Wednesday, February 22, 2012

For You!

140 comments:

  1. OH JOY! I just woke up and found email from Helen and Rel in Oz, Marisa, Ruth, Marian in the Netherlands, and dear Eva in Scotland telling me IT'S HERE!!!! Bless you for your patience and for your warm welcome of Eden's story:) Will email you all privately in a sec!

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  2. Congratulations, Laura, it is gorgeous! Can't wait for the actual book to arrive!

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    1. Ruth, Your opinion matters so much to me. Bless you for loving it like I do! Can't wait to read your review when the time comes. Hope you like this next hero as much as Colonel McLinn;)!

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    1. Carissa, I am so glad you do! Praying you enjoy the story, too! It was hard to move out of Kentucky but Pennsylvania is quite similar in some respects. Bless you so much for being here today:)

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  4. ooooh! It's so beautiful! Stunning! Amazing! My favorite cover so far, to be sure. I love the rich reds and bronzes. This looks so very epic. I'm so excited to read it! You must be very proud :)

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    1. Heather, I was intrigued to hear from you as you're an artist and artists have a unique slant on things:) SO happy you like the color scheme. Love the words "very epic." Praying the story lives up to your expectations. It sure was a JOY writing it! And so enjoyable NOT having to say goodbye to the characters after one book!

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    2. It's really beautiful. So fiery and passionate! I'm so excited for you and so anxious to dig in and read!

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    3. Yes, yes!! Fiery and passionate, yes!! Two of my favorite words, my friend!!

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  5. Congratulations on another stunning cover, Laura!

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    1. Keli,
      So glad you like it ~ love that you think it's stunning:) You're so thoughtful, always.

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  6. Oh YAY YAY YAY!!! I love it! Stunning, Laura! I'm so excited to finally see this elusive cover! The orange clouds in the background remind me a bit of Gone with the Wind-the coloring grabs your attention right away. Wonderful! And the details of the dress, along with the models hair color, match the sky perfectly! Oh, makes me want to grab a copy of LR this second and start reading! Revell did such a gorgeous job, Laura. You must be thrilled! Congrats on the first glimpse of your beautiful "baby." :) (Happy dance, happy dance...)

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    1. Christina, I can't stop smiling:) Oh, yes, Gone With the Wind!! First saw that when I was about 12 and Rhett Butler left his mark:) I started scribbling furiously after that! I'm happy dancing right along with you and just LOVE your enthusiasm. That is so uplifting and makes the publishing bumps so much easier to handle! Cover art is one of the highs, thankfully. Now comes the stretch where you hope and pray (mostly the latter) that readers find some takeaway value in the story and fall in love with it. I feel so blessed you can't wait to read!! Happy dance, indeed:)

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  7. It's sooo beautiful Laura!! So happy for you!! And thanks for you e-mail. :)

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    1. You're so welcome, Marian. You've made my day extra special with those beautiful Dutch pics of Lael and your bookstore. LOVE the one of you!! Thanks so very much for all you do.

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  8. Oh goodness, oh goodness, oh goodness!!! WHAT a cover?!???!!!! I just want to sit and stare at it. :DD

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    1. Casey, You like? REALLY? Just teasing;) I'm SO happy you do! And staring at it is exactly what I've done the past 3 weeks or so. I even framed it and have it hanging on my library wall:) Bless you for being here!!

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    2. I don't blame you! It's different--so few less colors than your other books, but boy does it hint at all that will happen within those pages!

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  9. That. Is. Gorgeous!!!!

    It reminds me of Liz Curtis Higgs' Here Burns My Candle.

    Love it.

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    1. Oh Sally, You said the magic word - "Liz." Bless you for that! It does resemble some of her Scottish historicals, perhaps the color scheme especially. So glad you think it's gorgeous. Revell's art team is just tops and I couldn't be happier!!

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  10. OH, delightful!!! I am so pleased for you. It's amazing how beautiful it is- I'm brought to tears looking at it. To me, it represents all this work you put forth for us, your readers, and how God uses a COVER to pull it together...and present it to us. Thankful you have such talented people working with you to make this book (and series) happen, also! Overjoyed! ~AMY

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    1. Amy, I was so curious as to your first impressions and will take the tears and all:) I certainly felt emotional when I first looked at is. Still do! Kudos to Revell, for sure:) I'm overjoyed myself and so happy to finally share it with you!!

