Saturday, September 20, 2014

Laura Frantz--Critique, Interview and Book Give Away

"LOVES AWAKENING" AND INTRODUCTION TO "LOVES FORTUNE"


Critique:

Laura Frantz did it again….my fingers couldn’t resist flipping pages well into the night as Ellie and Jack’s story unfolded. My second reading this year of Love’s Awakening did not lose it's luster. Laura intricately weaves the strengths, weaknesses, and situations of each character—driving me to distraction with concern and curiosity. Her deeply layered characters and the society in which they live nearly come alive on the page! She wields her pen so skillfully with such natural flair that I easily envision that I’m stepping onto the nineteenth century streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The fragrance of blooms and tension from danger—lurking just around the corner, as well as the joys and frustrations born naturally from human relationships kept me captivated. This Ballantyne Legacy novel absolutely lacks nothing in comparison with the first of the series, Love’s Reckoning.  Now that book three, Love’s Fortune, is published my advice to you is to run out and purchase them all-- if you have not bought the other two previously. I could read this novel till the pages fallout from overuse and not find myself bored.

Questions for Laura:

1.      Laura, how did you come up with Ellie Ballantyne and Jack Turlock’s personalities?  (Were their personalities inspired by anyone that you know?  Or maybe a combination of a few people?) 
LAURA - For Ellie, I tried to create a blend of her father and mother, Silas and Eden, yet made her the baby of the conflict which brought some conflict. Jack is a real man’s man, capable of great tenderness but saddled with an ungodly legacy. I’m not sure where Jack came from as he’s so very different than my usual godly heroes, but he’s wonderfully redeemable!

2.      Ellie and Jack’s story is so different from Eden and Silas’s story and yet so connected. Was it difficult deciding how this second story played out? 
LAURA- The tricky part was having the story take off in a direction I never intended, mainly the Underground Railroad theme. Yet it seemed to fit with Silas and Eden’s nature and those that followed them since Pennsylvania was such a pivotal state in terms of slave activity/abolitionists. Having the Turlocks support slavery and the Ballantynes dead set against it added to the story’s tension, or so I hope!

3.      I imagine that the span of research you accomplished for this series was massive. Was there a time-period you favored? 
LAURA - Yes, the research was quite daunting though I left 98% of what I learned out of the novel. Every era in this series fascinated me and each was vastly different, but I must say my love for the 18th-century and Silas and Eden’s day won out.

4.      Did this span of years effect how easily (or not) it was for you to write this story entitled Loves Awakening?
LAURA - Jumping 30 years or so between stories is hard to do both for the author and the reader as so very much is left out. But I tried to focus on the historical events that made the 1780’s and then the 1820’s unique and interesting.

5.      When do you gather photos of people that remind you of your characters as you imagine them? Your Pinterest collection is amazing! 
LAURA -Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/laurafrantz/)is a virtual feast for me and by far my favorite form of social media if it can even be called that. I am constantly fed a stream of beautiful images that pertain to the story or give me ideas for another. Truly inspirational!
6. I saw your blog (http://laurafrantz.net/) and I clicked on the trailer for your third book, Loves Fortune. You seem very involved with the design for your cover. Have you been that active in the design of the other two books in this series? 

LAURA - The credit for my involvement goes to photographer/designer Brandon Hill http://brandonhillphotos.com/ who is a very gracious, hands-on artist. He invited me into the studio for the cover shoot of Love’s Fortune and then we decided to maximize the day by creating a video, thanks to my publisher, Revell. It was a real thrill meeting the model that was my Wren (heroine) and also putting my paws on that lovely, historic gown. Truly a once in a lifetime experience! I’m so thankful.

7.      Laura was there anything more that you wanted to share with us about Ellie and Jack or other characters in this novel?
LAURA - I wanted to create two families, the Turlocks and the Ballantynes, that were quite opposite and left very different legacies, much like families today. The Camerons also come in in book 3, taking the story in a new direction.

8.      Would you suggest any historical sites to see in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh for those history buffs who can’t get enough? 
LAURA - Oh, how I love those 2 cities which are vastly different in terms of history. If you’re a colonial lover, Philadelphia is top notch with the Betsy Ross house and Elfreth’s Alley, Independence Hall and Christ Church. Pittsburgh has more of a frontier feel with Fort Pitt and the three rivers. Taking the railway between the two is an amazing way to see this richly historic, beautiful state!

