When a book first appears it's always fun to hear where it is and SEE readers:) Thanks so much to those of you who have the book and have sent pics! I just love them and even Randy and the boys enjoy looking at them. I've been hearing from quite a few of you telling me what page you're on and which scenes they like best. Always happy news to an author! Here are some of the latest reader pics in my inbox...
Casey from Oregon!
Christy said she had a great mail day. TLC and tickets to Les Miserables!
Mandy and TCL from South Carolina!
Hooray for Carissa and Family Christian Stores!
Amanda from Rhode Island!
Coco and TCL! Bless you, Renee, in Pennsylvania!!So...what page are you on? Any favorite characters or scenes? Or are you still waiting for your copy? I'd love to know!
Awww, thanks for showing my pic! Totally did not expect to see that over here! :o) Most everyone else has already started TCL except me, but my time with it IS coming soon!
ReplyDeleteI have already finished, so can't tell you which page I'm on! :)
ReplyDeleteBut I would have to say my favorite scene was that one in the library, right after their game. Oh. My. Laura...
;-) Thanks for sharing my picture!!
I started reading my "covered" copy last night. :) And what a beautiful cover it is too. Wondering what has changed, what is the same since I read it last year. I know of one change and am looking forward to seeing how that plays out in the story. I'll try to get Brian to take a photo of me this evening. We are meeting for a date at the movies straight after work. Going to see the last Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteOh, and strangely enough, I'm reading both The Colonel's Lady and Long Knife, the George Rogers Clark novel by Thom, at the same time. I didn't plan it that way, in fact I started LK a couple weeks ago and had to put it down for a bit for other books. Now I'm back to it. It will be interesting reading them together. I can never read just one book at a time it seems. I have two others going, both non fiction, one about the Cherokee (research for upcoming scenes to write next week), the other about brain function and what positive and negative thoughts do to our bodies physiolocially. Pretty fascinating, and not my usual sort of read!
Oh Laura . . . You know how I feel about TCL!!! :D Sorry I haven't sent a pic - I was too busy READING!!! I would love to hear about the change Lori mentioned! But to pick a favorite scene? Impossible. ONE of my favorites, though, was when they first met. It was a hard exchange, but how telling about how things would be, ultimately!! Then there was the first glimpse into the stone house . . . and Abby's first words . . . Not saying anything else for fear of spoilers!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Laura, for writing such amazing words!
Love these pics, Laura! I'm always happy to see Casey and Amanda. Mandy has a great smile. And I knew Coco was an exceptional canine!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pairing--TCL and Les Mis! Now that I think about it, Roxie and Cosette might have much in common. They both keep their purity, even when surrounded by those of lesser morals. Both are valued by men who fight to change the world around them. The father figures of each have secrets to guard . . . It's fun to analyze, isn't it?
waiting ... ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Laura, I just finished Chapter 7, and I have loved every page! You are a gifted writer!
ReplyDeleteIn one of the first e-mails you and I exchanged a couple of years ago, I told you about a beautiful silver locket I bought in an antique store, and I wondered about the name inscribed on it, and who bought it, who wore it, the story behind it. You know, then, how interested I am in the locket in TCL.
Also, Laura, I read and re-read your description on p. 59 of the tea cup rimmed in a thistle pattern and the gold-trimmed handle. I have several fitting that description, including an entire set of china my mother bought and eventually handed down to me. What fun!
Hugs and smiles,
Linda
Great pics! I'm going to my bookstore tomorrow to pick up the two copies I ordered. I won't be able to send you a photo because one of my cameras broke by itself and the other one got eaten by the dog! Can't wait to start reading TCL!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so fun!! I love all these pictures - it's so neat to see my dear blogging friends with your new book!!! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on starting TCL next week (probably Monday). I've been saving it, and I can't wait to finally dive in!
~Amber
Hi Laura, how exciting!! I haven't gotten a copy yet. We won't get to town until next week. Whaaa. That was sweet of you to leave that message about Kat & Cat. Not to worry a bit, I understood. =)
ReplyDeleteJust got back from my grandparents house to find this sweet post :) It's so fun to see everyone with Roxie!
