There is a wondrous little lull after Christmas and before the kids go back to school where time almost stops. No presents to buy. No homework to check. Just family, leftovers, pajamas, and one other luxurious thing—time to read. <3
I don’t read just any book during this time. I choose one I know I’m going to savor page by page. In fact, I chose it long ago and have been anticipating it all season long. Ahhh! I can hardly wait to cozy up with a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz.
Back Cover Copy:
Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning–together.
Giveaway
To celebrate the New Year, I’m giving a copy of A Bound Heart to one of you!!! Along with some Walker’s Scottish shortbread and a box of chocolates. : )
When I reached out to Laura to see if she had time for an interview, not only did she say yes, but she offered to mail a signed copy with a tartan bookplate and bookmark to a second winner!!! <3 <3 <3 (Thank you, Laura!) Find instructions to enter the giveaway below the interview.
Without further ado…
The Interview:
Jenny: Laura, thank you so much for taking time out of your holiday to do this interview and for the signed copy! You are one of my top favorite authors and my first interview!! <3 <3 <3
You recently won the Christy Award. (Ahhhh! Congrats!!!) Can you tell us a highlight from your trip to the awards ceremony? How did it feel to hear them call your name?
Laura: Love Nashville in any season! I’d been told to ready a small acceptance speech if I won. Thinking the chance was very slim, I didn’t prepare anything. I sat at the table as one of my dearest author friends, Joanne Bischoff, presented the winner in my category by reading the first line of the novel. It was mine! I sat there for a moment and just savored hearing the words I’d written. And then my book cover flashed on the screen and I went up to ad lib a short speech I wish now I’d prepared!
Jenny: Do you still write all your first drafts by hand? How long does it take you to finish a first draft? Do you know the end before you start? Or do you discover it as you go?
Laura: I’m a slow as molasses writer 😊 so love longhand and fly by the seat of my pants, not knowing anything but the basic plot of the novel. Panster writing is like getting on a roller coaster but I love it. The novel unreels like a film in my head and I write it all down. Sometimes I do know THE END before I get there but often that changes, too!
Jenny: When it comes to authors I love best, I barely read the back cover copy and squint my eyes if I read any interviews before the book comes out, because I am afraid of spoilers. So, without giving too much away, can you tell us what inspired you to write A Bound Heart?
Laura: We are spoiler twins! I was so hoping to hide part of the back cover copy of A Bound Heart from readers which gives some of the novel away. Yet it’s important so it stayed. I was inspired by my sixth great-grandfather, a Scottish laird, who became the template for my hero in the novel and left Scotland for America in the early 18th-century. He ended up teaching the young George Washington surveying since he became a Crown Surveyor in Virginia. That’s not in the novel but maybe it should be!
Jenny: Your cover is stunning!! <3 <3 <3 As a writer who hopes to have a novel one day, I know the cover is so important! I’ve seen some where my heart sank for the author. But yours are always so lovely and intriguing. Do you get any say over your book covers? Who decides how they will look?
Laura: Revell is very respectful of the author’s vision of the book. They send a multi-page document asking detailed questions about each book, character descriptions and personalities, title ideas, etc. They even ask for cover art I admire and the reasons why. It’s a delightful doc! I often send a few images of my heroine or hero or the kind of dress they would wear. For A Bound Heart the art team ordered the plaid shawl my heroine wears from Scotland. The model with all that glorious hair exists and is a beautiful young woman named Emily in real life. The art team sent me photos of historic garb and asked me to choose which would suit the heroine best. Such fun! And for this cover, my request that they include a coastal scene and castle was granted. I’m thrilled with how it all came together. It suits the novel to a T!
Jenny: I once read in a USA Today interview that unkindness is your pet peeve. I’ve also noticed that loyalty (or disloyalty) and friendship often plays a part in your novels. In real life, what does it take to make and maintain a close friendship?
Laura: Oh, such a timely question! And such a fascinating insight you have about the part friendship plays in my novels. So true! In middle school and also college I was hurt by a friend’s betrayal so maybe that explains that recurrent theme. Also, the Lord has been revealing to me of late my need for Godly friendships and how I’ve often let my love of solitude exclude that. I’m married to a man who loves solitude just as much with a few people sprinkled in now and then. We’re quite the reclusive pair! So, in future I am going to be more intentional about choosing fellowship over solitude. Yes, unkindness is something I have zero tolerance for. If I see someone being treated unkindly or taken advantage of, or if someone is being rude, watch out! 😊
Jenny: One more! My perfect reading experience would be by the fire with a cup of cocoa. Where do you like to read? Do you have a favorite spot, snack, or drink?
