Discover more about
Laura Frantz
and her final Ballantyne Legacy novel
Love’s Fortune
Revell
********
A book character that sticks in my mind is… Why? Baron Balmaine from Lady of Eve by Tamara Leigh. I’m in the midst of that book and he’s quite a memorable hero!
The last book that made me cry was… George MacDonald’s Donal Grant.
The last book that made me laugh out loud was… George MacDonald’s Sir Gibbie.
I’m completely immersed in their storytelling, whenever I read a book by… James Alexander Thom (Follow the River, Long Knife, etc.).
The first person who encouraged me to pursue my writing was… My Kentucky granny, Lena Ellen Blanton 🙂
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be… A librarian or a violinist/fiddler.
I write stories because… I cannot find them on shelves.
Love’s Fortune
Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas’s vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey with him and quickly finds herself in a whole new world–filled with family members she’s never met, dances she’s never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew.
As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes’ shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society.
Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives… historic, Pennsylvania-Scotch, poignant, layered, short (shorter than my other books, anyway!).
My main character is… Wren Ballantyne is a free-spirit, very different than her aunt Ellie and grandmother Eden. She was raised beyond the reach of the Ballantynes so comes into their world with a set o
f prejudices, opinions, and beliefs all her own.
My main character/s resemble…. (see attached photo, though I don’t have a clue who this is. My Pinterest boards are full of her ~ http://www.pinterest.com/laurafrantz/)
My story’s spiritual theme is… How our desire/quest for home never leaves us but always eludes us. Till eternity, anyway.
The most recent movie or tv show I loved was… Why? Klondike (Discovery Channel miniseries) with Scotsman, Richard Madden – gritty and intense and based on true events/historic figures, with no HEA.
The story I’m currently working on is… emotional. Title and cover coming soon…
You may not know this about me, but I… never wanted to publish.
I might go all fan girl if I met… Richard Crispin Armitage. The man has such class! I’ve never quite recovered from North and South. (You and me, both, Laura, as you well know!)
If I could travel back in time, I’d go to… Daniel Boone’s days, 18th-century America.
I get lost in the music when I listen to… Anything Celtic or fiddle/violin related.
A long held dream of mine is… To go to India and work among Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
Thanks Laura!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Ellie & Jack
Character spotlight on Eden & Silas
Character spotlight on Cassius & Roxanna
Reviews of Love’s Awakening, Love’s Reckoning, The Colonel’s Lady, Courting Morrow Little and The Frontiersman’s Daughter
Character spotlight on Lael Click
Character spotlight on Morrow Little
Visit Laura’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Love’s Fortune: A Novel (The Ballantyne Legacy) or Koorong
September 19, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Wow, I’m tickled and honored Baron Balmaine is stickin’ in the mind of the lovely Laura Frantz. Thank you! As for Richard CRISPIN Armitage and North & South… Very deep sighs. And more thanks–I didn’t know his middle name is Crispin (cute!). But what I do know is the name of the actress in the image above. It’s Katheryn Winnick who currently stars in Vikings as Lagertha. Fabulous and fun interview, Laura and Rel!
September 20, 2014 at 12:11 am
Tamara! I must say, your heroes leave me quite smitten which is a difficult feat:) Glad I don’t have to pick just one! And your stunning covers are among my favorites, too. Especially your Age of Faith series. Thanks for many hours of happily ever after even if it’s a rocky road to get there! I’m glad to know this is the Viking lady – I love her pose here and her inquisitive expression. Thanks for the info and for taking time here today. Looking forward to more from your very gifted pen!
September 19, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Historical fiction makes me happy. Looking forward to reading this book. PS. My favorite Laura Frantz character is Cassius. And, yes, Virginia, Santa is real because…Mr. Armitage. 😉
September 20, 2014 at 12:14 am
Cheri, Oh, love that you named Cassius as a fav:) And I’m smiling that historical fiction makes you happy. Well said. As for Mr. Armitage, I think he needs to do another period drama like North & South:) Just sayin’…!
September 19, 2014 at 3:55 pm
My favorite Laura Frantz character so far has been Jack Turlock 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 12:16 am
Jessica, Thrilled you like that Jack! I had a lot of fun with him in LA despite his angst:) He was wonderfully redeemable. Thanks for stopping by today!
