I’m excited to have one of my favorite authors, Laura Frantz with me today. I became acquainted with Laura’s writing back in 2012 when a contest judge referred me to her debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, as an example of deep point of view. What an impact that novel had on me as I sought to improve my writing skills.
Now, I’m honored to have become acquainted with Laura herself a bit, and she’s just as intriguing as her novels! Her tenth book, A Bound Heart, has just released, and she’s graciously offered to GIVE AWAY a PRINT COPY! (US addresses only) Be sure to stick around to ENTER!
It’s great to have you here, Laura! What would you say inspired the storyline for A Bound Heart?
My Scottish ancestry. I have always loved all things Scottish and have traveled there several times so thought it would be interesting and challenging to set a story there and include my family history.
Do you have a favorite character in the novel? If so, why?
I always say babies trump books, so I love to include children in my novels when it suits the story. Larkin is my favorite character in A Bound Heart by far. I had written a good third of the novel before he appeared quite by accident. I hadn’t planned on it. But I’m so happy he’s there and more than a few readers agree he’s a scene stealer 😊
Its amazing how the Lord can bring characters to life. How much of your personality is in your heroine, Lark MacDougall?
Wonderful question! I think Lark shares my quiet spirit. She loves nature, solitude, and her simple tasks. Though she worries, she maintains a steady trust in the Lord and his leading. I learned a lot from her while writing!
Is there a theme verse or message that holds this story together?
Probably God’s overriding faithfulness and how He marvelously works all things for our good, even the most desperate situations and circumstances. It is true historically and it’s true today. If you doubt it in your own life, just look back and see all the ways He’s worked in your past for your best and to bless others.
Obviously authenticity is important to you. To what extent do you go to in researching a novel?
I’ll include the recent interview I did via this link that answers that in detail: How I Research My Historical Novels
Thanks for sharing that link, Laura. I enjoyed reading it. Can you tell us how you’ve sensed the Lord’s hand on your writing journey?
Given I was a closet writer since age 7 and never wanted to publish anything, He gets all the credit! It’s truly completely His doing. He was very patient with this girl, getting me out of my comfort zone to do what He’s gifted me to do then rewarding me with such a wonderful publisher and readers along the way. I’m really amazed we’re up to 10 books!
An incredible journey! So glad the Lord lured you out of your comfort zone! What take-away value do you want readers to gain from this novel?
My hope is that you find this story meaningful and inspiring and can say, despite the valleys of life, “Yea, I have a goodly heritage.” Psalms 16:6
Amen! Can you give us a glimpse into your next writing project?
I just turned in a novel set in western Virginia 1770 that releases January of next year. Currently I’m writing a story set in Jamestown Colony 1634. Stepping back a century has many challenges, but I’m fascinated with the time period and thankful for research trips to the site. One of the joys of writing is research!
I completely agree. I love research! Thanks so much for being my guest!
Laura’s Contact info:
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Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
A Bound Heart. Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning together.
~ Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for your chance to win a PRINT COPY of A BOUND HEART! (Available only to US Addresses)
I loved The Frontiersman’s Daughter! It’s the only one I’ve read so far. It’s nice to know that I have 9 more of her books to enjoy.
Wasn’t it wonderful? I’ve not yet read all ten books, but the ones I’ve read have been amazing. Thanks for stopping by, Perrianne. The best to you in the contest.
I loved Courting Morrow Little! Truthfully, I have loved all of Laura’s books!
Also one of my favorites! Thanks, Joan! Great to see you here.
Happy Wednesday, reading friends! So happy to be here on Cynthia’s site and celebrate this new release with you all. Really appreciate your kind words about my books as I work on novel 12 (#11 is in with my editors for titling and cover art). Thank you for wanting to read Lark’s story, one based on my heart & heritage!
Thanks so much for stopping in, Laura! We’re looking forward to reading Lark’s story as well as your future novels. Blessings!
Thank you for the great opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! God bless! krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet
Hi Lual! Great to see you here. The best to you in the contest.
Was there something in the honey itself that was supposed to help Magnus’ wife conceive, or did Laura have knowledge of herbs and healing? I know honey is very beneficial.
Hi Beth! I don’t know. I’ll alert Laura to your question. Thanks!
Such a great question, Beth. Yes, for centuries honey has been used medicinally and also for conception. It’s an old wives tail that actually seems to be true, especially honey with cinnamon which is thought to enhance fertility. You sound like you understand its amazing properties. I use raw honey myself for health reasons. My hubby read the book back in December and asked me why I seem to gravitate toward a wildcrafting theme in my books – and now bees 🙂 I hadn’t thought of it but I’m an avid gardener so it must just come naturally. And now I’d love to take up beekeeping! Thank you for your thoughtful question!
So interesting. Thanks for taking time to answer, Laura!
I love A Moonbow Night. So far, it’s the only book I’ve read from her, but I loved it and would love the opportunity to read another.
Hi Heather. Ah! I highly recommend The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little. Both are great!
Heather, Oh, thank you for taking time for Moonbow, probably my hardest book to read (and write) in that it’s more historical than romance. But I do love my state’s history, especially those Boone’s 🙂
I have not read one yet but I have The Lacemaker on my kindle. I have heard nothing but good about her books. I love historicals. Time to read one of hers for sure!