Laura: Twins again! Cocoa is my favorite beverage, especially topped with whipped cream. And I love reading by the fire. Winter bliss!
Thank you so much, Laura!!! I’ve been thinking of your book as my after-Christmas reward, and it’s finally here!!! I’ll be enjoying it tonight!!!
Thank you so much, Jenny. You make releases even more delightful and memorable!
How to Enter the Giveaway (2 Steps)
- Click this link to subscribe to my newsletter, check your e-mail, and confirm that you want to subscribe. (If you don’t see it in your inbox right away, check your junk mail.)
If you are already subscribed, you can skip this step!
THEN…
2. Leave a comment sharing your favorite drink or snack when reading. 🙂 You can leave your comment on this blog post, or if you’d rather, you can leave it on my Facebook Giveaway Post.
I send three or four newsletters each year with writing updates, book news, and occasional fun giveaway opportunities. Like this one! : )
The contest begins now and lasts until Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 10:00 pm Central Time.
(***Restrictions/Giveaway Rules posted below)
One Last Thing…
I’m sending all new newsletter subscribers a free PDF of my short story, Sweet Sentiments. Enjoy!
Happy New Year!
Jenny
***Giveaway Rules: Must be 18 to enter. Only two randomly selected winners will be chosen. One winner will receive a signed book, tartan bookplate, and bookmark. The other winner will receive an unsigned book with a box of shortbread and a box of chocolates. Winners will be contacted and then given 48 hours to respond. Any winner who doesn’t respond within 48 hours will be disqualified from winning and a new winner will be chosen. Contest only open to newsletter subscribers who live in the contiguous United States of America.
Bulletproof coffee! Loved getting to read this interview. I so enjoy books that are connected to a writer’s ancestry and real history. And the stories behind the stories.
Me too, Joy! And I’ve never tried bulletproof coffee, but I hear many good things about it!
I love snacking on popcorn while reading. I’m going to attempt to cut back on the coffee so am starting out the new year with some Irish Breakfast tea.
I love popcorn with apples and cheese! Irish Breakfast tea makes me think of Robin Jones Gunn and her Glenbrooke series. : ) Happy New Year! (And I hope your coffee cut-back goes well!)
My heart nearly stopped reading that you love to read with popcorn, apples, & cheese. My mother passed away 8 years ago last month and the month before she died I was home. She loved popcorn, apples, and cheese (from Amish country) with movies. We watched NORTH & SOUTH and I was so AMAZED that she never left the room ONCE (being a nervous movie watcher). Thanks for the lovely connection and memory!
Oh, Susan. That’s beautiful. I’m so glad the Lord gave you that special time with your mom before she passed. I love how certain things, even foods, can take us back to a moment in time. I think of my grandmother every time I eat Doritos. We almost never had them, but she always had them when we’d visit. Thanks for entering, and thank you even more for taking the time to share a meaningful story about your mom. <3
Oh, Jenny, I wasn’t wanting to enter the giveaway. I already won a copy of Laura’s book in a Thanksgiving giveaway. It just pleased me so that popcorn, apples & cheese were your favorite reading foods! I love that you think of your Grandma with Doritos (she must be pretty young ;-).
Oh, I see! Thanks for the clarification. My sweet grandma has been in heaven for many years, but I do think of her all the time! : )
i love almond tea and some sugar cookies when i am reading
Mmmm. That almond tea sounds especially good. Thank you, Amy!
My favorite drink while reading is tea, any kind! Congratulations on your award!
Have a blessed New Year!
Tea is a popular fave, I’m finding! Thanks for chiming in, Faith. Love your name!
My favorite snack is popcorn. 🙂
I love it air-popped with a little salt and melted butter drizzled all over! Mmmmm! Thanks for entering, Sabrina! Happy New Year!!
I love flavored coffee and chocolate! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. 🙂
You are so welcome! Thanks for entering, Susanne! I’m with you on that chocolate. And if it’s dark, I even feel healthy while indulging. : )
I love a good cup of hot tea, either lady gray, or a fruit flavor. Then I love to have a salty snack like wheat thins.
