A Visit with Bestselling Author Laura Frantz

I am delighted to be a part of the Diamond Mine community, and for my debut post I’m so happy to bring a visit with my friend and best-selling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz!

 

Laura has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

Regina: Laura! Welcome, my Kentucky sister! I know our readers are looking forward to getting to know you better!

We both write for the Christian market. Do you look on writing as a “calling?”

Laura:  I definitely consider the gift of writing a calling. I knew from the age of 7 that writing held something for me that nothing else did. A sort of heavenly magic that transported me out of the ordinary while doing it. As I grew up I realized anyone given a gift needs to steward that gift well and wisely, always crediting the source. I’m really grateful to have the gift of words. It’s not something I can take any credit for except to say I’m willing to do the work (which is not really work since I love writing so much). Publishing is work, however😉

Regina: It is! You have such a calming presence, however, that you make it look deceptively easy! God has definitely given you a gift.

Now for some “favorites”:

What is your favorite Bible verse, and why? How about chapter?

Laura: When I was a child and my father had left our family and we were dealing with that loss, my mom and I memorized Psalm 139 and would say it together. I sign books with that Scripture reference today. Looking back, I see why she chose it. Such a comforting Psalm that covers our entire lives from the moment of conception – God never leaves us or fails!

Regina: So, so true—He is our firm foundation! That’s an incredible story, Laura. Thank you for sharing this.

On a lighter note, what is your favorite movie and why?

Laura: North and South, the BBC drama starring Richard Armitage. Such a moving, well-done production! He’s such a hero in that film.

Regina: I can’t believe I haven’t seen that one! (adding it to my list!)

Which do you prefer, salad or sandwich?

Laura: Salad with Green Goddess Dressing, every time! I have a great recipe for the dressing though I rarely make it so it’s a treat.

Regina: That sounds good – I’m a sandwich person, but I can get behind the idea of Green Goddess Dressing!

Switching gears, I have a few questions for Laura’s character from her new release, The Seamstress of Acadie!

What is one thing about you that makes you an interesting character?

Sylvie: I’m Sylvie Galant, a French-Acadien seamstress who has a secret fascination for a forbidden Army Ranger.

Regina: So nice to meet you, Miss Galant! An Army Ranger, you say?  Sounds intriguing! I’ve read a little about the gentleman in question …

If you were going to travel (I know it can be quite difficult in the year 1715!), what is your favorite vacation spot in the U.S.?

Sylvie: I do not care for the American colonies one whit. I am an enemy and outsider there, sadly.

Regina: Understandable. On a more personal note, what makes you giggle or laugh out loud?

Sylvie: My little sister, Marie-Madeleine. She is never serious and always acts as though she is in a stage play.

Regina: Little sisters are the best! Mine would be shy in front of others, but at home? Always entertaining!

What is your favorite? Pie or cake?

Sylvie: Gateau!

Regina: I’m fond of cake, myself!

Now, let’s dish some dirt … What would you like to tell us about your author?

Sylvie:  She is good at making things up but tells me this novel is the hardest she’s ever written, possibly because she almost failed college French! And she even had a French tutor!

Regina: Ah! How funny! I have two daughters, both of whom took French in college – they passed, but I’m not sure I would travel to France with them!

Thank you, Laura and Sylvie! I received my copy of The Seamstress of Acadie on the day it was released, and I will admit to having a hard time getting my work done, wondering what will happen next!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, and will comment below! Thanks to the generosity of the Baker Book House and Revell publishing, one commenting reader will receive a print copy of The Seamstress of Acadie!

 

Until next time, enjoy a good book – or ten! 😊

 

Connect with Laura here:

www.laurafrantz.net

https://www.facebook.com/LauraFrantzAuthor/

https://www.instagram.com/laurafrantzauthor/

 

Purchase The Seamstress of Acadia at these fine booksellers:

https://www.amazon.com/Seamstress-Acadie-Historical-Romance-Beginnings/dp/0800740688/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542752

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-seamstress-of-acadie-laura-frantz/1143717380

 

An Interview with Christian Author Sharon Srock

As the holiday season approaches, we have the privilege of sitting down with Christian author Sharon Srock, known for her inspirational stories about ordinary women with extraordinary faith. Pull up a chair and join us by the fire and get to know Sharon a bit better as we discuss her holiday traditions, her writing space, and how her Christian faith deeply influences her work.