Hi Paula! You’re in for a treat. Thanks for stopping by!
What an interesting book! I like historical fiction.
Thanks for stopping by, Vivian! Historical novels are the best! =)
I’ve heard a lot about Laura Frantz but I haven’t read anything by her yet.
So glad you stopped by, A. Kaylee! If you’re an inspirational, historical novel fan I’m certain you’ll enjoy Laura’s writing.
I think I have read all of Laura’s stand alone books, but not her series. All are wonderful but I think I enjoyed The Colonel’s Lady and The Mistress of Tall Acre the best.
Yes they are. Thanks, Patty!
Enjoyed the interview, Laura! Love your cover. Hi, Cynthia!
Hi Gail! Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed The Colonel’s Lady. Whether she is painting a sweeping landscape or an intimate scene between two characters, her imagery and attention to historic details are all-absorbing. Also, the woman can write a kiss… This is not something I would usually comment on, but the way she builds the chemistry between Cas and Roxy is commendable!
Oh, Amanda, You are truly a kindred spirit reader. And I have a feeling you might have a book in you, too:) So appreciate your comments about TCL and our rascally colonel and Roxie. Love how you say that chemistry is commendable. It was hard to beat that first kiss in successive books! Thanks for being here. I’m enjoying reading through everyone’s comments. So thoughtful. I’m very thankful that we can come together here & celebrate edifying fiction!
Well said, Amanda! Laura’s descriptions and detailed characters are definitely her greatest strength.
I haven’t read any of her books yet because she’s a new to me author. They sound sound wonderful.
You’re in for a treat, Melissa. Thanks for stopping by.
I would love to win a copy
My favorite book so far by Laura is
The mistress of Tall Acre
Hi Carolyn. I haven’t yet read that one, but I need to. Thanks for entering!
I recently read Laura’s book The Lacemaker and thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely is one of my favorites of her’s. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity and good luck everyone.
Hi Debbie! Great to have you here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! Blessings!
Laura Frantz is a new author to me! I love historical fiction, but I’ve only recently began reading the Christian historical fiction novels. I can’t wait to read some of Ms. Frantz’s books. I plan on adding some to my list on Goodreads.
So happy you’re here & also at Goodreads, Lensey. You are in for a treat w/ Christian fiction & I’m blessed to be on your reading radar!
Hi Lensey! I’m so honored to introduce you to Laura. She’s a wonderful writer. Enjoy!
I have not read any of her books yet though I just bought one. I’m looking forward to reading it.
I’m sure you’ll be blessed by it, Faith! Thanks for dropping in!
I haven’t read any yet but they are the type book I like so I’ll be reading a lot of them!!
Sounds good, Lynette! Glad you stopped by!
Hi Laura and Cynthia! Loved the interview. 🙂 No need to enter me in the giveaway. I already have a copy. I’ve been a HUGE fan of Laura’s books from the very beginning. It’s hard to pick one favorite. 🙂 Blessings to you both!
Great to see you here, Savanna! It is hard to choose from Laura’s books, but The Frontiersman’s Daughter will always have a special place in my heart! Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
I’ll always remember that one as well. Even after all these years. <3 Just talking about it makes me want to read my copy all over again. Hugs to you!
Me too, my friend! Hugs to you too!
I must admit I have never actually read any of Laura’s books. 🙁 I have been seeing so many of them recommended, though, so they’re on my long to-be-read list. I actually won an ecopy of An Unbound Heart, but my ereader is acting up. So I would love to win the paperback. I also have Scottish heritage (I’m a redhead, and my father’s family are the Maxwell clan)!
Great to have you here, Lila! The best to you in the giveaway!
It’s hard to pick a favorite but I really liked A Moonbow Night. Thanks for the interview and giveaway. I would love to win A Bound Heart.
Good choice, Pam. I especially liked the part about the Boone family! Thanks for dropping by!
This sounds like a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!
Great to meet you, Amelia! Thanks for stopping by to enter!
My favorite Laura Frantz book is A Moonbow Night.
A great choice, Caryl. Thanks so much for dropping by Sowing Seeds of Hope Blog!
Laura is a new to me author, so I don’t have a favorite. Historical Christian fiction is one of my favorite genres. Beautiful cover! Thanks for sharing ladies!
Hi Robin, I’m so happy to meet you and others here who don’t have me on their reading radar. With so many books being published today, it’s always a stretch to reach new readers. Thank you for stopping and wanting to take a chance on a new-to-you author! Love beautiful NC, by the way:) I have relatives near Charlotte.
Glad to introduce you to Laura, Robin! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
I haven’t read any of Laura’s books yet, but I would love for this one to be the first! I love all things Scottish too!
Hi Candace! So good to see you here! I’m happy to introduce you to Laura and her writing. Blessings!
I would be a new reader of Laura’s novels. While awaiting Cynthia’s third book in the Prairie Skies series, I will enjoy embarking on the new “adventures.
Ah! Hi Mary Ellen! So good to see you here! I’m thrilled you’re eager for Book 3, Under Moonlit Skies! Reading A Bound Heart would be a great way to wait for it! Blessings!