It was a real treat to feature Regina and Keli last month. Didn't you love it?! I hope you enjoyed their books, and getting to know them as much as I did. They are wonderful ladies!
This month I’m tickled to be spotlighting a fellow Washington state resident! Laura Frantz is a magnificent author. When I started reading HCR’s last year, hers were some of the very first I feasted upon. And what a feast they were! Her writing is beautiful, the stories compelling, and the characters real. Laura has three published titles and I’m so excited that her fourth book, LOVE’S RECKONING will be released next month on September 1st!! You’ve pre-ordered it, right?!?! Good.
Her published titles are: THE COLONEL’S LADY, COURTING MORROW LITTLE and THE FRONTIERSMAN’S DAUGHTER…in no particular order. *wink * Haven't read them?! Shame, shame, shame… *just teasing * You will really love them!! I have reviews for all of her books, so just click on the title to read the review. (If you have a hankerin' for some serious male-deliciousness, Frantz's books will never disappoint! Her leading men are out of this world!)
I’ve had a wonderful time communicating with Laura. It’s very clear that she has a strong love for the Savior, and she believes that He has called her to share her gift with the world—and I’m so glad that she has!
As with the other authors, I’ve asked Laura a few questions, so here are her answers!
First, tell us about yourself!
I'm a Kentuckian living in the woods of Washington State with my husband, Randy, and our two sons, Wyatt and Paul. I've written stories since age 7 but never thought much about publishing them. My brother, a pastor/missionary living in Spain, convinced me . He believes each of us have gifts that are meant to be shared. So my books are the result. When I'm not writing, I love to read, take walks, bike, garden, cook and write snail mail letters. Oh, and I've just learned to knit!
Where did you get the inspiration for your story Love's Reckoning?
Most of my story inspiration comes from real history like letters and newspapers, diaries and biographies. For Love's Reckoning, I came across a bit of research concerning Kentucky gunsmiths. The apprentices back then often married into the master gunsmith's family, sort of a custom or tradition. I found this very intriguing and wondered... What if there wasn't only one daughter but two? What if both those sisters fell in love with the apprentice and wanted to marry him? So this new story was born. I think it might be my most heart-tugging yet!What is your "go-to" Historical Christian Romance book?
There are many fine authors in both the CBA and general market. But my absolute "go-to" for historical romance is Liz Curtis Higgs, partly because she writes in my favorite time period, the 18th-century, and partly because she writes so beautifully and richly. I can't read anything for days after devouring one of her books. They're that remarkable. My favorites are her latest duo, Here Burns My Candle and Mine is the Night. I'm going to Scotland with her soon on a tour and can't wait!
What is your favorite scripture or scriptures and why!?
I've always loved Psalm 139 which my mom memorized with me when I was a child. But my favorite verse at the moment (I change favorites often!) is Colossians 3:23:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
I love this verse because it applies to anything you do - not only writing but being a wife and mother and so many other things. If we do it out of love for Jesus then it's a beautiful thing.
Is anyone interested in WINNING her new book in this month's give-away?! I figured you were! If you would like to be entered to win LOVE'S RECKONING, please comment on this post, and tell us if you are a long-standing fan of Laura's (and which of her book's is your favorite!) or if you are just getting familiar with her and which book of hers you are planning on reading first! Laura says the actual copy of the book won't be available until the end of the month, so if you win you will have to wait a few weeks to get it...just FYI. But who cares, right?! The drawing will be one week from today--August 8th!! Yay!!
Thank you, Laura for sharing your gift with us! It's a joy to get to know you better!
God bless you!!
I am a new fan of Laura's and have all her books on my must read list! I can say I am a fan, though, because of what a wonderful person and encourager she is! I so admire her heart and am eagerly looking forward to discovering her characters through her stories!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne!! So glad you stopped by!!! Laura really is a wonderful person. You will love her books--I can't wait to hear what you think about them and which is your fav! :)
DeleteI hope you are having a good day!!
