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!

The post Christmas in July appeared first on Laura Frantz.

It’s a joy to hear from readers about my novels. This landed in my inbox recently & made me look at writing differently. A kindred spirit here. So thankful she found my books in the sea of them out there. Thank you, thank you.

The post Inspired by readers appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Here is the fresh face of my January 2027 novel from Revell! Our heroine’s expression, the wallpaper, the pink blooms & Christopher Wren-type waterfront at the bottom = happiness to this author!

Hope you delight in this story as much as I did writing it!

The post The reveal! appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Cover #20 is almost here! I’ve said many times that cover art is my favorite part of the publishing process & the framed art above showcases my favorites by my publisher, Revell. As David Pearson said, “The cover of a book is the beginning of a conversation between the author  & the reader.” When you spend a year and a half on a novel like I do, it’s so critical to get the face of it right. When it’s wrong, it can sink a solid story. I’m thankful to have had some of the best designers in the industry & a publisher committed to excellent cover art. I’m on pins & needles in the best way, hoping the next cover POPS off the shelf & into your hands, either physically or virtually. Personally, there’s nothing like a bonafide book to admire all those design details.

Back to share the cover reveal soon!

The post Favorite book covers appeared first on Laura Frantz.

I wish someone had told my seven year old self when I started writing stories that someday my words would travel around the world & I’d be a “paper missionary” as Janette Oke said of Christian writers not long ago. Now, grown up me is absolutely amazed & delighted when foreign language editions of my novels come into being. Aren’t these covers incredible?

Thank you to my Dutch & German publishers! Thank you to the ultimate Author of the writing gift!

The post Dutch & German editions! appeared first on Laura Frantz.

I’m honored to learn that The Belle of Chatham has been chosen for the KSDAR or Kentucky Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s reading list for my beautiful home state.

Thank you, thank you!

The post KY Society Daughters of the American Revolution appeared first on Laura Frantz.

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.

Book clubs are dear to my heart! Here’s a succinct guide for reading friends wanting to read & discuss The Belle of Chatham.

Of course, no book club would be fun without dessert, so why not try an authentic 18th-century recipe?

And last but not least, basic questions for discussion, though I’ve found book clubs are very good at coming up with their own!

Happy reading & meeting!

The post Book Club Guide for The Belle of Chatham appeared first on Laura Frantz.

Creativity is such a fascinating thing. One idea or research trail leads to another. Often novels birth more novels. As I wrote The Belle of Chatham, our hero’s sister, Bronwyn Harlow, materialized in my mind. Often these characters are unbidden & unplanned. They just appear in a scene & start talking or doing, especially if you’re not a novel planner but more of a wing-it-and-watch-what-happens like me. I found Bronwyn Harlow to be the most deserving of characters in the novel. She’d also suffered a grievous loss in the Battle of Great Bridge, December 1775, before the American Revolution officially began.

I’d written about that particular Virginia battle in The Lacemaker. I revisited it & remembered no Patriots died in that conflict. Only one was injured in the hand. The British had a death toll of one hundred or more in what was touted as a victory for the Americans, ridding Virginia of their last royal governor, Lord Dunmore, forever. So, Bronwyn’s loss may have not been as she’d been told yet she continued to mourn, thinking him gone, but there had been no body, no burial. This isn’t or wasn’t uncommon at that time. Truth really is stranger than fiction. I asked readers on my social media what they envision for Bronwyn. So many inspiring possibilities!

So, look for Bronwyn’s story down the road. It’s a bumpy one but has a hope-filled, happy ending!

The post Bronwyn & the mystery of the Battle of Great Bridge appeared first on Laura Frantz.

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!

The post The Belle of Chatham on shelves! appeared first on Laura Frantz.