Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories 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. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.
According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.
Visit her at www.laurafrantz.net
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Welcome back to the blog, Laura. I’m so excited to have you here today! And congratulations on your upcoming release, The Lacemaker. I’m eagerly counting down the days until I get to read it. 🙂
Tell us about your hero and heroine in The Lacemaker. Why do YOU love these two characters?
I really enjoyed writing about a genteel young woman of that time period who has the best of everything. My heroines are usually more rustic and deprived of all the delightful, beautiful things Lady Elisabeth has known from birth. As for my hero, Noble Rynallt, he is just like his name, a man of integrity who is truly as good as he is handsome!
I can’t wait to meet them both! 😉
What’s one of your favorite settings from any of your books?
I love Colonial Williamsburg so much that I actually include it in this Scottish story that’s up next though it’s about 25 years earlier in the novel. The challenge of a real historical place compared to a fictitious one is that there’s a lot more researching and detail-work to get right. Making up a colonial town sounds pretty good right now!
How long does it typically take you to write a story?
One year usually or a year and a couple of months. Research takes a lot of time and I never begin a story until I have a good grasp of the place and history I’m writing about. I am in awe of authors who can write more than one book a year!
Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? If so, can you tell us why it means so much to you?
When I was a young girl, my mom and I memorized Psalm 139 together. Ever since then the Psalms have been very dear to me. And if you’ve ever read Keller’s book on the 23rd Psalm, that’s another reason why I’m constantly returning to that book of the Bible. The Lord as our Shepherd has such appeal to me. But I have to mention Isaiah 40:11, too. When I was a new mom 2300 miles from my family and living in the garage we had built while waiting for our house, in a state where it had rained 94 days straight, I had my first baby, a very colicky boy. I came out of the hospital with the flu and soon had mastitis, and after several months of mostly sleepless nights, the Lord gave me this verse out of the blue. I literally opened my Bible and there was Isaiah 40:11 as if highlighted for me. The various translations of this particular verse are beautiful, though the NIV is my favorite and the one I discovered that very memorable day.
I love this. Bless your heart. What a testimony of God’s love to give you such a special verse in a difficult season. I love when He does that. It feels like a gift just for you, doesn’t it? 🙂
Have you visited any of the historical sites you’ve written about? If not, what places are at the top of your list to visit someday?
Thankfully, I’ve been to every place I write about save one. In this Scottish novel my characters go to the West Indies, something I only dream about! I’ve been to Scotland several times and love it as it’s epic even though it’s smaller than the state of Indiana. And as a native Kentuckian, that setting is truly home to me and easily used as a setting. I dream of going to Greece, India, and – oddly enough – Dubai!
I love seeing pics from authors’ research trips to such places. It really makes their stories come alive.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I’m so glad to say more books are coming with Revell through 2022. A mix of frontier and genteel 😊. One of those novels has me jumping back another century to the 17th which I’m quite excited about. But no spoilers for you!
Yay!! Congrats, my friend. I’m so excited to read them all. 🙂
Thank you for joining us today, Laura. It’s always a joy to have you here. Have a blessed holiday season.
Thanks so much, Savanna! It’s a joy to celebrate another release with you. You are one of my most faithful reading and writing friends and I’m truly thankful for your heart for my books. And, of course, meeting your readers here is an extra blessing!
GIVEAWAY!!
Laura has graciously offered to give away a copy of The Lacemaker, along with a bookmark. Enter below and it could be YOU! 
Thanks for entering! Giveaway is open only in the U.S. and ends December 26, 2017. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! 😉
I’m super excited about this book!! Did you happen to catch my blog post about the dress on the cover of The Lacemaker?
One of my favorite posts of yours ever, Trisha! I still can’t get over the dress. Since we only get a peek at the sleeve on the cover it’s extra sweet :). Thank you!
It was super fun to research and learn about the dress! If the Indianapolis Museum ever puts it out on display again, I simply must go and see it! Thank you, Laura! <3
So happy you could join us, Trisha. No, I haven’t seen that post. I’d love to read it if you could send me the link. 🙂 Thanks!