Michelle: Sharon, welcome! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. If you decorate for Christmas, have you already begun?

Sharon: I am definitely a one-holiday-at-a-time person. For me, that means the tree always goes up on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a special tradition that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in our home.

Michelle: What does your writing space look like, and does it get a holiday glow-up as well?

Sharon: My writing space is my sanctuary, a she-shed, if you will. It's carpeted, insulated, wired with AC and heat, and it even has purple walls, my calm color. However, I don't decorate that space. It's my year-round creative haven, and I like to keep it consistent.

Michelle: So, what are you currently working on when you're in your creative haven?

Sharon: I'm currently immersed in writing "Ruthie, Crafted with Love," which is Book 7 in the series. It's scheduled for release on April 30, 2024, and I'm excited to share this story with my readers. You can find more details about it here.

Michelle: Oh, that's exciting! Do you have a book you are promoting right now, holiday sale, or simply recommended reading from your catalog?

Sharon: Absolutely! I have a special promotion right now on a boxed set that includes the first three books in the Crafted with Love series. You can get it for just 99 cents. It's a great opportunity to dive into the series and get to know these characters better. Check it out here. I also have two books that readers can get for free with their newsletter subscription. For Mercie's Sake (https://dl.bookfunnel.com/4zx1utehnu ) and they can visit my website to pick up a copy of BEGINNINGS.

Michelle: Sounds fabulous, thanks for sharing! Okay, I'm really curious about some Sharon info. I like to ask for these five fast favorites:

• Color: Purple
• Season: Sweater
• Animal: Cat
• Beverage: Raspberry tea
• Movie quote: "There are always possibilities."

Michelle: Sweater, ha! I love that! Aside from writing, do you have any other hobbies or creative outlets that you enjoy pursuing?

Sharon: I love to play in the kitchen. Baking, in particular, is a passion of mine. There's something special about creating delicious treats that bring joy to others.

Michelle: Mm, I agree. Delicious treats bring ME joy! :) If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Sharon: Organized, disciplined, and a creature of habit.

Michelle: Sharon, how does your Christian faith influence or weave into your writing?

Sharon: My faith is at the core of my writing. My stories revolve around ordinary women who rely on their extraordinary faith to overcome challenges. You'll always find a nice scriptural presence in my books, and these women constantly teach me about faith as I write their journeys.

Michelle: It's amazing how God can use the fictional characters we come up with ourselves to speak to us. Would you share something that the Lord has been teaching you recently?

Sharon: Trust. I've always been a bit of a worrier, and my upbringing encouraged independence. It's been a lesson to put things in God's hands and learn to walk away, trusting that He's in control. Sometimes I catch myself thinking He needs my input, but I'm learning to let go and trust Him completely.

Michelle: So many of us fall into that category and need to learn the same lesson. I'm so encouraged to hear that you are being grown in that area, and to remember that God is always faithful to continue the work He began in us. Thank you so much for this visit today, Sharon. God bless your journey! 

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About the Author:

Author Sharon Srock transitioned from science fiction to Christian fiction and has been captivating readers with her inspirational stories. Currently residing in the quiet corners of Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs, Sharon enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling when she's not writing. To stay updated on her latest works and connect with her, you can visit her website here and follow her on Facebook and Goodreads. For a comprehensive look at her books, visit her Amazon page.

Don't forget to sign up for Sharon's newsletter to stay in the loop on her upcoming releases and special offers. 

Website: www.sharonsrock.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sharon-srock

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sharon-Srock/author/B009OB2HSO

Falling in Love on the Diamond Mine with Giveaway

LoRee Peery Introduces the Mine

to

A Boxed Set about Love

(BOOK GIVEAWAY)

see details after interview

CAPTIVE AT SEA by Mary MannersClaire Mulvaney’s benevolent spirit has her biting off more than she can chew when she spearheads a charity fishing event to raise funds for Winding Ridge’s overcrowded animal shelter and is forced to call on fishing expert Sean Maguire.Sean blames himself for his brother’s death. He spends his days in mourning and when Claire turns to him for help, he chases her off with gruff words meant to fortify his distance from the pain that has taken hold of his soul. But the enchanting woman with emerald eyes captivates, and Sean soon finds himself drawn to her warm-hearted enthusiasm.
 