ReplyDeleteGosh, a favorite scene?? There are SO MANY but right now their dance in Roxie's cabin is whats jumping out in my heart *sigh* It brought tears to my eyes, especially since... oh, I don't want to give anything away... but especially how tender, gentle and understanding Cass was to Roxie in that scene, reaching past her insecurities and making her feel beautiful and free. Laura, from start to finish this book was simply stunning!! Now that I'm home (hopefully for good!) I can write the review I've been wanting to - so many things to say don't know where to begin!!
And I wanted to let you know Papa Joe is home from the hospital!!! He looks good and we're praying he doesn't have to go back with any complications anytime (or ever!) soon and no more setbacks. When he walked in yesterday he hugged my nana and he started crying... they are too precious. Thank you again for your prayers and others as well. They have meant so much to me and my family.
Praying you have a beautiful weekend, dear friend!
Blessings,
Amanda
P.S.- Keep and eye on your mailbox! ;)
Christy, Thought I'd surprise you;) I'm a fan of Les Miserables, too, and I know you'll love every minute of that! Hope you have some quiet time to read as I know how hard that is being a mom and all else. Hopefully Revell gives you an out if it's not possible! I always save books for winter to read by the fire when I have fewer deadlines. Anyway, bless you for being my reader!!
ReplyDeleteLove that you're done, Casey:) And LOVE that your favorite scene is one of my favorites. It was such fun to write! I think that's the test of a good scene - if the author likes it, surely the reader will, too! We're such romantics at heart...sigh;)
ReplyDeleteLori, I never thought I'd say this (forgive me, Morrow!) but I like this cover best. Kudos to you readers for requesting that beautiful blue dress! I think I know the change you're talking about and it's a doozy. Hope you like:)
ReplyDeleteOH. MY. Thom is a hard act to follow or even read in tandem. But since he's my hero, I'll relax. I'll blame him for writing TCL to begin with. Long Knife is my favorite work by him. I bet you would say, The Red Heart, but am just guessing. Hope I got the title right! Your current reading sounds fascinating. I think anything we read, both fiction and non-fic, makes us better writers.
Hope you enjoy your movie - that's always a rare treat for us, too! Love those date nights:)
Regina, All this book talk - or scene talk - is like candy to me. Better than chocolate! I loved writing that scene where they met and never get tired of rereading it. It sets the stage for so much, or so I hope. And the other things you mention are very real to me. Don't you worry about a picture! I had one in my head of you reading and that was enough to make me smile:) Wish I could give you a thank you hug in person!
ReplyDeleteRenee Ann, You always say the most insightful things. I never realized there are connections between the two but you've shown there are so well. I can tell you're a writer AND teacher at heart! Your lucky students!
ReplyDeleteI need to reread of watch a version of LM. Right now I'm getting prepped for a second viewing of John Adams. But it will have to wait till September when these next deadlines have passed!
Nicia, My dear sis in love?!? All the way from sunny Spain (not so sunny here...). Oh, I wonder how long it takes Amazon to shop overseas? I've never asked you before! Hopefully this one will be worth the wait;)
ReplyDeleteLinda, You bring some very good emails to mind regarding that locket:) Like you, I have a fondness for them and my dearest, most outrageous wish was to stumble upon one in Philadelphia but I never did! I think the antique lockets are the best and I'm sure you'll agree.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm thrilled you have that lovely thistle pattern china! I've seen remnants of it in antique stores and will try to purchase one if I come across them. Such a lovely design! That's the very template for my thistle cup and saucer Roxie has, just like you said. Bless u for that!
Mary,
ReplyDeleteOh, doggone that camera (no pun intended;) And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for buying TWO books! Even one is wonderful but you always go over and above and I'm really thankful. With you around, I can keep writing, dear friend!!
Amber, I know you're super busy and hope you have some good reading time soon! I'd love to have a pic of you and the book but don't worry if you can't. I'll just have fun next week thinking of you reading and hoping you're enjoying it. I'm glad the blog tour isn't till mid-month as I never feel quite ready for some reason. Glad I don't have to reread my own book before then;) Anyway, looking forward to your party later in August!
