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04 October 2012

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz reviewed by Marian Baay

Photo by Marian Baay


Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz
(Revell, 2012)

Reviewed by Marian Baay
5 stars~*****

With this first book in The Ballantyne Legacy Laura Frantz leaves a lasting impression on my heart!
A story about lies and deceit and how love can heal the deepest wounds.

Eden and Elspeth Lee are sisters, but as different as night and day. Elspeth is a frivolous girl who lives for her own pleasure, while Eden is quiet, gentle and caring.

The day blacksmith apprentice Silas Ballantyne enters the Lee household, both sisters are attracted to him and soon jealousy and rivalry begins. According to an old family tradition the apprentice must marry into the family. Liege Lee – the father – decides that Silas must marry Elspeth. But Silas is not interested in marrying. He wants nothing else than to finish his apprenticeship and move west to Fort Pitt. When Liege gives Silas an ultimatum—marry one of his daughters, or leave before the ending of his apprenticeship—what will Silas do?

Silas is disgusted at the way Elspeth is trying to manipulate Eden. He admires Eden for her quiet spirit. When he finds out that Eden is hungry for Gods Word, he will read the Bible to her and write Bible verses out for her. A tender love unfolds, but something awful happens to Eden and then she’s pushing Silas away. Will their love survive secrets and darkness?

Laura Frantz has written a beautiful story that will touch the hearts of the readers. Her beautiful and creative way with words are a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed this story and was almost anxious to see the ending. Could there really be a happy ending?
Wonderfully done, Laura!

Laura's books can be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.


GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of author's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.



95 comments:

  1. Sounds intriging. I want to win it. I don't have one of Laura's books yet, and this would be a good place to start! Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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  2. Thanks for stopping by, MAXIE. Good luck in the drawing!

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  3. Love your pic above! :) Reading your review makes me want to read this great book all over again. Nicely done, my friend!

    I finished one of my bookcases for my library, and on the middle shelf I have the books stacked, and on the the bottom shelf I have three books at a slant lying flat down where my visitors can see the covers. One of the books is this one, and the other is Courting Morrow Little. I need to get her other two books for my library...loaned them out and never saw them again. Love's Reckoning is awesome!!

    Hoping I can get some nice pics of my bookcase for fb--it has a light in it as well so books really show up nicely.


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  4. Thank you, DIANA! Sometimes I have a creative mind and the result you can see on the pic. :)
    LAURA's book covers are so beautiful you just have to show them! She's so blessed with whoever makes her covers!
    Looking forward to your pics of the bookcase! :)

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  5. Yes, I have seen your creative mind at work in some of your other pics, too. ;)

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  6. MARIAN awesome review and I love the picture. Haven't I seen those flowers somewhere before?! ;) Love, love, love this book! Laura certainly is a master storyteller!!

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  7. Thanks, T.! These flowers are brothers and sisters of the flowers you are talking about... ;) Maybe I should change my profile pic for this occasion...?

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  8. Ooh, great review!! I cannot wait to read this one!! It is already in my TBR pile (which still hasn't gotten any shorter... must make time!). :)

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  9. LADETTE, thank you for stopping by and telling me. :) I hope you can find time to read this book soon!

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  10. I loved Laura's newest book. Her writing is perfection. I just wish we didn't have to wait another year for the next one!

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  11. OH Marian!! I just woke up here west coast time and BE STILL MY HEART! My eyes landed on your incredible picture and I didn't want to leave! You are a very gifted photographer! The flowers and background are perfect for the book - love how you have both covers displayed. A true gift to me this autumn morning!

    And your review is very moving and means so much to me- just like your kind comments here.

    Waving at Maxie! Many thanks to Ladette for alerady having the book! Hugs to Diana (can't wait to see your new bookcase!) and Teresa (you're such an encourager!) - and of course our Marian for making the day so special!!

    I'll check back in later. Am expecting to hear from my editor about book 2 Ballantyne any minute. OH JOY!

