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10 October 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews 'Love's Awakening' By Laura Frantz

Love's Awakening



Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****

(No Spoilers)

A Masterpiece Of A Novel!

Once again, author Laura Frantz has crafted a literary masterpiece that sweeps the reader along the banks of the weeping willow and poplar tree-lined Allegheny River—to the elegant surrounding plantations shrouded in secrecy, deceit, betrayal, and hidden passions.

The lovely Ellie Ballantyne decides it is high time to return to her family's plantation, New Hope, after spending time at a finishing school in Philadelphia. As she encounters a dangerous storm on her way home, who should offer to escort her home but the equally dangerous, Jack Turlock…the son of a wealthy whiskey magnate and sworn enemy to the Ballantyne family. As Ellie opens a school for girls, she finds herself traveling often to Jack's plantation, River Hill, to teach his 13 year old sister the fine art of becoming a lady.

Futile feelings begin to smolder between the two of them, as Ellie and Jack realize her family would never allow her to marry a Turlock…with their pro-slavery views and dealings in the whiskey industry. Ellie finds that things have changed at New Hope since she was away, discovering secrets that could endanger and destroy her entire family if discovered. As Jack prepares to leave River Hill to rid his heart and mind of Ellie Ballantyne forever, she receives crushing news concerning him, plunging her life into darkness and despair. Can she find love again with Daniel Cameron, a man who has been wooing her incessantly and surely more worthy of a Ballantyne?

Laura Frantz has done it again! She is truly a master storyteller who interweaves as many twists and turns in her stories as the Allegheny River. I was mesmerized as this story played out and although Jack Turlock was terribly and decidedly brooding, I instantly fell in love with him…as I do with all of Ms. Frantz's handsome heroes! This author is absolutely the best at creating romantic tension and I found myself catching my breath more than once while reading. With a spellbinding historical plot, this is one award-worthy, beautifully written novel you won't soon forget!

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Thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


This book may be purchased through CBD, BAM, Amazon, and your local bookstore.


TWO GIVEAWAYS of paperback copies of Love’s Awakening!
Laura has graciously offered to give away a copy and OWG is also offering a copy!
Please be sure to leave an email addy for contact purposes.


119 comments:

  1. I already have my copy and I have just started reading it. Love it already! Thanks for sharing this review. : )

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    1. You're welcome, CARRIE! And it just gets betterer and betterer. LOL

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  2. Yet another beautiful & stunning review DIANA!! I adore the Ballantyne's but I've fallen for their enemy too, lol. Laura's writing has that effect on me as well so it seems!! :) This really is a beautiful story!

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    1. Thanks so much, NOELA! Yes, only Laura can make us fall for the enemy---and so quickly, too. lol

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  3. Beautiful description of the book's setting. Love that. This sounds like a very enthralling book. I would love it! Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks for letting us get a taste of this new book!

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    1. Thank you, SONJA! You are so welcome! This book is a reviewer's delight...and readers too, of course! :)

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  4. Can't wait to read this book, if I don't win it I will go purchase it...

    Joan
    goangaz@aol.com

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    1. JOAN, I still have a "Laura book" I'm supposed to give you. sheesh! You just jarred my memory which is quite a feat these days. :P Maybe I need to mail it to you! Thanks for coming by and good luck in the drawing!!

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  5. I love Laura's work and will be happy to read this one if I win!! The review was precise and amazing as always Diana. Blessings! Darlene Keith
    spangldlady(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. DARLENE, you're so kind! Aren't Laura's books the BoMb! Hoping for a win for you!

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  6. Diana, beautiful review of Love's Awakening! I've had the pleasure of reading this wonderful book and loved every minute of it. But then, I love all of Laura's books. ;) So, no need to enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to stop by to say 'hello' and support my friend, Laura. Happy reading to the winners of this book!

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    1. Thank you, ANGI...for your kind words and your support!

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  7. I definitely want to read this book. Thanks for the review.

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    1. I forgot to leave my email. wwchildren at gmail dot com

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    2. WILANI, what a lovely name! Thank you for coming by OWG!

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  8. Laura Frantz's books are all so good - I'd love this one too!

    rdalquis(at)css(dot)edu

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    1. I agree, RACHAEL! I've yet to find one of hers I haven't loved to the max! Thanks, and here's hoping for a win for you!