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  11. Oh I have to comment again....I love the movement of her hair, and the fact you can see her face. HA! I love the stillness of it all, too. Very impressed with the photographer- I like this style of his. The dress is divine...makes me have dress envy! HEHE!

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    1. You are so right about the movement of her hair - windy that day in Seattle, I'm sure - and maybe rainy for the shoot! I picked out the gown from a portfolio of gowns and hats the designer sent. It's a true period costume from the 18th-century and reflects the prints/patterns used so much back then. I had a hat picked out but am so glad they opted out of that. Her unbound hair has significance to the story. And it is a gorgeous shade of red:) Bless you for your comments - I am just smiling from ear to ear!!

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    2. Ah, so happy to know you got to pick out the gown yourself! Omigoodness....wouldn't that be like the BEST thing ever?! GAHH!!!!! I LOVE the bow of the dress, on the bodice front, and the fringe of the shawl..LOVE LOVE. I am a sucker for all that feminine detail. I'm actually giddy because I have a scarf that is like that fringe/trim..haha..I have a scarf that kind of looks like the scarf/shawl on your cover! HEHE!! I get excited to hear all your clues, bit by bit, like about the hair, etc. September can't come soon enough!!!

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    3. Amy, My eye was drawn to that shawl right away, too. In fact, the designer asked if I wanted the dress with or w/o the shawl and I'm so glad I said with. The detail is so lovely, yes. I have one similar, too! It's even in this linen color. Your excitement is contagious:)

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  12. Wow. Don't you just want a poster sized copy to hang on your wall?! This is the most beautiful yet, Laura. The colors are rich and gorgeous. I love brown books! Congratulations to the designer for a job well done. I feel some sense of wonder about this process, having read Love's Reckoning months ago now, and to see it like this.... I'm sure it's only a slice of the cake compared to what it must feel like when it's your own book!

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    1. Oh, a poster size of this sounds just right! I do have a small framed one on the wall, something I haven't done with my others:) So glad you think it's the best yet. Me, too. Humbling to see Revell captured it so perfectly. I give Brandon Hill, the designer, so much of the credit. And Revell's marketing team for reading the book and capturing the essence of it so very well. So appreciate your comments!!

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  13. I'm almost speechless! It is STUNNING! What a sense of emotion it evokes...many.
    How excited I am for you!!!!

    Blessings to you, my friend.

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    1. Love that you think it evokes emotion, Carla. That sure makes me sigh - happily! It's a very emotional book, moreso than my others. A joy to write but heart-wrenching, too. The Lord really led me some places that I didn't plan on going on this one. Praying it's a joy for you and others to read! Your comments mean so much.

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  14. So thrilling to read these comments as they come in! OH JOY!! So, so happy you like what Revell has done - they truly captured the feel of the time period and what's between those pages:) I'm getting ready to take Mom to a tea in honor of dear George's birthday but will be back later this afernoon to tell you a little more about the model and cover shoot, etc. Please keep those comments coming:) They mean so much! Bless you all!

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    1. Have a delightful time at the tea! What fun!

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    2. It was wonderful, Carla! Mom loved it, too! I'll do a post on it this coming Monday, Lord willing, and hope the pics transfer okay:)

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    3. So glad you had fun! Looking forward to your post.

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  15. I ENLARGED it, thanks to some reader requests, so you could see the details on the shawl, etc. Thanks for asking for that!

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  16. Wow, that is a gorgeous cover! Oh that makes me even more excited to get my hands on the book to read, I can't wait!! Congrats Laura!!! :)

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    1. Cassie, YAY! Not too much longer and it will be out there:) So thankful you're ready to read!! Bless you for your sweet comments!!

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  17. Laura, it's beautiful! I love it.

    Oh, I must e-mail you some news, but I keep putting it off in hopes that I don't ruin it.

    Can't wait to have this beauty in my hands!

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    1. Email away, dear Winter:) Praying it is good news - I trust that it is! Whatever, thoughts with you so often. Can't wait till you release, my friend!! So thankful we can count down to both reads together:)

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    2. I know! I've got a month now, my novella will be out in March of 2013 for certain. Hearing that we should be seeing edits soon. And I've had my very first author interview that came out, pretty excited about that one!