ReplyDeleteMaggie Ann, Thank you for being so gracious. You are truly like your blog - so warm and welcoming! And I hope you find my book waiting for you when you get to town. I'm never sure where they are and sometimes they turn up in unexpected places or people have to order them in. Believe it or not, I had to order copies of TLC myself from CBD recently. Praying it blesses you when you read. I love to think of you knitting and reading:)
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteAm so, so thankful about your dear papa. I can only imagine the relief and thanksgiving you all have felt yesterday and today. I get teary-eyed thinking about it. This has been a long road for you as a family. Thanks so much for letting me and others know so we can continue to pray for healing and peace and rest. I think now that he's home he'll be able to really get the quiet time and recuperation he needs that just isn't possible in a busy hospital, wonderful as they can be. Please let me know of any blessings along the way. Your heart must be singing:)
Bless you for taking time here when you have so little of it. And for the beautiful pic above! You always get the gist of what I try to do when I write. You've detailed it so beautifully here. You have a special sensitivity for getting beneath the surface and I so appreciate that! Love your words here. Rarely does an author get inside a reader's head and it's sure fascinating and humbling and satisfying!
Prayers with you all the way, dear Amanda.
I'm such a romantic at heart like you said Laura and I agree with Casey, the library scene/cribbage game aftermath is my favorite. There are so many but the first time Roxie lays eyes on Cass and is pretty much blown away sticks out too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting Coco's pic! I love all the reader pics and Amanda what color is that nail polish you're wearing? I love it!
XOXO~ Renee
I've finished with book, so no page numbers here. ;)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely savored every single word. I know we've probably spoken before about how fast I read, I started TCL on Monday morning, and was finished by either Tuesday or Wednesday evening. So I was definitely taking my time with it.
It seemed the pages were just crackling when Cass and Roxie were together. :D I LOVED chapter 25. It was great to read the parts that were written from Cass' pov. I loved getting into his head.
BTW, did you get enough of the heat while you were in Pennslyvania?
LOL, Renee:) I noticed that, too! Do tell, Amanda!! Pink is my color, if you couldn't tell by all the pink I wear in pics. But somehow my nails never look like our Amandas here!!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that the memorable scene you mention didn't exist in the original manuscript. There was a game and a wager followed by the loss of that wager (he-he) and then a big, boring period. After some thought I knew I needed to spice it up so I did. And I'm so thrilled you like the result! Sometimes rewriting is the best part of writing:)
Okay, Amanda, fess up;)
Oh, Renee, YES! YES! The first time she sets eyes on Cass. Sigh. Melt...melt...melt...
ReplyDeleteOh, Michelle, so glad you're here. I was wondering where you were hiding and hoping you'd visit:) BTW, I had to run back to my library when you mentioned Chapter 25! I need to keep a copy out here where I can get to it quick. You see, the manuscript pages never line up to the actual book pages so I have to look when you all tell me where you are or what scene stays with you - my pleasure, of course!
ReplyDeleteAnd I must say there is something to be said for reading a book in a day or two. It really immerses you in the storyworld and is much more intense and easier to follow, etc. I do that with Liz's books, mainly because I can't put them down. But you know very well how alike we are on that score with HBMC and MITN. She's up for a well-deserved award for the first one and I'm so thrilled for her!
NO, I didn't get enough of that heat! It was 100 degrees when I flew into Philly and today here in the woods it reached a whopping 57! Freezing. Sigh. No doubt you are faring better, my friend;)
OH Michelle, Forgot to mention that I'm thankful you liked Cass's POV. That was, as you know, a first for me. But since I live with 3 men it wasn't a stretch!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha, OK ladies, I'll fess up! ;)
ReplyDeleteI just bought that polish last week at Sally's and I LOVE it and I'm happy you do too! It's called "Shocking Pink (Neon)" by China Glaze. I recommend 3 coats and you NEED a top coat with this one because it dries matte until you put on a top coat, then it shines :) My favorite top coat is by Revlon #960 works the best. I'm painting my toenails that color tonight! :)
Hey, have you girls tried the new Crackle or Shatter by China Glaze or OPI?? So cool!!
