Interview & Giveaway! Laura Frantz ~ Author of Love's Reckoning: The Ballantyne Legacy!!!

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.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

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!

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