Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Laura!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?I'm just a plain old Kentucky girl with a passion for history and penning stories and reading good books!
What is your new book, Love's Reckoning, about?
Here's the short and sassy version: Two sisters. One man. When he chooses one, will the other destroy their love?
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?
I attended college in England and lived in a castle, studying 18th-century literature and history. Learning about the American Revolution from the British perspective was very interesting!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Age 7. I wrote my first story about ships, my mom says, and haven't stopped writing yet. I think writers are born, not made, and it's in the genes...
How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?
I think books are a little like babies and each one has a special place in my heart. But I do think my first book, The Frontiersman's Daughter, has the most of me in it and took the longest to write (a period of 10 years). My boys were little at the time and so I took 5 years off in the middle of writing that story.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I write all my novels in longhand first. Tons of legal pads and pens! Most authors think this is a waste of time but I think better on paper and always have.
Where do you like to write?
My favorite place to write is on the deck in a covered swing when it's sunny out or, in winter, in my little library with woodstove overlooking the snowy woods. But I can write anywhere and anytime, thankfully - on the bus, while SpongeBob is blaring on TV, cooking supper, waiting in a doctor's office, etc.
What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
The best part, by far, is creating imaginary worlds that you become very attached to and hate to leave. The worst part is marketing! I am a terrible salesperson and never like promoting.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love taking long walks, tending my garden, writing letters, and reading history. Oh, and eating! Love trying new restaurants and traveling to new places!
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
I'd love to go to Israel. I think I'd see the Bible - and Christ - in a whole new way. But right now I'm packing for Scotland so that will have to do.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Oh, great question! Being a romantic, my favorite movie ever is North and South with the incredibly gallant Richard Armitage. Full of passion and angst and high drama - the train scene at the end is to die for...
What is your favorite dessert?
Chocolate anything! My granny used to make me a from-scratch, 4 layer German Chocolate cake for my birthday every year but since she passed away I've never had anything so delicious.
Oh my! That's like asking if I have a favorite book! I think Psalm 139 is my favorite book of the Bible. As for a verse, Genesis 32:10 is my new favorite: "I am not worthy of the least of all Thy mercies."
Here are a few this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?
Love both but there's something so magical and holy about a snowstorm. I'm in awe every time. And I love to include snowstorms in my novels.
Tea or Coffee?Decaf, please - and I love almost any tea! Iced tea with lemon is right up there, too.
Call or Text?
I've never texted in my life. And I really don't like to talk on the phone either unless it's with my mom. I'm a bit eccentric that way, I guess. I'd much rather be with you in person.
Early-bird or Night-owl?
Early bird...in bed by 9pm and up by 5am usually. Love, love, love mornings.
Cats or Dogs?
Both - Digger is our dog and our black cat is called Cracker. My sons named them so they're a bit strange!
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Love's Reckoning: The Ballantyne Legacy is the first book in a 4 book series. I'm almost ready to turn in book 2 of this series and have just begun book 3. These books span 4 generations in one family from 1784 to 1872. I hope/pray readers enjoy each one. I love connecting with readers at laurafrantz.net! Bless you all!
Giveaway!
Enter to win a copy of Laura's new book, Love's Reckoning: The Ballantyne Legacy! Open Internationally!
Enter via the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
That is such a pretty cover!
ReplyDeleteI agree - I love the cover! :)
DeleteJohanna and Melanie, Thanks so much - I love it, too, and can't take any credit for it! Brandon Hill is the designer out of Seattle and he's tops:) Thanks for your kindness.
DeleteThanks for the giveaway! This book would be a great gift for my Mom!
ReplyDeleteLove your heart for your mom, Beth:) That's a wonderful thing!
DeleteBeth Gal on Rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...."Lived. In. A. Castle." I am not sure I've envied anyone's experience more than I just did that sentence. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I hate talking on the phone too. really really. I'd rather email or talk face to face. I avoid the phone like the plague....but the inlaws call every weekend and force me to use the thing.
