Monday, August 12, 2013

Laura Frantz's "Love's Reckoning" Interview & Book Giveaway

 
Laura Frantz's Ballantyne Novel Interview and Book Giveaway
 
This Ballantyne Legacy, starting with “Love’s Reckoning” by Laura Frantz, is a spellbinding tale that will tether you to the pages. Eden and Elspeth Lee’s secrets and strivings will put you in a quandary of: “Will I have the strength to put this book down? If I do, will I be able to think about anything else?”
This is a beautifully written story, one that captured my heart and pulled me willingly along the whole way through. I had to know what would happen next. What choices would be made? The twists this story took kept me engrossed in the business of watching their secrets unfold and rooting for the hero and heroine. The first time I read this captivating tale I was in perfect angst when I had to put the book down to take care of the mundane duties awaiting my attention. Unimportant tasks such as going to work or making dinner!
The second time I flipped these pages was during my summer vacation. I found “Loves Reckoning” to be just as intriguing and satisfying. This novel is on my reread and reread again and again and again list. If you are looking for a well written novel that deals with imperfect people, harsh realities life can toss your way, and strength to overcome, then this will be the novel for you. The characters are well rounded, unique, and interesting. The historical information is carefully woven in to move the story along and yet put the reader there. My advice is that you purchase “Love’s Reckoning” this month so that you will be ready when book two, “Love’s Awakening,” is available in September 2013.
 
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR  - Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz
1.   I’m curious, are you a writer who plots your story beforehand or do you discover the adventure along the way? Generally, I’m one of those crazy people who just sits down with pen and paper and writes, no map. But this new series of mine, The Ballantyne Legacy, required a proposal or synopsis of each story which was new to me. Thankfully, my publisher lets me deviate for the good of the book if needed and stray from the synopsis for the good of the story.
2.  How did you choose the location of your story? (Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) My head editor wanted to set the story in Pittsburgh and so I also brought in Philadelphia, a city I love. I think there’s a danger of authors becoming pigeon-holed in a particular setting (in my case, Kentucky) which can be limiting. Branching out can be beneficial to both author and reader at times, or so I hope.
3.  Do you have any funny or stand out experiences you would like to share about researching this novel? I am such an unfunny person (can you tell that by my emotionally intense books?!). I did learn SO MUCH about blacksmithing I felt I could work in the smithy right along with Silas. And yet the more I learned the more I felt I’d only touched the tip of the iceberg.  The blacksmithing trade was quite complicated and required a great deal of skill and artisanship to be truly good.
4.  I love the quotes in the beginning of your chapters. Do you find them before you write the chapter or afterwards? Both. I’m always on the lookout for great quotes and have fun looking them up or asking readers to share those they like best. It’s amazing how easy it is to match a quote with a chapter, sort of setting the scene for what is to come without spoiling things.
5.  Your characterization of the two sisters, Eden and Elspeth, are so well done. Did you create them realizing how helpful their conflicts will be to young girls who experience dysfunction in their families interactions? I did not realize this until a professional library recommended the book to teen girls for the very reasons you mention. I’ve always wanted to reach young women/teens and pray this book makes that kind of an impact. I don’t have a sister though I wish I did. But if I did I wouldn’t want an Elspeth!
6.  How long does it take you to accomplish the research for a book series such as this? I always seem to be researching, filling notebooks with historical info and keeping a filing system of the same. While I’m writing the story I continue researching. This series is especially a challenge because I’m dealing with stories leaping from 1780 to 1820 to 1850 or so. Times and customs and everything changed radically then so it’s crucial to stay relevant.
7.    How do you glean ideas you need for your stories? Can you give an example? The idea for Love’s Reckoning came from a snippet of research I discovered in the fabulous FOXFIRE books. These are how-to books about Appalachian life with interviews of old-timers, etc. One of the tradesmen therein spoke about apprentices marrying into the master tradesman’s family in early America. I found this intriguing and full of possibilities. What if the apprentice had to choose between not one daughter but two? What if he didn’t get along with the father/master? What if both sisters fell in love with him? That’s all the fire imagination needs…
8.    Do you have any book signings scheduled in the near future? My last signing was at the International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis. I don’t often do them but this was a great venue given the Christy Awards, etc.
9.    How can your readers reach you?  FB https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor    WEB page laurafrantz.net  Publisher  Revell/Baker Publishing Group    e-mail lauran@tfon.com
10.  Do you have any television or radio interviews scheduled that your readers or interested parties could tune into? Not at present though if that changes I’ll let you know. I did do a local radio show early on when my debut novel released which is probably still in the radio archives but I’m mortified even thinking of it now!
11.   Have you written articles or historic pieces, which would expand on the information of this time period? I have not but that’s always an interesting possibility.
12.  Would you like to see your books become movies? I think every author dreams of this. It’s really fun to think of who you’d cast as the principal actors and such.
13.  Is this novel available on audio?  I keep hoping but not yet! It will be available in Dutch and French, thankfully.
14.  I absolutely love Love’s Reckoning. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your journey writing this work of fiction? Love’s Reckoning went in an entirely different direction than I had planned so feel it has a unique readership in some respects, perhaps not the typical CBA audience. Soon after the book released, I was contacted by a Pennsylvania native/New York Times romance author who told me how much she enjoyed the book. She even presented the novel at a Pittsburgh book event where she was the keynote. I’ve been contacted by readers who have told me that Eden’s tragedy is their own and that the story brought healing. Looking back, there were a couple of things I wish I’d done differently as far as plot line and character development but now believe the book is written as it was meant to be written, flaws and all.
15.  What can we expect from the next Ballantyne Legacy book 2 available this fall? Love’s Awakening is a very different book! Some readers will be relieved but others might miss that almost dark, emotional intensity of the first. Ellie’s story does have its moments but it’s a lighter book in some respects, especially since we’re dealing with a happy family rather than a first class dysfunctional one.
16.  Who are other authors you enjoy reading? I am a huge fan of Liz Curtis Higgs and her Scottish historicals. Serena Miller is a fellow Revell author and friend whose books I cannot put down. She won the RITA last year – and with good reason! Actually I have so many authors I admire/read in the CBA that I’m afraid to name them all lest I leave one out. So I’ll just say Liz and Serena for starters J
17.  You have several other books in print. (The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel’s Lady) Which one is your favorite book and why? Each of my books holds a special place for me. The Frontiersman’s Daughter is beloved because it has the most of my family heritage and history therein. Courting Morrow Little is a favorite because of the half-native hero, Red Shirt. I’ve always had a soft spot for Colonel McLinn and a man in Revolutionary War uniform so that takes care of The Colonel’s Lady. In Love’s Reckoning Silas swept me off my feet along with Eden. And in Love’s Awakening in which I explore the power of prayer in a small way, I love Ellie’s character.

