The Reading Habits
of
Laura Frantz
**********
Are you a re-reader? Why, or why not? And if you are, what are some of the books you have read over and over?
I am not much of a re-reader unless the book just knocks me off my feet. There are so many good books out there that I just move on 🙂
When is your optimal time to read – do you prefer to read in one long block, or do you also read for five minutes here or there when you can?
I love big blocks of time where I can really sink into a novel and lose myself. I’m a rainy day reader, devoting hours and hours to inclement weather.
I’d love your thoughts on novellas. Are you thumbs up or down? Or does it depend?!
Thumbs up! It’s a real treat to sit down with a story that is short and sweet and ties together with others in theme. Plus, the novella covers lately are just stunning!
Are you faithful to a genre, an author, or simply quality writing?
Quality writing trumps everything for me and my fav genre continues to be historical fiction.
Which factors most influence your selection of a book?
The cover and back cover copy, the first page. Endorsements matter little to me. Word of mouth from reading friends is hugely important.
Your fiction pet peeve?
Overuse of pet words, something I struggle with myself!
What book have you read this year that you could not put down, and why?
Flight of the Sparrow (A Novel of Early America) by Amy Belding Brown. It has all the ingredients I love – passion and poignancy, deep thought and real life history. Definitely one I’ll be rereading.
Laura’s Bookshelf
How do you mark your spot – folded page corner, bookmark, dollar bill, whatever is at hand?
I have a small collection of bookmarks I like, sometimes those my publisher designs for my own books 🙂
Whose debut novel impressed you more than you anticipated?
Kristy Cambron’s The Butterfly and the Violin. The cover and title are so beautiful and evocative and hint at the incredible story within. Plus Kristy is a dear friend and one of the most gifted, genuine authors I know. I was really thrilled to endorse her debut and I recommend her often.
When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you?
Historicals that contain errors which indicate a lack of research or modern-day heroines clad in historical clothing. Misuse of period speech is another story killer.
What are some of your favourite CF reads from around 10 years ago, or further back?
You can’t go wrong with Francine Rivers or Liz Curtis Higgs.
Snack/drink of choice while reading?
Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry and buttery popcorn.
What book cover has really caught your eye?
Kate Breslin’s Not by Sight and For Such a Time are elegant, classy, and just visually stunning to me.
Which author makes it easy to turn off your internal editor?
Joanne Bischof and Serena Miller really make me forget all that editing nonsense 🙂 Both have the gift of ensnarement in their writing, taking me to a whole new reading level.
What book do you wish you had written? Why?
Christy by Catherine Marshall. I think it broke ground for the Christian market and set the bar very high. It’s also is set in Appalachia, my home and most beloved setting.
Don’t miss Laura’s latest historical romance…
The Mistress of Tall Acre
There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .
The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost.
When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?
Relz Reviewz Extras
Laura…discover more
Character spotlights on on Ellie & Jack, Eden & Silas, Cassius & Roxanna, Morrow Little, and Lael Click
Reviews of The Mistress of Tall Acre, Love’s Fortune, Love’s Awakening, Love’s Reckoning, The Colonel’s Lady, Courting Morrow Little and The Frontiersman’s Daughter
Visit Laura’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Mistress of Tall Acre or Koorong
September 4, 2015 at 10:21 am
Rel, Such a privilege to be on your savvy site! And a giveaway, an extra treat! It was a lot of fun answering these not so run-of-the-mill questions:) They were delightful! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
September 4, 2015 at 10:35 am
Laura, did you know I’ve read Courting Morrow Little 15 times? 😉
Rel, what a great interview! Some of these questions had me pondering my own thoughts before I read Laura’s.
September 4, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Jennifer, 15 times?! My hat is off to you. But I do get it. Laura’s stories are like falling into another world. And I must admit to being a teeny bit envious of enough time to read a wonderful book 15 times. Though I must be careful. I could end up with a lengthy hospital stay or something if I covet free time. 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 10:37 pm
Only 15?! Jennifer!
September 5, 2015 at 4:21 am
I’m SORRY! I ran out of time when TMOTA landed in my Kindle!!!
