Laura Frantz author interview and book Giveaway Love's Awakening

Today I’m interviewing Laura Frantz author of Love’s Awakening.  Here is my review of this wonderful book.

TRINITY ROSE Tell us about Love's Awakening the featured book .

LAURA Beloved daughter. Wayward son. Will a future with him cost her all she holds dear?
The book is set in 1822 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, including early Pittsburgh, and is a story of the Underground Railroad and the entwined lives of three families – the Ballantynes, Turlocks, and Camerons. Lots of twists and turns and romance and some historical fireworks! It continues the story in book one, Love’s Reckoning, with Eden and Silas Ballantyne and focuses on their daughter, Ellie.

TRINITY ROSE Has being published changed your life?

LAURA Yes. I was a stay at home mom for many years after working as a teacher and social worker. My boys, Wyatt and Paul, kept me plenty busy. It’s a joy to work from home now writing books but it also is a challenge as I don’t go to the office so everyone still has access to me Winking smile. Carving out writing time requires a lot of discipline. Thankfully I love it and can’t wait to sit down and do it!

TRINITY ROSE What do you find harder to do come up with a character, get the scenery or the plot?

LAURA I think plot is often the trickiest part. I’ve heard it said that if you have strong, compelling characters you can have a weak plot but watch out if your plot is weak and your characters are, too. I’ve never dug myself a hole yet as far as plot, thankfully, as the Lord always bails me out. I rely on His guidance and leading completely for these stories of mine otherwise I couldn’t do it. Scenery and character development seem to come more naturally to me. Maybe too naturally as I can get wordy!

TRINITY ROSE Which do you enjoy more e books or print books?

LAURA I always prefer a print book but love the ease of e-books. There’s something about seeing a cover and holding a real book that is very comforting and meaningful to me. Love the feel and smell of them, etc.

TRINITY ROSE Thanks for taking the time answer questions for us and for donating a book.

LAURA Thanks so much for hosting me! It’s always  a joy to share a CBA book and meet new readers.



GIVEAWAY OF LOVE’S AWAKENING
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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited.
Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and
winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.

ENTRY DEADLINE OCTOBER 21, 2013

Love’s Awakening by Laura Frantz A Review

I WILL HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR AND GIVEAWAY THIS WONDERFUL BOOK. IT WILL BE COMING SOON.

ABOUT LOVE'S AWAKENING
Ellie Ballantyne, youngest child of Silas and Eden, has left finishing school. But back at her family home in Pittsburgh, Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly tangled with the Turlocks, she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future--and Jack Turlock, a young man striving to free himself from his family's violent legacy. How can she betray her family and side with the enemy? And will Jack ever allow her into his world?

Series: The Ballantyne Legacy (Book 2)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800720423
ISBN-13: 978-0800720421
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning historical novelist, Laura Frantz, was born into a family who followed the legendary frontiersman, Daniel Boone, to Kentucky during the turbulent 18th-century and still resides there today. Passionate about all things historical, she writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Celtic themes. Her family lineage is Scottish and Irish.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." She is known for the depth of her characterization and research. The author is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net

MY REVIEW
   Ellie and Jack’s love story is sweet. At the beginning of this novel I couldn’t see any way for them to get together even though they both feel attraction for each other.  Laura Frantz is an excellent story teller and she really is a history author. So many facts and places that happened in history.
  I also like how this book also tells of Ellie’s brothers and sister and how they like or love others. I love the way Ellie and her family love music and play often together.
  Chloe is Jack’s young sister whom no one seems to love except Jack. I really feel for Chloe and want her to have a happy life. Jack is such a good brother to her even though Jack thinks of himself to often.
   This is a very good story, but also very sad. If you love Historical novels Love’s Awakening is for you. I recommend it.

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I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz* A Review

ABOUT LOVE'S RECKONING 
On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a superb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master's beautiful daughters.

Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas's heart--and will he agree to Liege's arrangement?

