than any of my heroes, deserves a very happy ending. Thank you for telling me he was larger than life for you on the page!
Favorite fiction hero? That’s a hard one. There are so many. Though Jane Eyre is my favorite book ever and I love Rochester, I think I have to go with one of Austen’s heroes. Mr. Knightley is probably my favorite because of how he challenges Emma to better herself.
My favorite Biblical hero is Jonathan. Brave and kind, his true test of character came when he had to relinquish the dream of being king someday. And instead of being jealous of the one it would go to, he befriended him and loved him as a brother.
Excited to hear more about your work in progress and reveals for the January release.
Stephanie, I do think you have a book in you (& I’ve probably said that before). Treasure your insightful comments. So glad to see Jonathan mentioned twice or more here for such important reasons. I immediately think how different he was from Saul who would not have been so gracious, sadly. Maybe one of the true tests of a hero, at least a Godly one, is fulfilling John 15:13 in all the ways Jonathan did. Thank you, too, for wanting to know more about this WIP 🙂 I’ll be sure to include that in my next newsetter. So appreciate you being here and reading that monthly missive!
p.s. And Mr. Knightly, yes! And a thorough gentleman, to boot:)
*Sigh*
Very few authors pen such a swoon-worthy hero as you, Laura Frantz! I cannot resist dark and brooding. Andrea and I have read TCL many times, yet every time we do we send screen shots of our favorite pages to each other as if it’s our first time reading it. Haha! Cass McClinn is that good!
OHMYWORD! You sisters are truly an author’s dream!! I don’t say that lightly. I will confess that our rascaly colonel is one of my larger than life heroes, maybe my MOST larger than life hero for all the reasons you probably screenshot 🙂 Thank you for making my day! This current frontier hero is quite an anomaly – my first unhandsome hero! At least in looks but NOT in character. Cannot wait for you to meet him, both you and Andrea!
Red Shirt was my first love. Enough said, right?! My heroes in the Bible are the ones who walked with God and were called His friends. Isaiah and Jeremiah, too, because they spoke for God at a time when NO ONE wanted to hear what they had to say. I also love Peter. I relate to his wanting to be wherever Jesus was, no matter how much he messed up. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is where Jesus locked eyes with Peter and Peter knew. I positively “purr” at the thought of Jesus locking eyes with me, only with the love that Red Shirt had for Morrow. I love your frontier books because they picture a life with God, walking and talking together, in His creation. I walked this a.m. and discovered that OUR “stomping grounds” have been cordoned off for “archaeology” purposes! Can you believe it?! All building projects have been stopped until they excavate for remains of any possible Native American settlement and/or artifacts! So extra fitting as on my walk i was contemplating my favorite hero of yours!! It is a “Red Shirt” day <3.
Oh, yes, that passage says so much and you’ve highlighted it beautifully here! I am purring right alongside you! I know the Lord delights in our delight of Him! Yet another exclamation mark – I can’t help myself:) And I love knowing Red Shirt is your kind of Godly hero. I remember writing that story so vividly in a way that I don’t most. I felt I was there, either Morrow or a close bystander. Maybe that is why CML works for many. I do think it is the reader favorite. And it means a great deal that you feel my frontier novels tell a story of walking and talking with God. What a beautiful thought! I am so grateful that I was raised in the national parks as I think the natural world is the source of most inspiration for me – and the most rest. With you in spirit on your walks! We have had the same happen out west in Washington with the Native American archaeological site, nearly in our own backyard. The earth can tell quite a story! Bless you for being here, Susan. Treasure your thoughts. <3
Hi Laura….and Happy Fall! I “met” you last spring after finishing reading “The Frontiersman’s Daughter”,the very first book of yours that I read….then I found out about your newsletter and signed up….glad to hear how your summer went….sounds busy ! I am getting ready to start your book called “The Mistress of Tall Acre”….but thus far, I guess the hero I would choose would be Ian…although Captain Jack had a very alluring personality!!!! I may end up choosing others as time goes on….but for now I will choose Ian! As for Biblical heroes, I think I would say that Joseph from the Old Testament would be the one….all that he went through, and he remained faithful to God….and never held anything against his brothers….even though they meant it for evil, but God meant it for good….all that happened ….such a touching story…. and one that can help explain how that God can allow suffering, and have a deeper purpose in it, especially in situations where we wonder how and why things happen…..I also have always thought of Sam, from the Lord of the Rings, as quite a humble and brave hero!! I hope you are doing well….Take care and God bless you!!!!! Love, Donna from Montana
Dear Donna, Oh, overjoyed we met through Lael! She will always hold a special place for me being my debut novel and allowing me to meet gracious reading friends like you. We are kindred spirits in our admiration and awe of Joseph. I just reread his story recently and it never fails to inspire and move me. And I know you are not alone in your fondness for Sam in Tolkien’s amazing epic:) He is one of my favorite authors. C.S. Lewis, too. Thank you so much for taking time here and for reading my humble newsletter. I’m honored & blessed! Love your beautiful state, too!!