9.      Everyone reading this post can visit susanmarlenekinney.blogspot.com for the interview we did on Loves Reckoning last year in August 2013. (I loved Laura’s answers and examples she shared!) I invite any interested parties to read her last interview to learn more about the Ballantyne Legacy!

10.  Do you have a favorite novel from this series? Why if you do? 
LAURA - Each of these books is like a child to me so they’re each dear to me for different reasons. But I know readers have favorites of the 3 which always mystifies yet delights me!

11.  Do you wish to tell us about your next novel or series you are working on? 
LAURA - I return to the 18th-century for a story set just after the Revolutionary War in Virginia. Cover art and titling are being decided now, my favorite part of the process.

12.  How do you want your readers and interested parties to contact you?
Blog       http://laurafrantz.net/

This is Laura's latest Ballantyne Legacy available in the stores this month! I've started my read and I invite you to begin yours!


 

To be a part of the book give away  please leave a comment with your email so that Laura can send you a signed copy of  her book! I wish you all could win and so does Laura...she is big hearted that way but only one of you can...maybe it will be you!!!!!!

38 comments:

  1. Great interview! I've heard wonderful things about Laura's books. :)
    Thanks for featuring Laura here today, Sue!
    Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo (CatMom) ;)

    pattijomoore@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you Patti Jo!! I just have to have all her books!! She is an excellent story teller and I'm sure you will love her too! Blessings to you too Patti Jo!

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  2. I just received an email from Beth Ziarnik and she'd tried to place a comment! No worries Beth...I'm plopping your name and your blog name here
    http://bethziarnik.wordpress.com I invite everyone take a look at her blog!
    bethz@new.rr.com

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  3. Sue, So thankful for you and that you have a heart for my books! This post is beautifully done - and I just LOVE the photo of Ellie you arranged! I must pin to Pinterest and share:) Waving at dear Patti Jo, too. I have lots of kin in Georgia and wish I could go visit! Thanks for entering Beth, too, Sue! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Hi Laura! You won me from the first read! :) Thank you so much for the complements! The photo has my great-grandfather's bible and a pewter cup and the slider glasses were from Mike my brother. The doily was made by my sister's own hand! I had fun doing it!

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  4. Beautiful review...I love how you mention one could wear out the book yet still be mesmerized by the stories. I always feel so "full" after reading one of Laura's books! They contain so much! Everyone is on my keeper shelf, and it can't wait for the day when my daughter us old enough to share them with her! Very much looking forward to the next book! :) ewe_r_merritt(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Rachael, You have such a lovely way with words! It's so encouraging to hear that you feel "full" after reading one of my books:) And your heart for your daughter is such a beautiful thing. What a blessed girl she is! But I know you feel immeasurably blessed in turn. I can't wait for you to meet the little girl in my next novel. I love her right down to her poetic name - and hope you do, too!

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    2. Greetings R Merr (Rachael!) Thank you for stopping in to see Laura's novel and interview! I do know exactly what you mean... my daughters are not readers, but I hold out hope for my granddaughter Aria! Oh yes Laura's books give so much more even with every read!

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  5. LOVED each of Laura's stand alone book and can't wait to read this series! Thanks for the interview and chance to win ladies.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. Underground railroad is something I've enjoyed reading about. As a quilter I have read about the quilts they used to give signals..
    dkstevensne at outlook.com

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  7. Oh, I LOVE Laura's books! The Ballantynes have been amazing so far, and I'm so excited to see what she has up her sleeve for Wren. =) Thanks for the chance to win!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. Greetings Patty! Yes, Laura's stand alone books are wonderful also! This series will blow you away! Who know Patty, you just may be a winner here!

    Oh Deanna Stevens! Yes, the underground railroad is fascinating! I have an interest in quilting and my step mom and my sister have quilted! I do love quilts and someday when I have time I'd like to try my hand! Thank you for stopping in! :)

    Hi there Elyssa Cohen! Wait to you see Wren's story! Oh la la!! Usually I can pick a favorite but this time around I'd be hard pressed. Each story is amazing and just as wonderful as the last one! You are all welcome for the chance to win. Thank you Laura for your generous give away! :)

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  9. Laura Frantz is a new author for me. Thanks for the great interview. I look forward to reading "Love's Fortune".

    psalm103and138"at"gmail"dot"com

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    1. Caryl, Glad you want to meet Wren and cast! Would love to send a book your way!