In this sweeping family saga, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.


Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2041-4
ISBN-10: 0-8007-2041-5
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 432
Carton Quantity: 40
Publication Date: Sep. 2012
Formats: Paperback

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons.






MY REVIEW
  Another winner from Laura Frantz, but this one is her best yet.
I just love how Laura weaves history into her romantic novels.
I can’t wait for book 2 in the Ballantyne Legacy books.
 In Love’s Reckoning Eden is such a gentle spirit and tries to get along with everyone and does almost all of the work at her parents home. She doesn’t think she will ever get away unless she marries someone her father wants her to marry, but knows it won’t be a good match. So she schemes a different way to escape, but finds she yearns for something or someone else when the new blacksmith comes to do his apprenticeship. Another problem is her father wants Eden’s older sister to get married to the apprentice, because she is greatly in need of a husband.
 What will become of the two sisters? Will one sacrifice for the other or will neither of them find their true love? What is love going to cost the sisters, the family? Love’s Reckoning is full of history, romantic, secrets and lies. You have to read this book to sort them all out. Very, very good book and I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Another winning book for Laura Frantz. I highly recommend Love’s Reckoning.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

goes to the winner of The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz,  
which is Gwendolyn. We are very happy for you.
Thanks to all of you my followers I appreciate
each and every one of you!

Laura Frantz-author interview and book giveaway-The Colonel's Lady

Today's interview is an excellent author, Laura Frantz the author of several books, and she has offered her book for a giveaway. Here is the book she is talking about today The Colonel’s Lady. I love that book and here is my review http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/08/colonels-lady-by-laura-franza-review.html




Tell us about The Colonel's Lady, the featured book.
In 1779, a search for her father brings Roxanna to the Kentucky frontier – but she discovers instead a young colonel, a dark secret…and a compelling reason to stay.


Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
Three so far (The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady) with 4 more to come in my next series.


Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers? If so, why?
My latest release, The Colonel’s Lady, is probably the one I’d tell readers to start with as it contains romance, intrigue, danger, and more. The plot was very carefully woven and the characters, or so readers tell me, are the most vivid yet.


The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years. What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?
I’d like to see attention given to more books with settings outside the 19th-century. Since books in this time period sell best, there are so many of them, but it would be so interesting to see more colonial and medieval novels, etc. I’d also like to see books expand beyond America’s borders to settings in other countries.
How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
If readers enjoy a book, telling friends and family about it is a huge help! Drop a note or email to an author. Oftentimes, authors keep these notes in a “sunshine” folder for encouragement. We really do write our stories with readers in mind!


Many writers are also avid readers. Do you have any favorite authors? If so, could you name a few?
My favorite historical writer in the CBA is Liz Curtis Higgs who writes with a rare depth and beauty. Her latest novel Mine is the Night is the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz and takes place in 18th-century Scotland (the prequel is Here Burns My Candle). It took my breath away! Other writers I enjoy are Siri Mitchell (Love’s Pursuit) and Susan Meissner (The Shape of Mercy). I read mostly outside the CBA and my favorite historical writer in the general market is James Alexander Thom.


If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
Excellent – and easy – question! My Bible, Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Jane Eyre, Christy by Catherine Marshall, and George Whitefield’s Journals.


If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?
I’d love to have an 18th-century dinner party and dance with George Whitefield, the famous evangelist, and my hero, Daniel Boone. The only problem is that Whitefield abhorred dancing and Boone would rather have been out hunting and exploring.


What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
My Lord and Savior, my family, and my health.


What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Two things tie as the most fun - attending college in an English castle and the recent tour I took of historic Philadelphia this past July on a research trip. Both were the experiences of a lifetime!


What are you writing now?
I’ve begun a 4 book series tentatively titled, The Ballantyne Legacy, about a Scottish apprentice and 2 sisters in 18th-century Pennsylvania. It’s a mail-order groom, rags to riches type story. I hope you and readers fall in love with the setting and characters.