 

 

Laura Frantz will use random.org to pick a winner from the comments left on this post. She will then e-mail the winner to receive the address needed to send an autographed copy of “Love’s Awakening.” I wait in anticipation, wondering who will be our winner come this August 29, 2013! I wish to extend an early congratulations to the winner…who knows maybe it will be you….



 
 
 
 


92 comments:

  1. Sue, Thanks so much for hosting me here. Your photo of the book is just beautiful! I really appreciate the time and care you took in writing such a beautiful endorsement for Love's Reckoning. I hope you enjoy Love's Awakening just as much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Laura I’m tickled pink to host you here! I’ve loved all of your books and I’m itching for “Love’s Awakening” to arrive! Seriously, you are one of my favorite authors alongside Liz Curtis Higgs!  I’m picky about books and thrill to enjoy the efforts of a gifted writer such as yourself! I’m doubly thrilled because you are such a wonderful person! It’s nice that nice guys don’t finish last! 

      Delete
  2. Great interview! I can't wait to read Love's Awakening... please enter me!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Jenny! You are entered! Now it is up to random.org pick the number! Exciting! If you don’t win then do yourself a favor and get this book for an amazing read!

      Delete
  3. What a great giveaway! I've read all of Laura's books but The Colonel's Lady, which is about to change because it's next on my TBR pile. ;) I LOVED Love's Reckoning, and can't wait to read Love's Awakening! Thanks for the chance to win. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura is amazing and you definitely don’t want to miss “The Colonel’s Lady” it is a favorite of mine too! You are welcome for the chance to win. I’m grateful that Laura suggested it. The winner will be so blessed to have a signed copy!

      Delete
  4. I love Laura's books! I'm looking forward to reading Ellie's story, and catching up with Eden and Silas!

    thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Jesus Freak! I love your title! Consider yourself entered and we will find out who the winner is on August 29Th! Thank you for stopping by! I see that you have good taste in books!