September 4, 2015 at 10:39 am
I love re-reading books, but I read most books through my library, so to re-read takes some conscious thought on my part, not just grabbing one off the shelf.
September 4, 2015 at 10:39 am
Hard to choose .. i have enjoyed every book I’ve read by her
September 4, 2015 at 10:46 am
I really enjoyed the interview.
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of The Mistress of Tall Acre.
Blessings, Tina
September 4, 2015 at 10:52 am
Love Laura Frantz novels and especially enjoyed getting to know her a little better thru this interview!! Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper is the BEST!
September 4, 2015 at 10:57 am
really enjoy your books! Thanks for a chance to win a free copy 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 10:58 am
i think Red Shirt is my favorite character but I have loved all Laura Frantz books! They are definitely “re-readers” 😀
September 4, 2015 at 11:01 am
Eden has been my favorite character so far. I adore her story! But Laura is always a winner and must read!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!
September 4, 2015 at 11:02 am
I haven’t had the honor or reading one of your books. The description of them sound amazing and I would be blessed to have one.
September 4, 2015 at 11:02 am
Great interview! I can’t believe my book is on the sidebar next to Laura’s! Wow! Talk about a surreal moment.
Can’t wait to read this one, Laura!
Cheers,
Susan
September 4, 2015 at 11:12 am
I enjoy all your books and characters and would love to win a copy of your latest book. Thanks!
September 4, 2015 at 11:14 am
Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview with Laura, I loved reading her answers to your questions! I have loved every one of her books!! The Mistress of Tall Acre sounds absolutely amazing!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
September 4, 2015 at 11:19 am
looking forward to discovering my favorite Laura Frantz hero! Thanx for the giveaway!!
September 4, 2015 at 11:25 am
Red Shirt is my favorite hero from Laura’s Frantz’s books!! ^_^
I’m like you, Laura, usually not having time to re-read books (because there’s so many other amazing-looking books calling out!); but I have read Courting Morrow Little three times, and want to re-read it again!!! 😀
Love your books, and can’t wait to read The Mistress of Tall Acre! <3
September 4, 2015 at 11:30 am
My favorite hero (so far) from Laura’s books is Colonel Cass McLinn of The Colonel’s Lady.
Thanks for the chance to win The Mistress of Tall Acre.
September 4, 2015 at 11:31 am
Well, you’ve mentioned some books/authors I’ve yet to read, and since we have similar tastes, I’ll have to add them to my list. My favorite of your books is still The Frontiersman’s Daughter, but I am really loving Jack as the hero in Love’s Awakening (not finished yet) maybe because he’s such an anti-hero. I do so love the way the couple gently comes to realize their love. Very nicely done.
September 4, 2015 at 11:34 am
Great interview! Thanks for the giveaway! Have loved ALL of Laura’s books and picking a favorite hero??? Next to impossible! It’s hard to beat Silas though! 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 11:41 am
Great interview! Laura’s books are amazing!! It’s so hard to pick a favorite hero, she has some great ones. If I had to pick though I would go with Cass (TCL);)
September 4, 2015 at 11:44 am
I love all your books (that I’ve read so far), Laura. And I really look forward to reading your most recent one!
September 4, 2015 at 11:50 am
Colonel Cass McLinn and Silas Ballantyne a close second.
September 4, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Very nice books. The titles are amazing and the characters’ names are very nice chosen. I really enjoy this type of books. And for the re-reading, I like to read my favorite books all over again.
Can’t wait to read this one.
September 4, 2015 at 11:54 am
Can’t wait to read this one!!! Loved them all so far!
September 4, 2015 at 11:55 am
So I’ve already said it, but I’m so excited about this book. James Sackett was my favorite hero. Even though The Colonel’s Lady is my favorite Frantz book, there was just something wonderful about James.
September 4, 2015 at 11:58 am
I’ve got to read some of these books to choose a favorite character. Looking forward to it.
September 4, 2015 at 12:01 pm
It’s been a year since I’ve read a Laura Frantz book, so I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! My favorite hero would have to be Red Shirt, as Courting Morrow Little is still one of my favs of Laura’s.