How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love hearing from readers over at my website/blog - LauraFrantz.net - or Facebook.

The giveaway today is The Colonel’s Lady.
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1


Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE September 17, 2011




Thank you so much Laura. I'm really looking forward to your new series. I know it will be fantastic!

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz*A Review

Roxanna Rowan may be a genteel Virginia woman, but she is determined to brave the wilds of the untamed frontier to reach a remote Kentucky fort. Eager to reunite with her father, who serves under Colonel Cassius McLinn, Roxanna is devastated to find that her father has been killed on a campaign.


Penniless and out of options, Roxanna is forced to remain at the fort. As she spends more and more time with the fiery Colonel McLinn, the fort is abuzz with intrigue and innuendo. Can Roxanna truly know who the colonel is--and what he's done?

Immerse yourself in this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness set in the tumultuous world of the frontier in 1779.



Paperback: 408 pages

Publisher: Revell; Original edition (August 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 080073341X

ISBN-13: 978-0800733414

Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons.





MY REVIEW

Laura Frantz is a most excellent author. At every turn in the story I was delighted, surprised and fulfilled. The Colonel’s Lady is a story well told. This is the third book by Laura Frantz and she out does herself with each new book. She seems like she has been writing novels for decades.

The Colonel’s Lady was written in 1779 in the Kentucke Territory. I have never read of this time period, but learned so much about the things they did, ate and houses they lived in.

I really came to love Roxanna. She has such a sweet spirit but still at times she battled with forgiveness. Roxanna went through much heartache throughout the story, but she kept her faith strong in the Lord.

Cass is the Colonel of the fort where Roxanna’s father lives. She went many miles to be with her father. Cass is truly a gentleman from Ireland, but a Colonel that takes his job very seriously.

Put together, a genteel Virginia woman, the fiery Colonel Cassius McLinn, four fallen women, a mute child, with a fort full of men, and you will have all kinds of mystery, intrigue, love, faith and forgiveness.

I love many parts of this book from the beautiful cover, to the charming characters, the precious child and the most endearing love story.

My most favorite part was the surprise of who the spy was. I never would have guessed.

The Colonel’s Lady is highly recommend by me. A must read and a keeper. Can’t get enough of Laura Frantz’s books. Fantastic five-star book.


Order from Amazon


I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

WINNER of Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

to

Brenda
kittycrochettwo at msn dot com

you are the winner of

Courting Morrow Little

by Laura Frantz!

As soon as I get your

mailing address I will

send it to Laura Frantz.

Have a blessed, fun day!

Author Interview & Book Giveaway/Laura Frantz/Courting Morrow Little

Courting Morrow Little is a super book. I loved it and so will you. Here is the link for the review I did of this great book. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/07/courting-morrow-little-by-laura-frantz.html

Here is my interview with Laura Frantz. She's a very special lady. Drop by her blog site and leave her a message.



How long did you write before you were published?
40 years. I began at age 7 so it was a very long journey. I never set out to be published – I just wrote for the sheer joy of writing. In fact, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be published even when my current editor contacted me. But I’m so glad my books are out there now as I’m hearing from readers (and reviewers like you) and that blesses me so much!

Tell us about Courting Morrow Little, the featured book.
Morrow is a young woman on the 18th-century Kentucky frontier who struggles with the trauma of her past – an Indian raid – and must come to terms with forgiveness, all the while being pursued by several suitors and nearly missing the love of a lifetime.

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My granny was such a huge part of my life - she passed away shortly before my first book, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, was published. I dedicated the book to her. She was almost 100 years old and had come from Virginia to Kentucky as a young woman. She always felt I had a writing gift and needed to use it. My brother (a missionary in Spain) and my parents have been so supportive, too. Everyone needs people who believes in them and prays for them. It makes all the difference!