The verse he gave me was “Be still and know that I am God”. We have gone through a lot of trying times and God has always told me to just wait on Him and He will take care of it all. AND He always has!!
Dear Faith, Love that ‘still’ you mention and the way God has been so faithful to you personally. In hindsight we see so clearly just how many times He and His promises hold true! Thanks for being here and sharing this as we celebrate Christ’s birth.
A beautiful truth that never grows old. Thanks for sharing, Faith. Blessings to you this Christmas and in the New Year!
Isaiah 41:13. I love this verse. It talks about God holding us by the right hand and protecting us. It’s beautiful. It has helped me stay hopeful in a very hopeless-seeming time.
Dear Nicole, Am going to look your verse up and love how you mention HOPE. I think Christian fiction embodies hope which is certainly true in this particular novel of mine. A very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
I love that verse, Nicole. What an amazing thought to think about God holding our hand! Thanks for taking the time to share that with us.
oh goodness I don’t remember the verse now, it was when my kiddos were toddlers. But I needed help in a certain area and one morning during quiet time God showed me a verse that helped immensely.
I love the cover of this book. And the story line sounds very interesting
Lori, Love that the Lord spoke right to your mom’s heart like He did mine. I sense His love for children especially in such times. So happy you like the cover – Revell does such a beautiful job with them! And the fact this one is an actual gown in a museum collection means so much:)
I didn’t realize the dress was in a museum! How cool is that?! 🙂
I’m in that very season myself and the Lord has encouraged my weary heart many mornings with His word. So glad you could stop by, Lori. Hope you get to read Laura’s lovely new book soon. 🙂
During pregnancies, I needed the constant reminder that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Those words were a great comfort as we dealt with complications.
I’m so excited about this book and knowing there are definitely more to come is great to know!
Beautiful testimony, Beth Erin! And really heartfelt as we rarely worry so much than when our children are involved. Great comfort, indeed. Thrilled you want to meet Lady Elisabeth and her hero. I hope it satisfies you heart and soul!
So happy you could join us, Beth. That verse lends such strength and peace, doesn’t it? Thanks for sharing!! Hugs to you this Christmas.
I am so excited about the books to come!!! I can hardly wait!!
Dear Jennifer, You are always a bright spot! Thank you, thank you:) Some of my stories are especially dear to me and TL is one of them. I hope you find it so, too. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks for visiting, Jennifer. Hope you get to read this next one of Laura’s real soon. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
I can’t think of a particular verse right now, but I often turn to the scriptures when I have a problem that I need help with. Thanks for the lovely interview, Savanna and Laura. Laura, meeting you and getting to chat with you for a few minutes was one of the highlights of CFRR this past summer. I’m looking forward to reading The Lacemaker. It’s on my wish list!
Winnie, Meeting you was such a highlight, too! CFRR is so amazing bringing authors and readers together! Truly a one of a kind, well done event:) I hope/pray we can do it again someday! And I’m thrilled you’re looking forward to reading TL. I do believe it’s as romantic as Courting Morrow Little which is saying a lot!
Thanks for joining us, Winnie. I must confess I’m a little envious you and Laura got to meet in person. 😉 Here’s hoping someday my path crosses with both of yours. 🙂 Maybe the next CFRR! 😉
When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, HE is with me…(some days grief has made me feel like my feet are stuck in muck & mire, but PSALM 23 says that I will WALK through the valley!
Thank you, Barb, for the reminder of a beloved verse to so many yet one that speaks individually and uniquely to each of us. Thanks for taking time to stop here!
Bless you, Barb, for sharing this grace-giving verse. Praying the Lord strengthens all our weak knees and feeble hearts. Merry Christmas!
In the midst of many changes and possibility of changes, He’s whispering for me to be still and know that He is God.
Such a timely reminder especially during this busy season. But true for every day of the year. Thank you for being here!
