Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Interview + GIVEAWAY: Laura Frantz


I have greatly enjoyed the writing of Laura Frantz from the time I read her first novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter, and my words are inadequate in expressing how honored I am to have Laura visit today. Her stories offer that rare combination of rich characterization, sigh-worthy romance, a vivid sense of place, and superb storytelling - and are always on my "best of the best" list.

Laura's recent series, The Ballantyne Legacy, is especially memorable (click on the titles to see my review of Love's Awakening and Love's Fortune). I asked Laura to share a little about book #3, Love's Fortune, and she is also giving a copy to one of our readers. Please welcome Laura . . .


Laura:  Carole, Heartfelt thanks for having me on your beautiful site here. Always, always a pleasure!


Love’s Fortune is dear to me because the heroine, Wren Ballantyne, is a Kentuckian who spends the novel away from home, immersed in the glittering world of the rags to riches Ballantynes. Wrapping up the series was bittersweet because it ended quite a writing adventure for me as I had become quite attached to Silas and Eden and their descendants. Thankfully, I was able to keep Silas alive in that last book – though readers might think there were some close calls! It was a joy, too, to end that book in Scotland, land of the hero’s birth. I wanted to come full circle with the series so that seemed the best place to pen THE END.

Spiritually, I wanted to contrast what the world believes is valuable (riches, position, acclaim, the temporary) and what is truly eternal (salvation, love, God, the eternal) and this was best done by putting humble Wren in pretentious Pittsburgh society. It was interesting to me to have her come into that dazzling world as a newcomer and hopefully bring the reader along, too, to experience it in fresh ways. I also hoped to show how hard that world had been on my hero, James Sackett, who sort of lost his spiritual footing in the novel because of his position in society. But thankfully, Wren and the Lord woo him back again.

Currently, I’m immersed in another frontier novel set in 18th-century Kentucky (like my first 3) and am halfway finished with another work in progress.  Next up is The Mistress of Tall Acre which releases September 8th. The cover should appear any day now once my publisher makes it live on the web. It’s very different than my others! So please stay tuned J.

It’s a joy to reach readers with the written word and also meet those like you, Carole, who have a heart for the Lord and godly fiction. That blesses me more than I can say! I hope and pray the winner of the giveaway enjoys Wren’s world very much!


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Carole:  Laura told about her upcoming release, The Mistress of Tall Acre, and I just wanted to share that it made Christian Book Distributor's New & Recommended list. I have sought out this section for years and found some of the best reading ever. Here's what CBD's fiction editor has to say about The Mistress of Tall Acre:

"Beautifully wrought with sumptuous historical details, emotionally deep characters, and an exciting romantic conflict! Frantz immerses you in a fascinating look at plantation life, survival and adaptation, and a newborn nation with a story that educates as well as entertains. Her tale would make a terrific movie, à la Gone with the Wind - it offers all the visual richness, smart storytelling, and palpable intensity of a cinematic drama."

Can't wait, Laura! It's been a blessing to have you with us and I hope you will return very soon.


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GIVEAWAY

1) Please visit my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews. While not required, I would greatly appreciate it if you would "like" the page if you haven't already.

2) Leave a comment relating to this post . . . For example, are you a fan of historical fiction, a particular era, or of Laura's writing?

Be sure to leave your NAME and E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Tuesday, June 9. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.

Eligibility: US residents

99 comments:

  1. I am a fan of historical fiction.. I'd love to read more of Laura's writing! These books sound so interesting... thank you for gifting a copy :)
    dkstevensne AToutlook DoTCoM

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    1. Hi, Deanna! I probably read more historical fiction than any other genre. If you haven't read The Ballantyne Legacy, I think it's a series you will enjoy. Thank you for visiting and good luck in the drawing.

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  2. I LOVE Laura's writing, she's among some of my favorite authors! And historical fiction is always my first choice when deciding what to read next (my to-read pile is just out of control, lol)! I do have her first two books in the "Ballantyne Legacy Books" so adding this one to make a complete set would be awesome! Those covers are just gorgeous and the blurbs on the back really make me want to dive right into the story. I I love what she said here: "It’s a joy to reach readers with the written word and also meet those like you, Carole, who have a heart for the Lord and Godly fiction" because that's the ONLY genre I read! I love when an author can write a book where you feel spiritually satisfied after the last page or has changed you in some way to bring you closer to the Lord. I just love it :-) Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "Love's Fortune".
    I've also "liked" the Facebook page :-0
    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Trixi, I've read your comments like having dessert:) Thank you. So thrilled you have LR and LA and need Wren's LF to make a set. I really appreciate when you said, "I love when an author can write a book where you feel spiritually satisfied, etc." What a lovely thought! That is certainly my aim and I'm so glad you know Carole and are already familiar with my stories. You inspire me, thanks so much!