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  18. How gorgeous! I saw Sarah's cover too today and it's pretty terrific too! Revell sure can spot talent not just in the storyteller department but in the art department too! Great job!

    XOXO~ Renee

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    1. Renee,
      YES, I just saw Sarah's this morning, too, and it is beautiful!! How they capture each book and cover so perfectly is way beyond me but they somehow do it time after time. Thanks for being such an encouragement. Glad it was worth the wait;)!

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  19. It's truly stunning Laura! The whole cover is just breathtaking and i can't wait until I can read the book! Excited.com here!!!!

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    1. Love the Excited.com, dear Eva!!! It means so much knowing you're from my favorite place outside of Kentucky:) Hoping you enjoy every second of the story!

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  20. Yay! It is beautiful and intriguing. I can't wait to read it.

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    1. Oh, those word are a perfect pairing, Gabrielle. Bless you so much! I hope it is intriguing as that is a part of the story. Can't wait for you to have it in hand! Thanks so much for being so gracious and making my day!!

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  21. Love, love, love ... Beautiful colors. The artists who work for Revell are amazing. So glad they do your stories justice.

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    1. Well said, Dawn. I would love to be a Revell artist and have a better understanding of the process and am so thankful to be the recepient of their talents. So glad to see you here - your gracious words are so appreciated!!

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    1. Brenda, I thought you would like the color scheme for some reason - am glad it appeals to you! Hope Revell sees all the comments here. It would be such a fun thing for them to see so many thumbs up:)

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    1. Thanks, Holly Renee. You have a beautiful name! It belongs in a book:) I'm always on the lookout for character names. Soooo happy you like the look of the book. I can hardly wait to see the back now! Bless u for being here!

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  24. I'm drinking in every detail. It is truly beautiful. I love how her blue eyes stand out, and how the colors (dress, clouds, hair, light from the sun etc.) blend so well. Oh, and how the sun light realistically washing out color. So happy for you.

    I wish I could join you and your mom for the tea. I am a George Washington fan!

    Made my day in WI.
    Jennie

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    1. Wish you could have joined us, Jennie! I hope to have a post with pics up next Monday so you can take a peek if you like:) I, too, love her blue eyes. They're such a contrast with everything else. Not sure if the sun is rising or setting but it's lovely like you said. So thankful to share this with you and read your thoughtful comments! Thanks so very much!!

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  25. SO GORGEOUS!!!!! Love the oranges and yellows and browns...the sky, the river, the dress! It's all so beautiful. Can't wait to read it!

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    1. Cathy, I like the color scheme, too, as it's so natural looking and so fitting for the rustic part of the story. So thankful you're ready to read! Wish I could read it fresh like a reader - that's the one perk of being new to the story! Bless you for sharing my excitement and giving a thumbs up to Revell's art team:)

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  26. Oh, Laura - it's beautiful!! Love how unique and eye-catching all of your covers are! :D Can't wait to read this one!!

    ~Amber

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    1. Amber, I've been missing you and am so happy you're here:) I don't know how you do all you do being in school and blogging and all the rest so am beyond thankful you think it's beautiful! Feeling very blessed. Thoughts and prayers with you!!

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    2. Aww, I've missed talking with you, too! Unfortunately I haven't been blogging quite as much lately - definitely a lot to think about as graduation nears!

      Thank you for the kind words and the prayers! And I'm soooo excited to finally see this beautiful cover!!! The anticipation has been fun. ;)

      God bless! Looking forward to celebrating this book's release with you in the not-too-distant future!

      ~Amber

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  27. I have a question.

    Is Mr. Ballantyne on the back cover, like you'd hoped?

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    1. Jennie, That's an excellent question and one I can't answer! Would you believe I don't know what the back looks like till the book is released? It's the one surprise in this business. I never know what will be on the back so when I get my copy I can hardly wait to look. But I do hope Mr. Ballantyne is on the back at least in profile! He's quite a handsome Scotsman:) I hope you agree!!

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  28. Beautiful girl. Beautiful clothes. I'm sure the story will be as beautiful as the cover! (Had to laugh when I noticed your list of favorite books. The Blue Castle is near the top of my list and I do so love James Alexander Thom's books, too! Do our similarities never cease?)

