Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Interview with Laura Frantz & a Book Giveaway!

I've been looking forward to this day for weeks!! It's the day Laura Frantz visits my blog. :) I met Laura on the pages of her novel, The Colonel's Lady, and became an instant fan. She was one of the first authors I reached out to on my writing journey, and she's become a wonderful friend. Though we've not met in person, she has been a joy and encouragement to me along the way. The best part? Her books are amazing, and they keep getting better!!
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Welcome to my blog, Laura! I’m thrilled, as always, to have you here. Today I’m excited to talk about your latest release, Love’s Fortune, and find out what we can look forward to next.

Gabrielle, I’ve always felt a special connection with you, ever since you found me on Facebook and we discussed our mutual fascination with Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh and all that rich history near your home and heart! That was, of course, only the tip of the iceberg! Now here you are, another novelist!

I remember that first conversation! It was the start of a beautiful friendship. You've been so kind to come alongside me and offer your support. 

First, let’s chat a little about, Love’s Fortune, which is the third and final installment of the Ballantyne Legacy Series. I shared my review last September when the book released, and when I looked back at it just now, all the wonderful feelings and emotions from the story returned to me. It’s a lovely tale that still tugs on my heart. How do you feel leaving the Ballantyne family behind to write new stories?


I’m thrilled Wren’s story reached you on an emotional level, always my heart’s desire. Leaving the Ballantynes was bittersweet as I had become quite attached to Eden and Silas and their descendants over the course of 3-4 years researching and writing about them. Ending their story in Scotland, the land of my hero’s birth, brought the series full circle and made it easier to type THE END. Publishing doesn’t give you a lot of time to catch your breath so it’s off to another storyworld…!

Your next novel, The Mistress of Tall Acre, will release in September 2015. The back cover copy sounds so intriguing! 

The American Revolution is finally over and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her closest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe and sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the point of breaking. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre? 

Oh, my! I can’t wait to read this story! Can you share with us where the story idea came from?
 
I’ve always wanted to write a novel about a hero who’s both a widower and a father. There’s something especially poignant about that to me – far more angst! So Seamus, grieving widower and war hero and single father, was the launching point for this novel. Since I love Virginia history, I set the story there, and modeled Tall Acre after Gunston Hall (George Mason’s estate). But the lovely house you see on the cover is quite different than Mason’s (Revell couldn’t use Gunston Hall due to copyright issues). My heroine is also older this time round as you will also see from the cover. I like that maturity very much and appreciate Revell nailing her look. I was able to choose the gown she’s wearing – the fabric is exquisite though the button are a bit taboo for that time period :), at least for women.
 
 
The cover is gorgeous, and I love the age and wisdom in the heroine's face! Can you share a few images you used for inspiration?
 
I really hoped to have the hero and his little girl on the cover. In fact, a dress was sewn for the child model but the heroine won out. This cover is very different than my others, less portrait-ish and more realistic. When it goes live it will be interesting to hear comments, ayes and nays ;). I really wanted to have the house, Tall Acre, a very fine, old Georgian estate incorporated and that did come to be. Tall Acre is truly the linchpin of the novel, perhaps more than any other aspect except the general’s little daughter, whose name is such a delight to me I wish I had one!
 
I had so much fun naming my own daughters--and it's just as fun naming my book characters! :)
 
I just read on your Author Facebook Page that you’re working on an upcoming novel set on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. There is so much about this bit of information that excites me! Many of your American stories have had a wee bit ‘o Scottish in them, but I know you’ve been longing to set a story in Scotland. It reminds me of Proverbs 13:19 “A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” I have a feeling this story has been sweet for your soul. Can you share how this story idea developed, and give us a glimpse of what we can expect?
 
Oh, love that particular Scripture, Gabrielle. Very true of this Scottish story! Since my family lineage is Scottish and they came to the colonies in the early 18th-century, I’ve always longed to put that on paper. This novel will have quite a bit of suspense within and takes place on two continents. It begins on the Isle of Mull, a place I’ve had the joy of experiencing several times – and very atmospheric, complete with a whisky cave I climbed down a cliff to see at low tide! This is also incorporated into the novel. I just hope to do all that rich history justice!
 