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    2. Trixi, you just expressed my feelings perfectly! We are very much alike, even to our reading pile. Thank you so much for sharing and also liking my FB page. Best wishes in the drawing, Trixi.

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  3. Dear Carole, It's always a pleasure to be with you here ~ your web home is as lovely as you are! I'm really honored to be among your favorite authors. That means more than I can say. You are a connoisseur of historical fiction and I'm the blessed beneficiary:)

    Waving at Deanna! Thanks for your gracious words, also! I'd love to send a book your way!

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    1. Laura, I can truthfully say that connecting with you has been one of the high points in the review/blogging process. There are more historical fiction writers than I have time to read, but I'm so glad I picked up The Frontiersman's Daughter a few years ago. Your graciousness and humble spirit shines in everything you write.

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  4. I love the Ballantyne Legacy and look forward to reading the third book as well as Laura's other books. I like her writing style and she captures my attention from the first word.

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    1. So glad to see you here, Miss Karen! Sounds like you enjoy Laura's writing as much as I do. If I kept a list of favorite heroes, two of Laura's characters would be on it - Ian in The Frontiersman's Daughter and Silas from The Ballantyne Legacy series. Thanks for visiting and good luck in the drawing, Karen.

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    2. Hi Karen, Oh, love your saying I capture your attention from the first word. That's such gracious, godly encouragement! So interesting reading Carole's thoughts on heroes. Silas and Ian would be honored:) Thank you.

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    3. Laura, there's still a couple of your books that I haven't managed to read yet, so more of your heroes might make that list eventually. lol Seriously, I'll have to give some thought into what makes me connect so emotionally with certain heroes. The doctor in Catherine Marshall's Christy is another one.

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  5. I love historical fiction. I love your writing style Laura. Your books are always so rich in details and I feel like I'm right there in the era watching the characters as if I'm watching a scene play out in front of me. I especially like the 18th century frontier. Thank you for writing characters that are strong, and filled with God's unconditional love and grace. I love a book that stays with me long after I have read it. For that I thank you.
    Blessings
    Deana
    Jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com

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    1. Dear Deana, Welcome here! I so appreciate your kind comments. Like you, I love a novel that resembles watching a film. Those details you mention really do bring it to life! I'm really honored you find my characters strong and godly, etc. That means the world to me. And the fact that my books stay with you is the icing on some heavenly cake, let me tell you! Thanks so much for being here and sharing your heart and love of godly fiction.

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    2. Deana, I also enjoy frontier settings and often think that the setting in Laura's books becomes a major character. And her characters stay with me long after I've turned the last page. Thank you for sharing today and best wishes in the drawing, Deana.

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  6. I'm absolutely a fan of Laura's writing! She is fabulous! Thank you so much for the post and giveaway!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Amy, I'm smiling to see you here:) You've made my day with your comments. I'd love to send a book your way! Wish I had a book for everyone here!

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    2. She is fabulous indeed, Amy - as a writer and as a person also. It's great to see you here. Good luck in the drawing.

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  7. I love everything Laura has written! I hope I like that her new book is "different". Right now she is probably my favorite author! I do love historical fiction. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more, Joan! Now you've got me curious about Laura's description of her new book as "very different." Perhaps we could get her to explain more about that . . .

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    2. Dear Joan, Between you and Carole, I am quite spoiled here! I think the "different" in this book is the suspense. Most of my books have an element of suspense but this one really seems to be moreso. Also, TMoTA is about a marriage of convenience, something new to me but apparently a favorite of readers, or so I've been told:) I pray/hope you both enjoy this upcoming story very much.

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  8. I LOVE historical fiction. I'm partial to WW2 era but I really do like any type of historical fiction. rachelATbledsoeDOTnet

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    1. I'm like you in that I like almost any type of historical fiction, Rachel. My favorite era is colonial period through the American Revolution, but that doesn't seem to be a popular time period for Christian fiction right now. Thanks for visiting, Rachel.