September 4, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Oh Red Shirt is by far my favorite hero, Morrow my favorite heroine!!! They are so wonderful! I have read Courting Morrow Little over and over. Will always be my favorite book. Laura has a beautiful gift for writing.
September 4, 2015 at 12:08 pm
I love Red Shirt! My favorite hero! Thanks for the chance to win. Can’t wait to read this book!
September 4, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Love,Love,Love them all and am very excited about The Mistress of Tall Acre! Laura Frantz is my favorite author and I can re-read every book and enjoy them just as much as the first time… Thank you, Laura for sharing your heart!
September 4, 2015 at 12:13 pm
The Frontiersman’s Daughter is set in my home state of Kentuciy and it is a wonderful historical fiction novel. Thanks for featuring Laura and offering this giveaway!
Connie
cps1950 at gmail dot com
September 4, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Oh goodness… This post just made my day. I LOVE Laura’s books, and just finished the Ballantyne Legacy two nights ago! Settling on one hero is so hard, though maybe I’ll go with Wren and James {ok, so that’s two heroes}. I loved their personalities and the combination of the two of them! And I love seeing Laura’s bookshelf! So this interview may be my favorite ever.
September 4, 2015 at 12:42 pm
This post was such a delight! Wonderful questions, Rel, and delightful answers, Laura! And my heart went all a-flutter when I saw George MacDonald sitting on your bookshelf (not to mention the cabin-esque glory of that “shelf”!). He’s an all-time favorite… especially The Marquis’ Secret and the Fisherman’s Lady. Love to you both, Laura and Rel!
September 4, 2015 at 12:45 pm
I haven’t read any of these book to decide yet.
September 4, 2015 at 12:46 pm
What a fun interview! Love Laura’s books and would love to be entered into the giveaway!
September 4, 2015 at 1:03 pm
I love all of the books I have read by Laura Frantz so far and can’t wait to read The Mistress of Tall Acre! 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 1:17 pm
Silas. No, Jack. No, Red Shirt – I can’t decide. Laura writes such wonderful heroes it’s too hard to pick just one 🙂
September 4, 2015 at 1:36 pm
Thanks for sharing a fun interview! I’ve read nearly all Ms. Frantz books, so it’s very hard to say which hero is my favorite. I always go back to The Frontiersman’s Daughter because it was the first Frantz book I read.
September 4, 2015 at 1:41 pm
I just discovered Laura Frantz with the book Love’s Fortune. I love the book. Since it’s my first book, I don’t have a favorite hero yet. I plan to read many more of Laura’s books!
September 4, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway opportunity!! Colonel Cass McLinn of The Colonel’s Lady is my favorite hero of Laura’s books. 🙂 God’s blessings to all of you.
September 4, 2015 at 2:25 pm
What a great interview! I also love Serena Miller’s books. She is a wonderful and talented author.
My favourite hero has to be Red Shirt. Courting Morrow Little was the first Laura Frantz book I read and it’s definitely my favourite!
I can’t wait to read The Mistress of Tall Acre, thanks for the opportunity to win the book!
September 4, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Thanks, Rel and Laura. Always nice to learn more about one of my fave authors. And find recommendations for new authors and stories to search for. Blessings to you, both.
September 4, 2015 at 2:29 pm
Favorite Laura Frantz hero? Really? No, no. That’s like choosing a favorite child.
September 4, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Hard choice, can’t wait to read this!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
September 4, 2015 at 4:25 pm
I think my favorite heroes are all from The Ballentyne series. Really enjoyed those books and characters!! I’m also looking forward to this new book! Can’t wait to read!
September 4, 2015 at 7:46 pm
I haven’t read a Laura Frantz novel, yet. (gasp!) They have been recommended to me recently and now I know I have to.
September 4, 2015 at 8:02 pm
Thanks for a chance to win
September 4, 2015 at 9:54 pm
I love Silas Ballantyne!
September 4, 2015 at 10:24 pm
I think I would have to say that Jack from Love’s Reckoning is my favorite. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
September 4, 2015 at 10:28 pm
I can’t choose from all of your great books. I really like the Irish romances
September 4, 2015 at 10:36 pm
Silas Ballantyne from Love’s Reckoning is my favorite hero thus far. Thanks for the chance to win!