Thanks for entering, Rebecca! I don’t think I’ve ever tried lady gray, but it sounds nice. : ) Happy New Year!!
Hot coffee is my choice of drink while reading. Christian fiction is my favorite to read.
Yes! I love hot coffee! The hotter, the better. : ) Happy New Year, Christina! Thanks for entering!
I like a cup of hot cocoa in the colder months and lemonade in the warmer months. I’ve subscribed to your newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you, Amy! <3 I hope you enjoy Sweet Sentiments as well. <3 <3
I love stropwaffels and coffee! 🙂
Thanks for entering, Maggie! I love coffee and waffles, but will have to look up your variation. It certainly sounds delicious! : )
When reading a book I enjoy snacking on some cookies and a glass of orange juice. Thank you for this opportunity to enjoy your book. Blessings. Happy New Year 2019.
You are welcome, Keren! Thank you for entering! The orange juice sounds like a refreshing companion to a good book. : )
Dear Jenny, I especially enjoyed your interview with Laura Frantz. You had very good questions and I always love hearing more of the creative process behind the story. Such attention to details like the cover is impressive. I enjoy Laura Frantz books! Love, Mom ps I didn’t realize we shared our love of popcorn, apples & cheese. Just had some last night.
I also love tea while reading, but prefer a little sugar and a splash of cream in mine. 😋 Great giveaway and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thank you, Jessica! <3 Happy New Year to you and your family as well!!!
I love a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine when I read a good novel. I would love to win this!! Laura is one of my favorite authors and stories set in Scotland…oh my! 💓💓💓
Jessica, I so agree! You have good taste in authors and settings!! : )
My favorite snack when reading (or any time) is high quality dark chocolate. Milk chocolate melts too quickly and can mess up the pages of my book.
Me too, Teresa. The darker the better! And I’ve heard it’s healthy, so that’s a bonus. : )
Love this! Right now I’m loving hot chocolate as well! (My coffee addiction became nauseating during my last trimester of pregnancy!) dark chocolate as a snack, of course 😉
Yes, so good! I can’t wait to see that little sweet one of yours in person! <3 <3 <3
Any kind of tea or hot cocoa!
‘Tis the season for hot drinks! Thanks for entering, Susan!
I like popcorn when I read.
I enjoy popcorn every now and then! Especially with apples and cheese. : ) Happy New Year, Cathy!
I love reading with Highlander Grog coffee! Thank you for the wonderful interview!
Highlander coffee! How fitting! Thanks for entering, Mary! Glad you enjoyed the interview. Laura is such an interesting person, she is easy to interview. : )
In the winter time hot cocoa is my favorite drink to go with my book.
Yes, it’s so perfect! If only it lasted the whole book through! Lol! Sometimes, I half the mix so I can have two cups. Happy New Year, Deanna!!
Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I love all of Laura Frantz’s books! Coffee with cream and hot tea with honey are my favorite drinks while I am reading. Often, I snack on my homemade chocolate or nuts.
Wow, Gloria! That is so neat. Your kitchen sounds like the place to be. : ) Laura is one of the few authors that I read every single release for. Love chatting with a fellow fan!
Homemade hot cocoa!! 💜
Mmmmmm! Hot and rich and delish. Thanks for entering, Vanessa! Happy New Year!
Jenny, fun interview with Laura. Thanks. And for the link to the USA Today interview. Somehow I missed that!
You will love this book. Perfect for that cozy post-Christmas down time. (And am I glad, because I stayed up way late reading. Let’s just say, I nearly connected with Laura as she awoke! LOL)
Faves: hot cocoa and shortbread ~ though I need to look for a gluten-free alternative. 🙁 Happy New Year!
You are so welcome, Mary Kay! Yes, I love your description. That will be me tonight, up waaaayyy too late and enjoying every minute! : ) Hope you find a gluten-free version of your shortbread! I completely understand as one of my kids has been gluten free for several years.
Earl Grey hot tea or caramel vanilla hot coffee. Yum.
I love chai tea lattes with soy milk! Gotta get my cozy on!
Usually water but this book would call for hot tea!
