Have you ever wondered why book preorders matter so much to your favorite authors? Let me share one of the sweetest perks of preordering my new Christian historical fiction novel, The Saint and the Spy!

A Special Package from Baker Book House

One of the perks of preordering is receiving a physical copy of my book from my favorite retailer, Baker Book House. I mean, just look at this sweet package!

Imagine it arriving via snail mail at your door in the dark, wintry days of January. There’s something so lovely about opening a package and holding a new story in your hands. Especially when you may have forgotten you preordered it!

Why Book Preorders Matter

Preorders are the lifeblood of an author who wants to continue publishing.

They signal interest in an upcoming book, help reach new and existing readers, and can influence how a book performs across online retail platforms and their algorithms.

And, as I understand it, strong preorder sales can also contribute to a novel’s potential placement on bestseller lists.

There’s much behind the scenes that I don’t fully understand, but I do know this: your preorder makes a difference.

 Preorder your copy of The Saint and the Spy & share this post with a friend who loves Christian historical fiction, historical romance, & stories of faith, courage, & love.

Thank you for helping these stories reach readers.

The post A little January joy: preorders appeared first on Laura Frantz.

I got so tickled—tickled pink, or rather indigo!—when an author friend sent me this review she’d come across for one of my novels.

I tend to avoid reviews, though I know some authors read theirs carefully to learn how they might improve their writing. I’ve simply found that what one reader loves, another may loathe, so I don’t find reviews particularly instructive in that regard. Reading is so subjective.

I don’t enjoy sushi, but my boys love it. That doesn’t make sushi inherently good or bad—it simply means it isn’t to my taste. Reading is much the same.

That said, I deeply appreciate every positive review, even the very brief ones that simply tell me what a book meant to that particular reader. Those mean more than you know.

But every so often, a long—& in this case, lengthy—review comes along that is so delightful & hilarious that it simply begs to be shared.

I’m not sure which review site this came from, but thank you, thank you to the reader who took the time not only to read my book but then to craft such a stellar review. I do think there’s a book in you!

Juliet and Leith thank you, too. 💙

Thank you to all of you who take the time to post good reviews—or even gracious reviews when a particular book wasn’t quite your cup of tea. 

It truly is a way of helping share Christ’s message of redemption & hope.

If authors are “paper missionaries,” as Janette Oke so beautifully called them, then readers are bright lights shining clearly in a world of darkness (Philippians 2:15). Every thoughtful review helps make that light a little more visible, helping godly, edifying fiction reach another reader who may need the story—or the hope within it.

So thank you for reading, for sharing, & for being part of this little ministry of words. Your encouragement means more than I can express. 🤍

The post When an author friend sends you a review appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Writing has always seemed more worship. Not publishing, writing. God gifts us all to do His work in unique ways & we have to trust His outcomes. Our focus must be on working from the soul for Him. That gives clarity of mind & perfect peace in a chaotic, competitive “look at me” world. My small creative efforts might not mean much to many but they mean the world to Him & in the end that’s all that truly matters .

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Reading the pages a final time before print! 393 in all. What to expect in modern literary lingo…

🌸 he falls first
🌸 cottagecore heroine
🌸 missing persons
🌸 forced proximity, slow burn
🌸 opposites attract
🌸 Georgian noir
🌸 happily ever after

Prayers appreciated. So hope you enjoy every word!

The post The pages appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Last spring in my newsletter I asked readers what future books they’d like for me to write. I had so many wonderful responses that were encouraging & inspiring! Then I met with my publisher, Revell, & do we have news for you! Back soon to share details. Just wanted to post this ahead of time in my excitement. So thankful for the gift of writing & open doors for bringing you historicals you love to read!

The post Future books appeared first on Laura Frantz.

An 1801 portrait by Rembrandt Peale

It’s truly Christmas in July for me as I’m close to turning in my first holiday novella to my publisher, Revell. I have a love for this story like no other {though I think I say that about every novel when I’m in the thick of it}. But I do adore this joyful, poignant, festive tale & the history behind it as well as the historical setting. The painting above is a large reason why. He’s not the hero in this story though he grows up to be one in real life. I won’t spoil it by sharing too many details ahead of time but suffice it to say, I cannot wait to put this book in your hands September 2027. Below is an image I created while writing the first draft of the 200+ page novella…

Only 13 months & 10 days till release!

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Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

-Psalm 33:12

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Publishing milestones are fun things!

I’m so happy to share that Revell kept my working title for this next release once again. Titling a book can be tricky & many of my novels have simple names starting with my debut, The Frontiersman’s Daughter.

This portrait-like image above hints of the setting & shows the two character templates I had in mind while writing it. The letters of their first names are entwined in the wax seal at bottom right. But no spoilers for you!

Please watch for a cover reveal this summer, likely June, and details as to what this story of my heart is about…

The post My next Revell novel has a name! appeared first on Laura Frantz.

March is nearly here along with a spring forward adjustment to the clock which steals an hour of reading away! I’m dreaming of planting a little colonial garden but it’s too soon here in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve experienced one of the mildest winters on record. Rhododendron bushes were actually blooming in December! I missed our usual, beautiful snow, since we got a scant half inch this winter. But you need only look up from our foothills to see the Olympic Mountains dressed in white.

I made sure to put a snowstorm in my Christmas novella I told you about last post. I’m finishing the first draft now & adding historic quotes at the beginning of each chapter. To say I’m smitten with this story is truly an understatement. It highlights history at one of my favorite historic sites in the most festive way. But for now, back to spring & dreaming of new story ideas. If you have something in mind you’d like for me to write in future please let me know!

And please return to to this journal page for a title reveal soon for my next full-length historical romance with Revell releasing in January 2027! Cover reveal coming after that…

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Another novel is on shelves!

This year is such a historic milestone. 1776-2026.

I’m so grateful to be American born that I wrote a book about it!

A tale of courtship & marriage, duty versus desire, faith & forgiveness.

In the spirit of 1776, happy reading!

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