My Review of Love's Awakening

Here's a description of the book from Revell:

"The path to true love lies somewhere between two feuding families

In the spring of 1822, Ellie Ballantyne leaves finishing school and returns to the family home in Pittsburgh only to find that her parents are away on a long journey and her siblings don't seem to want her to stay. Determined to stand her ground and find her place in the world, Ellie fills her time by opening a day school for young ladies.

But when one of her students turns out to be an incorrigible young member of the Turlock family, Ellie knows she must walk a fine line. Slaveholders and whiskey magnates, the Turlocks are envious of the powerful Ballantynes and suspicious of their abolitionist leanings. As Ellie becomes increasingly entangled with the rival clan--particularly the handsome Jack Turlock--she finds herself falling in love with an impossible future. Will she betray her family and side with the enemy?

Masterful storyteller Laura Frantz continues to unfold the stirring saga of the Ballantyne family in this majestic tale of love and loyalty. This is the Ballantyne Legacy."

My Rating

Spring

My Review

Laura Frantz's lovely writing continues in this second installment of "The Ballanytne Legacy" series. The descriptions of the land, the Monongahela River, the fashion, and even the whiskey stills...all are vivid and grand. Frantz pens historicals that are rich and deep!

This particular story wasn't quite as engaging for me as some of Frantz's other books, however. While there's certainly a looming threat of danger due to Jack's family ties and Ellie's family's abolitionist activities, the plot felt dragged out, languid and hesitant, setting up complex characterization but not quite as thrilling of a tale. I think part of that has to do with the setting. Pennsylvania of the 1820s certainly has some interesting aspects, but it's not quite the adventure that Frantz's frontier and wilderness settings have been. That, and the story felt to be more of a character study - focused on Jack's, Ellie's, and Ansel's decisions, attitudes, and desires, rather than on their destinations.

The nature of the story, and perhaps just where I am in my reading and personal life, made this a very slow read for me. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't ultimately an enjoyable one! The title is very apt, especially in light of the end, but also in light of the gentle and gradual "awakening" of the plot and romance. Even still, I appreciated that awakening - the descriptions that slowly stole me away, and the characters that are very well-drawn. The fact that this wasn't a fast read allowed me to really get to know the characters, bit by bit, and I loved them for their growth, their uncertainties, their struggles, and their hope. Ansel, the heroine's brother, was a particular favorite of mine, and it was with a bittersweet feeling that I read the brief glimpse into Book 3, Love's Fortune, at the very end of the book.

For those who don't mind longer but well-written historical fiction that explores the motivations and hearts of the main characters, Love's Awakening is another exquisite read from Frantz, and a worthy addition to "The Ballantyne Legacy."

*With thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

“Available September 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Autumn Bash ~ Celebrating with Laura Frantz!

Happy first day of autumn - and welcome to the Autumn Bash 2013 (which is taking the place of the End of Summer Bash this year)! This week, we'll be celebrating the new season by learning a little more about some fabulous authors and the characters from their most recent releases. And yes, there will be giveaways! ;)

Today's guest is Laura Frantz, author of Love's Awakening - the second book in "The Ballantyne Legacy" series, which just released this month! Read on to learn more about Laura and her latest book beauty...

***

Amber: Welcome once again to the blog, Laura! Always a pleasure to have you visit. =) So, what does autumn mean to you, in your writing career and in your life? Is there something you especially love about the season?

Laura: I love the rich colors and cooler temps and that “feeling” in the air that something is about to change. Fall is when our apples and pumpkins and sunflowers are at their peak and I love to make applesauce and decorate for fall. Plus it paves the way for the holiday season!

Amber: Yes, I love that "feeling," too - plus the apple cider!

If the hero of Love's Awakening was invited to a harvest party, what would be his reaction? If he decided to go, what would he wear and how might he get involved?

Laura: My hero, Jack Turlock, would probably bring a keg of hard cider given his family’s occupation ;). Jack loves autumn though it tends to make him a little melancholy at times given the turmoil in his life. Since he is all fight and no finesse, he’d wear a simple linen shirt and breeches and boots. He despises dancing but likes a good fiddle and would enjoy watching from the sidelines.

Amber: He appreciates fiddle-playing? You know I love that in a hero! ;) Can't wait to meet him very soon!

What is your heroine’s favorite part about autumn in her hometown?