I can't wait to read both of your upcoming novels! Thank you for visiting today, Laura, and thank you for sharing a glimpse into your writing world. Your stories, and your sweet heart, make you one of my all-time favorite authors.
 
Always a joy to spend time with you and reading friends here and share some book buzz, Gabrielle! Thank you!

Dear Readers! Laura has graciously offered to give away a copy of one of her stories! The winner's choice. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

YOUR TURN: Have you read one of Laura's stories? If so, which is your favorite? And what do you think of that lovely cover?!?!


Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Her family resides in Kentucky and Virginia.
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We have a winner from last week's visit with Jennifer Major!! The winner is Paula Moldenhauer!! Congratulations. I'll contact you soon.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

37 comments:

  1. Welcome to Minnesota, Laura! What a fun interview! Laura is such a gracious and encouraging person, she's a joy to know!

    Of course I've read all her novels. :) And while I adore Laura's settings, stories, and characters, it's her symphonic prose that makes me long for more. I am so excited to read The Mistress of Tall Acre! I'm certain it will be as fabulous as the rest!

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    1. Thank you for welcoming Laura to Minnesota! Isn't the weather gorgeous right now?!?! :) I couldn't agree with you more about Laura's symphonic prose--and what a lovely way to state that! I could talk on and on about Laura's stories. She's a master at so many writing elements. I'm eager to read The Mistress of Tall Acre, just to step into another storyworld she's created. Thank you for being here today, Brenda!

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  2. What a lovely interview, more like listening in on a conversation over books and tea and maybe Scottish scones! I'm looking so much to reading and savoring The Mistress of Tall Acre! The cover is very nice, though I think I was spoiled by the Ballantyne Legacy covers. I like the mature look of the model and her hair is awesome, just had to say! My favorite LF book so far is Courting Morrow Little, though it is difficult and almost unfair to have to choose. ;) Blessings to you both!

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    1. Oh, how I wish this conversation was over tea and Scottish scones! I wish we could all be together in one place talking about books. :) Thankfully we have the internet, which is almost as good--though I'd love to hear everyone's voices and see their facial expressions as they talked about the stories they love. I'm sorry for asking such a difficult and unfair question. :) It's almost like asking which child you love more. :) Courting Morrow Little was the second book I read of Laura's and it's so beautiful and rich with all the things we love about Laura's writing. Thank you for stopping by today, Carla!

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    2. Such a pleasure to visit with this great company!

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  3. I've read all of Laura's stand alone novels and I think I enjoyed The Colonel's Lady the best! Haven't read The Ballantyne Legacy series yet...

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    1. Patty, I'm so happy you've read Laura's stand alones! They are beautiful stories. I hope you get a chance to read the Ballantyne books, as well. Laura artfully wove three generations together in a sweeping saga that is truly magnificent. There are many characters you'll fall in love with in the Ballantyne family (and outside the family!). Thank you for stopping by today.

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  4. Seamus Ogilvy? LOVE that name! ;)
    I'm sooooo looking forward to this book!!

    And, umm, Courting Morrow Little is my all time Frantz Favourite. But I already have a copy. But it wouldn't kill me to have Silas Ballantyne hang out on my bookshelf.

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    1. I remember the conversation on Laura's blog about Seamus. :) I can't wait to meet this new hero. Laura's heroes always make me swoon--my heart flutters at the thought! :) Thank you for stopping by today, Jennifer!! It's always a delight to see your smiling face. :)

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  5. Great post!! Thank you both for sharing. :) I can't wait to read Laura's work.

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    1. Thank you for stopping in today, Cindy! I hope you'll love Laura's writing as much as I do. .)

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  6. Finally up and around here on the west coast! Wonderful to see such uplifting, encouraging comments and know people are ready to read:) Heartfelt thanks to Gabrielle and everyone for taking time here.

    It's always fun talking book buzz and this post coincided beautifully with the new cover release. Glad Sophie and Seamus's story sounds interesting and intriguing. It was a joy to write and I can't wait to introduce you to my littlest heroine in the novel. When her name came to me I fell in love with it and wished I had a little girl to name the same - but no spoilers for you!