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    2. Hi Rachel, Given you're a WW2 era fan, I'm sure you're familiar with Sarah Sundin's wonderful books. And then there's the wonderful Kristy Cambron with her 'The Butterfly and the Violin' which I was honored to endorse. Thanks for being here and willing to explore another era!

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  9. I love Christian fiction!
    douglas(dot)emilee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Me too, Emilee! So much quality and variety in that genre today. Good luck in the drawing.

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    2. Glad to meet you, Emilee ~ would be happy to send Wren's story your way!

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  10. Laura is one of my very fave authors - as you said, Carole, "the best of the best". I've had the honor of meeting and spending time with Laura - your descriptions of her as gracious and humble are so accurate, as is your comment that the settings in her novels become major characters. There aren't enough words to describe the beauty of her writing, she writes with an elegance - not only in her novels, but in her online posts and comments, as well. I love the review by CBD of Laura's "The Mistress of Tall Acre" and can't wait to read it - no one would love to see one of her novels made into a movie than me, each of them is more than movie worthy.

    I have copies of each of Laura's novels in both paper and ebook (also her 2 new audio books), however, want to build a collection filled with each of her novels for my church library, also, and welcome the opportunity to help do so through a giveaway. Thank you, Laura and Carole!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Shared post!!

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    1. Trying so hard not to be envious of your having spent time with Laura, Bonnie! lol Seriously, I love the way you are always so expressive and speak from the heart. I'm so glad you are building a collection of Laura's books for your church library so even more people can discover her heart-felt stories. Wish we could just sit down and visit over lunch, Bonnie! As always, thanks so much for sharing.

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    2. Would love to meet you and share mutual stories (of our fave things: books and music) over lunch, Carole. Hopefully, that will happen in the "not-too-distant" future - I love to travel and visit friends and a couple of weeks ago, returned from an 11 day trip in which I was blessed to spend time with friends/authors in 4 different states. I'm overjoyed at the fact that Laura will soon be residing in Ky. again - perhaps you could even pay a visit to Ky. and the 3 of us could have the pleasure of spending time together. By the way, my comment should read "no one would love to see one of her novels made into a movie MORE than me", lol!! Blessings!!

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    3. To meet Carole would be top of my bucket list, indeed:) Spending time with Bonnie certainly was! Thank you both for your very gracious comments. They go a long way in inspiring this author. I second Bonnie's invitation to come visit us in the Bluegrass. We'd love to have you!

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    4. Bonnie, I would never have thought that you could feel a kinship with someone you met online, but both you and Laura are a treasure, My husband isn't able to travel due to medical problems, so I don't get away much. But as we've talked about before, I've been to KY several times in the past - mainly conferences and worship services at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville and Southland CC in Lexington. Beautiful area, beautiful churches. With our shared faith and love for books and music, it would indeed be wonderful for the three of us to sit down together. Who knows what the future will bring?

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    5. Only God knows the future - saying a prayer for healing for your husband's medical problems, including a little prayer towards future travel for you, also. If He wills it, it will happen!! Blessings, Carole!!

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  11. Laura Frantz writes the best books. I am really looking forward to Mistress of Tall Acre!
    rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Rebecca, Bless you for having a heart for my books! It's great to hear you're looking forward to meeting a new cast of characters in TMoTA. This one was especially meaningful to me ~ but no spoilers for you;) I'd love to send a book your way!

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    2. Me too, Rebecca. And knowing how meaningful TMoTA is to Laura makes me anticipate it even more. Best wishes in the drawing!

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  12. Thank you for sharing. I love historicals! Laura is a new to me author so I'm definitely looking forward to adding her books to my TBR list.
    Lori P
    jlipayer (at) charter (dot) net

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    1. Lori, Thanks for your willingness to try a new author:) I've found some of my favorite readers through giveaways. Wren's story would be a good place to start!

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    2. Lori, if you love historicals, especially high-quality writing with depth, then you need to pick up one of Laura's books. You have so much to look forward to! Would love for you to win one, Lori.

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  13. Laura Frantz is in my top five favorite authors! I have loved every book. I really enjoyed Loves Fortune. Mostly because I'm rather a tomboy type...ponytail, no shoes, and love of outdoors. How she so graciously handled the move into society was beautifully written, yet I loved how it didn't change who she truly was. I have written reviews of Laura's work, but I never feel that my words describe the depth of her reads. I have all of them in PB on my forever shelves, and I'm so eagerly awaiting her next one!!