Laura: Western Pennsylvania is one of the most glorious places on earth in autumn. Since it was mostly rural farmland in Ellie’s day (1822), she’d savor the color in the woods and fields and enjoy a fall frolic. She loves to dance so would join in the festivities with abandon – unlike Jack!

Amber: I really need to visit the eastern portion of the country during the fall someday! Sounds breathtaking.

Could you share a snippet from your latest release? 

Laura:

~ Excerpt from Love's Awakening ~ 

Ellie’s gaze flickered west to River Hill’s unseen fields. It was far too easy to imagine Jack swinging a scythe in the moonlight as Chloe told her he sometimes did, followed by a swim in the chill of the river. She forbade her thoughts to stay on this and thought instead of autumn with its corn stubble and spent fields to unseen rivers locked fast with ice, barring his way back to them.

Eyes damp, she bit her lip, stunned by the ferocity of her feelings. Since Chloe had told her he was leaving – selling River Hill – she’d felt she was drowning in emotion and couldn’t get sure footing. She longed to talk to someone, to pour out her heart aside from prayer. But that, she knew, would only make matters more complicated. She’d caused the household worry enough with her waywardness on the road. She wouldn’t add to it with her angst over the Turlocks, too.

~ End of Excerpt ~

Amber: Love your writing, Laura - sounds like this story is going to be an intense and intriguing addition to the series. Thank you so much for joining us today!

***

Giveaway!

Laura is giving away a signed paperback copy of Love's Awakening (complete with bookmarks)! Here are the rules:

• Leave a comment with your e-mail address (required). Let us know what you think of this introduction to the hero and heroine of Love's Awakening!

• This drawing is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

• One winner will be randomly drawn using the List Randomizer on Random.org, and will be announced on this blog on Saturday, September 28th.

Tomorrow's guest is Anne Elisabeth Stengl, and we'll be chatting about Goddess Tithe (complete with a cover reveal!).

End of Summer Bash: Party with Laura Frantz!

If you love historical romance that is deep and wonderfully written, Laura Frantz is the author to know! She is so sweet and encouraging as a person - not to mention her amazing books! You can read my reviews of Courting Morrow Little and The Colonel's Lady  HERE and HERE. My review of Love's Reckoning will be posted tomorrow, along with this week's winners!

Today we're talking about Love's Reckoning! Read all the way through to learn how you can enter the giveaway!

Amber: Welcome, Laura! What’s one summer-themed song you would love to hear at an “end-of-summer” party?

Laura: Oh, that’s gotta be the Beach Boys. =) How about "California Dreaming"?

    Amber: That sounds great to me! (As I'm putting this post together, I keep playing the song over and over again, LOL!) Gotta love the Beach Boys!

If the heroine of Love's Reckoning was planning an “end-of-summer” party, what might it look like?

Laura: Since Eden spends so much time in the garden, she’d bring a big pitcher of lavender lemonade and a plateful of shortbread, her Scottish hero’s favorite treat. Since he’s also a blacksmith, they would have to play horseshoes! And, given Silas Ballantyne plays a mean fiddle, there would be plenty of music and dancing! Eden is quite adept at dancing though she gets precious little of it what with all the turmoil in her household. But when she goes to the ball at the neighboring estate of Hope Rising…oh my!

Amber: Shortbread and fiddle-playing? May I be invited to that party?? =)

Now for the hero of Love's Reckoning… What would he look forward to most about autumn? 

Laura: Autumn in Scotland – that’s tattie-picking time (potatoes for you =)), cooler nights, gorgeous fall foliage, bonfires… Silas Ballantyne’s favorite season in his native land is autumn.

Amber: Ooh, autumn in Scotland sounds delightful! 

Could you please share a little more about Love's Reckoning? We’d love a brief snippet if you’d care to share one! 

Laura:

~ Excerpt from Love's Reckoning ~

Shifting in his chair by the window, he breathed in the scent of hot cider and cinnamon, strong and sweet. It threaded through the winter parlor, the very essence of autumn. For a moment he was cast back to the unending orchards of Blair Castle with their gnarled, low-hanging branches bursting with aldermans and lemon queens and lass o’Bowries. A far cry from the American varieties Liege touted. Still, he’d made note of those apples in his journal, for his and Eden’s orchard years hence. Newtown pippins and Roxbury russets and winesaps, to name but a few. 