Awww, yes, so simple and yet so powerful. Praise Him for the beautiful reminder. Thanks for sharing.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;”
Lamentations 3:22
The past year has been hard for me, with lots of changes. This verse has been a huge help to me when I am throwing myself a pity party. 😉
Thanks for the chance to win!
Hi Candice, Love that you are protesting pity parties! I need the reminder myself oftentimes! Change is hard but thankful God is in the midst of it bringing goodness and mercies. Thanks for entering the drawing and sharing this beautiful verse!
Oh, Candice, that verse is pure treasure. Blessings and hugs to you during this holiday season and in the new year to come. May God give you joy in the face of change.
When I was growing up, my mom had a blanket hanging on the wall with a quote from Joshua 24:15. You know, the “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” verse, lol. That has always stuck with me and is such a great reminder to make my home a haven from the world, a place where we can feel the Spirit and be comforted, guided, and at peace.
Your comments are a beautiful tribute to your mom and the legacy godly parents leave us. I am sure your home contains the very things you mention. Love the word HAVEN especially:) Thank you, Karen!
So appreciate your beautiful comments here, Karen. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas!
The 23rd Psalm brings such comfort.
I so agree, Melanie, and it applies to any situation. Rich and beautiful!
A treasure well worth re-visiting and memorizing. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Melanie. Blessings on your Christmas too!
I don’t remember getting a specific verse but I believe that he has given me the ‘go-ahead’ on moving 1500 twice, anytime you can get a new job, a place to live, move paid for, house sold and finalized in ONE month, it was God’s will for us.
wfnren at aol dot com
Ohmyword, Wendy! Amazing personal testimony – one I need to hear personally today. Thank you for confirming God’s perfect timing and our need to not fret over major changes when He’s in charge. Thank you for being here and wanting to read TL!
Bless your heart, Wendy! I’m glad the Lord has been close to you amidst such a busy season of your life. Thanks for sharing.
God has been giving me Psalm 91 right now. I find myself repeating it throughout the day, and it gives me so much comfort in this time.
Am going to look that one up and will think of you as I do it, Kathryn. Bless you for sharing it here!
Awww, I’m going to have to go look that one up too, Kathryn. Love it. Thank you for stopping by!
Philippians 4:13 has always been my life verse. It has really helped me during my two cancer journeys.
That’s amazing, Merry. No one can speak with more conviction than you can having journeyed through this, and it is a journey, thankfully, not a destination. Bless you for being here and sharing this! I know it will mean something to others, too.
I’m so glad you could join us, Merry. Your testimony of God’s grace is inspiring. Hugs to you this Christmas season.
Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite verses. God does give us strength no matter what is going on in our life. I love Laura’s books and have not read this one!
Dear Joan, So thankful for your heart for my books! I hope this one delights you heart and soul too. Bless you for stopping!
I’m always so happy to see you stop by, Joan. Thanks for sharing a great verse. Hope you get to read this book soon! 🙂
I don’t have one very specific verse, as many are helpful. I enjoyed the interview and am looking forward to this new release. Beautiful cover!
Cathy, You remind me that I have many verses for different seasons and circumstances. So happy this looks like a book you want to read and I so hope you enjoy every word when you do. Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed our little chat, Cathy. It means a lot to us when readers stop by. Good luck in the drawing!
Proverbs 3:5, 6 has been a blessing to me many times. When I was 20 and lost my job, car, and freedom to an illness…that verse was a lifeline for me! Love Laura’s books!
Rachael, Your own testimony is so moving and powerful! I count it a true honor to know you as you honor the Lord in so many ways. And I’m very blessed for your heart for my books and Christian fiction! Thank you for taking time here today.
What a precious testimony, Rachael. Thanks for taking the time to visit us here. Blessings to you and yours!
Isaiah 40:11 What a great verse! I always imagine myself held in God’s arms. Now I have a scripture to go with it.
The verse I have written on my white board right now is 2 Chronacles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
With three small kids, one of which needs extra care when he gets sick, I NEED his strength, and I’m so thankful that he gives it.