      Delete
  5. This was a great interview! I love all your books Laura, especially Courting Morrow Little. I can't wait for Love's Awakening to come out. Hoping to read it on my honeymoon :) Your books wonderful! Keep up your amazing work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy – congratulations on your upcoming wedding and honeymoon! How very exciting! This would be a great book for you to read! Also “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie OMartain is wonderful for any married lady! May God bless your marrage fully!

      Delete
    2. I'm so touched, Amy, that you'd even think about taking it on your honeymoon. Wow, I'm blessed! God bless you and your real life hero richly! And huge congrats to you both!

      Delete
  6. i would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greeting Anonymous! I would love for you to win! It is exciting to enter a contest isn't it! Have a blessed day!

      Delete
  7. I almost forgot, here is my email :)
    amy.heinrichs@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That a way Amy, Laura would need your e-mail for a win! Wishing you great weather for you wedding and honeymoon!

      Delete
  8. Absolutely loved "Love's Reckoning" and can't wait to read "Love's Awakening" !! Thank you for the great interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it almost cruel to have to wait for the next book! Ha ha. My sister and I read "Loves Reckoning" and we just had to read it again to keep us calmed down for "Love's Awakening" for sure! Correction we share a book and I have to pop book #1 in the mail for her...thanks for the reminder! :)

      Delete
  9. I have read all of your books, Laura. The Frontiersman's Daughter got me hooked. Keep up the good work!

    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Martha! So glad you stopped by. Encouragement is so needed when you’re an author. It takes more time and dedication than readers could fathom to write a book so I love your encouragement for Laura!

      Delete
  10. Can't wait to read this one! Loved the first book...and have been excited to continue on with the family. Thanks for the chance to win!!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Emily! You are welcome for the chance to win! I appreciate Laura offering that! Who knows you may be the winner! Anticipation is half the fun! 

      Delete
  11. Laura Frantz is my favorite! Can't wait to read Love's Awakening!

    Please enter me estephen81@fsmail.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are most certainly entered in this wonderful giveaway! The book stores are going to blink and wonder where all Laura’s new books went and wish they’d ordered more I fear!

      Delete
  12. I've never read any of her books, but they all look very interesting. Can't wait to see who wins!

    Jreilly316@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Debbie, I know I’m anxious to see who wins too! I’ve just finished e-mailing so many of my ‘read historical’ friends! You will not be disappointed!

      Delete
  13. I would love to be entered in the contest. I have loved all of Laura's books and cannot wait for this one.

    Brittany
    rolltide_04@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure can relate to the can’t wait! I’m a teacher’s aide and love my summers off. But, once summer is over we can get her book! Hummmmm!! You are entered Brittany! Enjoy the wait—I suppose the winner will be announced after August 29th actually…maybe the Monday following. 

      Delete
  14. Laura, I really enjoyed reading your interview and I LOVE your books. I would love to win, however, I will prob. go out and look for the book anyways..Susan, I LOVE your background pic. Thank you! Blessings, Juli
    emeraldelena@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Julianna! The vase was a wedding gift to a distant cousin, given by my grandparents. My distant cousin gave it to me before she moved to a smaller living situation. The doily was made by sister…how does she do that???? The ancient 1842 bible to the right of the photo was my great grandfather’s. He was a circuit minister back in those days! It fit with the time period for one of the Ballantyne Legacy books.  I had another photo but I felt inspired to take this one this morning!

      Delete
  15. Really hope to win a copy of Laura's book. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Phylis I’m wishing that everyone could win this!! Seriously my heart is stuck on rapid heart beating today! I keep telling myself to settle down…settle down!! Ha ha! You are most welcome!

      Delete
  16. I love laura's novels. I read each and every one of them. I have been waiting for this one for a long time now. Cant wait to read it. Enter me for the contest and and god bless you for doing this for your fans. mmakingmagick@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Anonymous! You are entered for sure and wow it feels like forever since I picked the book up too! Has the year been that long? Ha ha! A heart full of gratitude is a happy heart! Thank you for your thanks for Laura!