Oh, it really is a JOY to read each comment – I went out and took a walk and there were six guests and NOW…! Heartfelt thanks for each of you celebrating A Bound Heart’s release. Jenny is a beautiful hostess and this is a welcome way to ring in the new year. Bless you all!
What a great way to start off the New Year!! Love Laura’s books! I enjoy a good cup of Oolong tea, slightly sweetened, and buttered toast. Simple yet satisfying!
Coffee or hot tea – it depends on my mood.
Chocolate!
Iced tea is my favorite drink. Plain. No lemon. Next is a hot tea (black or matcha) with cream.
My favorite drink is hot tea, of almost any kind, but I really don’t like Jasmine tea. I love earl gray with a little honey and cream with shortbread or cheese and apples.
I love having a cup of coffee! I have been known to drink tea and cocoa as well, but since I must have at least one cup of coffee each day… As far as snacks go, popcorn is my favorite (I also love shortbread but don’t get it often because I have no self-control) but I try to make sure I don’t get anything on my book!
Good book preparations! I enjoy all flavored teas in a fancy cup and personal tea pot. The recliner on the front porch next to the window with the winter sun on my face.
I love sipping a HOT latte while I read.
A nice hot cup of herbal tea and a Laura Franz novel!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on A Bound Heart!!!
Two of my favorites are vanilla chai and salted caramel hot chocolate. I will sometimes go with a breakfast tea or coffee; however, I tend to go rather heavy on the cream when I do. Happy New Year! 🙂
I don’t really eat or drink much when I’m reading but I do always have a glass of water with lots of crushed ice at hand.
Elizabeth Danskin: Gave me an error that I had duplicate? I tried to comment that My favorite drink is ice tea. no lemon.
My second favorite is a hot black or Matcha tea with cream otherwise just water
*Elizabeth is unable to comment so am adding her above, thanks!
I want my coffee with a blanket.
I love a cup of coffee or hot tea when I’m reading!
Coffee or hot chocolate for me!
Teechinos Dandelion caramel nut tea.
I usually just drink water but sometimes I indulge and have hot chocolate or Diet Coke. Thanks for this interview and giveaway. I really enjoy Laura’s books.
My favorite thing to eat while reading is Jelly Belly jellybeans. If im drinking anything its some earl grey tea hopefully while reading my new historical fiction by Mrs Frantz
What a delightful interview! I enjoy Laura’s books so much and am so excited about this new one. I love her ancestral connection for this one! Blessings!
I don’t usually have a drink while reading, but my favorite drink to relax by is hot chocolate with mini marshmallows 🙂
Coffee. Unless I am reading in bed which is often and then I drink water. I just heard of bulletproof coffee the other day. I am planning to look into it.
I commented I like to drink coffee and was also told it was a duplicate comment.
My favorite drink to read by is homemade hot cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sheer bliss!
depending on the season, i have a hot chocolate machine, that i pop in some lindor truffles in as well, makes an amazing comfort drink 🙂 currently we have some fresh roasted coffee from Guatemala, courtesy of some missionary friends 🙂
I would love to enjoy reading this book this new year. I’m a coffee drinker when I read and sometimes I splurge and eat a sweet treat with it. 🙂
My favorite drink to read by is homemade hot cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sheer bliss! I don’t snack while reading as I do not want to ruin the pages of my books.
I usually don’t snack or drink anything while I’m reading. Occasionally I’ll nibble on some almonds.
My favorite snack is popcorn and love drinking hot coffee while reading must have lots of cream and sugar lol occasionally I love making ice vanilla coffee at home to read way cheaper making at home them buying from coffee shops. Loved your interview
What a great interview! My favorite go to reading refreshments are Doughnut Shop Coffee and shortbread cookies😊
What a great interview! I’m actually reading “A Bound Heart” right now, so this is very timely. I’m just loving it! And my favorite “while I’m reading drink” is a cup of hot tea!
My favorite drink is chai tea. 🙂 I love drinking a cup while reading a great book!
I love a good cup of hot, black coffee when I’m reading! And a Walkers shortbread goes so well with the coffee!!
I like my coffee and maybe some mixed nuts or chex mix!
Reading and loving every single one of these comments! My kids are ready to make King’s Cake (my hubby’s requested Christmas dessert that I’m only just getting to), so I can’t reply to each. But loving finding so many fellow Laura Frantz fans and getting to introduce her to any who are “meeting” her for the first time!