September 4, 2015 at 10:39 pm
SO thankful for all the wonderful comments here and your heart for my books! That blesses me more than words can say. HUGE thanks to Rel and Revell for hosting this giveaway, the first for this book. Happy reading and have a long, lovely holiday weekend!
September 4, 2015 at 10:53 pm
I haven’t read any of Laura Frantz’s books yet, but would love to!
September 4, 2015 at 11:03 pm
I’ve fallen in love with the characters of every book Laura has written, however, if I had to choose – it would be either Lael from ‘The Frontiersman’s Daughter, it was the first of her books, or Eden from ‘Love’s Reckoning’- my fave of her books (it played havoc with my emotions). Laura has a writing style all her own, exquisite, beautiful, and eloquent – yet humble, much like Laura, herself. Love her descriptive writing and the historical info – writing doesn’t come any better than hers!!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
September 4, 2015 at 11:12 pm
Red Shirt by far! 🙂
September 5, 2015 at 12:03 am
This was easy. Red Shirt was my absolute favorite:)
September 5, 2015 at 12:30 am
Rel, thank you for the fabulous interview with Laura. Laura, congrats on your release of The Mistress of Tall Acre. I can’t wait to read it.
psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
September 5, 2015 at 3:49 am
Oh my goodness I love , Laura Frantz books. Thney take me away and I can get totally lost in them. I loved Eden and Silas they are my favorite characters. Thank you for the wonderful interview and fun visit to your blog, Rel. Laura, Congratulations on the release of The Mistress of Tall Acre. The cover is gorgeous and I can’t wait to read it.
Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
September 5, 2015 at 4:51 am
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Laura’s novels. My very favorite is The Colonel’s Lady which I have read so often I’ve lost count. I just love Cass McLinn. I love seeing the dichotomy between his military persona and the more intimate side that he shows Roxanna. Can’t wait to read this new one.
September 5, 2015 at 6:17 am
I love all of Laura’s books and find a favorite in each of them. However i really like James Sackett in Love’s Fortune
September 5, 2015 at 11:23 am
I love Laura’s books. I read and re read whenever the mood strikes me, which is often! I especially love Laelin The Frontiersman daughter. I personally am in love with Silas Ballantyne and Eden, the sweetest love story ever and so tragic! Then, there is Red Shirt. Wow! The list goes on and on.
September 5, 2015 at 1:41 pm
My favorite is whatever hero Laura writes in that book!! Seriously, I can’t choose 🙂 That’s the mark of a great author (at least for me), when you fall in love with each character!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “The Mistress of Tall Acre”. I also enjoyed the interview!
September 6, 2015 at 1:49 pm
The Colonel in the Colonel’s Lady!
September 7, 2015 at 5:24 am
Honored, humbled, and thankful for each of you and your inspiring comments here and your reading hearts! Thanks so very much!!
September 8, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Hello Laura. I too always have another book reading so rather read it than reread one, tho there are many that I still think about.I get interested with the cover of a book then read the back to make up my mind to buy it. And, of course just know one will be good when authored by certain authors that I’ve read, like Lori Benton and Beverly Lewis, to janette Oke. Of course many more. And have read many times how great yours are. I would love to win this one. Thanks for a chance. Maxie >mac262(at)me(dot)com <
September 8, 2015 at 10:35 pm
The Colonel’s Lady was my favorite Frantz book so far, but I haven’t read her newest series, so that might change!
September 8, 2015 at 11:40 pm
Courting Morrow Little is my favorite book by Laura and Red Shirt is my favorite hero with Jack being a very close second. Can’t wait to read The Mistress of Tall Acre!
September 9, 2015 at 1:32 am
Colonel Cassius McLinn (I say breathlessly!)
September 9, 2015 at 10:04 am
Oh I just don’t know if I can choose. I loved Red Shirt. And the Colonel. And the Ballantyne books. They are all so good. Every one I was left wondering what would be next in their story.