      Delete
  17. Laura Frantz is one of my most favorite Christian authors of all time! She writes so convincingly that I feel I am there right in the book. I've given away copies of her books to others, too. I'd love a chance for an autographed copy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Susan, you are a kindred spirit! I just know that! I’m right with you about her being one of my most favorite Christian authors too! You are in the running and I would love for your cheerful heart to win! It sure makes it extra special when the book is autographed! Happy waiting! Are you singing the song….Anticipation …just yet? 

      Delete
  18. I love, love, love Courting Morrow Little. It's on my keeper shelf. I've read The Colonel's Lady, The Frontiersman's Daughter, and Love's Reckoning. Everything by Ms. Frantz is excellent. She does a great job weaving historical time period with action, mystery, and Romance. Thanks for the opportunity to win Love's Awakening!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Susan! I love your enthusiasm for Laura’s books! She does a fabulous job of weaving in history…you don’t feel ‘educated or lectured’ about the past. Instead you just feel like you turned a page and you’re on a vacation that has dropped itself firmly into the late 1700 – 1800 time period.  You are most welcome for the chance at Laura’s generous offering of an autographed book!

      Delete
  19. "Love's Reckoning" sounds amazing! I have never read any of Laura Frantz's books, so I'm very excited to give it a whirl! (You have my email address, Sue.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Baluma, Bless you for being here and wanting to read - and bless dear Sue for responding so graciously to everyone's wonderful comments! I will chime in here as I can between shuttling kids around and work and the like!

      I so wish we had a book for everyone. BLESS EACH OF YOU for being such a light and blessing!

      Delete
    2. Oh Debby!! Oups Bulamu Mama!!! I know where you live and for sure and for certain would be so pleased to see you win! It will be interesting to see who random.org will pick! You will LOVE this book! I look forward to our next Pen’s meeting at your camp! Woo-Hoo!

      Delete
  20. I love this novel! It would be great to finally own it.

    lotsofbooks1 (at) live (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Woops my comment to you is a couple places down! Sorry about that!

      Delete
  21. Would love to win this book! sheliarha64@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greeting Anonymous! Welcome to my blog! You are in the running! Somehow I wish that I had made fewer waiting days! I’m thrilled that someone will win this book! Maybe it will be you! Time will tell. 

      Delete
  22. Thanks for the great interview ladies! I am in the middle of reading The Colonel's Lady right now... my favorite of Laura's books thus far=) I am looking forward to starting this new series...

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Patty, the Colonel’s Lady was another hard-to-put-down book! Enjoy it and then hold onto your hat and your seat when you pick up “Love’s Reckoning” it is amazing! Thank you for your gratitude for the interview! It was fun connecting with Laura and she was so gracious! The photo means a lot to me because of my great grandfather’s bible and my sister’s handmade doily and the in the family vase and of course one of my all-time favorite reads!  If my mother were alive she would have enjoyed the flower arrangement I put together! Good thing they were not live flowers or they wouldn’t have survived my fussing! If you win I’ll be so glad for you!

      Delete
  23. Greetings Bookishqueen! Love that title! Don’t you just feel sad for those who don’t know the joy, angst, thrill, mystery, anticipation, tears and laughter waiting inside the pages of a well crafted novel! I do wish you can have this book also! So excited to see who the winner will be! Don’t worry I will not be among those numbers competing to be the winner…commenting on all comments would give me unfair advantage! Blessings to you! Thank you for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great Interview Susan!! I loved how the idea for Love's Reckoning came from the Foxfire books. I have read every one of Laura's books and loved each one of them. I love historical Christian fiction and I also love the details that Laura includes in her books. I can't wait to read Love's Awakening!

    Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!!

    Sheri

    hspruitt {at} frontiernet [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sheri! Thank you so much, how wonderful to be complemented for having fun! I’m so glad that you stopped by!!  I’m so curious and had to ask Laura how she got her ideas! I have those Foxfire Books and have only paged though them. I’m sure there are a lot of interesting facts in those volumes! I’ve read old accounts in books that are definite idea starters! Ideas are all around us waiting for an invitation to become a novel! Thank goodness Laura has creativity and imagination, which are truly such gifts for writing excellent fiction. I’m so eager to read “Love’s Awakening” also! One way or another I’m sure a copy will be in your hands soon after it’s published!

      Delete
  25. I would enjoy winning a copy of this book. Thank you for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Angela, the clock is ticking and we are ever getting closer to the announcement for the winner! You are so welcome to have the chance of winning “Love’s Awakening.” There is nothing like a good read is there!