Yes, loving all these wonderful comments! I think coffee and hot cocoa are tied as far as our go-to beverages but tea gets a solid nod, too! King’s Cake sounds wonderful. Maybe we should have a recipe swap soon – now kidding! Thanks to everyone for their comments and the time they’ve taken here. And thank you, Jenny, for being such a wonderful hostess! Happy New Year to all!
I love having my cup of coffee (have to have at least one cup every day), but I also sometimes enjoy cocoa or tea. I guess it just depends on my mood! My favorite snack is popcorn, but I also love dark chocolate and cheese. Shortbread cookies are my favorite cookie! My main concern is not getting anything on my book!
I like tea and kettle corn ( sweet/salty popcorn)
Coffee with a splash or two of flavored creamer, and cookies, or chocolates. 😉
I like a nice hot cup of cocoa, sitting in my pjs with the heater on when I’m reading (unless its summer, then minus the heater).
Hot chocolate when the weather is below 70, otherwise water.
I love to read with a cup of hot tea and a space heater! Awesome interview as well Jenny, enjoyed reading it.
Vanilla chai tea latte or white grape juice mixed with ginger ale. These are luxuries so it usually a big glass of alkaline water.
Thanks for the fun interview, Jenny and Laura! I enjoy drinking a cup of coffee with a sweet snack to nibble on while I read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of A Bound Heart!
I am already a newsletter subscriber, Jenny 🙂
Alison, you won the book and the snacks!! Woohoo!!! Glad you will have plenty of sweet treats to choose from to go with your coffee and A Bound Heart.:) You’re going to love it! I just sent you an e-mail asking for your address. Can’t wait to get it into your hands!
Subscribed! I love to have a caramel cafe breve when I’m reading, especially if it’s made by my husband. He makes the best!
How sweet! <3 My hubby doesn't make coffee, but sometimes he cleans it out before I get to it at the end of the night. <3
Coffee dueing the day. Tea at night.
I subscribed! I enjoy chips or candy while reading. However, now I am trying hard not to eat during reading these wonderful books. I would eat half a bag and not realize it. I just sip on a tea based drink.
Me too, Jane. I’ve been enjoying all my Christmas treats, and now I can barely fit into my jeans! : )
Teechino Dandelion caramel nut tea.
I love chips and Diet Coke. Great interview. Looking forward to the book.
Tea and fruit
These wonderful comments are making me hungry :)! Truly, we are unique in our preferences! Here’s hoping ALL of you enjoy the book! Really delighted by your being here and Jenny’s gracious invite.
I agree! Every comment was wonderful to read. I even had some popcorn, apples, and cheese during one of my readings, as talk of popcorn is almost as inviting as the smell! : )
Thank you, Laura, for joining the giveaway and making it so wonderful! Posting the winners on the next comment in 3, 2, 1…
We have our winners!!!
Alison Boss, you won A Bound Heart, the box of chocolates, and the Walker’s shortbread!!! Congrats!! You are going to love it! I’ll e-mail you to get your address today.
Martha Troxel, you won the signed copy of A Bound Heart, the tartan bookplate, and the bookmark!!! Congrats!! You are in for a treat!! I’ll e-mail you today to get your address, so Laura can send it to you.
Huge thanks to everyone who entered!! It was so fun getting to be excited together over Laura’s book!!
And thank you, Laura, for the wonderful interview, the bonus giveaway, and for making this such a special and fun giveaway!!! Btw, I finished the book and it was amazing!!! <3 <3 <3
Happy Reading, everyone!
Woo Hoo!! Thank you sooo much, Jenny and Laura! I have eagerly been anticipating the release of A Bound Heart & am thrilled beyond measure to have won a copy & the delicious snacks!!! Thank you so very much!!!
HUGE congrats to our winners! Really appreciate each one stopping by and celebrating books. And for Jenny, our very generous, gracious hostess. I’m so blessed! I’ll ready Martha’s book & bling to go out once you hear back from her. So happy you enjoyed the story, Jenny! Hugs, prayers, & happy endings!
I have eagerly been anticipating the release of A Bound Heart & am thrilled beyond measure to have won a copy!!! Thank you so very much, Laura!! This TOTALLY made my day!!! 🙂
I love snacking on popcorn and a Coke when I read!