September 19, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Hello Relz. Thanks for having Laura here. I have 2 or 3 of her books. She writes very good. I have heard so many authors talk about what a great writer she is. I like the sound of this book and also the cover picture. I sure would be happy to win this book. Thanks Laura for the give-away Laura and Relz. please p may GOD bless you. Maxie
September 20, 2014 at 12:18 am
Hi Maxie, So good to see you here – and so happy to have you as a reader! Thanks for taking time for my books (and thanks to other authors for being so gracious)! I’d love for you to meet these Ballantynes, Wren especially. Blessings on your day!
September 19, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Sorry Relz but I forgot to answer the question about a favorite of Laura’s characters? I would say Morrow Littloe of the book “Courting Morrow Little”
September 20, 2014 at 12:19 am
Maxie, Thanks for naming Morrow:)
September 19, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Enjoyed learning more about Laura! My favorite book thus far has been Love’s Reckoning and my favorite character Silas Ballantyne. This book made me think of Jacob’s story from Genesis. Thanks for the chance to win!
September 20, 2014 at 12:21 am
Staci, So glad Silas gets your vote:) And LR. That book was a very enjoyable one to write despite certain characters I will not name! I really appreciate you taking time for my books!
September 19, 2014 at 9:31 pm
I think Ellie is my favorite character…she’s sweet, but knows what she wants & doesn’t mind going after what is right! Thanks!
September 20, 2014 at 12:23 am
Robin, You summed Ellie up so well – I couldn’t have said it any better! You’ll find her in this new book, only a little older and a mother of quite a brood! Her sweetness and determination stay intact, thankfully. Bless you for stopping here and entering the drawing – and for taking time for my books!
September 19, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Sweet words of a sweet woman! 🙂 Loved reading this, Laura. I simply must read the 1st book in this series. I plan to!
September 20, 2014 at 12:25 am
Ganise, So happy you’re here! I’m thinking of all your lovely pins on Pinterest:) You really light up those boards! Thanks for wanting to meet Wren in Love’s Fortune (and also Eden and Silas in LR). I think it’s a grand time to read the series since they’re all out there and those details from book to book won’t be missed. Thanks for stopping today!
September 19, 2014 at 10:03 pm
What a great interview (I’m also a fan of North and South… SO great!)! It’s so hard to choose a favorite character from Laura’s, but I will say that Silas Ballantyne was up there. 😉
Thanks for the chance to win!
September 20, 2014 at 12:27 am
Elyssa, So glad Silas won you over:) Glad, too, that it’s hard to choose! Also glad you’re a fan of N&S. I’m always amazed at the number of people who haven’t enjoyed/savored that yet. Truly one of the best period pieces ever done – and oh, the romance! Thanks for coming by today!
September 19, 2014 at 10:04 pm
Laura Frantz is a new author for me so I don’t have a favorite character yet.
September 20, 2014 at 12:28 am
Caryl, Love meeting new readers – these posts/giveaways are great at connecting us book lovers. Rel has quite a knack for that:) Thanks for entering the drawing!
September 19, 2014 at 11:01 pm
How can I pick a favorite? I’m going to have to go with Eden. She inspired me, and I hope she shows up a bt in this book!
September 20, 2014 at 12:30 am
Hi Kathryn, It’s wonderful to hear that Eden inspired you. I’ll remember that:) She does show up in this book, is as in love with Silas as ever, but quite aged! Yet she retains her “Eden-ness” despite everything. Thanks for being so gracious – and for being here today. Happy Friday!
September 19, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Haven’t read a Laura Frantz yet but I definitely will soon! Would love to win a copy 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 12:33 am
Deanna, So happy you want to meet Wren in Love’s Fortune – or my other characters:) Thanks for being open to a new author and taking time here today!
September 20, 2014 at 12:35 am
Favourite character?
Ohhhh, Laura, I do believe you know the answer to my…answer.
Yup.
But Silas is a very close second.
Aye, but only by a dram.
Andra needs a smack.