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    1. Anne, Welcome here, new friend:) Thanks for your gracious words! And I have to admit I'm not surprised that TBC is top of your list, too. And I'm thrilled JAT is, too! We really are kindred spirits! Wish we lived closer and could do lunch! If you're ever up this way...:)

      Thanks for being here and helping celebrate. I feel so blessed!!

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  29. Mrs. Frantz!!! it looks sooo BEAUTIFUL!!!!! thanks for sharing it with us!

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    1. Evelyn, SOOO happy you like:) I could hardly wait till it appeared and I could share! Wouldn't you know it happened when I was sleeping! Thanks a million for taking time to comment. Love every word!!

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  30. Okay. I really can't say anything to do this cover justice. I will say this: if I had never read any of your books, never heard of you, and saw this book in a bookstore -- I'd grab it in a heartbeat. It is spectacular, and I am soooo excited for you! Tell Revel, the photographer, and the cover art team that they did an amazing job. Wow.

    Here is my first impression based soley on your beautiful cover: I'm thinking the story is about a beautiful young lady (perhaps a seamstress) who has had her fair share of tragedy and heartache. She longs for something that just cannot be, and prepares herself for a life she does not want. So am I close? LOL! I'm so excited for you! It's going to be a great book, I can already tell. :-) Congrats, Laura!

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    1. LOL, Gwen. ONCE AGAIN, I failed to hit the reply button in my glee to answer your comment so please see below!! Bless you!!

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  31. Such a beautiful cover, Laura! I love the details of the dress. Now I'm curious, did you send Revell a photo of a similar dress? Can't wait to read Love's Reckoning, I know it's going to be great!

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    1. Michelle, I did send Revell copies of period dresses to give them an idea of the look I was hoping for. The designer, however, worked with a costume company and then sent me a portfolio via Revell of colonial era gowns the model could actually wear. It wasn't hard zeroing in on the one here. I opted for a day dress with a flower print as that wasn't done with my other covers yet prints were so common in that era. So happy you like the result! Can't wait for you to meet my Silas and clan:)

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  32. Gave me goosebumps! What a fantastic cover. I am counting the days till I can read it!

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    1. Ah, love goosebumps:) Thanks for that, Colleen!! Hope you get goosebumps as you read, too! Not much longer now. The days are flying by... Praying we meet up about then in Texas!!

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  33. Gwen, How do you do that?!?
    If you could see my mouth hanging open...
    You have, my intuitive friend, nailed it:) Don't know how but you just did. She does long for something that cannot be and prepares herself for a life she does not want.

    Love, love, love your thoughts. And I pray readers love the cover and story come September. Very emotional to write but oh so sweet. Bless you so very much.

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    1. I read it in her eyes -- sad, wistful, resigned, determined... And she's looks back at something. :-) Tell Revell that the cover truly does capture the essence of the story. They did a fantastic job. :-) I love how you forget to hit reply. It makes me laugh!

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    2. Ah, I took a deep breath and actually landed on the right button;) Glad it makes you chuckle! I'm so blonde! I know Revell would love your comments and others here. Not every author likes their cover so they have a very hard job at times. Can't wait for you to meet Eden Lee. I hate to say it but she's my favorite character. The one I would most like to be, anyway:)

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  34. Absolutely gorgeous!! I just love the hair with the red tint! And the design on the dress is stunning!! I'm sure the book will be even better than the cover. :)

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    1. Marissa, My cover spy;) I do think her hair is exquisite! Would love to have sat in and watched the whole hair and makeup thing - and the shoot! The design on the dress is from an actual 18th-c. print. And I do pray the book is even better than the cover! Thanks so much for the vote of confidence!!

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  35. Oh, Laura, this is SO lovely! Stunning... :-)

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    1. Elaine, Thanks so much for the cover kudos:) I love all the gushing since I can take no credit for it at all! Hats off to Revell! And HUGE congrats on winning that award!! Can't wait to hear more and am so happy you get to go to the ceremony:)

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  36. I love the cover for your new book! It is so unique and different from the covers on most historical fiction books. It will definitely catch the eye of the book lover from a shelf and the content will totally backup the first impression of the cover! I have thoroughly loved all your books I have read so far and have been telling my friends about my new favorite author. I can't wait to read this new series.