    Anyway, I'll be back off and on today as I work on the galleys for TMoTA. Bless you all for making Wednesday so sweet!

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to come and visit, Laura! It's always a treat for me--and everyone who shares in the conversation. :)

      I'm eagerly awaiting The Mistress of Tall Acre for so many reasons, but now I'm even more curious about Seamus's daughter's name! I have a feeling it's a beautiful name for an equally beautiful character.

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  7. Wonderful interview, ladies! "The Colonel's Lady" was also my first Laura Frantz book, and remains my favorite too! What a fabulous sneak peak into your inspiration for "The Mistress of Tall Acre", Laura! I love the widower/father storyline as well, and I'm really looking forward to reading it! :-)

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    1. Gwen, So happy to see you ~ and HUGE congrats at your own good news:) I always say a baby beats a book any day! Love the name you chose, too. Our pastor's wife Shares that name as well as my favorite American girl doll!

      I'm glad the blurb for TMoTA appeals to you and the story behind the story. I have a real heart for single dads (and moms) and we know quite a few. Glad TCL is your top pick of my books. Since you liked Colonel McLinn, here's hoping General Ogilvy will win you over.

      Bless you and your precious family today!!

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    2. Hello, Gwen!! Congratulations on your little bundle of love. :) It's been fun seeing pictures. I wonder if everyone's first Laura Frantz book is their favorite...there's just something special about discovering a wonderful author for the first time. The story holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It was the push I needed to start pursuing my own writing journey. :) Thank you for being here!!

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  8. I have not read one of her books yet! But I have heard great things about them! both of those covers are so pretty!!! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Sierra! SO happy you're here and wanting to read a book of mine! That blesses me more than I can say. One of the challenges of being an author is reaching new readers. Thanks for stopping by and taking time here. Happy Wednesday!

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    2. Oh, I'm so happy you found this interview and learned a little more about Laura. You will love her stories. The covers are just the icing on the cake! :) The delectable treat is buried inside. Good luck in the drawing, Sierra!!

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  9. Fabulous interview with Laura! So excited about the release of THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE. The cover is gorgeous. :)

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    1. Caryl, So good to see you here! And I love that you love the cover! It really does give you a good hook regarding the book. Thanks for being so gracious and encouraging. That goes a long ways as far as inspiration and my writing this next book:)

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    2. Welcome to my blog, Caryl! I'm excited about the release of The Mistress of Tall Acre, as well!! It's so much fun to see a cover and get the book blurb to start anticipating the story. I'm already intrigued and eagerly awaiting these characters and their journey.

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  10. I love Laura's books. They stay on my keeper shelf. My favorite by her is The Frontiersman's Daughter.
    Thank you so much for the interview and giveaway!

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    1. I'm so happy to hear you're a fan of Laura's! The Frontiersman's Daughter is a wonderful choice for your favorite! I loved the hero, Ian, and one of my all-time favorite scenes is the one where he gives Lael a special Christmas present... :) I need to return to that story soon...

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  11. Hi Amy! So happy you have a heart for Lael:) Me, too, as that was my debut and opened the door to publishing. Thanks for making a spot for my stories on your keeper shelf. Anytime the word 'keeper' is mentioned I'm over the moon:) Bless you for being here!

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  12. Great interview! Thank you both for doing it! I first found Laura's book, Courting Morrow Little at the library. It swept me away, and I wrote Laura's name on a sticky note so I would be sure to remember her name. Read them all over the years and loved each one. Some of them are displayed in my bookshelf in the living room. The Fronteirsman's Daughter was one of my last reads. I bought it on the kindle thinking I would reread it, and to my surprise and delight, I had never read it before! The chase scene in TFD is one of the most heart pounding, romantic scenes I have ever read in any book. :-)

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    1. Somehow I keep missing that reply button. Please see below:)

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  13. Jenny - Oh, so, so love that you mention that chase scene! I need to revisit it:) Love your wording, too, when you describe it as heart-pounding and romantic. Bless you for that. Honored you wrote my name down and kept up with my books. It's a joy to have you here on Gabe's beautiful blog. I'd love to mail you another of my books!