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  9. I'm joining her fan club also! Love her books!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  10. Oh, I feel so spoiled this morning with everyone's gracious comments! Love reading your review, Diana. You say things so poetically and with such feeling. Your Allegheny River comment is quite a nice touch, too! Glad Gentleman Jack won you over. I've had readers say he even bumps Red Shirt and Colonel McLinn, etc! I can't wait for you to meet Rowena and cast in book 3. Cover art has begun and we have a new title for the third book - Love's Fortune.

    Thanks so much for everyone for stopping by! I'll be back later after working a bit. Bless you for being here!

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    1. Thank you so much, LAURA! HMMM...Red Shirt and Colonel McLinn are pretty tough to beat! They're all tied for first place IMO. :) I can't wait to read the next book in the series, but guess I'll have to! :(

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  11. Thank you for sharing this magnificent review, Diana. I can't wait to fall in love with Laura's latest novel!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. You'll fall in love with Jack Turlock, too, BRITNEY---in spite of yourself! ;) Thank you for your kind words.

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  12. Laura, I have enjoyed each book of yours that I've read! (I think Courting Morrow Little is my favorite so far!) Looking forward to reading Ellie's story! Thanks for the chance at winning a copy!

    Stephanie
    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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    1. That Red Shirt was something else, STEPHANIE! I love all of Laura's books and heroes as well, even the delightfully, brooding Jack Turlock!

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  13. DIANA another outstanding review of a magnificent book!! Laura's books are always extra special!!

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    1. Thanks so much, TERESA! Extra, extra special! Such a wonderful talent the Lord has blessed Laura with.

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  14. I'm so excited to read this one! the cover is amazing and I've read some really great reviews. Thanks for the giveaway!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. HEIDI, this cover is totally Ellie. You'll see when you read the book. :)

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  15. I haven't read it and would love too...thanks for the chance...vrush729@aol.com will be gone a few weeks, having surgery so just for grins, giving you my address.....V. Rush 2781 CR 639, Buna, Texas 77612

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    1. VIRGINIA, I love this comment!! You are too cute. We love a positive attitude on OWG! Even if you don't win the book, you should get alot of get well cards! :D

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  16. This is definitely on my soon to read list! I haven't gotten it yet though. I love Laura's books. She has a talent! Nancycooks4u@gmail.com

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    1. I forgot to say thanks for the chance to win.

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    2. Laura is one of the most talented authors I have had the pleasure of reading, NANCY! Thanks for coming by OWG!

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  17. I love Laura! Thanks for the giveaway!
    Cclark207 @ gmail.com

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    1. I love her, too, CCLARK! Thanks for visiting OWG! :)

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  18. How can you not want to read these books after reading such glowing and well written reviews? I would love to win a copy! Throw my name in the hat please! ;-)
    Vicki
    vmarney at hotmail

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    1. What a sweet thing to say, VICKI! Threw your name in my cyberhat! ;)

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  19. Love your review, Diana! Can't wait to read this one!

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  20. Laura, I just LOVE your comments - you are such a gracious, kind, complimentary lady!

    With every review I read, am getting more anxious to read your books - they ARE on my TBR list, just don't know how long it will take me to work my way down to them! Thanks to you & OWG for the giveaway opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. BONNIE, Laura is a gracious lady and a wonderful author, I agree! Put this one at the top of that TBR pile when you get a copy...maybe from us!

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  21. Well, I absolutely LOVED the first book in the series, Love's Reckoning. I agree that Laura weaves a beautiful story. The characters just come alive for me and I am so invested in their lives. Thanks to both of you, Laura and Diana, for offering chances to win a copy of Love's Awakening.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen at yahoo dot com

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    1. BRITTANY, this is such a great series...I wholeheartedly agree with you. Good luck in the drawing!

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  22. The number of replies lets you know how much folks love Ms. Frantz's writing... myself included.
    At the end of Love's Reckoning there's a teaser chapter for Love's Awakening and immediately I put it in my Kindle wishlist. (Now if I can just get my husband to look at the list, I'd be a happy camper). Or I could win it! ( tojoleen at gmail dot com )

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    1. LOL, JOLEEN! Just tape that wishlist to the refrigerator or the tv. Maybe that would work. Don't those teasers at the end of a great book just make you salivate? haha

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  23. I just finished the book and love LOVE it. But, Laura. . . 2014 till the next book? *Offering to read manuscript*

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    1. Wendy, You always bring a blessing. I was so touched by seeing my cover and your comments on the Books & Such blog. I'm finishing up book 3 right now and wish I could hand it to you along with my editor :)! Thanks from the bottom of my heart for taking time for my books!