      Delete
  26. Lovely interview!! Loved reading Love's Reckoning, cannot wait to read Love's Awakening! Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity! jennifer_24fan@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Anonymous! Thank you so much for the complement for us! Laura was wonderful and easy to interview. She cares about others and that shines through in her comments and in her novels. She would never have that depth of character without having a compassionate heart. Imagine all the individuals this novel will bless! Thank you for stopping by! 

      Delete
  27. Great interview:) Can't wait to read it! Loved love's reckoning:)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh Miamigirl007 I love the puppy for you icon! But then I'd have to love dogs to have our perfect puppy! Thank you for your complement! This was such a joy to write. I've been eager to get it on the blog! I really couldn't put "Loves Reckoning" down! You will definitely enjoy the read! There is a teaser chapter in the back of the book for "Love's Awakening" and well it has been so tough to wait!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, You're the epitome of graciousness with your lovely replies here for everyone. I am really touched and humbled. THANK YOU for taking time for this today. I am thrilled to see readers wanting to read!

      Delete
    2. Hi Laura today has been such a joy! I'm always sharing the books I believe in and not often enough in my opinion! I appreciate every visit and I'm thrilled that most everyone here has read some of your books! I was talking to a high school friend and mentioned that you and I were going to do this. She knew who you were! :) Oh happy day!! :)

      Delete
  29. Laura Frantz is one of the first author names I give out when my friends ask for a good Christian fiction author!! Love the way she weaves in history w/ a great love story that points us to the Lord!!

    Keep writing!
    Cheryl V.
    mom2jjc@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl,
      Oh, your words are so precious to me. Your heart for the Lord really shines through. Thrilled you find my stories ones you can recommend. Thank you for sharing with your friends. You're a true blessing!

      Delete
    2. Hi Cheryl! That is awesome and I'm sure your friends appreciate your suggestion! We need more historical romances which point to finding or having a vibrant relationship with the Lord. :)

      Delete
  30. Love all Laura's books! Can't wait for the new one!! :)
    Been patiently waiting since the last word of this one.
    Cheryl S.
    dcsonn1983@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl, Bless you for being here - you always bring a smile :) Very thankful you're a reading friend!

      Delete
    2. Hi Cheryl S. I'm proud of you for patiently waiting. I can not claim the same grace here! Ha ha! Neither can my sister! She would only laugh for me saying that. :) Keep reading!! :) These books are good for the soul!! :)

      Delete
  31. Beautiful cover & beautiful photo - love it!

    Enjoyed your post, Laura - haven't read any of your books, & would love to read/win this one. Thanks for the opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bonnie, I'd so love to send a book your way - thanks for taking a chance on a new author. I hope you enjoy my stories if you read them. Thanks for coming by and taking time to be so gracious!

      Delete
    2. Greetings Bonnie! Thank you for stopping in! If you pick up one or more of Laura's books you will be in for a treat. Her characters will captivate you and the plot has unexpected twists and secrets! You're welcome for the opportunity! I do hope you will experience a Laura Frantz book soon! When you pick one up and read it do let me know how you liked it!! I would love to hear from you or anyone from these posts on how the book impressed you!

      Delete
    3. Two weeks and two days to go all!! :)

      Delete
  32. How exciting! I would be thrilled to win! Thanks for the wonderful interview! Enjoy your day my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Greetings Lavender Dreamer!! How I love your blog!! You always make me smile! You are welcome! Laura is tops - definitely she has been on my favorite historical writers since I started buying her books. A friend of mind and I met her and had lunch with her and talked at a writer's conference! She is precious. I would be thrilled if you won the book. If you don't then do yourself a favor and check out her books! Oh la la!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. So good to meet Lavender Dreamer - now I must visit her blog! We are surrounded by lavender fields here which your tag brings to mind. Bless you so much for taking time to stop here. Any friend of Sue's is a friend of mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura! Truly you will LOVE Lavender Dreamer's blog! She is a favorite with me! Lucky you... near lavender fields!! How wonderful is that! :)

      Delete
    2. Sue, You have some fine friends. It's truly a beautiful site over there!

      Delete
    3. Yes Laura, I love it when Lavender Dreamer comes to visit but I also love to visit her site! I never know what she will be up to next!