Melissa, I feel like I know you as we keep bumping into each other - love that:) Yes to the castle! No to the phone, lol! Thanks so much for being here!
DeleteI would like to thank you for a fantastic book giveaway, that i would really love to have the oportunity of reading and reviewing! The cover is stunning & it sounds facinating, in a genre that i love.
ReplyDeleteThank you x
I'm so glad this is open internationally! I have loved all of Laura's books thus far.
ReplyDeleteRina, So happy you're here - I love my international readers:) And thanks for your warm words about my books. I promise to keep writing if you keep reading:) Bless you!
DeleteHi Laura nice to meet another Ky gal, I grew up there many moons ago. I like the sound of this book and know I would enjoy reading about these sisters. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletePaula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Pol, So happy you're from KY, too! I sure miss it and go back as often as I can:) Thanks so much for being here today. Melanie has a beautiful blog!
DeleteThank you the give-away. My mother started me on generation series with the Jalna books years ago. I also love the cover and the name of the book.
ReplyDeleteLeona
Lauren seems like a person I would like to get to know. She is down to earth and real.
ReplyDeleteMelina, Bless you for saying so - you're very gracious! Would love to send a book your way:)
DeleteI have not read anything by her and would love this book. :O)
ReplyDeleteThe cover of your book is beautiful and I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview. I enjoyed this opportunity to get to know this author better. Hankering for a chance to read her latest book ~ what a cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win!
biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I'd love to read this book! The cover is really pretty!
ReplyDeleteBethany
Mmm, chocolate is my favorite sweet treat too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview ladies! And the chance to win Love's Reckoning
Beth
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway. julierupert@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh! I really want to read this! Such a pretty cover and it sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteJust got an e-mail from the publisher about this book release! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletePatty H
WOW, Melanie!! I'm finally up here on the west coast and SO appreciate all these comments:) You've done such a beautiful job with the interview and I love your pictures! And it's clear you have many fans! Thanks to everyone for taking time here. I wish I could meet everyone of you in person and give books to all! And I pray the winner is blessed by the book and bookmark, etc. You've sure blessed me!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! I'm so glad to share about your book with my blog readers! :)
DeleteGreat interview! Love Laura's books :) and happy to see that there's another chocolate lover out there who also loves German Chocolate cake! Laura's books are very special and I look forward to each one! The cover on this one is particularly gorgeous!~
ReplyDeleteAh, Heather, we're kindred spirits with more than books, then - cake, too;) I'm so thankful you find my books worthwhile. You always make me smile!!
DeleteHi Laura, oh, I had to smile when you mentioned writing to the background of Sponge-Bob. I often have to write to TV background noise as well (reality shows), and I'm still learning how to do that. I didn't know you wrote your first drafts in longhand. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Melanie! Hope you ladies have a blessed day!
We writer moms have to bloom where we're planted and create to all kinds of background stuff, Gwen. Sure enough! I love writing everything out longhand first. I really do think better on paper. In fact, my dessert for this morning's work is taking a new legal pad out on the deck and starting book 3. Bless you for being here, my KY friend!
DeleteAppreciated this interview with some out of the ordinary "author" questions. I just finished "Love's Reckoning" last night. Played Sudoku for an hour after finishing the book. Wanted to keep the characters in my head awhile longer and rehearse how it ended and where the storyline might be going. Beautifully written and definately transports you to another time and another place. I'm trying to keep my comments generic so I don't spoil this wonderful new series for any one. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your gift with us.
ReplyDeleteMary, I so appreciate you and your insights about the book, always welcome and a blessing. I'm so delighted you finished and wanted to keep thinking about it! I cover your Sodoku skills! I am not gifted that way! Thanks so much for taking time for my work. It means the world to me:)
DeleteI am really interested in reading this! I would love to win it. Thanks for the giveaway!!! :D
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one! The cover is so gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! I love when a series follows a family through a long span of time.
