"The Mistress of Tall Acre" by Laura Frantz

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz has done it again…whisked me away to another time, another place where I do not hear the blast of car horns or televisions rivaling with chirping crickets and twilling birdsong. Instead, my mind engaged with these well-shown events and challenges that follow the American Revolutionary War.  Interesting transitions took place with our new independent nation, as it tried to find its footing. But, don’t get me wrong, this novel is not a history book. Everything flows nicely with the plot making a deeper and richer story because the setting is accurate and enhances the situations of the characters.

This novel called The Mistress of Tall Acre, has earned my round of applause! It is important for me to like the characters that I read about and spend time with. I very much like Sophie Menzies and General Seamus Ogilvy who are the main characters of a story that has surprising twists and turns! When I communicated with Laura about this book and that I was in the process of reading it, she mentioned it had a twist to it….”A TWIST” no no no no…there was more than one for sure! I loved the story and she kept me turning the pages. (Sometimes it is so inconvenient to be employed! Ha ha!)

I enjoyed other characters in this novel. Doesn’t everyone want a Glynnis in their life? Oh, sweet Lilly Cate! I will tell you nothing more about them and other characters for Laura is the inventor of their story and I don’t want you to miss your first impressions and growing familiarity with them.

I loved this visit to post American Revolutionary times, where people dealt with prejudice, unfairness, and adjustments that were not easily overcome. We can all identify with those challenges as our nation groans with similar concerns though different situations. Williamsburg is visited in this novel! Williamsburg, VA is a favorite vacation spot for my sister and myself. Reading the references to that important location of course caused me to smile and wish I were there!

This is a novel I highly approve of and will suggest for anyone who wants to know what excellent books I’ve been reading lately. So far my sister and I have read this copy and I’m sure that we will be fighting over who gets to read it next many times over! {Okay, we don’t fight really, but we have decided to read the same book about the same time in the past. That happens with our favorites and well, this is one of our new favorites! I may not have told my sister that I wanted to read certain books when she did. Or I may have just told her no.}

If you buy this for a birthday gift, Christmas gift or just because gift for a special person in your life— they will thank you for the experience. My heart still hums with the pleasure of reading The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz and I’m sure if you give it a try, then yours will also.

Don’t be shy… if you’ve read this book tell us your thoughts!

Questions for Laura:

1)      When did you fall in love with American Revolutionary times?

As soon as I learned to read those little biographies of historic figures like Betsy Ross and Dolly Madison and Sacajawea, I was smitten!

2)      Who is your favorite person from those days?

Daniel Boone. Thankfully, my next novel includes him and the entire plot revolves around a little known incident in his life. Thanks to historical fans for asking me to write another Kentucky novel and include my lifetime hero!

3)      Who are your hero and heroine fashioned after?

Wonderful question! Seamus is a combination of George Rogers Clark and George Washington, both heroes of the Colonial period. My heroine resembled the lovely Madeline Stowe who portrayed Cora in the film, The Last of the Mohicans.

4)      Is this a standalone novel, or will there be more stories that come from Tall Acres?

Readers are already asking for a sequel and I’m honored by that. If that happens I think the heroine would be a grown-up Lily Cate J. And an adult baby Adam!

5)      Now that you have moved into a log cabin built by a writer what has sparked your imagination for future novels?

I’m still pinching myself that I’m living the log cabin dream of my childhood. I really believe it’s time for me to return to my Appalachian roots. The area I’m living in (and where I grew up) has tremendous story potential. I need only tap into my family tree and the history of this incredible Kentucky county.

6)      The Mistress of Tall Acre’s cover is lovely. Did you have a hand in its design or were you able to suggest what you would like?

I had actually asked for the hero and his wee daughter to be on the cover but Sophie, our heroine, won out! I was able to choose the dress she is wearing from a portfolio of period gowns. I thought it was important for the house, Tall Acre, to be on the cover as the estate is so key to the novel. And I have to put in a plug for the back as the house in cameo is heavenly as is the back of Sophie’s gown on the spine!

7)      Getting down and personal…what is your favorite food?

Is this a trick question? I hate to say it but the only thing I DON’T like is escargot and oysters, etc. A favorite would be regional – chicken and dumplings  :). 

8)      What is your favorite hobby not counting writing and reading? (Yes, I can be mean!)

I love handwork like cross-stitch and knitting though I’m a terrible knitter! I may try crochet soon. I’m wild about Pinterest, so much so that it counts as a hobby. And I’m an avid walker/hiker who goes out every day.

9)    Who is a favorite actor that you would enjoy in a movie made from one of your novels? (I can’t help but hope that some wise investor will contract your books and make them memorable movies like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.
Oh my! What a delicious question! I would have to pick Richard Armitage as a hero. He’s such a classy gentleman and full of smolder ;).

10)      What else would you like to tell us about yourself or your novels or plans in the future?

3 more novels coming through 2019. Can’t wait!  (I agree! I can't wait either!)

11)      How do you wish your reading friends to contact you?

My website is http://laurafrantz.net/

I always answer email at lauran@tfon.com.

https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor

https://www.pinterest.com/laurafrantz/

https://instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/

Huge thanks to you, Sue, for such a fun interview!

Every novel by Laura Frantz has been a worth read in my opinion!  

A Patchwork of Promises by Gayle C. Ottemiller

I had the pleasure of receiving A Patchwork of Promises by Gayle C. Ottemiller this past weekend and was thrilled at its unique delivery for encouragement and information. Truly, any quilter, whether you are experienced, novice, or a wanna-be (like me) will love this devotional book. In fact, anyone who had a quilting friend or relation would be warmed by the stories shared in these devotions. As I read these, I was reminded of my own sweet memories and I believe you will think of yours also!