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  24. would love to read this! Laura Frantz is wonderful! email is jmsoffes73@gmail.com

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    1. Yes, she is, JANETTE! So glad you stopped by and lottsa luck in the drawing. :)

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  25. Fantastic review, DIANA! Oh, I can't wait to read this book!! I just know Laura has written another masterpiece and created a great cast of characters as she always does.
    My copy hasn't arrived yet, so I'm impatiently waiting for it to arrive. :)

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    1. Thank you, MARIAN! Patience is a virtue...except when it comes to waiting on Laura's great book to arrive! Then it's ok to camp out by the mailbox. ;)

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    2. Camp out by the mailbox . . . almost sounds like a vacation! ;)

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    3. Not if your mailbox is as close to your house as mine is. lol

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  26. This looks like a great book. I would love to read it.
    susanmsj@msn.com

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    1. You'll enjoy it, SUSAN! Thanks so much for dropping by OWG!

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  27. Great review:) I love this series:) Ellie and Jack have to be one of my favorite of Laura's characters (next to Cass and Roxie, from TCL)
    Rebeccahartman07@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you! It would be so hard for me to pick, REBECCA! I loved Lael in The Frontiersman's Daughter so much, too!

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  28. This one sounds like a fabulous read! Would love to win and pass it on to others after I have enjoyed it.
    God bless, Betti
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. BETTI, what a good friend you are! This is a fabulous book...you're so right!

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  29. Wow - so touched by all the very kind comments here! I so wish I could respond to everyone individually like usual but have a few deadlines keeping me away. Sigh! But Diana is doing a wonderful job as always! Thanks again to everyone for being here. Wish we could send a book to each of you!

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    1. We have it covered, LAURA! Just keep on writing. :D

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  30. I would love to win a copy of this book ,it sounds so good thanks for a chance
    Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Blees you for coming by, SHIRLEY! As Laura just said I wish we had a copy for everyone, but since we don't perhaps you will be one of the lucky winners!

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  31. Lovely interview! I have heard so much about this book lately, everyone loves it.
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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    1. SUSAN, thank you! Everyone loves all of Laura's books it seems!

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  32. This book sounds really good! Thanks for the giveaway!
    pj4824(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  33. I've heard great reviews about this book. The book sounds fantastic. Love the cover. Thank you for the opportunity of this giveaway. Please enter my name.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. BARBARA, I'm sure Laura will appreciate these nice comments! Got your name entered!

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  34. It sounds great! I can't wait to read this book! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com

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    1. ANONYMOUS, I hope you get a chance to read this asap!

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  35. What an interesting book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
    eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com

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  36. I really want to read this book!!

    lotsofbooks1(at)live(dot)com

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  37. Love the interview Diana . I love Laura's books and would love to win this book .
    Thanks for the giveaway .
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much, ELIZABETH! Aren't they just the best!

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  38. Thank you for another wonderful review.

    The cover is just so beautiful.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. You're welcome, MARY! I agree about the lovely cover!

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  39. Loved the first in this series and can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!

    inspiringdaring (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. I hope you enjoy it, RACHELLE! I'm loving this series!

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  40. Great review! I loved the first book in this series and I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. ABBI, I so hope you'll get a chance to read this one ASAP! This is such a great series. :)

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  41. Thank you for another review that is wonderful ! I was so taken in by the cover of the book when I first saw it ! I would love to win a copy to read.
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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    1. LINDA, always a pleasure to see you here! Thank you for your kind words and here's hoping you'll soon be holding that lovely cover in your hands!

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  42. Oh Diana. You have done it again wrote such a good review and led me in where I need to find out more. And, another book about Plantations and history. Love these books. Please put my name in the pot and draw my name. Now, be a good girl. :o) You OWG girls are too good. You are drawing in so many fans that I have way too much competition. GOD bless you all. And, Laura I love the story and the cover. Thanks for the give-away. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE, you are so adorable. Thank you! I'm glad my review did its job---lol. As far as drawing your name, I would love to...maybe random number will feel the same! ;)

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  43. LOVE this line: " Futile feelings begin to smolder between the two of them," I have GOT to read Laura's books :) {{hugs}} sweet friend. Hope you are feeling better!