NEVER THE TWAIN by Delia LathamHollywood agent Cass Townsend makes a more-than-satisfactory living helping talented “wannabe” actors become stars.Thanks to a twin brother who made it big in Hollywood and then estranged himself from his family, rugged Texas horse rancher Ryder Hayes sports oversized chips on both very broad shoulders toward celebrities. He’s not convinced any good at all can come out of Hollywood.She’s prim and proper to a fault. He’s fun-loving, with a streak of pure mischief. Ryder’s a good man, but not a Christian—not by a Texas mile. Cass can’t remember missing a single Sunday service since childhood. They’re the epitome of polar opposites and never the twain shall meet…or so the saying goes.

FULLY COMMITTED by Dora HiersReceiving a Dear Rand email while serving his country didn’t douse the fire in Rand Tenneson’s heart for his high school sweetheart. Fully committed, nothing quenched that love, not even news that Bryanna married. Back home now, Rand enjoys a busy life, firefighting and clowning around with patients at the children’s hospital. But a chance run-in with his ex-girlfriend, now a widow, rekindles that spark. God put her back in his life for a reason, and he vows to be there for her.Ten years ago, Bryanna Fenwick shattered two hearts, hers and Rand’s. But the Navy SEAL, deployed across the world, couldn’t rescue her from the real fear she faced at home. She made a choice and lived the lie for a decade. When Rand discovers the truth, she fears she’s hurt the handsome firefighter yet again and destroyed her relationship with her daughter. Can God’s grace overcome such a ginormous lie? Has He brought them back together for a second chance at love or only to reveal the truth?

WITHOUT A SONG by LoRee PeeryStill reeling from the loss of her husband, young widow Roni Marsden resolves to be strong for her precocious daughter. Invited to stay on the cleansing hills of her friend’s Nebraska ranch, she tries to figure out the next step. Should she leave Norfolk? Could she find work?Songwriter Dawson Bennett returns home to his brother’s ranch when the production company for his first album goes bust. He searches his heart for new songs he's unable to write. Even as he seeks direction for his career, he attempts to mend the past with his elderly father. Back in high school, Dawson had crushed on the lovely Roni when she dated his brother. Those emotions are reawakened when he discovers Roni and her daughter at the ranch. Protective feelings for the child, as well as for a stray pup that arrives on the scene, work together to soften his bitterness. Will these connections enable him to write lyrics that honor God?

AUTUMN LOVES by Tanya StoweTwo years after her husband’s tragic death, middle-aged widow Rylie Thornton struggles to raise her three sons while keeping the family business in the black. As the lush colors of her favorite season display, she finds herself struggling. Brain surgeon Micah Haden, on a rare break from his demanding profession, finds his sister’s friend a lovely mystery. He’s happy to help Rylie and her boys prepare for an upcoming autumn event. Why can’t she accept his offer with a little more grace? Is there a chance he could become one of Rylie's treasured Autumn Loves?

Amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/y7jzldt8

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Christian romance author LoRee Peery writes to feel alive, as a way of contributing, and to pass forward the hope of rescue from sin. She writes of redeeming grace with a sense of place. LoRee clings to I John 5:4 and prays her family sees that faith. She has authored the Frivolities Series and other e-books. Her desire for readers, the same as for her characters, is to discover where they fit in this life journey to best work out the Lord’s life plan. She is who she is by the grace of God: Christian, country girl, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and author. She’s been a reader since before kindergarten.

Connect with LoRee through these links:

www.loreepeery.com

Pelican Book Group: http://tinyurl.com/kwz9enk

https://twitter.com/LoreePeery

https://www.facebook.com/LoReePeery

_______________________________

Please welcome my friend, LoRee Peery to the Diamond Mine. She let me know the other day that she's releasing (as well as a couple other friends of mine!) a book within a boxed set. I couldn't wait to let y'all know about it so I invited her to share a few things about it here on the Diamond Mine.