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    1. I didn't figure you for a tomboy ~ and now I'm wondering if Miss A is, too! Love your thoughts about Wren. You really 'got' what I was trying to do with her, making her immune and steadfast amidst all the tinsel and glitter of society. I'm thrilled my books are on your forever shelves. I like that more than keeper shelves! You are a forever kind of reader for me:)

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    2. I certainly understand your comments about reviewing Laura's work. I'm not gifted at writing and when it comes to a very special book like Laura's, I feel like I fail miserably at conveying the essence so that people will want to read it. And like Laura, I love the term "forever shelves." Would love to see you win for your friend, R Merr!

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  14. Forgot email...hoping to win for a friend. Ewe_r_merritt(at) yahoo(dot) com

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    1. Your heart for your friend is wonderful!

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    2. They just purchased a new home, and she has six children. She doesn't spend much money on herself. I've had the privilege of winning quite a few for her. She is truly amazing! :)

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  15. Yes, I visited and I liked the FB page. I love historical fiction and have enjoyed Laura's books. This one sounds like a must-read! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Sonja, So glad you want to meet Wren:) She's a Kentuckian to the bone, a bit like Lael if you've read The Frontiersman's Daughter. I'd be glad to send a book your way!

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    2. I think we enjoy a lot of the same books, Sonja. Since you've already enjoyed some of Laura's books, you know exactly what you'll find in this one. Best wishes in the drawing, Sonja - and thanks for liking my FB page.

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    3. I would have to agree, Carole! Yes, I have enjoyed her books and love history. Yes, have read the Frontiersman's Daughter and Love's Awakening. So good!

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  16. Hi. Enjoyed this post. I have already liked your FB page. Thanks for the giveaway. I would be quite happy to win. Maxie > mac262

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    1. I know how much you enjoy reading, Maxie, and am sure you would love Love's Fortune. It's always good to connect with you. Best wishes in the drawing, Maxie.

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  17. I love historical fiction and Laura's writing!

    Melody Durant at missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Good to meet another fan of Laura's writing, Melody! I wonder why we enjoy historicals so much. Maybe it's just fun to escape to a more simple, relaxed time. Thanks for visiting, Melody.

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  18. I love Laura's books and am so anxious to read this one I have #1 on my Kindle and hope to read all 3 in this series! Thanks for the post and giveaway!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. Ah, Jackie, the first book introduced Silas, one of my all-time favorite leading men. Hope you get to read and enjoy the whole series soon. I so very highly recommend it! Good luck in the drawing, Jackie.

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  19. Love historicals!
    ~Charis
    gracelz1@hotmail.com

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    1. Glad to meet another historical fan, Charis. If you haven't read any of Laura's books yet, I highly recommend all of them. Thanks for visiting today.

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  20. I love historical fiction too. I think excellent historical fiction is a good way to learn about time periods while enjoying a good story too. marykatbpcsc45 at gmail (dot) com.

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    1. My thoughts exactly, Miss Mary! Fiction makes history come alive and often puts you right in the setting. Thanks for entering and for all that you do with your linkup.

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  21. I also enjoy historical fiction and Laura Frantz is one of my favorite authors. I have yet to read a book of hers that I did not enjoy. I would love to win a copy of her final Ballantyne novel.

    thejorns at gmail dot com

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    1. We think alike, Jessica! Have you read the first two books?

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    2. I have which makes me really want to read this one. :)

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  22. I love most any historical fiction, even Biblical! I finally read Laura's "Courting Morrow Little," and it totally lived up to all I'd heard about it <3

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    1. Dear Danielle, So thankful for your heart for Morrow! And that her wild world didn't disappoint. Bless you for making time for my books:)

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    2. Danielle, I've got to make time for Courting Morrow Little soon, as I know it will be memorable also. And I also enjoy biblical fiction, getting started as a young adult on books like The Robe (Lloyd C. Douglas), Dear and Glorious Physician (Taylor Caldwell), etc. Best wishes in the drawing, Danielle.

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  23. I love historical fiction /frontier life.ms(dot) tweety56 at gmail (dot) com

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    1. Then you will certainly enjoy Laura's books, Elma. Thanks for visiting today.

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  24. Love Laura's books! I'm a big fan of historical fiction!
    grams57[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Glad you enjoy Laura's writing, grams. Do you have a favorite from what you've read so far?

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  25. I follow your blog and facebook page! I love historical fiction and Amish books. I haven't read anything by Laura Frantz, though.

