The
Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
Williamsburg lovers and those captivated by
exceptionally well-crafted historical story will luxuriate in this novel as
though they dined upon a fine feast that spared no expense! Laura’s turn of
phrase, the exceptional beauty of her descriptions that blends seamlessly into
the storyline is her ongoing trademark of being the exquisite teller of
stories. Yes, I received a free copy of The
Lacemaker with no fear of disappointment. Laura is dedicated with her
efforts and owns the blessed ability for crafting stories that hook my heart
and attention and spur my imagination.
Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson’s tale begins in May 1775
during a delicate and quite interesting time period in America’s Colonial
history. With the joy I’ve come to expect from Laura’s stories, I dipped my toe
over the timeline of years and culture to find myself in the brewing and uneasy
circumstances between Independence Men
and Tories.
Laura’s characters are wonderfully dancing on the
pages of this believable and page turning tale. Each one—be they the hero,
Nobel Rynallt or Elisabeth’s French maid, Isabeau, or beautiful Cressida or
even Miles Roth and several of the famous persons of this time period are so
well presented they may as well be sitting at table with you and taking tea.
Oh, excuse me, if you are not of Torie leanings—coffee.
The
Lacemaker holds a depth that grabbed and held onto both my
desire to finish the story to know what would happen to my new friends on the
pages and yet, at the same time, caused me to wrestle with the ‘I don’t want
Elisabeth’s and Nobel’s story to end.” Let it be known that I sent Laura a
message begging for a sequel as was also suggested strongly by my sister, Pat!
We expect it in a year. 😊
What do you say reader, shall we contact the fine publisher, Revell, and let
them know our desires for future reads?
I’m game if you are!
Questions for Laura!
- Laura, you marvelously capture characters interactions and reactions on the page! Can you share your inspiration for Elisabeth and mother’s relationship? And Elisabeth’s father too. (Without giving away the discoveries of their interactions in the story.) Since so many families were divided politically, I thought it would be interesting to have a husband and wife in different camps, so to speak, and I had fun making Lady Elisabeth’s mother a published writer. Her pen was quite acidic!
- My sister found where she could purchase orange flower water online so that she could make the fairy butter you wrote into the story. Thank you for providing those two recipes! How this makes the telling and experiencing all the more delightful! That recipe is the most delightful in name and taste! Many Welsh dishes are very tasty and it was fun when my editor asked me to add those recipes at the back of the novel.
- I enjoyed reading the street names and places you mention in Williamsburg. Made me feel as though I was almost revisiting my beloved Colonial town! (My sister, Pat enjoyed this too!) Does Elisabeth’s home actually exist? Is it privately owned or a business that visitors can enjoy? It does exist in our imaginations! In the novel, Elisabeth’s home is on North England Street directly behind the St. George Tucker house. Their nearest neighbor would have been the Peyton Randolphs. This area worked well in describing the Lawson’s as being near the Palace yet on a more private road.
- I loved the Welsh names and intimacies mentioned! Anwylyd, a prized favorite. Is your fifth great-grandmother of Welsh decent? Thank you for her mention in your dedication! Yes, she was Welsh and I so wish I knew more about her. The DAR highly prizes female patriots so I was glad to include that dedication. She truly has a novel-worthy name!
- Did a certain fire in your story actually take place? (Please don’t mention where or when in the story. Let’s allow the readers to explore your story and discover it naturally!) Fires were set during this time period by people bent on mischief on both sides, much like tarring and feathering, etc. Businesses were burned also. It sent a very chilling message to the injured party.
- Do you have your next story in the works and do you want to tell us something about it? Novel 10 begins in Scotland and is a coming-to-America story about indentured servants – suspense, history, and romance in many layers! Editorial at Revell now has it and it’s up for titling and the start of cover art. The working title is Tryst but I think something more romantic might be called for!
- How do you want your readers to stay in touch with you or contact you? I have a new website, thanks to the very talented Savanna Kaiser, and invite reading friends to join me there for my new newsletter and frequent journal updates. http://laurafrantz.net/new-website/
“Tis
a wonder and pleasure to mix extraordinary times, with exceptional telling and
Laura Frantz brings life to imagination.
I
highly recommend Laura Frantz and The
Lacemaker as well as all of her other fine reads!
Susan
Marlene