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  12. Marian, what a great review! I can not wait to read Love's Reckoning. I have it and moved it up on TBR list. Hopefully, I will get to start it next week.
    Amy C
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  13. JOYCE, I agree with you - Laura's writing is perfection indeed. It's a long time to wait for Laura's next book, but her books are always worth the wait!

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  14. LAURA, your comments always make me smile. I'm glad you like the picture! :)
    You know how much I love reading your books and wish it was September 2013 already... ;)

    So exiting that you will hear from your editor today!!

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  15. AMY, thank you for telling me you liked my review! That means a lot to me. Bless you!
    I hope you will get to read Laura's great book soon. Have you read Laura's other books yet?

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  16. I love Laura's writing and I LOVE this cover!

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I have fallen in love with Laura's writing. I moved to China about two months ago to teach and my books are what I love most about my days here. I'm currently reading The Colonel's Lady and have read her first two books. I can't wait to read this one... especially after reading the review.

    jean(dot)marie356(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Oh, her books are so good! I would love to win this.
    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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  19. I read the Colonel's Lady and looking forward to reading this new series. I have book 1 and 2 on my wish list. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  20. Enter me please! I have never read any of Laura Frantz's books but love discovering new authors. I hope I win :D

    winterrose at comcast dot net

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  21. JENNWIT2NS, thank you for coming over all the way from China! So good to hear that you enjoy Laura's books so much. Good luck in the contest.

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  22. MELISSA, yes they are! You're entered.

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  23. MISSKALLIE, good to see you again. We will enter you, and good luck to you.

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  24. LOUISE, it is time to start reading Laura's books then! Hope you'll win. :)

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  25. Another great review! I can't wait to finish the story and find out what happens! I'm so glad this is a series so it doesn't have to end yet.

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  26. Thank you, LIZ. I guess you are currently reading the book? Enjoy!

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  27. I would love a chance to win a copy of this book. It sounds intriguing. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.

    Glenda Parker
    parker.glenda@ymail.com

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  28. We will enter you in the drawing, GLENDA. Blessings to you!

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  29. Another great review of this book, I can't wait to read it. May have to break down and buy it myself if I don't win!
    That is a great picture Marian, did you take it?

    Patty
    pattymh200(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I'm determined to keep trying to win this book. :D Maybe this time... who knows? I have to add that I like the names Laura chooses in her novels. Very authentic.
    muschfarm at yahoo dot com

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  31. Thank you, PATTY! Yes, I took this picture earlier this week.
    Good luck in the drawing!

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  32. NAOMI, I'll throw you name in the hat. ;) Who knows... maybe this time you win.

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  33. This sounds like a great book; I've read a lot of reviews praising it. I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  34. This is a wonderful book, PAM. Good luck in the drawing!

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  35. Waving at Naomi (YES, I so want you to meet Silas and Eden!) - thanks for the kudos about the names. I really do try to stay true to the times with those...

    Thanks to Patty, Glenda, and Louise and others! So wish I had a book for everyone!

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  36. Lord, I just finished The Colonel's Lady the other day....WOW!! I'm still floating around in the world of Colonel's McLinn....I'm absolutely in love with this book! I have Love's Reckoning...and my friend told me I have to read Courting Morrow Little, so here I am! I can't wait to read the next Laura Frantz book on my shelf! Her writing is purely a pleasure!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. I've never read any of Laura's books, but I've been told they are really good! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

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  38. I'm here entering for my daughter....she really likes Laura's books. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

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  39. Beautiful review, Marian! I am working on a new MS and my accountability partner is back, so I am hammering out the words! LOVE the picture!!! Glad to see people enjoying Laura's talent!

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  40. EMILY, our lovely Marian lives in the Netherlands where it is 6 hours ahead of my EST zone. She is off to dreamland. I loved TCL, too!!! Great book!!! On our favorites list for 2011.

