June has always conjured up images of the beach for me. More than a few of you are headed there with some great beach reads. Wish I could join you! Guess I'll have to pretend. If I could tag along, this is what I'd stuff in my tote - She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, Ransome's Crossing by Kaye Dacus, and Heart's Awakening by Delia Parr. All historicals, of course:)Hearing Courting Morrow Little is on its way to you has been so much fun! Amanda from Rhode Island just got hers today! I'm looking for the FedEx man as I haven't gotten my copy yet. Haven't seen the back cover either so that will be a surprise. Other than that, I pretty much know the book inside and out:)
Some of you have asked me to post reviews of CML. I'll give a small sampling here. One early reader said the novel is "full of romantic intensity and fascinating historical detail." RT Book Reviews said, "While there are familiar characters from Frantz's first book, this novel stands alone. The vivid descriptions will bring the landscape to life and the excellent writing will keep readers turning pages." I especially like Christianbook's review ~ "a gripping tale of survival, secrets, and spirituality...finely tuned development of fascinating characters...a breathtaking love story that doubles as an exciting history and destiny lesson!"
Since reading is such a personal, subjective experience, every review will be unique. Some of you may like TFD more than CML - or the other way around:) Not all books are created equal. It takes courage to put your heart out there as that is what publishing a book amounts to. Then you have to take the bitter with the sweet. Generally, readers are very gracious. Sometimes I'm tempted to follow in the footsteps of Francine Rivers and James Scott Bell as they don't read reviews. I like to remember what author friend Ann Gabhart said - a review is simply one person's opinion, good or bad.
My friend and fellow 18th-century fan, Carrie, is hosting me today. We'll be giving away a copy of CML or TFD if you stop by and leave a comment. If you already have them, feel free to enter to give as a gift. Thanks so much, Carrie!
Have a wonderful weekend! If Morrow arrives at your door I'd love to hear!
Remember the day's blessings; forget the day's troubles. ~Early American Proverb
Ahhh....a beach. I've never been to the beach. Well, the Gulf of Mexico, but something that brown shouldn't count as a beach ;)
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous someone already has their book! I will be stalking our mail carrier until my copy arrives. I can't wait to finally see it! I know you must be feeling like that times a million!
Have a good weekend!~
h
Count me in on the jealous stuff, Heather. If Amanda wasn't so doggone sweet, I'd be having a fit! Chuckling at your stalking threat. Feel like doing the same with FedEx and UPS. Can't wait to hear when you get your copy! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe beach has always been a sacred place to me, the edge of God’s grace, mercy and majesty. Jeremiah 5:22 describes it in such a powerful and poetic way, saying that the Lord has “placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it.” Since I live in the “Ocean State” ;) I don’t have to travel very far to get my feet into the powerful Atlantic. My favorite time to go is in the morning though, before the crowds get there- just me and Jesus :)
ReplyDeleteI’m so blessed for you Laura because those reviews for Morrow are wonderful- I can’t wait to add mine to the mix ;) I read a great quote once that was a paraphrase of something Amy Carmichael said. The paraphrased quote was: “If the praise of others elates me, and the criticism of others depresses me, then I am not truly resting in my Saviour’s love for me.” That’s something we should all take to heart every day. I wanted to share it with you because it has helped put things into perspective for me quite a few times :)
And just so you know, the back cover is BEAUTIFUL also- the color, the font, the design, OH you’re just gonna LOVE her!! The picture on the binding is a different pose from the front cover too and it really shows off that GORGEOUS raspberry silk dress (giving you the front view)!! Alright, I’m sorry. I won’t give anything else away. Just know whatever you’re thinking… it’s even better :)
Praying you have a beautiful weekend too AND that the FedEx man will hurry up already ;)
I'm off to Kentucky now...
Blessings,
Amanda Stanley
Lovely post, Laura, and great having you "visit" with me on my blog today!! Thanks and God bless!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I owe you a huge debt as you are letting me share the JOY vicariously through my book being in your very appreciative hands. LOVE that!! The verse you quoted is so beautiful. I always wonder how anyone can doubt God as creator when they see the ocean or the forest, etc. It's like being served a gourmet meal and thinking there's no chef!
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of Amy Carmichael. In our little home library here we have a large collection of missionary biographies and hers is one of my very favorites. I treasure them all but hers stands out. Since I've been affected by reviews, I need that quote to stay grounded as the excitement ramps up:) Bless you for that.
I can't thank you enough for the preview of the back cover! It sounds as lovely as I hoped it would be. Isn't the spine pretty with her facing front? When the art team sent me the cover, they included the spine which isn't always done. That was an extra treat for me. Since they let me pick out the dress, it meant even more.
Praying for you as you travel to Cape Cod and start reading. Hoping the story blesses you in some way! You've sure blessed me today!
Carrie, Fun to add some reader names to the hat over at your blog:) I always wish I had a book for every reader. Thanks again for hosting me. You are a dear friend!
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful beach picture. I'd love to go to the beach, and actually remember it this time. I was 3 or 4 years old the last time I went to the beach, so clearly I don't remember it.
ReplyDeleteI believe I will be adding Delia Parr to my reading list.
I seem to be having reading problems right now, I can't seem to get in to anything. I'm hoping that will change soon.
I'm hoping Morrow ends up in the stores here in Lexington soon.
Michelle, I can really relate. I go through dry spells, too, where nothing is appealing. Delia is a new author to me and this will be the first of hers I've read. Hope you have a good, restful weekend. If we can't go to the beach, guess we can dream about it together!