ReplyDeleteI want to win this book! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great interview. I enjoyed learning some new things about Laura. Like her, I wanted to be a writer from the time I was seven.
ReplyDeleteI'm halfway through Love's Reckoning and am enjoying the story, as I have all of Laura's stories. She's a gifted storyteller.
Hi Keli, I think 7 is the magical age for many of us writers. Kinds of ties in with when we fell in love with the written word:) Thanks so much for taking time for LR. It was sure a joy to write.
DeleteFantastic interview! I love the little questions. I agree with the author, I'm horrible at marketing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview and giveaway! I'm so looking forward to reading this book- the cover is beautiful and it looks amazing! And, btw, I LOVED the train scene in North and South... the BEST part! =D
ReplyDeletelubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Elyssa, OH YES! The Northbound train scene is amazing - right down to the music:) Glad to find another kindred spirit here who agrees!
Delete*not an entry* Great interview ladies!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI adore your books! I just read Love's Reckoning in one sitting. It was fantastic and I loved the little teaser at the end of book 2 - but it was definitely a tease! Can't wait for the second one...but now I have to wait another year :(
Keep up the great work, and thanks so much for having a contest to win a book!
kohlert at mail dot gvsu dot edu
Tiffany, Oh, welcome words! Thanks so much for reading - and in one sitting! Wow - the best words an author could hope for:) I hope you like Jack and Ellie just as much! And I'm sorry for the wait! Bless you for being such a light andd encouragement!
DeleteLove's Reckoning is on my must read list. When I get it, it will be put on top of my to be read pile!!
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE Laura's books!!! I simply cannot wait to read this one!
ReplyDelete~Marissa E.
The cover of Love's Reckoning is so beautiful!! Having a bookcase full of (great) novels with gorgeous covers just makes me happy! :D Thanks for this giveaway... I've read Love's Reckoning, and it was amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteshantelle@truevine.net
thanks for the chance to read laura's latest masterpiece
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Really great interview! This book looks really good, thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover, it's so eye catching ! And thanks for the giveaway !
ReplyDeleteI like that Laura still writes her books by hand on yellow pads of paper. I think there is something to be said about the hand/brain connection being stronger when physically writing (versus typing). I know I often can't spell a word unless I write it on paper. Just trying to visualize it in my head and orally spell doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteLove's Reckoning sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Pam, Love that you find that hand-brain connection stronger, too:) I feel like a dinosaur sometimes as not many writers do that. I just love the actual pen on paper part of it all. Thanks so much for your comments and being here today!
Deletewould love to win. I too love north and south. great interview. thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love taking part in your giveaways!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jalynn
pattersonmom24@aol.com
Laura, your story seem quite inviting and I know I'd enjoy reading it. Thank you for this giveaway and the chance to win a spectacular read!
ReplyDeleteBlessed by Grace,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
Barbara, So glad it looks inviting, Barbara:) It sure was a joy to write and hopefully that will make it a joy to read. Bless you for being in the giveaway!
DeleteNice cover love reading Laura's books thanks for chance to win
ReplyDeleteI have read all the other books by Laura Frantz and loved reading every single one! I know that Love's Reckoning will be right up there :)
ReplyDeletesamanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com
Samantha, I love running into you on the web! You always bring a blessing with your kind words and spirit:) I'm so thankful you like my stories and want to meet Silas and Eden:)
DeleteI have heard such great things about Laura's books. I'd love to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for the very kind comments! I wish I had a book for everyone - and time to answer you all personally! Melanie sure hosts a great book party:) Can't wait to see who the winner is!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love that you write everything freehand! That just tells me so much about your personality! I think if I were to ever pursue writing, I would want to do it that way. It is just more personal. I also love Psalm 139, and have a couple of stories about how God has used that scripture in my life. Thanks for the interview and chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMegan, SO neat that Psalm 139 speaks to you, too. It's a rich, rich passage that reads like poetry. And thanks for the thumbs up on the freehand writing! With my first novel, which was about 500 pages prior to print, I literally had a wheelbarrow load of legal pads that weighed a ton. Once the book was in print I burned them and now am kind of sad I did. But they were taking up too much space! There is something very personal about writing on paper first. Well said. The computer seems so clinical to me. Bless you for your thoughts!