“Would you care for some cider, Silas?” 

Mrs. Lee was at his elbow with a steaming mug. He took it, murmuring his thanks, aware of the scrape of Liege’s cane across the plank floor as he made his way down the hall to bed. ’Twas only eight. Elspeth sat sewing across from Eden by the hearth. The bairns were asleep. 

Eden was looking at him, sewing forgotten in her lap, a spark of hope in her expression, as if daring to think they might be left alone. He set his book aside and glanced at Mrs. Lee. Quietly, as if adhering to some prearranged plan, she withdrew out the same door Elspeth had passed through minutes before and shut it softly behind her. 

For a moment neither he nor Eden moved and then he tugged the curtain closed, eyes returning to the door before resting on her. He ached to touch her, to breathe in her soft scent unhindered. No bairns. No overbearing father. No volatile sister. In mere days they would be left alone to experience the mystery . . . and they shall be one flesh. As he thought it, his heart seemed about to burst its banks. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a scrap of paper on which he’d penned a particular Scripture—a promise to carry them through the dwindling days. 

I will betroth thee unto me forever. 

“Silas . . .” Eden stood across the room, the candlelight calling out all the unforgettable details he loved—the clear depths of her blue eyes, the irrepressible warmth of her expression, every fire-threaded strand of her hair. 

He left his chair and went to her, tucked the paper in her palm, and was rewarded with her soft smile. When his hands cupped her shoulders, he nearly shuddered from his need of her. “Soon I’ll not have to bid you good night.” His lips grazed the soft curve of her ear as he bent his head, half-forgetting to listen, to be alert. “You’ll be by my side . . . forever.” 

“Forever,” she whispered, “is hardly long enough.” 

~ End of Excerpt ~ 

Amber: Oh, Laura, what a romantic autumn scene! (And might I add that the cover of the book is just gorgeous? Perfect for fall!) Thank you for visiting with us today! 

Readers, Laura is giving away a copy of Love's Reckoning today! To enter the drawing, leave a comment for Laura, including your name and e-mail address. All "End of Summer Bash" winners will be announced on Saturday, September 8th (tomorrow!).

Tomorrow the winners will be announced, and the blog will be dressed in her autumn best for the new season. See you then, and don't forget to enter any and all giveaways ASAP!

(Music video found on YouTube.)

End of Summer Bash: Welcome Laura Frantz!

Laura Frantz brings inspiration and smiles wherever she goes, and it is my great pleasure to host her here today! Her work is hauntingly beautiful, and if you love historical romance, you do not want to pass up a chance to read one of her books!! So read on to learn more about Laura and her latest release, The Colonel's Lady:

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today! Could you share with us one of your favorite memories from this past summer?

Laura: In July I went on a tour of historic Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and had the best time ever! So many of the places I write about in my books came alive for me as I spent time there. The Lord truly delighted me at every turn. =) My favorite haunts were Valley Forge, Betsy Ross’s house, City Tavern, and having dinner aboard a historic sailing ship. The weather was gloriously hot and sunny and I didn’t want the tour to end! Pennsylvania is such a beautiful, historically rich state. I’d love to live there! And I enjoyed all that glorious sun and heat. =)

Amber: Sounds wonderful!

If you could choose one of the characters from your latest novel to join you for an “end-of-summer” party, who would you want to celebrate with in person and where would you go?

Laura: Probably my Colonel McLinn as he’s a bit of a rascal and knows how to have a good time. Plus he’s a fine dancer and looks quite dashing in his Continental Army uniform. ;) I think we’d go to City Tavern in Philadelphia which John Adams said had the finest ballroom in the colonies. I do love to dance – and the minuet with Colonel McLinn would be the best!

Amber: Mmmm... I don't blame you a bit! Mind if I cut in for a dance after your minuet? ;)

Now, please tell us about your latest release. If you could share a scene from the book to whet our appetites, that would be fabulous!

Laura: My latest release, The Colonel’s Lady, is just out as of August 1, and here is a favorite scene…

~ Excerpt from The Colonel's Lady ~

Gesturing toward the hearth, Roxanna said a bit breathlessly, “Please…come in.”

He hesitated – was he reluctant – before crossing the tiny space in three strides and taking a chair facing the fire. She sand down on a stool, watching the orange and yellow tongues of flame leap and curl around the charred burls of oak Micajah had left her eave.

