Hi there readers , I got a chance to chat with Laura Frantz about why she became an author, her latest books and what’s in the future for upcoming novels. Check it out below : ( there’s a sweet reader’s choice giveaway chance at the end of this interview. “Just tell me if you have ever read any of Laura Frantz’s books and if so what’s your favorite 🙂

1. Me : Where did the desire coming from to become an author ?

Laura : I think it’s God’s gifting and often known at a young age. I was 7 when I knew. Recently I found an old journal and I’d written in very childish letters, “I want to be an author.” It made me smile. I didn’t really have a clue what an author was at that age !

2. Me: Who is your favorite author ?

Laura: Oh, I have so many but right now it would be Elswyth Thane who wrote historical fiction until about 1980 or so. She had an amazing command of the English language and a great grasp of history. As far as authors within the CBA, I would say Liz Curtis Higgs, Francine Rivers, Serena Miller, Joanne Bischof, Joan Hochstetler, Julie Lessman, MaryLu Tyndall, and Lori Benton. I hope I’m not forgetting anyone but am sure I am!

3. Me: Where does the inspiration for your stories come from ?

Laura: Lots of real-life history! For example, the inspiration behind my latest novel, Love’s Reckoning, came from a little snippet I read that said colonial apprentices often married into the family they apprenticed with. For Courting Morrow Little I used my lifelong fascination with Indian captivity stories. I think the Lord is the source of our greatest inspiration as history is really His story and there is so much to draw from.

4. Me: What do you think makes a good hero or heroine ?

Laura: Integrity for the most part. They need to have both good qualities and a few flaws. Mostly they need to have a heart for each other and the Lord. If the reader falls in love with a character or feels the character is a friend or someone they’d like to know, then an author has done a good job in creating them.

5. Me: What is your favorite book to have written ( if you have one) who are your favorite characters?

Laura: I think of my books kind of like I think of my kids and can’t pick just one! But I do have a special fondness for Eden Lee in Love’s Reckoning because of her gentle spirit and the way she lets the Lord right the wrongs in her life. And I love Colonel McLinn in The Colonel’s Lady because he’s such a tortured soul and struggles with many of the things I struggle with.

6. Me : What do you think makes a good romance ?

Laura: Lots of romantic tension and angst. When the heroine and hero are together the reader needs to feel that sizzle or romantic pull. Readers need to fall a little in love with the hero themselves.
7. Me: Do you have any fun things that help to get you in the writing mood?

Laura: Oh my yes, great question! I love music such as soundtracks from romantic or dramatic films. Or instrumental tracks like fiddle music or harp music or classical.

8. Me: What are you reading right now ?

Laura: Just research books mostly but I’m getting ready to read Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden. Love that cover! I tend to read mostly historical fiction but I do like a contemporary novel now and then.

9. Me: Can you tell us anything about any new writing projects coming soon?

Laura : There are 2 more Ballantyne books to go and then I return to 18th-century Virginia to write a story about a young widow and an arranged marriage. Can’t wait!

10. Me : What do you hope that readers take ways from your stories ?

Laura: That the Lord loves them and has a plan for their life. That no matter what happens He is always there for them and will bring good from whatever happens to them. He really is the Father who never fails us.

Jasmine just couldn’t be like her sisters. She wanted a life of excitement, fame and adventure in the theater . Her sisters believe that a life in the theater would only lead to problems, and so does David, her best friend. In an attempt to pursue her dreams, Jasmine runs away to join a traveling theater group, only to realize that everything is not what seems and that she is closer to danger than what she ever imagined . When David is assigned to investigate the recent slew of robberies, he is surprised to discover that the culprit is much close to home than he imagined and he learns so much more about the childhood friend that has blossomed into the woman he loves.

Jasmine is a wonderful read with witty dialogue and intriguing and loveable characters. The story is full of page turning drama that will keep you guessing till the very end.

The final installment in The Discovery Saga finds Meredith preparing to move on with her life . After a proposal from Jonah, Meredith starts to move toward a future as his wife, but things turn topsy turvery when she finds out a shocking revelation just hours before her wedding . Will her feelings for Jonah be enough to make her promise a vow for always ?

This delightful book will keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess the ending.

Sarah’s past haunts her like a ghost she can’t get rid of , still she is determined to help those in need and better the lives of those around her . She has been left an inheritance by a man that took her in as his own daughter . Her plans to provide work for the young immigrants in need of work seem to e within grasp, all until a man shows up claiming to be Josiah’s son and threatening to turn her plans and world upside down. Will Sarah’s dreams become a reality and will she discover Josiah’s real treasure ?