 I know that you should read one devotion per day, but I read three at my first sitting, one right after the other. I appreciated the Living Bible or The Message scripture used to start the devotion and then again at the finish to state God’s promise. What spiritual delights wait for anyone who would read A Patchwork of Promises. 

Perusing these pages, I discovered a sweet simplicity that stirred my emotions with stories of quilts and the people connected with them. Some stories told of thoughtful mothers and others were about givers who’d never known those to whom their quilts would bring comfort.  I felt that the scriptures used in this book were powerful and useful for anyone at any spiritual level. The topics were engaging and memorable, for though I read these late at night when my brain usually does an information dump…I’m still savoring their sweetness and the power of the message they conveyed.

The added plus is the information stitched into the devotions about quilting. I eagerly wrote those tips down for my ‘someday’ when I hope to start a memory quilt for my family. In a few words, I would describe A Patchwork of Promises as unique and inspiring, a book that touches the reader’s spirit, soul, and delight for quilting. How many fortunate people will be wrapped in the quilts and love inspired by this worthy read….innumerable I hope! I highly recommend this devotional for your personal use or for gift giving!

“Purely Inspirational”

Pens of Praise

Christian Writers Group

Next meeting…

Monday, October 19^th   from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

at

Faith Church

2201  42^nd Street, Manitowoc, WI  54220

§   Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods

§   Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43

During our October meeting, we will explore a teaching which reaches into the “Purely Inspirational” realm taught by Susan Kinney. Bring your favorite Bible along! Don’t forget your spectacles!

Our prompt for October is: Your FAVORITE Bible story – In Your Own Words. Whether you write poetry, a one page short story, or article, recall your favorite biblical story and share your excitement with our Penzers!! We are a safe place to spread your wings to soar when sharing your inspirational writing.

Not in town with us…no matter you may join in and write to our prompt! That will be second best to being here!

Warning !!! You may end up LOVING to write!

Visit a local shop and bring your coffee or cappuccino with you.

Let us know if you’re attending so we can save a seat just for you.

We look forward to seeing you there! May God bless you richly and always 

as you write for 

His glory! 

Sarah Sandra Guest Post on Acne Remedies

Greetings all, 

I want to introduce a blog piece shared with us from Sarah Sandra. It is my joy to work with her on this blog event and I found her information interesting and I hope it will be useful for those who suffer with Acne. You may find other topics of interest with Sarah at Sarah Sandra  www.OLWomen.Com
Now take a gander and read and enjoy! 

5 Pretty Simple Home Remedies Ideas for Acne

The important part of you is none other than your skin, it is your friend and you like it and it likes you. You do protect it from any kind of damage but that one annoying thing appears all of a sudden from nowhere and you start hating your skin; yes the Acne! You start to use the harsh chemicals, scrub and everything you get at particular time just to be free of it but the main question here is how to get rid of acne, so we are here to offer you the pretty simple home remedies you can use for the treatment of acne. You do not need to waste your money on the market scrubs or substances. Just follow these medications and you will fall in love with your skin all over again. There is no need to worry if you can consider these:

5- Utilize a Banana Peel

Banana is comprised of all categories of goodness even the part that is not used by us. The peel of the banana contains a prevailing antioxidant known as lutein that helps in the growth of cells and lessens swelling. Rub the banana peel on your face to minimize the redness and distress of acne.

Method of treating acne with banana peels:

·         First of all, cleanse the affected area of skin with a cleanser to ensure that it is free from dust and oils then wash with cool water, dry your skin with a clean towel. Do not rub your skin too harshly, it will make the acne worse.

·         Select the banana that is ripe, yellow having black spots, you should avoid the bananas that are over-ripe; greasy and black.

·         Take a banana peel and cut it in small pieces so that it’s easy to handle.

·         Now rub the interior part of banana peel on the affected area of your skin. Gently massage your skin with it for about 10 minutes. After every few minutes, do check the peel, if it’s turned black then take the new piece of peel and continue to massage.

·         Do not wash your skin immediately after applying the banana peel, do wait until the end of the day if you can and then wash your skin with cool water so that the banana peel is fully absorbed in your skin. If you cannot wait the whole day then do the massage before going to bed and wash your face in the morning.

·         Do this task on the daily basis at least for a week, you will notice that you acne will start to disappear. If you comprehend that your skin is becoming irritated by the use of banana peel and stop using it on daily basis and let your skin rest.

4- Usage of Lemon Juice

The lemon juice contain Vitamin C which is the best for all types of skin, it helps in exfoliating the skin as well because it’s a citric acid. It can also be used as the skin whitener to lessen the redness of skin but one thing you should keep in your mind, do not apply lemon juice before going outside in the sun, it might cause a damage to your skin.

Method of treating acne with Lemon Juice:

·         Wash your face first to ensure there is no dirt or oil, make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the lemon juice.

·         Take a cotton pad and soak it in the piece of fresh lemon. Leave the cotton pad in the lemon piece for few seconds for good absorption.

·         Use the cotton pad on the affected area of your skin, you might feel the itchiness on your skin but it must not hurt; saturate the cotton pad in the lemon piece as needed.

·         After 30 minutes, rinse your face with water and remove any excess lemon juice.

·         Do this task every 1-3 days for couple of weeks for better results.

3- Strawberry Facial Mask

As strawberries are high in salicylic acid which is used in the treatment of acne that is why it can be used as a facial mask to get rid of the acne and it also helps in new cell growth.

Method of making a homemade strawberry cleanser:

·         Mesh the strawberries using a folk.

·         Mix them with 2 teaspoons of honey and merge them together.

·         Wash your face with cool water and dry it but leave it a little wet.

·         Apply the mask on your face for about 20 minutes.

·         After that, wash your face with warm water and apply some moisture on your skin.

·         Use this mask for at least a month.