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    1. Oh Susan, you have a treat in store for you when you pick up one of Laura's books! And like you, I enjoy Amish fiction also - actually, almost anything that's character driven. Thank you for stopping by, Susan.

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  26. I like historical fiction but I LOVE anything written by Laura Frantz! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Amen to that, Miss Joan! Do you have a favorite from among Laura's books - or a favorite character?

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  27. Hey Carole and Laura , love your blog page Carole . Yes I am a fan of Historical Fiction and love Laura books . I love good clean romance spiritual books . Would love to win your book Laura . Thanks for the chance.
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. So good to see you here, Liz! I keep up with your posts and know that we enjoy many of the same books. I believe you read faster than me, though! And thank you for commenting about my blog page, that means a lot, Liz. Best wishes in the drawing.

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  28. I enjoy Historical and Amish fiction! Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at0yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Same here, Sheila! Thanks for stopping by today.

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  29. I have the first two, naturally I need the third! I read historical fiction of several genres. Marieburton2004 at yahoo.com

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    1. It's good to meet another historical fiction fan, Marie. Be sure to read this series in order - and best wishes in winning Love's Fortune!

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  30. I am so glad Laura is going back to the frontier for her next book. I have read the first 2 and need to read the third. You are a wonderful writer Laura and thanks Carol for having this drawing.
    pam1lunsford ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com

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    1. Pamela, I am so very thankful for your heart for my books. That blesses me immensely! I was just working on that frontier novel for you today after church. You inspire me to keep going. Love your gracious heart. Thank you!

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    2. Pamela, it's always good to see you here! As much as I loved The Frontiersman's Daughter, I have to admit that I'm also glad Laura's returning to the frontier setting. And yes, you need to finish the series with Love's Fortune. Thank you for sharing.

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  31. Would love this one! Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Good luck, Melanie! Are you a fan of historical fiction?

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  32. I am a huge fan of historical fiction! I haven't read any of Laura's books, but I will definitely be checking them out. I love discovering new authors!
    myfacebookemail23 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Kim, you've got a treat in store when you pick up one of Laura's books. With the exception of the three books in The Ballantyne Legacy, her others stand alone. Best wishes in the drawing.

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  33. I love these type of books. I am adding them to my huge list of books I want to read! I can't wait to what else you share at Literacy Musing Mondays.

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    1. Tami, you are doing a great job with Literacy Musing Mondays and I love seeing what everyone shares. I hope you'll try one of Laura's books soon. Can't wait to see what you think when you do! Thanks so much for visiting here, Tami.

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  34. So thankful for each of your comments here. They delight and encourage, each one of them. Dear Carole sure knows how to ;put on an awesome giveaway! It means so much meeting new reading friends here:)

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  35. I LOVE LOVE LOVE historical fiction. Would love to win!

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  36. On Friday, I got so carried away adding more of your novels to my TBR list that I forgot to come back and finish my comment. Silly ADD! :) Laura, you have some of the most beautiful covers. I must be very superficial, b/c I am often pulled in by beautiful covers. Congrats on your newest release. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Email: tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Bless you for that cover love 💜! Cover art is my favorite part of publishing 😄. I'm pulled in too & that's just what's supposed to happen! Thanks so much for wanting to read!!

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  37. Thanks for linking up with #JoyHopeLive Hope to see you again tomorrow

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  38. I am always looking for a new author to me especially when historical fiction is involved:) Thank you for this giveaway and info on a great author.

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  39. It's nice to meet a new author to me:) I love historical fiction, romance, and mystery. Thank you for chance to get to know your work.

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  40. I really like historical fiction. Can't wait to read this!

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  41. ooppss... forgot my email!
    thedanielsr (at) comcast (dot) net

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  42. Carole, you put on an amazing giveaway! So many new reading friends here. I have a fresh copy of Wren's story here ready to go but wish I had one for everyone. Bless you all for stopping by and inspiring me to keep writing with your gracious comments. You're all winners to me:) Thank you.

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  43. Laura, it has been such an honor to host you and promote your writing in every way I could think of! I have appreciated the way these reading friends shared and, like you, wish everyone could win. But anyone who reads one of your books is a winner, Laura.

    And speaking of winners . . . Deana Dick won a copy of Love's Fortune! I've already emailed you, Deana.

    Laura, I'll just simply say that I hope you will come back very soon.

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  44. Laura is an author I've been wanting to read for a while now. Her books sounds so great! Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday this week!
    Tina

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