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  41. DEBBIE--You are MISSING out!!!

    JOHN--happy to oblige you! Blessings!

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  42. Marian, awesome review! I love Laura's books, and I think this is her best one yet. Please don't enter me in the drawing. This has become one of my all time favorite books and I just want to help promote it. :)

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  43. Emily, So thrilled Colonel McLinn left you slightly smitten:) Me, too! Thanks so much for already owning LR! I hope you enjoy Eden and Silas's story just as much. As for Morrow and her man - well, I wish I could go back to that one fresh as a reader as I miss those characters. The Lord is good at bringing lovers of historical fiction together - and for giving us these stories we so love and hate to leave behind...

    Thanks so much for entering the drawing!

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  44. Debbie, Thanks so much for wanting to read LR and for being such an encouragement:) You've made my day!

    John, Very happy to see you - please give your daughter a big hug for me. So thankful she likes my books! You are the best kind of Dad!

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  45. Oh Angi, I am so blessed you feel this one is my best yet. I pray so. It was sure a joy to write! The Lord is certainly creative in these stories He give us to write and read! Thanks for your kindness in wanting to be here and say such lovely things!! You're a treasure:)

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  46. Thanks for the chance to win one of Laura's books. I've read some in the past.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  47. Hoping this will be my next book to read!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  48. Thank you everyone for commenting while I was in dreamland. :) Wishing you all a happy Friday!

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  49. APPLE BLOSSOM, good luck in the drawing!

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  50. MELODY, I hope you will read this book next! :)

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  51. ANGI, thanks for commenting and wanting to promote Laura's book! Great to hear that you think this is her best yet.

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  52. LAURA, I loaned Love's Reckoning to my pastor's wife and she returned it last week and said she LOVED it sooo much!! It's one of her favorite books now! :))

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  53. Ok. I want to read this book! It's sounds so intriguing. Perfect review, MARIAN.

    DIANA, I can't wait to see pics of your bookshelf. I sure need another one! Mine are running out into the floor.

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  54. Thank you, ANNE! Glad to hear you want to read the book. :) Good luck in the drawing!

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  55. What a beautiful picture! It makes me want to read Love's Reckoning even more now. ;) I actually just won a copy last week, and I'm reading Courting Morrow Little right now (and absolutely LOVING it!), so I'm looking forward to reading Laura's other books. =) Thanks for the chance to win!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  56. I've never read any of Laura's books, but they look wonderful! And the cover of Love's Reckoning is beautiful!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. Great interview and giveaway! I'm entering for my daughter, who would love this book or any by Laura!

    icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. I can't wait to read any of Laura's books- they all look so good, that I can't choose which one I'd read first... lol! Thanks for the chance to win one!

    thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  60. ELYSSA, great to hear that you are enjoying Morrow's story! Hope you will enjoy Love's Reckoning as much!

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  61. JENNY and IRA, thanks for stopping by!

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  62. JESUS FREAK, I hope you will enjoy Laura's books when you get to reading them.

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  63. Good review Marian, beautiful picture to! I guess that the flowers are from youre garden :)
    Would love to enter my name to win this book. Sounds like a very good book ( again) by Laura :)
    mirjam(at)fotoflits(dot)com

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  64. MIRJAM, thanks! The flowers are dried little sunflowers and silk flowers, so nothing from my garden. ;)
    Good luck in the drawing, my friend!

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  65. I just saw that CARLA GADE's awesome mommy JOYCE BUCKLEY was here!!! Love Joyce!

    And NAOMI MUSCH who is on my prayer list, too! I just keep her there because I love the type of writing projects she has talked about and she is such a sweetheart.

    MARIAN--LOVE your flowers and great pic!

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  66. Marian, Oh, what a wonderful blessing to know that about your pastor's wife this Friday morn!! My heart is singing! Please thank her for taking time to read it. I know how busy pastor's wives are! And huge hugs and thanks to you for sharing the book! I'm so honored to have my work circulating in your country. The Lord is so good!

