Meet and Greet is a regular feature on my blog. Be forewarned…Unlike the typical interview, these brief questions will get to the true heart of my guests…or at least the heart of what’s in their kitchen. Grab a latte (or other beverage of your choice), find a comfy chair, and prepare to make a new friend.
I’m honored to have Laura Frantz as my guest today! She is such a warm, kind soul, and her writing is pretty fantastic too. 
She’s preparing to go on a trip to Scotland, so I’m glad she made time in the midst of packing to be here. Keep reading for how you can win a copy of her latest book, Love’s Reckoning!
Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with history. Frantz’s family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and settled in Madison County, where her family still resides. Frantz is the author of The Frontiersman’s Daughter and Courting Morrow Little, both Carol Award Finalists, and The Colonel’s Lady, a Readers Choice/Family Fiction winner for Historical Novel of the Year and Author of the Year. She is currently working on her new historical series, The Ballantyne Legacy, and lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons. She enjoys connecting with readers at http://www.laurafrantz.net.
—–
Welcome, Laura! Let’s get to the questions, shall we?
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
Sensitive, compassionate, creative, driven, passionate, pensive, saved.
Either/Or Questions:
1) Right brained or Left brained?
Whichever side of the brain isn’t math related! :) I tend to be in creative overdrive most of the time. I can’t imagine NOT thinking about writing. Editing is more math-related, or so I’ve heard, which may be one of the reasons I like it less than the joy of writing that first draft.
2) English gardens or Hills of Scotland?
The hills of Scotland, definitely. I’m headed to the Highlands soon and want to make every minute count! It’s a joy to look forward to visiting the very castle I write about in Love’s Reckoning.
3) Homemade lasagna or Chinese take-out?
Oh, I’m such a pasta lover but Chinese is fine, too. I love to cook! Two favorite dishes at our house are lasagna and kung pao chicken. We’re quite happy eating both. And who can resist take-out? I love NOT having to cook as much as I love cooking!
4) Diary of Anne Frank or Princess Diaries?
The Diary of Anne Frank. It’s a classic that shows what really matters in life. Anne had a beautiful, hopeful spirit in a very tragic time. I hope to meet her in heaven.
5) Stick to the basics or Frills and ruffles?
Frills and ruffles, please! I’m all girl and love dressing up though I must admit I’ve never even had a manicure. And I’m a mom to two boys, not a girl in sight! Maybe I’ll get that grand-girl someday to dress up!
6) Coffee or Tea?
There’s a time and a place for both! Coffee in the mornings and tea in the evenings with a good book by the fire are wonderful, one of my favorite things about fall and winter.
7) Better Homes and Gardens or ESPN Magazine?
Better Homes and Gardens. I just want to step inside those lovely pictures, build a new house, plan a garden… I never liked sports probably because I was never any good at it. But I really admire those who enjoy them and participate!
—–
Fun answers, Laura! I can picture you in the Scottish countryside — or in an English garden — sipping tea and writing to your heart’s content. Not sure how we could sneak any lasagna or kung pao chicken in there, but scones would be a fine replacement, don’t you think?
Thanks so much for being here today and letting us get to know you better!
—–
On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in York. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege’s daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other’s jealousy destroy their love?
In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love’s Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.
—–
Blog Readers: Let’s talk…What’s the biggest gardening or yard project you’ve taken on this year? Or how about an inside project? Any redecorating or remodeling?
*Giveaway Details: Laura has offered to give away a copy of Love’s Reckoning! All you have to do is leave a comment. (For extra entries, you can Tweet or share this post on Facebook…I’ll add an extra entry for each. Just make sure to mention it in your comment.) Winner will be announced in next Monday’s post. Good luck!
**The winner of last week’s Carla Gade giveaway is Lori Y.! I’ll contact you this week with details.