A brooding silence settled between them. He finally broke it by saying, “You’re much too lovely – and well dressed – to be sitting along by the fire, Miss Rowan.”

The compliment, coupled with his gentle rebuke, made fresh tears well in her eyes. Blinking them back, she said, “It seems silly to attend a dance when one can’t dance.”

He gave her a sidelong look. “Because you’re in mourning?”

“Because I’m” – she took a breath – “a bit lame.”

His eyes swiveled back to her and stayed put till she looked at him again. “If you can walk, Miss Rowan, you can dance.”

A flicker of panic warmed her insides as she realized where he was headed. Bella’s wary words came rushing back. Maybe the colonel will try to make you his mistress. She said quickly, “Perhaps another time.”

“Why not here? Now? With no one watching?”

The faint but unmistakable strains of a slow country dance seemed to back up his startling invitation. He stood and moved his chair out of the way. Firelight spilled into the empty space, gilding the floorboards a rich gold. She had little choice but to stand up and obey the…order.

She dared look up at him, the lace of her bodice rising and falling in a breathless rhythm a mere three inches from the gilt buttons of his Continental coat. He was entirely too close…

~ End of Excerpt ~

Book Trailer:

Amber: Readers, don't you want to read more??

Laura, what do you look forward to most about the coming autumn season?

Laura: Hmmm, those beautiful autumn leaves, cider, caramel apples, walks in the woods, and planning Thanksgiving. Fall also marks the end of major deadlines and a time when I can begin writing my next book. I also have a passion for sitting by the fire and reading a good historical or biography. =)

Thanks so much, Amber, for being the hostess with the mostest! =)

Amber: Aww, you're welcome to visit here anytime! Hope you enjoy the coming season!

Readers, Laura has generously agreed to give away a copy of The Colonel's Lady to one lucky winner, so leave a comment with your e-mail address for a chance to win! All winners this week will be announced on Saturday, August 27th.

*This drawing is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.*

Be sure to come back tomorrow to visit with author Mary Connealy!

(Note: You may have noticed that fall has come early to "Seasons of Humility." Since this is my last week at home before I head back to college on Sunday, I wanted to get a head start on the next season. =) We're still celebrating the end of summer during this bash, but come Sunday be on the lookout for the announcement of a semi-new schedule in a post addressing the new season and the new blog design!)

A Special Glimpse at My Debut Novel

Many of you who review books for publishers such as Revell have seen press/news releases for books. Well, my latest assignment in my Print Journalism class was to write a news release, and I chose to put together an imaginary one for my manuscript entitled Forget Me Not. Nope, I'm not published yet, but today you can have a glimpse of what a news release for my book might look like someday! =)


Forget Me Not – An Inspiring Story of Love Surviving Life’s Trials

Debut author brings the mining town of Virginia City to life in this intriguing tale of romance and adventure.

Debut author Amber Stokes shares an unforgettable story in her Christian historical romance novel Forget Me Not. Set during the late 19th century in the American West, Forget Me Not takes the reader from a Kansas farm, to a Rocky Mountain cabin and a mining town where secrets are far more difficult to unearth than the silver from the dwindling Bonanza strike.

Elizabeth Lawson has a happy life with her neighbors-turned-family in Dodge City, Kansas—until she receives a letter from a brother she has never met. She takes a stagecoach West, heading to Nevada to find him. But when tragedy strikes along the way, she is left at the mercy of a rugged land and a young mountain man who has his own troubled past.

David has always enjoyed his solitary lifestyle in the Rocky Mountains. But when he agrees to help Elizabeth get to Virginia City, he realizes that he doesn’t want to be alone anymore. What begins as a journey of obligation grows into a journey of heartbreak, jealousy, temptation, and secrets.

Beautiful imagery and heart-felt emotion make Forget Me Not an exciting and moving read for all those who have ever doubted love’s power to forgive and remember.

“Amber Stokes has a wonderful, fresh voice! And her writing style is very, very good. Her ability to develop instant sympathy for David and Elizabeth, their backstory, and their current circumstances draw the reader right in.” –Laura Frantz, author of Courting Morrow Little

“Amber Stokes pulled me right in, instantly connecting me with the plight of our hero. That’s what you want of course, a character that reaches their hand out of the pages, beckoning you to grab a hold of it and join them on their journey. Then, with each turn of the page, their journey becomes your own.” –Amanda Stanley, early reader

Amber Stokes is an English major at Corban University, who loves to write poetry, short stories, novels, and blog posts. From being valedictorian of her high school graduating class and graduating with an International Baccalaureate Diploma, to earning her black belt in Jujitsu, Amber has worked hard to excel in life. Her favorite activities include reading Christian fiction, writing, and spending time with family and close friends. It is her desire to follow God's will for her life, wherever He leads her.