September 20, 2014 at 1:27 am
As usual, all my comments to you begin with a BIG smile and a LOL! Jennifer, I may recall your favorite character but am kinda fuzzy;) Glad Silas takes second place. We just won’t tell him that! YES, Andra needs a smack. My hubby almost threw the book across the room at one point, thanks to Andra. Sigh…
September 20, 2014 at 1:03 am
I have only had the privledge of finishing one of Laura Frantz’z novels so far – The Frontiersman’s Daughter – and Ian was definitely my favorite in that one. This series is at the top of my to be read pile, though!
September 20, 2014 at 1:28 am
So glad you mention Ian, Amanda. I’d love for you to meet Silas and Cassius and my other heroes! Glad you want to meet Wren and those Ballantynes. I’d love to send a book your way:) Thanks for being here today!
September 20, 2014 at 1:12 am
I have read The Frontiersman’s Daughter, Courting Morrow Little and The Cournel’s Lady. I really enjoyed reading those books. I am looking forward to reading your newest series. Thanks for the opportunity to register for this giveaway.
September 20, 2014 at 1:29 am
Brenda, Bless you for being here. It’s a great time to read the series since it’s now complete. No waiting time in between! Glad you’ve already met Lael and Morrow and Roxanna. Happy Friday!
September 20, 2014 at 1:23 am
Ohhhhhh this is a difficult choice! Can it be a four-way tie? Between Roxanna & Cassius and Elinor & Jack? 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 1:31 am
YES, Carrie – love your heart for all 4! Glad we don’t have to choose villains:) But that might be interesting, too, for another post! I’m thrilled you’ve read some of my books and want to read more. Can’t wait for you to meet Wren and cast! Thanks so much for being here today.
September 20, 2014 at 1:35 am
thanks for the reply 🙂
I’ve read ALL of your books and have been anxiously waiting for this one! Making sure my other fellow KY girls get hooked on you too 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 2:47 am
Ah, you said the magic word – KY!!! Hugs to you, my friend, on this fun Friday:) Thanks for sharing – you’re the best kind of reading friend!!
September 20, 2014 at 2:49 am
😀
Hugs back, and happy plotting for your next delicious novel! (Because, you know, we won’t let you rest for too long haha)
September 20, 2014 at 1:40 am
My favorite Laura Frantz character is Cassius. And I have to admit The Colonel’s Lady is also one of my absolute favorite books ever. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read it. I’ve also lost count of how many times I’ve watched North and South. Richard Armitage…swoon.
Laura is one of those authors whose books I fervently anticipate (along with Tamara Leigh).
September 20, 2014 at 2:41 am
Dear Brittaney, I’m so thrilled Cassius, our rascally colonel, won you over:) Glad TCL means so much to you! I worried having them all pinned in the fort like that for the duration of the novel but somehow his joie de vivre as they say, came through:) Thankfully! Glad you’re a N&S and Tamara fan, too. Bless you for being here!
September 20, 2014 at 1:57 am
Laura Frantz is a new author to me.I don’t have a favorite character yet.I am looking forward to reading her books.Thank you for the opportunity to win.
September 20, 2014 at 2:38 am
Tina, So glad you have a heart for a new author:) It’s a real pleasure to meet you through Rel and our mutual love of books. Have a beautiful weekend!
September 20, 2014 at 1:58 am
My favorite character is Cassius from The Colonel’s Lady. Love that book!
September 20, 2014 at 2:42 am
Hi Merry, Your very comments about TCL and Cass make me merry:) Thanks for your heart for that book. I’d love for you to me Wren and cast!
September 20, 2014 at 2:15 am
I really like a lot of Laura’s characters however I think my favorite is Ellie.
She has a lot of spunk and I like that.
I’m really looking forward to reading this next book in the series!
September 20, 2014 at 2:44 am
Leah, Spunk is such a wonderful word:) Glad you saw that in Ellie. She’s a wee bit like Silas despite her ladylike ways! Can’t wait for you to meet Wren and hope you like her just as much!
September 20, 2014 at 2:17 am
Have read all of Laura’s books and look forward to her future ones. My favorite character is Cassius from “The Colonel’s Lady”. What a man!! Surprised the book didn’t melt in my hand while reading his and Roxy’s story. So happy to see one of my favorite author’s on one of my favorite websites – double smiley face today 🙂 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 2:45 am
Amy! You always light up the web:) So appreciate your comments. Glad Cassius had ‘the melt factor’ for you and others here. I must admit it was wonderful spending time with him when I wrote that book. He continued to surprise me! Double smiley faces indeed. You do that for me. Bless you!!