Oh, so wonderful to see Joanne here:) I'm such a fan of hers, too, and can hardly wait to get my hands on her debut novel coming up soon! The cover is just stunning. You probably already know all this, Amber, but Joanne is now a must read author:)
DeleteYes! I am SO excited to read BE STILL MY SOUL! Joanne will be featured in October--I'm looking forward to it!!
DeleteI have been a long-standing fan of Laura's....for a couple months. I hadn't heard of her before this blog. My favorite book is The Colonel's Lady! The first book I'm going to read is the newest book coming out....since I've read all the others pretty recently! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Candy!! I'm so glad that you could learn about Laura through this blog--how cool!! I have to agree, The Colone's Lady is fabulous!!! I'm excited for the new one as well!!
DeleteCandy, I'm so thrilled you found me via Amber! And have met Roxie and Cass:) I'd so love for you to win this new book and add Silas and Eden and Elspeth to your list. Well, two of them anyway. One of them is just not very nice!
DeleteYou have a memorable name - postively novel worthy:) Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind comments. They really bless me.
Thanks for the kind words on my name. That's always been a struggle for me. Most people that have the name Candy don't have a very moral life. My parents named me Candace from Acts 8:27 in the Bible.
DeleteI'm definitely looking forward to your new book! Cass & Roxie were my most favorite characters out of all your books!
Amber, So happy to be here with you on your beautiful blog! Love the creative questions you asked and am so happy you've enjoyed my books. I hope that holds true with Love's Reckoning:) GOOD NEWS - I've just received word from Revell that Love's Reckoning has arrived in-house and is ready to ship! So I'll have a book to send the giveaway winner here sooner than expected.
ReplyDeleteI think your author of the month is such a cool feature - and your rating system pretty neat! It's clear you have a passion for reading and I imagine you have a story or two in you waiting to come out;)
Anyway, I'll check back in throughout the day and see who comes by. Happy August 1st!
Laura! Thank you so much for stopping by!!!! That is really good news about the books coming in early--what fun!!!
DeleteI've been looking forward to spotlighting you since I started this blog just a few months ago--I'm excited to be getting to know you better and better all the time!!
Thank you again for your faith and your kindness!!
Great interview! Amber, your blog is beautiful! I LOVE Historical Christian Fiction, too, and I see we love a lot of the same authors! Will have to check out more and come back and visit again soon :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree with everything you said about Laura and her FANTABULOUS novels!! I can't wait to get my hands on Love's Reckoning!! But please don't enter me in the drawing.
Laura, always a pleasure to read your interviews, dear friend! I think that's awesome that you memorized Psalm 139 with your mama :) I memorized Psalm 91 back in 6th grade and I'm always amazed how God's Word stays hidden in your heart, remembered years and years later. And Colossians 3:23 is so rich, a definite favorite that puts things into perspective, taking the weariness everyday tasks and responsibilities can cause and replacing it with JOY! Your sharing has so blessed me, as always! :)
Blessings to you both!!
Amanda
Amanda! Thank you for commenting--I'm thrilled that you like these books as well, aren't they wonderful?!
DeleteI'm glad that you are pleased with the interview--Laura is a great person, and a wonderful writer.
Thank you again for stopping by and I look forward to seeing you on here again!
I love all Laura's books but my favorite is the next one coming out.:-)
ReplyDeleteFrom one KY girl to another Laura keep up the good writing.
Wilma
Wilma, Thanks so much for coming over:) I'm still thinking about that beautiful wedding you were a part of:) I'm such a fan of weddings being a romantic at heart. And a Kentucky wedding is a fine thing, indeed! I'd love to send a book your way. Love that your favorite is the next one coming out - beautiful attitude! You always bless me.
DeleteI became a fan of Laura's just this year. My favorite book is The Colonel's Lady. All of Laura's books are excellent reads and take you back in time in vivid detail. I'm looking forward to this new book and hope that she'll continue to use her "gift" for many more years to come.