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    1. Sheri, So honored to be named as a favorite:) That makes any author's heart sing! And I hope you enjoy Eden's story as much as Lael & Morrow & Roxanna's. I sure enjoyed every minute writing it and hated for it to end. In fact, I did a crazy thing. I so hated to finish I actually kept writing and included the wedding scene and honeymoon scene, etc! Only that won't be in the book. But it begged to be written and so I did. I may go back and reread it for dessert tonight;)

      So thankful to have met you through my books and have you here. You're a true blessing!!

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  37. Artfully Amazing, Awe-Inspiring, Ambered Ambience ; )

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    1. Virginia, I knew it was you before I even saw your name:) You do have a way with words and are so very gracious! I am thrilled you like it. Love the amber ambience, too. You will be seeing that book soon, my friend!!

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  38. Hi Laura - I loved your favorite books list! So many classics... My top two favorites are also on your list: Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) and North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell). I must ask - Have you seen the BBC mini-series of North and South? If you love the book, I betting you would love the mini-series just as much. ; )

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    1. Kristy, OH, DO I! I have the mini-series and even have an extra gently used copy to give away here on the blog! Only I haven't gotten around to doing that yet but you've reminded me! Thanks to readers like you, I bought a copy and watched it and it had quite an effect:) The Last of the Mohicans was promptly bumped as #1and North & South now rules. In fact, I patterned my Colonel McLinn a bit after dear Johnny T. minus the red hair ~ but all the temper! It's so fun making up a fav books list, too. Chances are you've read some of them from your comments. Bless u so much:)

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  39. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!! LAURA this cover is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!
    The color, the design, the backdrop, the girl, her dress, her HAIR - WOW!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! And I must admit (though I never thought I'd see the day!) Morrow just got bumped to the number 2 spot, lol!! ;) This is so beautifully unique, breathtakingly intense, and simply stunning. It's dark and intense yet light and pure. A cover like this promises a story that will leave its mark on your heart and soul. Gosh, I am SO HAPPY and SO EXCITED for you, my friend!!! Praise the Lord!!! I can't wait!!!!!! :D

    Abundant Blessings,
    Amanda

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    1. AMANDA!!!! It just wouldn't be the same without you, dear friend!! I actually thought of you today (as I was sipping tea with George;), hoping you would stop by!! And you're here! Like you, my cover preferences just got scrambled. Sorry, Morrow! Much as I love her...

      Praise the Lord, indeed!! Very humbling and inspiring to be a part of this even in the tiny realm of fiction. I think this has been one of my best blogging days ever, thanks to you and others, with your heartfelt comments. Would like to do it all again:) Thanks for taking time to bless me. You always do!!

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  40. Laura!! I absolutely love your new cover. It was worth the wait to see how beautiful it turned out. You must be so thrilled! I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ IT! (I know I keep saying that, but it is SO true!)

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  41. Dear Stacey, Love my Texas nightowl;) Thanks for your patience!! I was beginning to think this cover took a hike! Sometimes covers get tweaked at the last minute but that didn't happen, thankfully. It's now in the catalog on the way to retail stores...

    You can keep saying you can't wait to read all you like! I never get tired of hearing it!!

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  42. Love, love, L-O-V-E your cover, Laura!!! September cannot get here quickly enough for me!

    Congrats on another release which I know will please so many. :o)

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    1. Christy, It just wouldn't be the same without my southern sassy commenter!! SO happy you love it!! You are always honest so I know you must or you wouldn't say so;) And I do pray/hope/wish the story pleases you and others. LOVE your very gracious words here. If so, the Lord made it happen. I really don't know how to write a book but thankfully, He does. So blessed you stopped here. I have some southern nightowls ~ and am very glad you're one of them!!

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  43. Just wanted to give credit where it's due as I forgot to mention the lovely model and designer this time round! The cover model's name is Lindsay and she's from Seattle. Brandon Hill did the photo shoot and I so wish I could have been there! His website at BrandonHill.com is wonderful. He's done many covers for CBA and ABA houses and is young and savvy:) Here's hoping he does the next 3 in this series. HUGE thanks, Brandon and Lindsay and crew!!