September 20, 2014 at 2:19 am
I also am new to your books, so would love to read one so I can discover a favorite new character! 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 2:46 am
Sherri, Love your open hands and heart regarding a new author! Thanks so very much for this. Hope you enjoy Wren very much when you meet her:) Thanks for being here today.
September 20, 2014 at 3:50 am
Doesn’t Laura have a character names “All”? Kidding aside, it is difficult to choose only one. I am taken with Colonel McLinn, Silas Ballantyne, and Jack turlock as they meet obstacles to becoming/displaying such men of character. Also Roxanna Rowan and Ellie Ballantyne are also heroic characters whom I am very glad to meet.
Please, will you enter me in the drawing even if I can’t pick just one?
Always fun to learn new things about Laura. And what a blessing to be encouraged in using your gifts by your granny! I shall think of you, Laura, the next time I float away in a cloud of Celtic music. Thanks Laura and Relzreviewz for a fun post.
September 20, 2014 at 6:54 am
Mary Kay! Wonderful to share a Friday with you! Love your “ALL”!! I so agree. It’s as hard to choose favorite characters as it is to choose cake:) Glad you have a soft spot for my heroes and heroines. I’m so glad you’re in the drawing. And I so appreciate your kind comments about my granny. Hope you have a blessed weekend!
September 20, 2014 at 4:43 am
I love Ellie in Love’s Awakening
September 20, 2014 at 6:55 am
Sheila, I’m really blessed by your naming Ellie. She had a lot of strength in spite of her gentleness. And a heart for prayer. Bless you for being here and entering the giveaway!
September 20, 2014 at 5:38 am
Hi Laura, thank you for sharing. I just started reading a lot in the past year and just recently in the past few moths have I started reading historical fiction there are so many good authors and I have not yet had a chance to read any of your books but can’t wait until I do. Thank you for this chance to win. ~ Blessings and best wishes on your new book ~ P.S. that God for your Granny, my grandmother was an encourage to me and always told me that I could do and be anything I wanted to .
September 20, 2014 at 6:56 am
Lisa, So happy my books look like ones you want to read:) Thanks for your great comments. I’m touched you have a Granny who encouraged you. What would we do or be without them and their guidance and prayers? Bless you for entering the giveaway and for being so gracious about trying a new author like me!
September 20, 2014 at 6:09 am
I’m having trouble choosing a favorite character. When I read, I immerse myself in the story–like most of us do!–so that each character becomes my favorite as long as they are good people. I really enjoy this type of historical reading. 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 7:02 am
Jean, I love your response. Immersing yourself in that novel and enjoying that present character is just what I do, too. Thanks for loving all of them:) You’re my kind of reader! I’m so glad you stopped by today. Happy Friday to you! Would love to send Wren your way!
September 20, 2014 at 6:24 am
To be quite honest, I don’t know..:D It’s been so long since I read The Frontiersman’s Daughter, but I do remember that I liked Ian. However, I just had the pleasure of reading Courting Morrow Little and I loved it!! So, for now, it’s Red Shirt, until I read more of your wonderful books.;) Thank you for the lovely giveaway!!! P.S. I LOVE George MacDonald books! Indeed, most of my family does.
September 20, 2014 at 7:04 am
Julianna, So glad you’ve discovered the joys of George Mac! He’s one of a kind, truly. And I’m thrilled you still remember Ian and have a heart for Red Shirt since reading CML. Glad to have you as part of the giveaway. I only wish a book could be sent to all of you!! Have a wonderful weekend.
September 20, 2014 at 7:58 am
My favorite Laura Frantz character is still Eden Lee Ballantyne. I love her calm and strong faith.
September 20, 2014 at 11:43 am
Katie, You summed up Eden to a T. So glad you have a heart for her. I wish I had her calm and strong faith. So well said! Thanks for being here and in the giveaway!