ReplyDeleteaimmesser@yahoo.com
Amy, Oh, so happy your fave is Roxie and Cass:) How I miss them and wish I could return to their world! Thanks for saying that writing is a gift to be used. My thoughts exactly and something I love to blog about and talk about in interviews. God is so good to give us the gift of fiction. And I'm so thankful to have you as a reading friend!
DeleteI'm a long-standing fan! My favorite book by Ms. Frantz is Courting Morrow Little! So romantic! My heart is on the ground...
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Love's Reckoning,
Em
Oh, Em. That line, "My heart is on the ground" is so descriptive and beautiful, yes. I'm thrilled to find another kindred spirit that was touched by Morrow's story. I was recently asked which of my characters I would like to be and I said Morrow:) Of course, with this new book just releasing, I'm tempted to say Eden. But no spoilers:) Bless you for being here, Em.
DeleteEm! You're the fortunate SECOND winner of Laura's new book!! Email me (or Laura) with your address. Congratulations!
DeleteI have been a fan for about a year! Courting Morrow Little was the first book I had the pleasure of reading, and it remains my favorite! However, The Frontiersman's Daughter and The Colonel’s Lady follow very closely behind! I adore Laura, she is such a sweetheart, and a wonderful author. I love visiting her blog!
ReplyDeleteEmma, YAY:) The sweetheart thingy is entirely mutual, my friend. You're always so ready to share your love of books and I've been blessed by you whenever we meet on the blog. In fact, you're on the reasons I keep blogging. When I think I don't have anything to say then I think, "But wait, Emma's reading...:)"
DeleteThanks so much for taking time here. Happy day!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteAn excellent interview/posting...I am a 'long standing fan' of Laura's. I love ALL of her novels...Looking forward to reading her latest masterpiece.
Laura,
I can't wait to read Love's Reckoning...How did you select the names of your characters in this novel? Thanks for the opportunity to read your novel on Amber's blog. :)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Karen, So good to see you here (or anywhere for that matter!). Karen has been such a support for me over the last few years of publishing, always staying in touch and encouraging me. What a blessing!
DeleteI love your question about character names. They can be quite tricky to come up with. For Love's Reckoning, I combed census records and old historical documents and came upon Elspeth. It had an old-fashioned feel and is kind of wicked sounding, sadly, at least to me. I like to fit characters with names that reveal something about their temperament. Silas is rock solid and Biblical and yet heroic-sounding, too. Eden is lush and lovely sounding, like the Garden of Eden. So there you have it:) And I pray, pray, pray you enjoy their story more than any I've written so far. It sure is dear to me. As are you, Karen!
Laura,
DeleteThank you for your kind words...You are very dear to my heart, too.
And I agree w/ the names that you selected for LR...Can't wait to read their story.
Long standing fan of Laura's books. My favorite book of her's is Courting Morrow Little. Can't wait to read the next book.
ReplyDeleteCarissa, We're kindred spirits about Morrow/CML. That book is special to me in so many ways. SO happy you're here and are in the drawing! Hope today is sunny and not too hot for you and yours in KY:)
ReplyDeleteBeen a fan since reading THE FRONTIERSMAN'S DAUGHTER, still my favorite. This new plot idea sounds wonderful! Will definitely have to get a copy. I'm a budding author myself and Laura has been so sweetly supportive!
ReplyDeleteLaura Frantz raises the bar for historical romance! I love all her books! Courting Morrow Little made me wonder about the Native American branch of my family - was it a great love story like Morrow and Red Shirt's?
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your mission!
Denise, My fine writing friend:) So good to see you here. I've been thinking of you and your own writing journey and hope all is well! Love that you enjoyed Lael's story and want to read Silas and Eden's. That means a lot to me. I can't believe the book is ready to ship! Here a month early - kind of like a premature baby, lol. Don't feel quite ready. Praying your day is blessed!
ReplyDeleteThat really was such an interesting interview. Thank you! I've also been a long-standing fan and have read all of Laura's books, but only since last year when I discovered them! Loved them ALL, so to pick one out is rather difficult. I will have to say however... that I did fall completely in love with Red Shirt.. so I guess that puts it ahead a little ;) Laura, your new book 'Love's Reckoning' just sounds amazing!! Thinking... it might just have to 'go first' ;)
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed, and your tour will be just as blessed!