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  44. LAURA!!!
    Oh your new cover is absolutely stunning! I love it and I can't wait to read it. The colors are so vivid and I just love that gown that the model is wearing. I'm not wishing away the year, but September just can't get here soon enough, especially with "Love's Reckoning" calling me. And btw, I'm no longer anonymous. As you can see, I am now me! :)

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    1. Angi ~ It IS you;) I'm so glad! When I didn't see you on Facebook yesterday I was going to touch base today and then here you are!! Beyond happy you're happy with the cover. There are so many great covers coming out of Revell this year - other places, too, though I do think Revell does such fine work. Am a bit partial, I guess... That book will be making its way to your house in future, hopefully August:) So blessed to have you here as YOU!!

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  45. Laura, I have to tell you that I shared your cover on Facebook and my sister commented: "Ooh it looks good!" - just from looking at the cover. That's the importance of a good cover - my sister is hooked even before she knows what the story is about.

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    1. Gabrielle, Oh, cannot thank you enough for sharing! LOVE your sis's comments:) You're so right - that first visual is critical. The cover has to leap off the shelf as there are too many tempting covers begging to be bought! I've always thought Revell's art team is inspired as they manage to get the feel of the book and make the cover pop. Am so happy you agree!!

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  46. Whew, I'm LATE!!! I'll blame it on the fact that we're 7 hours ahead of the nearest time zone in the States ( 9 hours ahead of you I think). I know that doesn't make sense. I should've been one of the FIRST to see it.... but somehow I didn't check it last night. Anyhow, SO happy it's finally out. It really is BEAUTIFUL!!! Red hair is one of my greatest weaknesses. It's funny but I'm having a hard time picturing it in PA. She almost looks Scottish or Irish!!! Can hardly wait for the book itself... Too bad they can't make available as an ebook before the actual print copy... Ya know like they do with the movies, in theaters before they come out on DVD. :-)

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    1. OH MY, it must be morning as I forgot to hit the reply button again - so please find my comment to your comment below, dear Janell!!

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  47. Laura,

    LOVE IT!!!! Wow, seeing this just made my day. I've been looking for it since late December and now it's really here!!!

    The cover art team did a great job!!!

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    1. Amanda, Like you, it's been a long 3 months or so of cover watching;) SO THRILLED you like it!! I was hoping you would smile when you saw it. I still am! I bet you have some dreams of your own covers. That's the best part of publishing, for me anyway. And then sharing it here is just icing on the cake. Bless you for coming over!!

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  48. Janell, Better a bit late than never, my friend!! I was trying to puzzle out time zones and am glad you're helping. I do think you're 9 hours ahead. Scotland seems to be 8. But I'm like you ~ I didn't check that evening it appeared and would have seen it if I'd done so. I have been searching! Red hair is one of my weaknesses, too - and my hero's;) Her hair becomes something of an issue in the book. Eden is actually English and French but does look Scots or Irish:) Silas is all Scot! It is hard thinking of a book beyond the boundaries of KY. I was reluctant to make the leap at first and then fell in love with Pennsylvania. Hope you do, too. SO happy you're here to celebrate! That makes it even better. Am always awed we can connect here when it would be nearly impossible otherwise. Praying for you and your family today as you minister, Janell. Thanks so very much!

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  49. Where does it tell what "Love's Reckoning" is about? I have loved all your books so far, each one just keeps getting better!

    Annette

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    1. Annette, I'm so glad you asked! Here's the back cover copy...

      "On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, 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 Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever, 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. The Ballantyne Legacy begins in the late 1700s and follows the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War."

      Hope this makes you even more ready to read:) It's wonderful to see you here and find that you think my books just get better ~ music to this author's ears. Bless you so much!!

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    2. Annette and others,
      One of my favorite sites is www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com (some of you know about this)

      Right now Rel has a bunch of book covers posted from Revell and Bethany House - well worth visiting and taking a peek! The link should come right up for you if you google it...

      Happy oogling;)

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  50. It's here! The cover! So happy someone found it! And my thoughts are . . . lovely dress, but the heroine looks so sad. Hopefully she'll have a few good things happen to her in the book to cheer her up a bit. :-)

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  51. Thanks for your thoughts, Naomi! The ending is a very happy one so all is well that ends well, as Shakespeare says:) I love the dress, too, and was thrilled to have picked it out of the portfolio the designer sent. Revell has a stellar lineup for fall if you've taken a peek at Rel's site. Happy Friday to you!