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  67. Wonderful to see Mirjam here - hope you enjoy the story within those pretty pages Revell and Marian created in these pics!

    Joyce, I'm honored by your words! Thanks so much for taking time for my stories. It inspires me to keep going and writing richer and deeper.

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  68. Jean Marie - So touched that you're in China - and have my books with you! I pray you adjust well to being there and feel His presence in fresh ways. I nearly went to China to teach myself when I was first out of college. I admire you! BTW, not sure if your email name is your real name but I have a Jean Marie in Love's Reckoning I'd love for you to meet:)

    Bless everyone for their very kind comments! I'm off to work now as I have Ballantyne book 2 back as of late yesterday and have to trim some scenes! Happy Friday to you!

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  69. I've read all Laura's books except the very first one and would love to read that one. vernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  70. I have read other Laura Frantz' books and loved them. I have this one on my to-read list and it sounds great.

    Loraine
    Lpertelt@aol.com

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  71. Waving at lollipops and Loraine - so happy you want to read this latest story. Would love for you to! Thanks so much for being here:)

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  72. LAURA, I got such a nice message yesterday from Brandon Hill's mother. She liked my picture of your book and appreciated that I displayed her son's work so lovely. It was so sweet of her to tell me that!

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  73. LOLLIPOPS, you definitely must read Laura's first book! It may be the best book I've ever read. Maybe you'll win this week... good luck!

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  74. LORAINE, thank you for stopping by! What book would you like to have if you win?

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  75. ANNE PAYNE, my books were in disarray, too. It felt good to pretty them all up. Got company staying with me and company coming in and out to see the company I have staying with me (lol), but pics soon.

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  76. Love the photo and the review! I have a copy of this one & Courting Morrow Little, but still need The Frontiersman's Daughter, so please enter me too!

    Thanks for the chance!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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  77. I would love to win this book. I have read The Frontiersman's Daughter and just love it. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Debbie Clark
    debbiemcla[at]msn[dot]com

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  78. hi DEBBIE, great to hear that you loved TFD! You're entered in the contest this week. Good luck!

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  79. Hi DEBBIE!!! Saw your FB post. Am glad you are hanging in there. We want to share your story here on OTT-WGH sometime! Hugs!

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  80. Oh Marian, Mrs. Hill is wonderful! I'm so glad you connected! I am so smitten with you and your pics I can see why she contacted you! In fact, I usually post on his page and will do that with this pic - unless she's beat me to it:) Thanks so much for telling me. I SO love your photography!!

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  81. Looking forward to reading this book one day!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  82. Very blessed by Marian, Beth, Debbie and others who are commenting here. It's wonderful to hear so much about Lael's story and know she's not forgotten. Thanks so much for that - and more!

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  83. We will enter you MELODY. Good luck.

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  84. Thank you for sharing my pic on Brandon Hill's page, LAURA! :)

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  85. Beautiful cover !!! Interesting review !!! I am new to her books. Count me in.

    JKTerrazas09@aol.com

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  86. KIM, thanks for stopping by. I think you will enjoy Laura's books. Good luck in the drawing!

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  87. Marian, You're so welcome! When I did post your pic on Brandon's page, his mom popped up:) She agan said how very much she liked it! So you're spreading the JOY with your gifts here and there, my friend!

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  88. Love the photo of the book in your post :) - grabbed my attention and this story sounds really interesting. Definitely putting it on my TBR list!

    Jes
    jswaks at gmail dot com

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  89. Would love to read this book!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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  90. hi MELODY, you are determined to win, I see. ;) (you already entered on Oct. 4)
    Good luck, maybe you win. :)

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  91. Lauraine Ertfelt, You are our WINNER of one of the copies of Laura Frantz's "Love's Reckoning" this week! CONGRATULATIONS!

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