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)

 

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