DeleteThe cover is fantastic! Wow! I've sold a few copies where I work and keep thinking I've got to read it :)
ReplyDeleteBekah, I do hope you love Silas and Eden if you meet them:) So happy some books are disappearing your way! Covers really do make or break a book and I'm so thankful for this one - and your gracious comments. Bless you.
DeleteAwesome interview!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new book, Laura.
Your description about the intrigue me and the cover is gorgeous!
Thanks for spending time with us here ^^
Aline, Love your enthusiasm:) Thanks so much for the congrats and cover kudos. I hope it gets into your hands!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book! I can't decide if I'd keep it or give it to my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary Beth, Love your name, BTW:) So happy you have a heart for your friend. Maybe you could share it!
DeleteI think I like the idea of living in a castle more than I would enjoy actually doing it. Since I am a hermit who married a wanderer, I do leave my house, just not willingly sometimes! I also love the cover, hate the phone (except with my best friend) and would love to read this book!
ReplyDeletekatsaddress AT gmail. DOT com
Kat, I'm chuckling because you're so right about living in a castle. Quite cold and drafty though beautiful! Thanks so much for wanting to read Love's Reckoning and taking time here!
DeleteGreat interview!! I can not wait to read book!! Thanks for opportunity to win!!
ReplyDeleteBrenda Leon
Brenda, Love those exclamation points as I'm an exclamation point gal myself!! So thankful for Melanie - and you - and this giveaway!! Thanks so much for being here today!
DeleteI haven't read any of Laura's books. This one sounds good. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. It certainly has a lovely cover!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, So good to see you here and learn you like the cover. Me, too:) I wish I coudl go back and approach this book fresh like a reader. But it was a joy to write so have to be content with that. Bless you today.
DeleteThank you for a lovely interview. It's good to learn more about Laura. I cannot wait to read this book! I love all of Laura's other books. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren, So good to see another Kentucky friend here:) Thanks for the kind words. It's thrilling to learn you like my books. You're a blessing!
DeleteI have not read anything written by Laura Frantz so thank you for introducing me to her. I love the cover of the book, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteLinda Fast
Beautiful cover! :]
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway!
I am excited about this giveaway. I have really enjoyed her other books. Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteEnter me this book looks like a great read!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the invite Would love to read the book
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway I would love to read it!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE historical fiction!
ReplyDelete~Camille M.
Thanks so much for entering the drawing, everyone. Waving at Linda and Janette and Sharon and all! You're comments are like dessert:)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview ladies! I love how I learn something new about Laura in every interview. :D
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you have a black cat, Laura! Guess what!?! So do I!! Mine is almost 19 years old, and his name is Bear. Hubby named him that, because he looked like a little grizzly bear when he was a kitten. : )
Michelle, So we're kindred spirits in cats, too, lol;) Bear sounds like a keeper! I bet he's well fed and content. Sadly, cougars or eagles have a way of making away with our cats here in the woods. We can't keep one more than a couple of years:( I am glad yours is safe and sound!!
DeleteThanks so much for being here. Seeing you always makes even a good day much better!
Oh, no, I'm sad to hear that about the kitties. :(
DeleteOurs have always been inside cats, but about 12 years ago, Bear did get out, and was missing for 9 days. We were amazed when he found his way back all on his own, considering he's an inside cat.
I loved reading about you, Laura. I am from Kentucky also. I read The Frontiersman's Daughter a few years ago and then passed it on to my grand daughter. We both loved
ReplyDeleteit and she has read it more than once. She loves books so much it is hard to get them back after I give them to her. I would love to win a copy of Love's Reckoning: The Ballantyne Legacy.