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
That God loves them just as they are and has a plan for their life. Also, that the valleys of our lives are for our good and He will bring blessings from them. Like Morrow, the darkness and difficulties we encounter holds untold blessings in the end if we walk through them with Him.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
Oh, great questions! I love to cook and garden, take walks and read. Writing letters is also a favorite pastime. As for vacations, I love historical places in any country – from Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg to the Russian royal palaces in St. Petersburg, etc. Kentucky, of course, has such a rich history and I never tire of being there.

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I traveled quite a bit in my younger days. I attended college in a British castle and turned 21 in Russia where I saw the Bolshoi Ballet perform Swan Lake. Now I’m a homebody living and writing in a little house in the big woods!
How very interesting!

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I really have to pray about the use of my time – it’s such a gift. And writers have many distractions such as marketing and blogging, twittering and Facebook if they choose to go that route and connect with readers, etc. I don’t ever keep a word count as that’s too much like counting calories to me. I tend to be a very s…l…o…w writer. The Frontiersman’s Daughter took 5 years to write and Courting Morrow Little took 2 years. But I seem to be getting faster as I go.

What are you currently reading?
Delia Parr’s Hearts Awakening. In my mailbox this week I received Ransome’s Crossing by Kaye Dacus and She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell. Never enough time to read all the good books I’d like to!
I just read two of those books. Really great authors also.

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I grow both though my husband is the master gardener since my writing kicked inJ. My very favorite flower is the Cecile Bruner climbing rose that is overtaking our little greenhouse wall. The fragrance is so sweet and the tiny buds so beautiful! I also love Lily of the Valley and lavender.

What are you writing now?
I’m on deadline now for my third Kentucky novel, tentatively titled, The Colonel’s Lady, due out next summer. It involves a Revolutionary War hero and a spinster. I’ve enjoyed the story so much and almost hate to finish and turn it in!
We can't wait to read your next book!

How do readers find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers at my combined blog/website: http://laurafrantz.net
I’m also on Facebook and Twitter which you can link to from my website/blog.
Bless you for such a fun interview! I am so appreciative of the chance to meet new readers and give away one of my books!

Thank you so very much Laura. It was very special to have you join us.
Many blessings and great success in your writing!





All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment, also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is August 10, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz* a review

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
Life and Love on the American Frontier

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3340-7
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3340-1
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 368
Publication Date: Jul. 10
Formats: Paperback

ABOUT THE BOOK
In Courting Morrow Little, Frantz introduces readers to Morrow Little, who is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love.

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Frantz credits her 100-year-old grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in 1792 and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington state with her husband and two sons.




MY REVIEW
Morrow Mary Little written by Laura Frantz is one excellent book. The cover of the book is beautiful and I love the name Morrow. This book is a great historical romance. I was gripped from the very beginning when 5 year old Morrow lost her mom, little sister to death from the Shawnee Indians and her brother was kidnapped. So Morrow and her Pa try to go on and live their lives. Morrow is plagued with being terrified of Indians. Five years after the deaths and kidnapping an Indian Chief and his sick son come to their cabin. The son is deathly sick. Follow Morrow as she rides a roller coaster of emotions. From fear, faith, forgiveness, betrayal, love, fighting between Indians and white man, surviving many difficulties.
Halfway through the book you feel like things are just right, all is going well, but then Laura Frantz brings more problems and different things that happen that will make you want the story to never end. Courting Morrow Little is full of redemption and forgiveness. If you find it hard to forgive someone something you need to read about Morrow and how she comes to forgive and love.
There is so much more to this story, but I want you to read it for yourself.
Another book that is on my favorite list of the year.
This is a new author to me and one that I will read all of her books from now on. Laura Frantz is a very talented lady whom you need to keep a lookout for.
A great 5 star book that I highly recommend.
Laura Frantz has graciously agreed to giveaway one of her books “Courting Morrow Little” to one of you lucky followers. I will have a wonderful interview with Laura and that giveaway up soon.



“Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler of Baker Publishing Group for my review.

www.RevellBooks.com