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    2. Greetings Caryl Kane! Laura is an exquisite writer and she binds you to the pages with her well rounded and interesting characters and plot! I'm sure you will love her pages! :)

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  10. Laura,
    Do you have a special place that you write your new books?
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. Danie, Love your question! I actually write just about anywhere but my favorite places are my chair by the fireplace or on our deck under an umbrella:) Thanks for being here and entering the giveaway!

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    2. That is a good question Danie Walther! Some writers love to write in the same location or even at their favorite coffee shop. Others like to mix up their locations! Welcome to the book give away, critique and interview!

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  11. Would love to win and read!
    tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Gail, Bless you for being here and wanting to read! Thanks for the enthusiasm - so appreciated!

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    2. That is awesome Gail! You are certainly in the running! I wish you luck!

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  12. I just received an email from Jeanne Mellander. She tried to leave a comment and couldn't do so. No worries Jeanne! jeanne@mellander.com is now also in the running! Thank you so much for trying! You are precious! :)

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  13. Hello Susan Marlene Kinnery. So good to stop by your pforile and all the blogs and the post on them. I did comment on your blog "Graceful Touch" and the post on it " Kite day at Neshotah Beach". I did comment more on your profile then on the post but also has additional information in which you may be interested. Well I am in the Pastoral ministry in Mumbai, India and I would love to have a copy of the book " Loves Fortune" by Laura Frantz. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede

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  14. Welcome, Diwakar, So glad for your interest and I wish you blessings on your ministry in India, a country I've longed to visit!

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  15. Hi, Laura and Susan!! Thanks for the interview - such interesting questions!! I enjoyed the inclusion of, and learning more about, the Underground Railway - especially since I live in an area that was directly involved.

    Shared post!!

    I already have "Love's Fortune", am currently reading it and loving wonderful James and sweet Wren, just wanted to stop by and say "hi" to Laura!! I have read each of Laura's books, loved them all, hated for each one to end, and have the beautiful characters ensconced in my heart. Her rich historical detail, realistic descriptions, and lyrical words are music and inspiration to my soul - wish I had a 24/7 continual supply of her work, I would read endlessly while sighing contentedly!!

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    1. Oh, such welcome words! I'm always thrilled when my books resonate with someone as gracious as you! Thank you so much. I so wish we authors were able to craft a book a week and have them be of quality! I so dislike the wait between books!

      I'll keep your words close as I begin another book. You're such a blessing!!

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  16. What a wonderful post! I've always loved Laura's books....The Colonel's Lady was my favorite, although I have a major fictional crush on Silas Ballantyne. ;) I can't wait to see what this new book has in store, as Silas' legacy goes on through his family. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Emily, If you could only see me smile over that crushing on Silas:) This morning at the pool I saw an older lady at the pool and she had a twinkle in her eye when she told me she'd met Silas. I'm delighted by that and your comments here. Thanks for taking time for my books. And thanks for the Colonel McLinn love, too!

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  17. Marie Smith tried to post a note here and couldn't. So no worries Marie! I'll do this for you! Marie you are in the running! I'm sure you would love and appreciate and love Laura's books! :) Thank you for stopping in Marie!

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  18. Sue, Thanks so much for catching these readers who can't leave comments. So appreciated!!

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    1. Hi Laura! Oh when they have had problems and yet put the effort out post I feel I must certainly give them their chances!! Laura I was able to get the information out that we have a book give-away going on so I think we should give them a chance and we can tie this up on Friday or Saturday! I'll post the deadline on FB and twitter tonight! :) You are a serious blessing Laura! Thank you for everything! :) You make me smile!

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  19. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Hi Debbe! Here you go...this is the first time someone requested me to delete their comment! So everyone she didn't make a naughty comment! LOL! There you go Debbe --you can try again. :)

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    2. Thanks Sue. Nice interview. Checked on Amazon.com. Great reviews of Love's Fortune; and hopefully, I will be able to win the book., Debbe Popp

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  20. Hi Debbe!! So good to see you here! Now that I have my voice back I will have to give you a call! I'm sure you will LOVE "Love's Fortune" should you win!! Blessings dear one!

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  21. Debbe, Bless you for being here! And Sue, welcome back! Both your voice and your person:) It's been wonderful meeting readers here and I'll keep checking back to see if anyone else comes by before the giveaway drawing. Bless you all!

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    1. Hi Laura! Thank you for watching over the posts while I was under the weather! I just posted on FB that this will be the last night for the book give away! :)

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  22. I have been wanting to read Laura Frantz's books but I haven't yet. Her books look amazing and are definitely at the top of my to read list! God Bless!

    princessoftheocean@yahoo.com

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