Noela, I'd love for Red Shirt to share first place with Silas:) I hope that happens! Would you believe I JUST received my copy of the book from Revell via UPS! It's wonderful to hold it in hand and read my favorite scenes, etc. Thanks so much for being such an encourager. You're a gem:)
DeleteI am quite a fan of Laura Frantz! The first book I read was Courting Morrow Little and it is my favorite. I just love her books! I can't wait for Love's Reckoning. Amber, your blog is wonderful! It's so nice to find reviews on my favorite genre.
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm so glad you like Morrow's story best. And that you took time to come to Amber's blog - it is wonderful and her fun, winsome style really comes through:) Love her rating system and the detail and honesty of her reviews. I sure hope Love's Reckoning is a blessing to you. Can't believe it's here!
DeleteI love Laura's stories!! They are the only colonial time-period books I read. My favorite one so far is Courting Morrow Little.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely cannot wait to read Love's Reckoning!!!!
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
Marissa, So happy to see you here:) It's so fun hearing that Morrow is dear to you. Me, too. I keep saying that but it's true! I can't wait till you meet Silas and Eden and cast! They seem very real to me and I hope they do you, too. Bless you for entering the drawing! Happy Thursday to you:)
DeleteI am arguably Laura's biggest fan. I own all her books and they have pride of place on my book shelves. My favorite is 'The Colonel's Lady' and 'The Frontiersman's Daughter' is next. Laura has an amazing and unique ability to plop her reader right down into the story. You feel the cold, sweat in the heat and feel the pain the characters feel. They are absolutely awesome. She will always be a huge favorite of mine. Plus she is a precious lady.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I see I replied in the wrong place below! I was still thinking about your thoughtful comments when I took a walk this afternoon and wanted to say knowing TCL means a lot to you is very significant to me. That story is very dear to me, too. And of course, Lael. So thankful for you.
DeleteSusan, I'm always so touched by your support. I am tempted to have reader favorites and you are one! Your encouragement have meant so much over the years I've been publishing. It's hard to believe we're celebrating book 4 together! I've been thinking of you a great deal lately and also your lovely garden and acreage. Heavenly! Thanks so much for being here.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, so interested in reading this one! Love Laura's heart and her beautiful descriptions. I have it on order, but I like to share Laura's books with my mother. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, don't know if I told you this, Laura, but she just LOVED TCL! She finished it recently! She doesn't read a lot of Christian fiction so I was thrilled!
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh Julia, I'm smiling about your Mom - wow, what an honor that is for me! Especially since that's new territory for her. I feel so blessed! And I'm so glad you're here for the giveaway. I always want my regular reading friends to come by as I love giving books as gifts.
DeleteIt means a lot to have you here as I know you are so busy with your littles and homeschooling and all else. You and C and everyone are in my prayers and thoughts so often. Bless you, Julia.
Shame on me, but I have not had the pleasure of reading any novels by Laura Frantz. Love's Reckoning looks like would be a great start though!
ReplyDeletecampbellamyd at gmail dot com
Amy, So happy to meet you via Amber:) And I'm hoping you enjoy my stories if you read them! I'd love to mail a book your way. Thanks so much for entering the drawing!
DeleteComing by a little late. Congrats on your upcoming release. Can't wait to get it in my dirty little paws!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteCarla, I always love hearing from you! And now I feel doubly blessed as you're here and also came by my blog. I really miss you! Here's hoping this book makes contact with your dirty little paws, lol:) You're the best!
DeleteCarla! You won! Congratulations! Email me (or Laura) for details! :)
DeleteI love all of Laura's books, but most favorite is The colonel's lady!!!:) I can't wait to read this one:)
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Oh, so happy you're here, dear Rebecca:) I have a special place in my heart for TCL, too. And I love hearing that from you. I hope you enjoy this new book. It's quite different than my others but has a very happy ending!
Delete