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    1. Glad all's well that ends well! And the cover truly is lovely. I suppose I was a slightly taken aback by the sombre feel of it. But' it's growing on me. The more I look at it the more I like it. :-) And how fun for you to personally get to pick that dress! I remember you saying something about that last fall.

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    2. Thanks, Naomi. Your thoughtful comments make me think about "branding" and what readers expect of an author in their books. I do think this cover strikes a somber tone and with good reason! Even the title carries a bit of a warning. By now most readers know my books aren't light and some people shy from that. Sometimes I wish I wrote lighter! It will be interesting to see what tone your debut novel strikes. I love discovering new authors and figuring out their brand, so to speak;)

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  52. Love it! Can't wait until we all can read it:) So excited to read what happens next.

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    1. Hmmm, I can't seem to master the reply button. Pls see below!

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  53. Bless you, Anon, for such warm words:) Praying you like Eden's journey. Counting down now till release day with you!!

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  54. Wow, I think this is the best yet.

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    1. Adrienne, YAY! You're here:) I so wanted you to see this! Your thoughts mean so much. And guess what? I think it's the best yet, too. Bless you till we meet again!

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  55. Looks amazing! I am so excited can't wait until it comes out! I loved the Colonel's Lady, I am so excited to read your newest adventure!
    Happy writing!
    Rebecca Hartman

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    1. Rebecca, Welcome here ~ so happy you are excited and looking forward to a new adventure:) You said that so well. Adventure is a great descriptor for this new book! Thanks for sharing the JOY. You're a new blessing!!

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  56. Laura, I love your cover!!!! It is giving me chills it is so lifelike and beautiful. I'm glad for your wonderful success! What a 'presence' it has...I love her eyes...what is her story I wonder. I'm looking forward to this, I know I'll love it...as much as the others.

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    1. Maggie Ann, I was so hoping you'd visit:) And am SO thrilled you like what you see! Love that you think it has a "presence" as that is music to my ears. She has beautiful eyes, yes. And I love that I know who she is and where she's from, something I haven't been privy to with my other cover models. I often wonder if they read the books they pose for! Praying you love the story ~ you're such a blessing to me.

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  57. Oh Laura, I'm thrilled. I'm jumping up and down as if it's my book cover!LOL. And I missed its debut by three days. boohoo -- it's been that kind of week! Absolutely cannot wait to read this -- the cover is fantabulour, just like the author! :-)

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    1. OH MY, can you sense my excitement as I forgot to hit the reply button. Pls see below for my response to your response!

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  58. Well, dear Kav, I've been waiting for you and now you're here and I feel I can officially sign off - lol!! I've had one of those weeks, too, and nearly missed the cover reveal myself. In fact, I was sleeping when it appeared:) Needless to say, you may have been a little late for the cover debut, but you'll be ahead of all the rest when it comes to the book itself;) I think you know what I mean, my friend. You're so often in my thoughts and prayers. And you've made my day!

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  59. That is the most beautiful cover yet!! It is absolutely gorgeous!

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    1. Beth, Your thoughts were my thoughts exactly when Revell sent it to me:) I couldn't wait to share it with you! I don't think I got a thing done all day after opening the file as I just kept staring ~ and thanking the Lord for talented designers. Bless you for your comments!!

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  60. I LOVE that cover!!! Definitely going on my wishlist! :D

    Melanie
    Christian Bookshelf Reviews

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    1. Melanie, So thankful for you! And your wishlist:) I appreciate the thumbs up so much. Nothing like cover love! Bless you!!

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  61. Love it! cant wait for it to come out!

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    1. Dear Maggie, Me, too! Can't wait:) I forgot to mention I'll be having giveaways of the book throughout September along with bookmarks and other things so please stay tuned. We'll have quite a party for Miss Eden! Bless you!!

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  62. A redhead!! I love it!! Love the beautiful landscape and the great dress! What a neat surprise on this Monday.

    P.S. More dropping levels, changes in treatment. Your words from Hudson really blessed me today! Thanks for your obedience!

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    1. Julia, Somehow I just knew you'd love that hair given you have a lil redhead of your own;) So glad you saw it and like!!
      And huge thanks for the update. You're so good at that. It helps to have specifics to pray for though He knows all. The Hudson quote really spoke to me, too. Love those saints/missionaries. Bless you and your family today as He shepherds you, dear Julia.