September 20, 2014 at 9:05 am
Don’t have a favorite. I’m a new reader. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
September 20, 2014 at 11:44 am
Gail, Pleased to meet you through Rel! Thanks for taking time for the giveaway!
September 20, 2014 at 9:28 am
I have not read any of Laura Frantz’s books as yet so don’t have a favorite character. I would love to win and read my first Laura Frantz book!
September 20, 2014 at 11:45 am
Sharon, I’d love to have you as a reader – thanks for your willingness to try a new author! A real pleasure to meet you through Rel:)
September 21, 2014 at 8:22 am
You have to read something by her! It doesn’t really matter which book you choose. They are all fantastic! She is one of my most favorite authors. If it has her name on it, I don’t even read the description, I just get it. I hope you get to read one of her masterpieces soon. 🙂
September 20, 2014 at 9:39 am
Laura, I am laughing so much at you using Richard Armitage’s full name. That was just too funny, and I would most certainly join you in fangirling over him. I’ve probably mentioned this to you before, but I remember my grandfather always saying Daniel Boone wouldn’t recognize Kentucky too, and I think Papaw was probably right.
September 20, 2014 at 11:48 am
Dear Michelle, Yup, that Crispin sure gets me, too:) I just about did a double-take when I realized that was his FULL name! There’s probably a story behind that…! Glad you’re fangirling with me:)
Love what your grandfather said. I’ve been reading a lot of Boone history lately and he’s so right in that regard. We must be kindred spirits because just today I was thinking just that very thing. So glad to see you, my friend!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend:)
September 20, 2014 at 11:21 am
Tough question..Either Wren or Morrow Little. I loved both of them so much! Laura creates great characters full of depth!
September 20, 2014 at 11:50 am
Rachael, I’m beyond blessed to have you as a reading friend. Love hearing it’s either Wren or Morrow for you:) Thanks for being such an encouraging, faithful spirit! I couldn’t do it without you!
September 20, 2014 at 2:47 pm
That’s such a tough question! I have really admired all of the heroine’s in Laura’s stories, but I am going to go with Eden in :Love’s Reckoning” as my favorite. I loved the depth of her character, both the gentleness and the courage she possessed.
September 21, 2014 at 3:32 am
Ah, Jennifer, you are a kindred spirit:) Love what you said about Eden here. Thanks so much for that. “Depth” is such a great word and I do believe Eden had both gentleness and courage, thankfully. You’re a gem of a reader to recognize it! Thanks for wanting to meet Wren. I love all my girls/heroines so glad I don’t have to pick!
September 21, 2014 at 8:19 am
Laura Frantz….oh how I love that name! It means pure goodness in my dictionary. If it has her name on it…I read it. She is one of the finest authors of our time. I am a Kentucky girl, so she had me at the “Frontiersman’s Daughter”. My favorite character is probably Lael Click simply because I fell in love with her first.
September 25, 2014 at 12:20 am
Mandy! You are truly a KY kindred spirit:) So thankful that Lael brought us together through TFD. It means a lot that you mention her here. Thanks for stopping by and making my day!
September 22, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Don’t have any favs
September 23, 2014 at 1:56 am
I haven’t had the chance to read any of Laura’s books, so I don’t have a favorite character yet. So hope I win one! Thanks for the chance.
September 25, 2014 at 12:20 am
Amanda, I’d sure love to have you meet Wren and cast – and my other characters! Would love to send a book to each of you here!
September 23, 2014 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for the beautiful interview, Laura and Rel – loved the questions!!
I already have “Love’s Fortune” – just wanted to stop by and comment on my love of Laura’s books. I have read all of Laura’s books and find it impossible to pick a fave character – her characters are so realistic, my fave is always the hero and heroine of the book I’m reading, it’s Wren right now.
Laura’s characters take up residency in my heart – I became addicted to her writing with the first book I read. The mastery and beauty of the historical content, descriptive phrases, rhythmic words, emotional story lines, and inspirational characters take my breath away. She is the “best of the best” and one of my very fave authors!!
Shared post!!
September 25, 2014 at 12:22 am
Bonnie, You express yourself so beautifully! I’m honored to be among your favorites as there are so many fine historical writers out there. You inspired me to keep writing:) I couldn’t do it without you!