Loved the interview!!!
Beautiful words, Jenny. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to share with us. Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas. Love the verses you shared too!
I really enjoyed the interview and info about your book! We are missionaries on deputation to go to Dominican Republic and the Caribbean long-term. We’ve been on the road full-time for 8 months now (with another year+ to go), traveling the states to visit churches and share our burden. This is an amazing, blessed time for our family, but also one of the most difficult things we’ve ever done. God gave me Proverbs 3:5-6 for this time. Over and over again, God reminds me not to lean not on my own understanding. If I trust in Him, for what He’s called us to do, then He will provide! It’s nothing I can do, or even understand! It’s all about Him.
Blessings to you and your family, Hannah, during this season of ministry. I love how those verses have strengthened you and watered your thirsty heart. Praying the Lord continues to guide and grow you. Appreciate you stopping by!
There have been numerous times in my life that I have felt a specific verse spoke to my situation or desire at the time. I should keep track of them (by writing the date or the situation down in my Bible) but I haven’t been doing that. “Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares” 1 Peter 5:7 is one such verse.
I stopped marking time and situation down, too, Arletta, and wish I’d kept a record. Hope to return to that as it’s such a wonderful way to show God’s faithfulness. Love the verse here you mention as it applies to all situations. Thank you for being here and wanting to read TL!
I love the idea of writing the date next to verses that spoke to your heart during a specific season. I need to do that too, Arletta. Thanks for sharing a wonderful verse here. Merry Christmas and good luck in the giveaway!
The 23rd Psalm is my favorite. I can remember it when all else fails.
Jan, That particular Psalm is a favorite of many, I’m sure. Thank you for sharing it and for stopping here to enter the drawing!
What a blessing it is to know the Lord and His word never fails. Blessings to you this Christmas, Jan!
Hi Sarah and Laura, wonderful interview! I’m excited to read The Lacemaker! I shared this on Pinterest.
So glad you enjoyed it, Carrie. It’s great to see you stop by. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
I don’t know that God gave me any verses during a time of need, but he did send me an angel in the form of the Bishop of my church many years ago when I was at my whit’s end regarding moving to a new place while the old place was being torn down before I even got moved out. I do believe God listens to us when we need Him most.
Debbie, Love that you mention a special person as God works so often through us to help others in countless ways! Kindness and caring are so key and so Christlike. Thank you for being here in this busy season!
Thanks for sharing, Debbie. I love to hear stories of how God uses people to bless others. I’ve been so touched by His hand through others’ encouragement and love. I’m glad you could join us here.
OH YES! 🙂 Two stand out in my mind though I know there have been others! The first being
John 14:1-4 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” in a time I was stressing over somethings! 🙂
And
Psalm 100:3 “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Many Blessings and MERRY CHRISTmas! 🙂
Beautiful verses, Amada. Thanks for sharing them with us here. So glad you could join us. Good luck in the giveaway and Merry Christmas!
I can’t remember any verse given to me.
Joan
Joan, Thank you for entering the drawing and wanting to read!
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, Joan. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and good luck in the drawing. 🙂
Jeremiah 29:11 has always been a special verse for me and is the verse around which my debut novel was themed. The verse (For I know the plans I have for you..) has spoken to me every time I’m struggling with direction. The Lord is faithful. So looking forward to your next book, Laura! Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday, Savanna!!
Hi Cynthia, Love seeing you here! And like you, this verse has such meaning for me, too, and has brought me comfort when at many crossroads in life. The Lord is faithful, yes! And happy birthday to Savanna – somehow that got by me! Hope you and yours have the brightest of Christmases! Thank you for stopping here.
So happy to see you here, Cynthia. I know you share my love for Laura’s beautiful stories. Hope you get to read this one soon too. 🙂
And thanks for the sweet birthday wishes. 🙂 I also love the verse you mentioned and how that fit into your novel. Hugs to you!