My favorite hero amoung your books is probably Silas Balantyne, although Red Shirt would be a close second. You are quite creative in coming up with hero characters. I’ve loved them all! My favorite Biblical hero is probably Joseph although I also love Boaz.
You have fine taste in heroes, Bonnie, both Biblical and literary:) Love knowing that, thank you. I feared never creating another hero I like as much as the two you mention! This new one is quite unique in that he’s plain in appearance though striking due to one physical attribute which reminds me that the Lord looks at the heart, inward not outward. So thankful for that! Wonderful to catch up with you here. You always inspire me with your adventures!
Wow Laura you certainly have many many followers who Love you so much ! I am certainly among them and you are the First and only Author I just- had to write to and yes it was right after I finished Courting Morrow Little ! I definitely love Red Shirt and that will always be my favorite Book !I love all the frontier books specially as Susan Weber said earlier! My daughter would be right next to you with Rochester in Jane Eyre!!!! Also I love the way many of your heroes treat women they love so carefully ! Very Inspiring,as in The Lace Maker ! My favorite Biblical Character is also Joseph as he taught me so much! And David as well because he had such a poet’s heart and I love the Psalms with all my heart! Thank you for being part of my List of the things I am waiting for and look forward too!
Laura I am waiting for a reply from you I hope all is well!!!!!
Ian Justice is my favorite of your heros thus far, though Redshirt is close behind him. What I love about Ian is that, though he loved Lael, he tried so hard not to fall for her entirely until he knew she was a christian. I cannot imagine how burdensome that kind of struggle would be. And being a Scot helped. 😉
Yes to Mr. Rochester! I love the chemistry between him and Jane Eyre! That kind of connection is electric and soul-deep.
Lastly, Edward Ferrars. He isn’t the blatant hero most are drawn to, but I love his integrity, his commitment that wouldn’t allow him to leave a woman in the lurch (he had agreed to marry her and was willing to stick to that), and he wanted a quiet life with few of the usual trimmings. And I fall hard for a man that likes kids and takes an interest in them as he did with Margaret Dashwood, Elinor’s youngest sister. 🙂
Dear Vanessa, You DO have a book in you! Or at the very least, you understand these mesmerizing heroes so very well! Love your comments and insights on 3 praise-worthy heroes. I was just thinking the other day how well these classical heroes have maintained their popularity and good standing even though written so long ago. I think the true merit of a book is its ability to withstand the test of time. Heroes have a lot to do with that. Hats off to Godly heroes! 🙂
My favorite male lead is Cass McLinn, and that probably has something to do with The Colonel’s Lady being my first and favorite. Like Roxanna, I am the spitting image of my father (“just yo pa in a dress”) and am a military man’s daughter. I appreciate Cass for his bravery and fiery Irish temper, but also his sense of humor (“Gabby” instead of Abby…). Close second would be Sion/Silas as I like men whose first instinct is not to find a woman but to follow ambition/adventure. Ironically enough, my real life boyfriend is the embodiment of Red Shirt (Indian with lighter skin), but for some reason he is not one of my favorites!!
Meghan, Oh, love that you are a TCL kindred spirit as you really ‘get’ that book right down to Gabby and that subtle humor, etc. You bring the joy of that story back with your wonderful comments 🙂 After writing THE END on that novel, I really missed those characters for a long time. So interesting they bear resemblance to you in real life! Truth really is stranger than fiction. Love that you have your own Red Shirt, too:) Since you appreciate Sion and Silas’s motivations/ambitions, I can’t wait for you to meet our hero in novel 11, another frontiersman with similar instincts. Only our heroine does finally win him over:)