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  14. I've read all of Laura's novels and I have to say that my favorite is a toss up between Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady and Love's Awakening, and Love's Fortune. I love them all but for different reasons. I love the romance in Courting Little Morrow, with The Colonel's lady and Love's Fortune I love the heroines, as Wren and Roxanne are the two heroines of Laura's that I relate to the most. And with Love's Awakening I love the hero, in fiction I have a weakness for the reformed bad boys.

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    1. Carissa, I'm thrilled you're here - you always say SO much in your comments in just a few words! Love knowing the reasons behind your liking various books of mine. I am always what goes on in a reader's head and heart so this really gives me a great glimpse. Like you, I have a weakness, too, for reformed bad boys. My latest heroes have been almost too good! I think I may need to think up another wowzer of a rake, lol, and then make him wonderfully redeemable;) You inspire me. Thanks for taking time here. I know how busy you are and it means so much!

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  15. I've read all of Laura's novels and have loved them all so it's hard to pick a favorite. I did especially love the story of Eden and Silas in "Love's Reckoning". Thanks so much for the great interview. I can't wait to read "The Mistress of Tall Acre"! And the novel in Scotland sounds amazing too. 😃

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    1. Dear Jennifer, Wonderful to see you here - and know you have a heart for my books! Glad Seamus and Sophie's story at Tall Acre has won you over, too. I pray/hope you enjoy that very much. It's really heartening to have faithful readers like you who stay with me for ALL my books. The Scotland story has been especially challenging and interesting to research. I haven't started the writing yet but will soon. Thanks for being encouraging and taking time here today. Happy almost Friday!

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  16. Such an enjoyable interview, Laura and Gabrielle - thank you!!

    It's so hard to pick a fave from Laura's novels - I love each one of them, but if pressed - would probably say "Love's Reckoning" because of the way it played with my emotions. I love the beautiful cover of "The Mistress of Tall Acre" and it's plot, and anxiously await the opportunity to read it, as well as learn the name of that adorable little girl.

    I am blessed by Laura's friendship - we are kindred spirits in so many ways - not the least of which is our Kentucky and Scottish heritages, I am a descendant of those rebellious MacGregors.

    Looking forward to becoming acquainted with your writing, also - Gabrielle!! Congrats!!

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    1. Bonnie, Love how you put that - 'those rebellious MacGregors'! There's SO much rich history behind your Scots roots! That's why I hope in future you can go to Scotland. My worry is you wouldn't want to come back;)

      You are truly a kindred Kentucky spirit. And I am so glad you have a heart for Love's Reckoning. It does play with one's emotions, even this author's while writing!

      Bless you for joining in here. It wouldn't be the same without you!

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  17. Hello Laura and Gabrielle! Thank you so much for sharing with us. So far, I have read just four out of six books and my most reread ones are The Colonel's Lady & Courting Morrow Little. However, I am rather looking forward to reading Love's Awakening & The Mistress of Tall Acre. As usual, the cover is absolutely stunning!! Now that you mention it, I have some Scottish roots too. I dearly love reading about Scotland and I grew up reading George MacDonald books..Laura, the first of your books that I read was The Frontiersman's Daughter, which I had spotted on the shelf at my local library. I don't believe I had ever read anything like it before and I was an instant fan of yours. So, it gave me even more pleasure to point it out to another library patron and recommend it! I shall be waiting to hear more of your writing, Gabrielle. ~ Blessings, Juli

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    1. Juli! I'm so happy you told me how you met Lael:) And that you recommended it to someone else. Word of mouth is the best sort of book sharing! Thanks very much for that. I'm impressed you've read 4 of my books which makes the giveaway more fun as I'd love to send you one you haven't read! Glad you like the look of TMoTA. These characters were a real joy to spend time with and right now they're in my lap again as I read through the galleys before print. Not too much longer now. Hope you're having a blessed weekend! Thanks again for coming by!

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    2. Juli, I forgot to mention how happy I am to see you mention George MacDonald - my ultimate literary hero! That makes you an instant kindred spirit:) He's one of a kind and in my book, no one else comes close. Glad you claim some Scots roots, too. We Scots must stick together;)

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!