I struggled mightily after an unwanted divorce. I didn’t know what God wanted of me. He gave me Micah 6:8. I needed to quit struggling and “do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
I really enjoy Laura’s books and am looking forward to reading The Lacemaker. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Pam, That’s a wonderful testimony of how Scripture comforts and guides us personally at the toughest times imaginable. This particular verse you mention has so much meaning when broken down and digested. Thank you for being a faithful reader. Really blessed by your heart for my books!
What an amazing verse for difficult seasons and always. Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Pam. So glad you could join us. Good luck in the giveaway and Merry Christmas!
Great interview! I, too, love the Psalms!! The verses that come to mind though are from Habakkuk 3:17-19. We were going through a really tough time financially, etc. and I love how this says, “Though the fig tree does not blossom and there be no fruit on the vine… though… and… though… and… YET I will exult in the Lord…”! 🙂
Looking forward to this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Love what you shared here, Cyndi. Praying for the Lord’s blessing and provision in your life. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Isaiah 41:10, which I was able to share with my scared 4-year-old daughter before she had to head into the operating room without me–she was scared that I wouldn’t be with her but was reassured that God would be with her.
How wonderful to share that with your daughter. Hope she is well and your family has a blessed new year, Adrienne.
Hi Laura, You honor your readers with your thorough research and delightful stories that result. SO glad to hear of many more in line to go from your fingers to our hearts!
So love to read how God speaks to each of us in unique ways through Scripture. Psalm 91, esp verses 9-11 was highlighted to me. I was at my office hours away by bus from our home and Karl’s school when they called & said to come pick Karl up (He was 9.). He & another boy collided during basketball in gym class & he was bleeding from the head. they couldn’t tell me how bad it was because he way lying in a pool of blood. While I told them to call an ambulance, coworkers collected money and got a cab for me. As I rode to the hospital I opened my Bible and God comforted me with those promises from Psalms. A friend rode with Karl to the ER and the head would was easily tended by Drs. And I did not have a heart attack while trying to get to my son! 🙂
Thanks for the opportunity to win Lacemaker. What a Christmas gift that would be. And thank you, Savanna for the great interview! Merry Christmas to you both.
Wow! What a testament to God’s word strengthening our hearts in difficult times. Such powerful verses. Hope your son was okay, Mary.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and chat with us. Blessings on your new year!
Thanks, Savanna. No long term damage, and he was easily cared for in the ER. I should have included that tidbit. Sorry. LOL I did learn that head wounds bleed ~ a lot. 🙂
“Be still and know that I am God” has been a favorite verse for me for so long. When I get crazy with what I perceive as busy work that has to get done, I remember the importance of taking time to be still. He IS God. What more do I need?
Can’t wait to read your new book!
I needed that reminder today, Linda. Thank you. I’ve always loved that verse, but it seems like I forget it too easily. Hope you get to read Laura’s new book soon. 🙂
Not a specific verse but definitely a time when it was made clear that I was to turn to HIM for comfort. God was the only one that could give that comfort in a time that I needed it the most. Through him all things are possible is what became crystal clear to me.
Such a beautiful gift He gave you, Kay. He comforted you with Himself. How blessed we are! Hugs to you!
Hello Savanna and Laura! Thank you for the wonderful interview and the chance to win a copy of The Lacemaker.
One of the verses I hold on to in hard times is Psalm 138:8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
So glad you could join us during the busy Christmas season, Caryl. I loved the verse you shared too. Happy New Year! Hope you get to read Laura’s book soon. 🙂
When my hubby and I had a decision to make we relied on the verse that says a man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. He has always led us whenever we needed an answer!
I love that verse too, Paula. How wise to hold on to it during making big decisions. Thanks for visiting!
Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I have trouble being still enough to seek him, so it’s a good reminder to me. Thank you for the interview and giveaway opportunity. I am in love with that cover!
Awww, you and me both, Perrianne. 🙂 So happy you stopped by and shared that lovely verse. And I agree about Laura’s cover. It’s perfect! 🙂