###

So, does this sound like something you would be interested in reading someday? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

*Sincere thanks to author Laura Frantz and dear friend Amanda Stanley for letting me modify and use their quotes about my work in this imaginary news release! And thank you, Laura, for the idea of posting about it!*

Disclaimer: This is not a real news release. This imaginary news release, while featuring a real manuscript and real endorsements, was put together for the sole purpose of completing an assignment for my Print Journalism class. Also, some elements that are present in the Word document form (ie: contact information) are not included in this post.

Blogoversary Day 2: Remembering Vacation Week

Welcome to the second day of my blogoversary extravaganza! Today we're looking back to "Vacation Week" (from last June), and in the process I say we should also look ahead to those warm summer days *hopefully* coming soon!

For those of you who are visiting or are new to the blog (or if you just want a blast from the past!), here are the links to the posts from Vacation Week:

• Vacation Week
• On Vacation with Laura Frantz
• On Vacation with Hannah
• My Review of Love Finds You in Lahaina, Hawaii
• Gone on Vacation
  

I may have just had spring break, but I'm definitely eager for summer vacation and our fun family trips!

As you can see from the second link above, last year I interviewed author Laura Frantz for Vacation Week. I'm thrilled to welcome her back to "Seasons of Humility" today!

Amber: It’s such a pleasure to host you here at “Seasons of Humility” again! Could you share with us what you’ve been up to in your writing career since Summer 2010?

Laura: Thanks so much for hosting me here, Amber – I love connecting with you, fellow writers, and reading friends whenever I can!

Hmmm….2010 was a bit of a blur with 2 books out, ACFW in Indianapolis, an agent-hosted retreat in Monterey, and then a family reunion/research trip to Kentucky and Tennessee in December. The writing life is never dull. =) I love every minute, however, and hope to do more starting with a book launch in Kentucky this August for The Colonel’s Lady where I’ll be in period dress. Some of us are planning to appear in period costume at the ACFW banquet in St. Louis this September, too. Guess I won’t have to wear my black skirt and blouse 3 years in a row. ;)

Amber: Sounds like fun! Wish I could be there for that ACFW banquet. ;) What’s on the agenda for this next year? We’d love to hear anything you can tell us about your next release, as well as that new series you’re working on!

Laura: *GASP* - Some of you won’t believe it, but I’m moving out of frontier Kentucky into Pennsylvania for the next 4 books in a series called The Ballantyne Legacy. It’s a rags to riches story involving a handsome Scots tradesman and two sisters who fall in love with him. He has to choose between them, of course, and the result is quite catastrophic, at least for their little village! The next 3 stories in the series revolve around a different generation in this same family. I’m busy working on book 1 now. It’s very different than anything I’ve ever done, much more dialogue-driven than my more narrative works. I hope readers like the story as much as I’m loving getting into the hearts and heads of these characters.

Amber: Laura, if you've written it, you've got a loyal fan club who will just love to read it!

Your first interview here was centered on vacations and settings. Have you gone on any exciting vacations since last summer? Do you have any plans for vacations this coming year?

Laura: I was just telling my husband I’d love to go to Scotland – or return to England. There’s a reunion coming up in April at the castle where I attended college. Wish I could go to both! As for recent, past vacations, it would have to be the Books&Such Literary retreat I attended in Monterey last October. Wow! We were so spoiled while there – sparkling water and chocolate-dipped strawberries upon arrival, amazing speakers and small groups, the beauty that is found along the California coast. I could go on and on. The hotel where we stayed has such a rich history. It rests upon the site of a beautiful villa a man built for his bride a hundred or so years ago. While on their honeymoon, he died! She then had his child… What a romantic, tragic story. It was in all the papers back then.

Amber: Did you say chocolate-dipped strawberries??? Yum! ;)

If we could celebrate this blogoversary in “real life” (as a tangible party and not just a cyber party) and you were asked to help come up with ideas for party decorations, what would you suggest?