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  63. I've never thought that I would see a book cover in which the heroine had the exact shade of hair that I have. My sister and I both have red hair, but mine is the darker shade closer to brown where she is more a strawberry blond.

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  64. Carissa, You are one blessed woman! I'd happily switch you if I could:) I imagine your hair is gorgeous then as Eden's sure is above. I've always wanted to create a redheaded character - other than little Abby, of course. I hope you like my next redhead when you meet her. She was a delight to create! Thanks so much for stopping in today. Hope your Kentucky Monday has gone great!!

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  65. The cover is breathtaking. I too can't wait for the book to come out. Oh my goodness, it's a long time until September.
    I have just completed the last of the other books and stand in awe of you as a Christian author. Your faith flows through your writing as the Kentucky rivers you write about. I am truly thankful that you share the gift that God has blessed you with, as you have blessed my heart with Lael, Morrow and Roxie.
    Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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    1. Oh Marta, I so needed your encouragement today. You just don't know how this blesses me:) I especially love how you worded the faith and rivers - such a lovely thought. When readers are like you, the writing is easy. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, too! September does seem a long ways off. I've often wished I could publish 2 or more books a year. I think I move at a snail's pace! So happy you love the cover. Brandon Hill and Revell really outdid themselves this time. Just when I thought they couldn't improve on Roxie's cover - they did!

      I'm really touched you took time here today. Like I said, the Lord knew I needed your gracious words. Bless you so much!!

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  66. I've been enjoy the warm temps, it feels like spring is right around the corner. Looking forward to spring breaks, and taking my sister to look at colleges, for a sophomore she has her college major and minor locked in. A double major in graphic design and criminal justice an a minor in art.

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    1. Carissa, You and your sis sound so busy!! But a good busy:) It's so interesting hearing about majors and minors - such interesting combinations! I think it would be wonderful to have a sister though I have a fine brother. I covet your Kentucky temps - it was snowing and hailing here yesterday and we had a wind storm and power outage. Brrrr:) Prayers with you both as you keep up the pace - and begin enjoying spring!!

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  67. My Dearest Laura,

    I must officially say I LOVE YOUR COVER!! I already have an idea of what it is going to look like on the photo card as soon as I can get my hands on the book!! I am so excited for you and for us!! The swaying of the palm prees, the Bahama sunshine and all the laughs I had on my cruise is the best medicine you could ever swallow! I pray that you will be able to partake of that kind of medicinal cure soon!!

    Love,
    Stacie

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    1. Hmmm, once again I didn't hit the reply button so please see my comments to your comments below ~ and thanks!!

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  68. Dearest Stacie, WELCOME BACK!!! I felt your joy in your email aboard ship:) Best medicine, indeed! Some author friends of mine took a cruise together recently and it sounded heavenly! And I'm SO excited about the photo cards! You do such beautiful ones. I mailed my last Roxie card out recently and felt bereft - only I saved one in my Colonel's Lady scrapbook for keeps. I imagine I'll be looking at it when I'm old and gray and glad I did! You have a book coming to help you when the time comes. And many, many thanks ahead of time!!

    I hope you have lots of photos to add to your beautiful online album/pages/photo journal you're keeping. That will be a keepsake. Thanks so much for stopping. And I'm just singing that you like the cover:) Thanks for the official thumbs up!!

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    1. Do not fear dear Laura. Morrow and Roxie are on their way! They would miss sending out notes on your behalf! Look to the mail arriving hopefully by the end of next week!!

      Stacie

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    2. Oh Stacie, You are the dearest, most generous friend!! Wow - both Morrow and Roxie!! You've made my day in a huge way and I'm already thinking about ways to thank you:) I can't tell you the blessing these cards have been to me and other people. I think Hallmark has quite a rival in you!! OH JOY! Happy Friday it is... Many, many thanks. I'm delighted beyond words!!

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  69. Just wanted to thank everyone for the wonderful comments here! The cover contest is officially closed and Amazon cards have been mailed out:) Thanks, too, to those of you who asked for the cover to be enlarged to see the details. I really do think it's prettier that way. Counting down till release day with you and more giveaways! Bless you all!

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