Spring has almost sprung! 

And I’m giving away a box of books, bookmarks, and the amazing frontier novel, Northkill,  which just released!

I became a fan of Joan’s writing with her incredible American Patriot Series above.

Her newest novel, Northkill, co-authored with Bob Hostetler, so moved and impressed me I wanted to give away a copy as a part of the spring giveaway.

A deeply moving, even life-changing book, Northkill brings an actual event in American history to life with such skill and poignancy I could hardly bear to read on yet could not put it down. J. M. Hochstetler and Bob Hostetler have brought the pathos and beauty of the American frontier to the page with rare authenticity and depth, crafting a story from their family legacy that will stay with you long after you finish. This historical novel is among the finest I have ever read.” —Laura Frantz

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If you’d like to enter the drawing for Northkill and a box of books/bookmarks, please comment below…

Winner announced here Monday, March 17th!

So hope you like this latest cover in the Ballantyne Legacy series!

Just click on the cinegraph link below to see the cover in living, moving color…

CINEGRAPH

“Laura Frantz surely dances when she writes: the words sweep across the page with a gentle rhythm and a sure step. Her characters in Love’s Fortune are sympathetic, yet flawed, making them oh-so-easy to care for, ache for, cheer for. Her historical details are well chosen, and her sense of time and place rings true. Above all, it’s Wren’s journey that engages our hearts and makes the pages turn. Well done, lass!”

Someone is Wondering Why He Don’t Write by David Wright

I’ve been sitting by the fire these winter days finishing up a book due out September 2015, awaiting galleys for Love’s Fortune, and wrapping my head and heart around a new frontier story set in Kentucky in 1773. This was Kentucky at its wildest and wooliest so to speak, a place and setting I feel very much at home. If you’ve read my frontier novels like The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel’s Lady you’ll understand my hankering to return to those woods.

Recently I came across this painting and was swept off my feet. I think the Lord provides us with needed inspiration at just the right times and this was one of them. I’m smiling at the painting’s title of my overmountain man and wanted to share him with you here. I’ve given him a heroic name and can hardly wait to lose myself in the woods and rivers of his story.

And then I hope/pray to share it with you!

I’m preparing for the annual birthday tea for dear George which takes place Saturday, February 22, at the replica of Mt. Vernon right here in my neck of the woods. The George Washington Inn is owned by Dan and Janet Abbott who are as hospitable and gracious as can be. They’re also devoted Washington fans and have guest rooms with a view of the ocean instead of the Potomac. Truly a spectacular place – even George himself would be impressed!

I always take my mom, shown with our reenactor friend above, and we spend a few hours celebrating. I had visions of donning stays and squeezing into my 18th-century dress but will save that for another day…

Happy 282nd birthday, George!

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Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I was thinking of my favorite romantic movie and also a favorite romantic book (other than the one I’m writing, that is!) on this sweetest of days…

Here’s an image/link from both…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkYBBlfhupU

Wishing you the sweetest day ever.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Our friends at Family Christian Stores have shared a coupon with Revell authors for their readers! Just use the coupon code for your purchases.

Coupon good from now until March 15, 2014.

Happy reading!

Woke up this morning to check email and go to Facebook where a gift awaited that delighted my heart. It’s short and sweet and a great reminder of God’s blessings over the years. You may have one waiting for you over at Facebook, too. It’s the social media site’s birthday thus the fuss! Just click on the link below to view…

FACEBOOK

My dear readers are always, always on top of things so this post is devoted to Jan who emailed me to tell me she’d found Love’s Fortune up for pre-order this past weekend. She said…

Not only that, another delightful email popped into my inbox last Friday from Revell’s art director with a file attached! Since I’d been to the cover shoot in December I had an inkling of what this new cover might look like as far as the model and the dress. But I had no idea of the pose or the background scene/setting, etc. Recently I talked to photographer/designer, Brandon Hill. who said he was working/hoping to give me my best cover yet. Brandon, if you’re reading this, you truly did! Heartfelt thanks for your amazing gifts. And for caring enough about this humble author to create another cover of my heart! Two of them, actually. But more on that later…

So yes, the cover is here and it’s “breathtaking” in the words of my agent, Janet Grant.

But no spoilers for you! Sometime this month the cover will suddenly appear on the web. I never know just when that will happen. I trust you’ll tell me if you see it!

And I hope/pray it delights your heart, too.

Today I’m guest posting, thanks to author Tamera Alexander and Writes of Passage. I even share a brief excerpt from Love’s Fortune, the third book in The Ballantyne Legacy releasing this September. And I do mean brief! Writes of Passage is a wonderful website devoted to books and readers. Would love to see you there! You may find some new authors and novels, too.

Just click on the following link…

Writes of Passage

Have wonderful weekend!

Last year I started January 2013 with the little devotional Jesus Calling. This year I’ve discovered the JOY DARE and wanted to invite you along to experience more joy in the coming year. Each day brings specific things to be thankful for – God’s many gifts.

Author Ann Voskamp has a beautiful website/books that you may already be aware of. Just clink on her name to go to the link.

Today’s JOY DARE made me smile…

January 27. THREE GIFTS IN THE KITCHEN

1. Our Christmas Tree (yes, I still have a nine foot Christmas tree with tiny white lights by the French door of my kitchen)

2. My mini-Cuisinart (it enables me to make killer ham salad;))

3. Our breakfast bar (memories of 8 years homeschooling on the countertop, bread dough kneaded and biscuits cut, lots of laughter and fun…)

Wishing you a joyful end of January!