ReplyDeleteMy dream is to someday live at the beach. I know. I love Kentucky, but it is rather landlocked, unless you love lakes and rivers!
ReplyDeleteNo sightings of "Courting Morrow Little" at any of the stores I visited in Paducah, KY today, but I'll keep looking!! ;) I can't wait to hold it in my hands!
It's so much fun to see how we are all greatly anticipating Courting Morrow Little's arrival! I popped over to Carrie's blog - what a great interview!
ReplyDeleteI like the books in your beach tote. I hadn't heard of Heart's Awakening, but looked it up and it has excellent reviews (speaking of reviews). I have no doubt that any reviews of your novels will always be favorable - your stories are so rich and the historical authenticity is outstanding! Can't wait for Morrow!!!
Hmmm...why is it that the first word I associate with 'beach' is fleas? LOL. Must be because I have a dog. And, poor thing, he never gets to go to the beach. But we walk along the trails by the river so that's just as good if you're a dog anyway. And he still gets to chase seagulls.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you, Laura, CML hitting the shelves. I've been checking with my bookstore every day now, but so far they don't have it in stock. I'm crossing my fingers that today will be the day!
Laura,
ReplyDeleteJust curious...Will you read Morrow when she comes? I've heard differing perspectives on this from authors, I think. Hope FedEx is headed your way this afternoon.
Those reviews make me even more excited to get my hands on CML! I love the intrigue and romance factor in a book.
ReplyDeleteI have now started reading The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist. Enjoying it so far. I sat back in a lawn chair in the sunshine today and just lost myself in my book. Heavenly!
What a great proverb you posted at the end of your post. Can I use it?
Where do you find so many great quotes?
Regina, I'm with you - no Morrow today. I'm getting downright antsy! Wish I could have gone scouting with you in Paducah! Maybe better luck for us Monday. I'm so partial to the beach but after Kav's comment... Well, maybe we're glad KY is landlocked:)
ReplyDeleteOH SAND fleas, Kav! I do remember those critters! Funny how we tend to forget the aggravating parts of our beach memories and cling to the good stuff. Thanks so much for checking to see if CML is in yet - and for sharing my excitement. It's all the keener because of you:)
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, No Morrow for me today though I made sure I was home all day in case FedEx came. Monday, I hope!
ReplyDeleteThat's such an interesting question. I've heard authors say such diverse things about reading their work once it's in print, too. I didn't read TFD when I got that first copy, just thumbed through to my favorite scenes and read those. The problem is that I always see things I wish I'd changed - maybe a better word here or a little more emotion there, etc. So it's somewhat painful for me to read it again. I always envy a reader who comes to it fresh. The author is never allowed that, unless it's when we write that first draft. Maybe that's why I love that part best. It's also a little sad when a book is in print because it means your journey with those characters is over, though it is only beginning for the reader:)
Bless you for asking.
Lisa, So good to hear from you. You're in the drawing for one of those 4 copies:) And please feel free to use the quote - or any you see here. They're considered public domain. I always give credit to the author though I like those anonymous ones particularly!
ReplyDeleteI collect books of quotations. My favorites are Jan Karon's Patches of Godlight and A Continual Feast. And you find some really neat ones online if you google a certain topic, like books, for instance. Tons of those.
Glad you came over. I'm off to see what you're doing now. I need a Lisa break!
Carla, I wish I had a million readers just like you! Your support means so much. I'll never forget how you made time for me and TFD on your blog when it came out. You had more writing know how and connections than I did! Still do:) Anyway, so glad you want to read Morrow. As soon as I get my copies I'll be sending one off to you and so thrilled to be doing so!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book! Summer is when I not only catch up on personal reading but read for the kids I teach (I'm a K-12 librarian). Your books likes one that will appeal to my HS students . . .
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, C! I've always told people that if I wasn't a writer, I'd gladly be a librarian. Endless books! I do have teen readers (high school age) and they have been very positive about The Frontiersman's Daughter. So I'm delighted to enter you in the drawing! All 4 of them:) Happy reading to you this summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks for satisfying my curiosity, Laura. I think I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. It must be hard to feel the journey of your character coming to an end, I am not too far into my novel and I already feel like my heroine Rachel is a friend.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I'm so glad we have a writing (and homeschooling) connection. You, Amber, and Casey remind me of myself years ago. Yes, you said it so well. Characters do become dear friends, making tying THE END all the harder:)
ReplyDeleteI knew you were a "kindred" spirit when I looked on your blog and saw your favorite book is The Blue Castle...so glad we "met" over the net. Thank you for your sweet words. I am very thrilled to be mentioned with Amber and Casey, two very sweet ladies I can tell :).
ReplyDeleteAh, The Blue Castle is one amazing book. One of the few books I've read more than twice! I've actually wanted to give it away on my blog but a current copy costs nearly $40 paperback last time I checked. I'm so thankful I have my old, tattered copy! It is first on my keeper's shelf, Julia, and am sure you understand why:)
ReplyDeleteI have read all of Montgomery's books multiple times. My favorites are The Blue Castle and the Emily books. We had to clip coupons tonight and watched Sullivan's Anne of Green Gables while we were doing it. (My husband is understanding and think he's actually grown to like it;).
ReplyDeleteDon't tell, but my husband is a closet Ann and Little House watcher, too:)
ReplyDeleteLOL...:)
ReplyDelete