What do you say we get started?

Renee: Hi, LoRee, welcome to the Mine! I'm excited about this new release you have coming out but first things first. Can you explain what a "boxed set" is for those out there in the reader world who may not know what it may be?

LoRee: Thanks, Renee, I'm glad to be here. Of course, I will! A boxed set is a selection of novellas written by a group of authors, usually with something in common. I first saw these collections offered on Amazon as Christmas sets. In this case, the theme is falling in love during the autumn season.

Renee: I've seen several of these out there. I'm sure many readers have too. I've written novellas that have been included in series but not boxed sets. At least...not yet. LOL If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to contribute to this particular set?

LoRee: I am so human. Sometime last year, I petulantly remarked to a friend how much I’d like to take part in a collection but had never been asked.

In February of this year, I was invited to join a group of authors whom I knew online through our publisher. At the time, I had one idea for my next project, a novel-length story. I responded that I’d pray.

I'd seen her email at 5:00 on a Wednesday evening and on the way to choir, during rehearsal, and on the drive home, the title, premise, and location came to mind.

Yep, I knew it was a God-thing.

Renee: You know what they say...be careful what you ask for! LOL You said that your publisher put this thing together. Is that how you came to work with these authors or did you know each other before that?

LoRee: Well, my publisher indirectly was involved. She introduced us! But no, Pelican wasn't the lead on this one. The email came from Mary Manners, a great author and friend. I knew three of the other four authors from early-on following my first release. We did a common-themed short-short story for a blog, if I remember correctly. I learned to respect them all through social media, appearing on their blogs, praying for one another, and reading their stellar stories. Three of us, well, four including you, Renee, met in June this year in Deadwood, South Dakota at Wild Deadwood Reads for the first time. I like to think we're friends more than co-workers.

Renee: I do too. It's amazing what the Christian writer world is like. We become friends but can still remain honest with one another. I guess that's what most writers are like especially if we're critique partners! I guess that's also why we can write forthright reviews too. We expect nothing else but love and truth from one another. Was writing for a "boxed set" different than writing a "solo" book?

LoRee: This was an independently-published book so I was a little nervous about not having an editor involved (I’m a firm believer we all need expert opinions and proofreaders). These women are seasoned and I discovered a couple have outstanding editing skills. But we had simple guidelines regarding a common theme by the one who planned and invited us all, and willingness to meet deadlines by supplying what’s required for the author putting us up on Amazon. Above all, the freedom to write my own story has been exciting.

Renee: Would you do it again? 

LoRee: Oh yes. This has been rewarding. I’ll just add that I see the project as nothing but God's blessing and I hope I’m invited to participate in another collection.

Renee: Thanks for introducing us to this boxed set called Fall in Love and all of these authors, LoRee. I'm so happy you could join us on the Diamond Mine. I hope you can return soon!

___________________________

BOOK GIVEAWAY

PRINT COPY OF

LOREE PEERY'S WITHOUT A SONG

(available upon release)

Enter giveaway by commenting on this blog post only.

All eligible entries must include name and valid email address.

One winner will be selected by random draw and notified via email on 8/01/2018.

Prize awarded shall be one print copy of LoRee Peery's novella Without a Song (available upon release) and mailed to winner's mailing address provided upon contact by author.

Only USA residents eligible to enter.

_______________________________

Rough Diamond Miner:

Renee loves to read and write. She's been penning her stories since junior high school. From the sonnets of her poetry to short stories, they've found their way to the page. She wrote her first short story on the way to her grandparent's house, calling it Comanche Sky.

A pharmacist by trade, she's currently disabled and fights to regain her footing in order to once again serve the folks of Wyoming. However, she loves to pen her Christian tales. A romantic suspense author with a flare of mystery, she likes to keep things interesting. "Never a dull moment," as she likes to say.

To discover more about this exciting author and her books, join her Reader's Lodge on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/474728079355449/ as well as her Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ChristianbooksReneeBlare/.

She loves to connect with her readers and fans and is active on social media in addition to her blog, Wyoming Walkabouts. In addition to the Facebook sites, you can contact her on the following:

Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.