Laura: I am just dying to have a vintage bash where everyone comes dressed as their favorite historical character. We would be the decorations! ;) Of course, we’d have to have paper lanterns, garlands of flowers, streamers, white twinkle lites, confetti… We’d play croquet! Eat tiny tea sandwiches and sip sparkling cider. I love a good party and a vintage-themed one would sure warm my historical-loving heart.

Amber: That sounds wonderful!

Do you have a funny memory you can share with us from a party/celebration that you attended or hosted this past year?

Laura: Oh, my life seems to be more about work than play at present. I love your question and wonder if we could turn it around and ask your blog readers? I’d so enjoy reading their responses! So, readers, can you share a funny memory from a party/celebration that you hosted or attended this past year?

Amber: Good idea, Laura! Before I turn it over to the readers I just want to thank you so much for visiting here once again--it's always a treat to host you!

The Giveaway

Readers, to help us celebrate Laura has offered to give away a copy of her book, Courting Morrow Little, to one lucky winner! (To read my review of this amazing book, click HERE!)

Just share a funny party memory in the comments section and include your e-mail address for a chance to win!

(And just like the last post from Vacation Week last year, I have the pleasure of announcing that author Julie Lessman will be our guest here soon--tomorrow, in fact! So be sure to join us tomorrow as we discuss reading retreats and Julie's upcoming release!)

Book Discussion: Courting Morrow Little

Welcome! I'm so glad you could join us today to discuss a very special book written by a very sweet friend. There's plenty of room for everyone on the couches in the parlor here.

But before we get the discussion going, step on over to the tables and fill your plates with food! I thought I would get us some tea, scones, sandwiches, and fruit from one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall treasures in my home county--Mad Hatter's Tea Party. So yummy! Take a look at these treats from the tea place:

"Alice's Sandwich Set"

"Mozart's Tea"

"Queen of Hearts"

The lady who runs this place is so sweet, and her scones--delicious! So help yourself, and I'll get the discussion started.

Today we're discussing Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz. This book is absolutely amazing, and if you haven't read it yet, I very highly recommend it! Click HERE if you'd like to read my review.

Even if you haven't read the book, please feel free to join in the discussion. I can't guarantee that spoilers won't be given, so proceed with caution. But we'd love to have as many people as possible share their thoughts about the ideas raised in this novel!

And that brings me to one more point of business. Laura talked about this discussion in a post on her blog yesterday, and she has generously offered to give away a $25 Amazon.com gift card to someone who comments here during this discussion or on the post on her blog (which can be found HERE). The winner will be announced next Friday, March 4th. So there's even more incentive to join us! ;)

Following are some discussion questions to get us started, but don't let these questions limit you! Pick one topic to discuss, discuss all of them, or discuss something else this book brought to mind--imaginations are quite welcome here!

• Morrow got to experience fine society--both the pros and cons of city life. But at the very beginning of the book the reader only sees those two years as a memory. Instead of going out to a strange new world at the beginning of this story, Morrow is returning to a familiar land. And yet, Morrow has changed, and she now sees Kentucke in a new way. If you were Morrow, would you have stayed in Philadelphia or gone back to Kentucke? Why? Did you have to make a difficult decision about where to live once you became an adult? If so, how did you make your choice?

• Morrow's life--her world--is much different from our own lives. The setting, the clothing, the choice of suitors, the conflicts with the Native Americans...all are a part of history, although Laura does a wonderful job of making history come alive. While this time period is far removed from our own, what were the similarities you identified with that made this story universal in its scope? In what ways did you relate with Morrow Little or one of the other characters?
  

• And now for the character we've all been wanting to talk about--Red Shirt! If you haven't read the book, there might be some spoilers pertaining to this part of the discussion, just to warn you. ;) For those of you who have read the book, what drew you to Red Shirt? What scenes with him most stand out in your memory? What qualities make him a hero you want to cheer for, and what qualities make him unique from heroes in other novels? And if you were Morrow, would you have married Red Shirt, knowing the risks and challenges ahead, or would you have married someone else? (Don't worry, you won't be cast out from the group if you wouldn't choose Red Shirt, although I'm sure we'd all be quite curious in regards to your reasons!)