Jan, So happy to meet another Kentuckian here and to know you and your granddaughter liked Lael's story! That means a great deal to me. Thrilled she loves books so much that she holds onto them:) Thought that might make it hard for Grandma! I hope you both enjoy Eden's story if you read it. I sure loved writing it and spending time in 18th-century Pennsylvania.
DeleteI love that beautiful cover... I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I really want to read this one!!
ReplyDeleteLadette, Love your comments:) People really do judge a book by its cover so that's quite true! I'm so glad you want to read the story. It was a work of my heart. Thanks so much for being here.
DeleteWords from Philippians TRUTH HONESTY VIRTUE - were so needed today, midst of a divorce after 31 years. Emotional rollercoaster but strong in FAITH. This book empowers me a woman walking away but sun on the horizon. I would absolutely love to read this. Perhaps could find some comfort and peace here. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteDear Eva, Prayers with you as you walk this difficult road. He is with you all the way. You already have insight into the story before you've even cracked the cover. This book is about hope and overcoming tremendous hardships. I think you'd find a kindred spirit in Eden and her story, particularly at this difficult place in your life. Psalm 23 is central to the novel and is placed at the front of the first chapter in the original, very beautiful Scottish version. Please know I'm praying for you today and will continue.
DeleteIn Him,
Laura
I have been wanting to read this book for a LONG time, but as of yet been unable to get it. I was SO happy to find your blog!!! And I hope I win it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity!
Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez
amada_chavez@yahoo.com
John 3:15-16 (Read it, Believe it, and Be Saved!!!)
Beautiful name, Amada! And I'm so thrilled you want to read Eden's story - and that you found Melanie's wonderful blog! Thanks for the reminder of John 3 - awesome, life changing verses. Bless you for being here.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read that I would want others to enjoy it too by passing it forward. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteawhartness@yahoo.com
I am really looking forward to reading this book! Thank you for the opportunity! :)
ReplyDeletesamanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com
Sam, Thanks for being here! I really, really want you to read this book:)!
DeleteFun interview! You are very talented, indeed, if you can write with Spongebob blaring in the background! ;) (and I'm actually quite fond of the guy.)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Bluerose! FUN finding you here, too! And I must say, Spongebob has his charms:) Thanks so much for being here!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend...
DeleteI read some info on the book, Looks really good. and the interview was great! i usually not a fan on these type of books. but i can see myself enjoying this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this book because the cover and synopses are incredible! Fingers crossed... :)
ReplyDeleteI loved getting to know Laura a little better, I've visited with her on her blog and I already know she is a sweetheart! I am hearing the most wonderful reviews of Love's Reckoning, so please include me in the drawing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Very nice interview. Nice cover.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to be able to read this soon. Laura, great interview!
ReplyDeleteI have only read one of Laura's books, but it was great,and I would love to read more. Thanks for the giveaway! =)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI recently read Laura's Frontiersman's Daughter and enjoyed it. :-) I really want to read this one, too! :-D Thanks for the giveaway :-) - Charmaine
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so good! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I love the cover of this book and it sounds like one my wife and my Mom would both enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win it for them.
ReplyDeleteI've heard this is great!
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview and review! Would love the chance to win this book!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover~ It looks like a fantastic book!
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and came for a visit from another book blog. I was attracted to your site as you labeled it as a Christian Bookshelf Reviews and a chance to win this reviewed book would truly be a bonus.
ReplyDeleteMy Dear One and I are enjoying our Diamond Anniversary year which began on the 6th of September........so maybe Sept. will be a good month for winning a book, n'est-ce pas? I do not have a blog but I am adding your site to my Favorites.
Joyfully,
~Sylvia Faye
Viva Cristo Rey!
filphayfil@shaw.ca
So happy we have a winner! Thanks to all who've taken time to bless me with your comments and enter:) I wish I had a book for each of you! And thanks so much to Melanie for being the hostess with the mostest:)
ReplyDelete