Blessings,
Amanda
P.S. - If you're into nail polish go to my profile and you'll find 3 nail polish blogs a friend of mine introduced me to :)
All right, true confessions here;) I paint my toe nails, too, and love doing it:) My boys call it "toe paint." Must be a girly thing and they're always, always some shade of pink! Bless you, Amanda, for sharing. I think there will now be a run on Shocking Pink and Revlon #960 now...:)
ReplyDeleteI'm on page 194 - I love the twist you recently threw in. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm loving the story so far. Your prose is as beautiful as ever. I'm typically a skimmer when I read, but with TCL (and all your books), I savor every word.
Now, back to reading ...
Ah, Brenda, I'm smiling thinking of you reading:) And I raced to look up page 194. Yes, that twist was quite fun to do! Thanks for not skimming! Love that! More than anything, thanks for being my reader. You're such a blessing in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI haven't painted my toe nails since I was in middle school... and back then they were pretty much whatever color I felt like... including multiple colors per nail. One of these days that will be the latest style craze to pass... like big hair or something. One color is probably a lot better.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the pictures. Unfortunately the latest book I have bought is antique books at an estate sale. I will get TCL, and I will more than likely enjoy it as I have all your books.
Hope everyone is well!
Amanda! Thank you so much Laura is right, there's going to be a run on Shocking Pink LOL! I HAVE seen the crackle nail polish, it is sooo cool! They have Pirates of the Caribbean inspired shades that I want to try. :-)
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee
Adrienne, Chuckling at the mulit-colored nails. That must have taken lots of time! Oh, the carefree hours we had back then;) Thanks so much for visiting and admiring these reader pics. I just love them. My mom even called to tell me she looked at them this morning and they left her smiling. She loves seeing the different states and names and faces, etc. It really does help personalize everything. I feel like I know each one a bit better somehow! And wish I could extend a big hug!
ReplyDeleteYour antique sale book sounds right up my alley:)
Laura,
ReplyDeleteJust love, love, love TCL. Have read it twice already and will skim it one more time before passing on to waiting girlfriends.
My favorite scene is one when Roxie returns to her cabin and just cries to Abbey. Almost made me cry. Also love any scene with simple exchanges between Cass and Roxie. Can't get enough of that Colonel and love how he shows whispers of friendship and vulnerability at key times.
Can't get enough. Only wish you wrote faster and more often.
Oh Sarah, YES, bring kleenex to that particular scene:( Poor Roxie. Bless you for that! Would you believe I never made the connection between Abby and Jack till you said something on FB!!! You are probably rolling your eyes about that;)
ReplyDeleteLOVE how you phrase what you did here about Cass. He was a redeemable rascal of a rogue, huh? And he did have some tender moments. Lots of poignancy behind that daunting uniform...
Still chuckling over your FB comments. I think me needs some Bella myself! As this deadline approacheth things are getting a bit unkempt...
I'm on page 198. Favourite scenes abound...pretty much the whole book so far...except for one which of course is the pinnacle for the entire thing so it has to be there...but oh my heart hurt when I read it and I barely knew Cass and Roxie then! Can you guess which one????
ReplyDeleteI have to say some of the scenes that I've really enjoyed are the ones between Bella and Roxie. I love how they play off against each other. Such an unlikely friendship, but grounded and honest. Love Bella's stark viewpoints at time and outspokeness and the delight she takes in playing lady's maid to Roxanna.
Oh, so well said, Kav:) Love that you love Bella! In the discussion questions, I wrote about their unlikely friendship and you've summed it up so beautifully here. I grew so fond of Bella over the course of the novel. She just appeared from nowhere right at the beginning and I wasn't quite sure what to do with her. Glad to know she fits!
ReplyDeleteTHRILLED you're reading. I rushed to the page you're on to see just where you are:) Oh, this book talk is sheer bliss...
Bless you and happy reading, dear friend!!
Thanks for adding my picture! =) Keep writing! Love your books!
ReplyDeleteMandy,
ReplyDeleteYou've sure blessed me with your presence and your picture. Thanks again! Please stay tuned for those drawings as you might win a non-bookish gift:)