If you'd like some more discussion questions/topics, click HERE to read a list created by the author herself. And go ahead and take a moment to enjoy this picture from Laura's blog of the real Red Shirt (far right). Quite the inspiration for a character, I'd say!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

On Vacation with Laura Frantz

Are you enjoying your vacation time? I sure hope so! =) Yesterday, it was great hearing about all of the places you've been or would like to visit someday!

Doesn't the scene above look inviting? This picture was taken at the home we rented for a short time in Sunriver, Oregon last summer. And if the tree outside looks familiar, that's because I think it's the same tree whose picture graces the top of my blog page (or at least one close by to that tree)!

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Laura Frantz, author of The Frontiersman's Daughter and Courting Morrow Little. So sit back and enjoy some travel stories from Laura!

Amber: What is your favorite vacation destination?

Laura: Europe. I have a brother who lives in Spain. He has lemon trees in his yard - with real live lemons! Doesn't that sound nice? And I have a cousin in Russia. I've been to both places but would love to go again - to Spain for the weather and to Russia for the old palaces and Romanov history.

Amber: If you could travel to anywhere in the world you have not been, where would you go and why?

Laura: I'd go somewhere warm - the Bahamas, I think, with all that white sand and amazingly blue water. I love the heat and miss the sun living here in the cloudy, often rainy Pacific Northwest. Though I appreciate my woodstove, I am a southern girl. But I must admit, all the gloom is very conducive to writing!

Amber: How did you choose the setting for your books?

Laura: I think my setting chose me as I was born and raised in Kentucky. Since my family came into the area in the 18th-century, I've been steeped in that history and it's a natural part of me and my stories. It's such a beautiful place and so historically rich.

Amber: What is one thing you love about your hometown?

Laura: The inherent graciousness of the people there. You really never meet a stranger. And then there's the food and the music and the weather and... Can you tell I'm homesick?!

Amber: Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Laura!

Readers, you can find Laura at her blog, LauraFrantz.net. If you would like to take a look at our recent discussion of Laura's book The Frontiersman's Daughter, click HERE. And if you would like to share your responses to any of the questions I asked Laura, I would love to hear them!

Book Discussion: The Frontiersman's Daughter

Welcome to the second book discussion hosted on "Seasons of Humility!" I am "pleased as punch" to be discussing The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz today! (Just like Granny Henderson was "pleased as punch" to get a kiss from Ian Justus! Who wouldn't be? If you have the book with you, you can find the scene on p. 192.)

Laura Frantz is not only a talented author, but a sweet friend, as well! If you don't already read her blog, be sure to check it out at LauraFrantz.net. Some of her recent posts have included some fun and exciting information about her latest book Courting Morrow Little, which looks like yet another wonderful read! Do I see another possible book discussion in the future? =)

Also, be sure to come back next week for "Vacation Week" here on my blog! I will be posting an interview with Laura on Monday, June 21. So fun!

Before we get started, I must say that if you haven't read the book, there will most likely be spoilers given throughout the course of this discussion. If you're the kind of person who doesn't mind spoilers, then we'd love to have you join us anyway! If they do bother you, however, then I hope that this post will at least encourage you to read the book sometime. =) I highly recommend it!

Now, here's the description of the book from Revell:

"One woman searches for love--and herself--in a wild land.

Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman who would not be defeated."

And here are the questions I've come up with to get us started:

• Do you think that a relationship between Simon and Lael could have ever worked? Did Simon become who he was because he was denied a relationship with Lael, or would his true identity have revealed itself no matter who he ended up with?

• Lael truly has a heart for her homeland. If you were in Lael's position, would you want to stay and teach at Briar Hill (civilization) or would you decide to go back to Kentucke (the wilderness)? And off of that question, how much do you think where we were raised affects our behavior and choices later on in life? Do you feel close ties with your hometown?
  

• This question is definitely a spoiler, so beware to those who haven't read the book! ;) But I simply have to ask it: What do you think of Lael's choice of men? What are your feelings about Captain Jack? Ian Justus? Do you think Lael really loved Captain Jack? Or do you think that her feelings for him were something else, especially because he played such a big role in her past? I'm very curious to hear what you all have to say about this!

I know this is only skimming the surface of this rich, deep novel. I read it last fall, and I might not remember as much as I should, in which case I apologize. But I hope these questions will at least get a good discussion going, and then feel free to take it wherever you want to! Any thoughts you want to share about this book are welcome!

So . . . let's start discussing!