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  44. They were so futile, dear ANNE! I mean his family was wealthy from selling whiskey of all things! Poor Ellie. I hope you are doing much better, too! I know you'll be glad to get on the other end of this that you've been going through with as of late. Take care!

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  45. This cover is SO stunning, Diana! Revell does such a great job with their covers! GREAT review, Diana. And with you feeling so bad this is yet again an example of When I am weak then I am strong (in Him--for He does what I cannot do.) Big hugs!!!

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    1. Isn't it though? Even without seeing the cover this is just what I would envision Ellie to look like.

      Thank you, CARRIE. I remember being so sick when writing this review and praying with a somewhat blank mind for God to help me do a good job---not for my sake but for His and Laura's. And His strength was made perfect in my weakness. PTL! Big hugs back!!

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  46. This looks like a lovely book! Thanks for the chance for us to win it! OWG makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com

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    1. MEGAN, I'm convinced you will love it! Gotcha entered!

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  47. Haven't read the first book, but sounds very exciting!

    Tracy
    tlcfinch4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. TRACY, you just gotta read this series! Hope you get a chance to read Love's Reckoning first! Thanks for coming by OWG!

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  48. Diana, You were absolutely inspired when you wrote this review - but all of your reviews are unique and lovely. I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well at the time! You sure couldn't tell!

    I shared to Pinterest twice and also Twitter, etc. Bless you for being here and for your gracious, welcoming spirit. And no, you don't have to respond to this, my friend!

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    1. Oh, but I want to! lol Thank you first of all for sharing, but also for your kind words. You're so gracious, LAURA. Those times when we have to rely totally on God, He always shows up and let's us know Who's in charge. Of ourselves we can do nothing...sick, well, or in between!

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  49. Would really like to win. bjphillips3170 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Thanks Barbara

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    1. BARBARA, we welcome you to OWG! Keep those fingers crossed! ;)

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  50. I don't believe I have read any of this author's books and it seems like that needs to change! Rhonda Nash-Hall
    rhonda_nash_hall (AT) comcast (DOT) net

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    1. RHONDA, I would start with The Frontiersman's Daughter and read every one of them thereafter. I think this is Laura's 5th book if I'm not mistaken. You'll be hooked after reading TFD for sure! Happy Reading!

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  51. Love's Awakening sounds very dramatic. Please add me to the drawing, I love Laura's rich stories!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Rich is a great choice of words, MERRY! Rich in historical detail, romance, fabulous characters---what's more to ask for in a book?!

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  52. This sounds like an exciting and interesting story. I haven't read any books by Laura Frantz, but Loves Awakening sounds like a novel I don't want to miss. Thank you for offering a chance to win a copy.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  53. KAY, you have truly been missing out! If you can order Laura's 1st book, The Frontiersman's Daughter, I highly recommend it! It will surely make a Laura Frantz fan out of you! Hope you get to read this one soon as well! Bless you!

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  54. Diana, You would make a wonderful addition to a marketing team :). I can't thank you enough for your warm words and those of others here. In the sea of books out there, it's so nice to meet new readers. I encourage people to ask their local libraries to order my books though often they have them. I just finished a large mailing to Pennsylvania and Ohio and Indiana libraries. That way everyone benefits. My books are also available in large print format, too.

    Thanks again, dear Diana, and readers!
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  55. LAURA, a marketing team, huh? ;) We thank you in turn for writing the wonderful books that you do and want to encourage you to keep on using the gift that God gave you to write. And we'll keep on spreading the word about the wonderful Laura Frantz!

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  56. Loved the first book and can't wait to read this one so count me in..rrwalter34atgmaildotcom

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    1. Gotcha entered, BECKY! You made it in time as drawing isn't until tomorrow! :)

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  57. Congrats to Sonja and Virginia for winning a copy of Love's Awakening! Random number liked your positive response apparently, Virginia! ;) I know I did! Thanks to all of you for your great comments!

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  58. Our library readers love Laura's books. I would love to win this one to give to the church library.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JANET, a winner was drawn on Sun (see above), but it's such a pleasure to see you here anyway!

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