      Delete
  35. I truly enjoy reading a book where the characters are so real that I could reach out and hug them. Laura did that for me in Love's Reckoning. So, when I found that I had to wait MONTHS for the next book, it was only natural that I responded with..."AAAAHHHHH!! I have to wait HOW long????? Thank you Laura, I am really excited about your next book. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oops, forgot to leave my email!
    pattypats59@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Anonymous! Haha I did the same thing yesterday...wrote to a comment and there was a free book contest involved and I forgot to put my e-mail there! :)Tears jumped to my eyes when you wrote how her characters seem so real! Laura will be thrilled that her characters touched you so! Ha ha That was my sister's and my reaction to finding out we had to wait for "Love's Awakening!" Thank you for stopping!! Do come again! :)

      Delete
    2. Oh, so touched by your comments about Silas and Eden! I really do wish when I did a series the books would release back to back, say one every month! Thank you for being here and for the gift of your gracious words. They sure bless me!

      Delete
  37. Yay! I'm so happy to see Laura here! She's one of my favorite authors! Thank you.
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Greetings Amy C.!! Welcome to Laura's interview. Laura has a way of touching those deep concerns imbedded in our hearts. Her characters deal with difficult issues yet there is a thread of hope....You are welcome to the blog and entered into the book name drawing for sure!

      Delete
  38. Thank you for coming over to my blog. We're followers now. And I am going to do a book giveaway on the 29th! lol
    Have a good weekend. sandie

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi Sandie! I loved stopping in on your blog!Honestly I've not seen any giveaways for so long and then all of a sudden I've seen several! What fun right! Welcome to my blog! You are also in the running for Laura's book give away too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Susan,
    It feels so good inside to visit your amazing blog posts.
    Thank you so much for visiting my blogs, and writing your
    lovely thoughts about my artwork! I highly appreciate it.
    You see, I always enjoy reading heartfelt comments.
    I love writing with my heart. I love Art & Music!
    It's so interesting what you say in this post.
    I love the way you express yourself with images too.
    I shall stop by again, Susan sweetheart.
    My grandchildren are going on vacation to Virginia Beach.
    Then, they will go back to School days in New York
    in early September. I used to teach U.S. English Overseas.
    Teaching Geography with related fields about Our Natural Environment are some of my favourite subjects.
    I am a Christian mom and grandmother too.
    God may always touch your life with many blessings, Susan.
    All the Best,
    Poet Starry Dawn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Starry Dawn, Thanks for being here and joining in. So glad we're art and music kindred spirits here! Bless you today and always.
      Laura

      Delete
    2. Greetings Starry Dawn! It was quite a busy day for me today. I was staining backyard fencing and purchasing paint and brushes for other projects that I hope to attack before school days arrive here in WI. I'm so glad that you stopped in. I do love to visit your blogs! Do check out Laura's books! If you enjoy historicals you will love her books!

      Delete
  41. Replies
    1. Dear Lynda, Thanks so much for entering the drawing and for your gracious words. Would love to send a book your way!
      Laura

      Delete
    2. Greetings Lynda! So good to see you here! I read "Gone With the Wind" three times. I know I will be reading "Loves Reckoning" more! Truely a terriffic read! So glad that you entered the drawing!

      Delete
  42. Dear Lynda, Thanks so much for entering the drawing and for your gracious words. Would love to send a book your way!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  43. Great interview, Laura! Susan, thank you for hosting Laura on your blog--I've heard nothing but praise about this talented author. *smile*
    I've got THE COLONEL'S LADY in my to-be-read stack, and cannot wait to begin it!
    Please add my name to your drawing, and thanks so much (to BOTH of you!). Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo

    ReplyDelete
  44. Greetings Patti Jo! I'm thrilled to see you here! You are surely on the list! You are most welcome for Laura's interview! It has been so fun to pull together and host this event! Thank you for encouraging Laura! We want her to write and write and write some more! Blessings....

    ReplyDelete
  45. I am so loving Love's Reckoning. I have lived in Philadelphia, Pa all of my life, (60) and it's a special feeling when you can read about things in your own hometown. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Greetings Helena James...what a pretty name! I have a friend here in WI who is from Philadelphia and we talk about the different expressions unique to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - that is where I'm originally from! :) I love that Laura touched on both of our beloved citys! I'm so looking forward to reading "Loves Awakening" and then reading them again in the near future! You are most welcome. :)

    ReplyDelete