Annie gave up everything she knew as a successful businesswoman for a simple Amish life. Finding a new love in the Amish community seems like just the encouragement she needs to become a full fledged Amish woman, but when a mysterious bombing puts her at the center of suspicion and another Amish woman enters the picture, will love be enough to turn her Amish for good or will she go back to being what she has always known … English. Is her future in plain view?

If you like an Amish love story with a hint of mystery, you will find In Plain View, charming.

Hi there, just wanted to say that new interviews and book reviews are on the way. I got to catch up with Rachel Hauck and Murray Pura on their latest creations and I am so excited to be able to share that with you. Plus keep your eyes open for reviews of Whispers of a New Dawn, A Noble Groom, and Though my Heart is Torn.

Until Then,
Happy Reading !

In the wake of tragedy, Robin Price is trying to rebuild her life and clinging to her past . Everything changes when a new developer by the name of Ian McKay comes into town, threatening to turn her world upside down. Robin’s life is all wrapped up in yesterday and she can’t bear all of the changes facing her and making the picture of her future . Will Robin trust God with her uncertainty and allow her heart to be open to another chance at love? Can beauty really found through wishing on willows?

Wishing on Willows is a tender and moving story about moving past tragedy, trusting Gid for the future and opening your heart to love .

Check out these trailers for some wonderful fairytale delights and read the interview below with Melanie as she gives us the scoop on all things fairytale. 🙂

Me : Where did your love of fairytales come from ?

Melanie: I can’t remember when I didn’t love fairy tales. I especially like the romantic ones.

Me: What is your favorite fairytale ?

Melanie: I think my favorite is Beauty and the Beast.

Me: How do your twists differ from the original stories?

Melanie: I like to add extra details and characters and story lines, expanding on each character’s personality.

Me: How are they the same ?

Melanie: I try to use the same basic story line, or at least most of it, and the major points from the original fairy tale.

Me: What is your inspiration for the romance in the fairytales ?

Melanie: I usually get my inspiration from the characters’ personalities. I ask myself, What makes them a perfect match for each other?

Me: What do you look for in a hero and heroine ?

Melanie: I have to have a hero who is a sweet guy, deep down. He also has to be self-sacrificing. My heroines have to be sweet and have to be strong in their convictions.

Me: How do your heroes and heroines differ from one another ?

Melanie:My heroines’ personalities have subtle differences due to their different backgrounds and experiences.

Me: who would play your hero and heroine in the movies?

Melanie: I did a blog post on the actors who should play my hero and heroine in my next book, The Captive Maiden. Here is the link: http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-next-big-thing-blog-hop.html

Me: What do think makes a good romantic story?

Melanie : A good romantic story comes from a heroine and hero being a great match and having lots of obstacles to overcome. I also like stories in which the hero and heroine give up things for each other, risk their lives for each other, and be willing to pay a big price to be with each other.

Me: Who is your favorite author?

Melanie: My favorite author is Jane Austen.

Me: What are you reading right now?

Melanie: Right now I’m reading Persuasion by Jane Austen. I’ve read it before, but I like to re-read all the Jane Austen books every so often.

Me: Are there any fairytale adaptions that you have read by other authors that you absolutely love ?

Melanie: I like Beauty by Robin McKinley.

Me: Would you ever write your own modern fairytale ?

Melanie: Very possibly. I love the movie Penelope, and I liked Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg, although the ending is kind of flat.

Me: What can you tell us about any fairytale stories you have in the works and any other books your currently working on.

Melanie: My next one is The Captive Maiden, a Cinderella story, which comes out in October. And right now I’m working on a Frog Prince story. After that I may write a Little Mermaid story.

Me: Where so you get your inspiration for these stories ?

Melanie: I get most of my inspiration from the fairy tales themselves. Other than that, I am not sure where it comes from. From my fertile mind, I guess.

Me: Do have a favorite thing to do that sets the writing mood ?

Melanie: Sometimes I like to listen to music, especially Andrea Bocelli.

Me: What do you hope that readers take from your stories ?

Melanie: I hope they will realize how much God loves them and that He has a great plan for their lives.

Me: What is your favorite fairytale adaption that you have penned?

Melanie: That is very hard to say. I like all of them for different reasons. They all have a big part of me in them.

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover for The Captive Maiden:) Enjoy!

Hi there ! Exciting news : ) interviews with Rachel Hauck and Melanie Dickerson coming soon. Keep your eyes open.

Until then,
Happy Reading

Hi there ! Check out this trailer of The Ryn and be sure to catch up before the release of The Remedy! 🙂