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Double Give-Away with Laura Frantz!

Tue, 2016-12-13 16:27 -- Jocelyn Green

I'm so delighted to share a release date with one of my favorite authors, Laura Frantz, whose book A Moonbow Night launches on January 3 right alongside The Mark of the King! To celebrate the "birthday" of both our eighteenth-century-set books, we are teaming up to give one lucky winner a set of both new releases! (Details on how to enter at the end of this post.)

Here's the blurb for A Moonbow Night:
Her wilderness survival skills are without rival. 
But her greatest talent is keeping other people's secrets.

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew, looking for an experienced guide. 

Though he balks when Tempe is appointed to lead his team through the wilderness, it isn't long before Sion must admit that her abilities may outmatch his own. But can the tenuous tie they are forming survive the dangers waiting just around the bend?

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons you to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

And the blurb for The Mark of the King:

Life in This New World Requires More Strength Than She Ever Imagined

After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict. 

New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes, and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit? 

With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace--and love--can overcome the stigma of the king's mark upon her shoulder.

Now, if you're already familiar with Laura Frantz and love her writing, the good news is that RT Reviews says you'll love The Mark of the King too! :) 

What an honor! Some books just immerse the reader in the setting, and I think Laura's novels are all excellent examples of that. What is it about a book that makes you feel like you are "right there" with the characters? Leave a comment answering the question, and you'll be entered in the drawing! You may enter by commenting either here, or on Laura's blog. Your entry will be counted either way!

*Enter by the end of Dec. 31. The winner will be announced on release day, January 3!

 

Bonus: Free Gift within Moments!

Psst! If you're new around here, welcome! I'm so glad you've stopped by. Did you know that when you subscribe to my e-newslsetter, you'll receive a FREE Christian Historical Fiction Travel Guide? Plus, you'll be part of an exclusive mailing list that is the first to hear about new book releases. It's only mailed one to three times a year, depending on how many books I have coming out. Ready to subscribe and receive your free gift? Do it here. Thank you! (You'll get the link free link once you confirm from your email inbox that you really want to subscribe.)

About the Author: 

Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. As a speaker, Jocelyn inspires faith and courage in her audiences. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, strawberry-rhubarb pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

Comments

Submitted by Terrill Rosado on
I've been subscribed to your blog for about a year or so. My husband is a military vet and although I know it was your military non-fiction that drew me here, I can't remember how or why I ultimately discovered it. Well, that's not entirely true, I do know that the Lord had His hand in it. :) Regardless, upon inspection, I saw that you also wrote Christian fiction and, coincidentally (or not ;) ), I am a voracious reader of the all-encompassing genre. As a voracious reader, you probably know how my tbr list must look and I haven't yet had (or made) the chance to read your previous fiction releases, but a couple of bloggers I follow have raved about them. So my intentions are good and if heaven doesn't call me home first, I WILL be reading them! Yet, probably not before I read your Jan.'17 release!! Which leads me to why I came here today. Since I love all things Laura, I had already pre-ordered Laura Frantz', A Moonbow Night, and was preparing to pre-order yours today. You have to know that I have already been suggesting The Mark of the King to many reader friends, because I am so intrigued and impressed with the synopsis. It's one of those book blurbs that causes dopamine-addled reader euphoria! I'm on a reader high and I haven't even read the book yet. haha I appreciate this contest, but it will not prevent me from pre-ordering your book. If by some crazy chance I were to win, I would have a couple of amazing books to gift to those who wouldn't purchase them on their own. As for the question: I've been in a reader slump this past month with many a book that I haven't been able to immerse and/or lose myself in. Some have been ARC's that I feel obligated to finish and some were just poor choices on my part. So, at this point I can speak more of what doesn't draw me into a story with a feeling of "being there." First, it's the "telling" rather than showing me the story, too much internal dialogue (again, the telling), overly verbose writing without relevance, and unnatural/unrealistic dialogue. Congrats on your upcoming release, Jocelyn. As you have certainly ascertained, I am itching to get my hands on this book and read it for myself.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Terrill, wow!! I am so delighted the book blurb gives you dopamine-addled reader euphoria! LOL That's impressive. I'm so glad you ordered the book and am not bothered at all that you plan to read it before getting around to my Civil War series. So glad to hear you're already hooked on Laura Frantz. She is one of the very best!! Thanks for following, and God bless you and your husband!

Submitted by Kristi Robertts on
Descriptive prose is everything. Tell me everything about the setting and what each character looks like and I feel like I'm there!

Submitted by Kelly K. on
A book draws me in after a good attention grab in its first 3 pages. First person makes me feel I'm right in the midst of the story. If I can see and hear the world around the characters in the writing, I can't put the book down. One more thing, if it's historically set, bonus!! I can't seem to devour any modern day settings. Books take me away to a different time and place, and that's refreshment!

Submitted by sandra k frantz on
I can't wait to read Laura's book . I have all the rest and if the reviews are as good as they sound I know I will try Joyceln Green's book also

Submitted by Rachel on
While descriptive words are helful in relaying sights, sounds amd smells, I find myself feeling "right there" when I have an emotional connection to the scene, setting or character.

Submitted by Ann Austin on
I love books that are unpretentious, and not snooty or stuck up. The characters need to be believable,not a hundred percent perfection.

Submitted by Winnie on
I think a good description of the setting and realistic, well-developed characters help draw me into the story. Well-written descriptions that help me see the setting and characters and a strong beginning to the story get me immersed quickly.

Submitted by Jenny Snow on
Ok, that blurb was great! I've read all of Laura's books, but now I've got to read yours too. What makes me feel like I'm right there? When the writer takes the time to write about the character interacting with the setting. When it's not rushed. When the character is thoughtful, and I get to feel her feelings, and notice what she notices. Can't wait to enjoy both of these books.

Submitted by Stacy on
I agree that when the author does good research, you can tell and it helps you live in the character's skin.

Submitted by Gretta Anderson on
I get fully involved in a story or "feel like I'm right there" with the characters is when a great story engages my emotions and I get lost in the story and actually care about the characters. That comes with great character development in a book or even a movie!

Submitted by Cindy G on
The thing that helps me are the detailed descriptions of the settings throughout the story. Then I'm able to picture the characters in those places. While I read I have the movie playing in my mind and I feel like I am right in the middle of the story!

Submitted by Anne L. Rightler on
A realistic description of what is happening w/ authentic dialogue between the characters that will involve me emotionally in a story will help to make me feel like I am 'right there'. Looking forward to reading these two books. Thank you for sharing.

Submitted by Trixi O. on
Definitely the characters! If I can connect with them, then I feel like I'm walking right beside them throughout the story. Feeling everything they do, seeing everything they do, etc. Thank you for the double giveaway for two awesome sounding books!

Submitted by Heidi Robbins on
I find that I love to connect emotionally with the characters, but those feelings need to be shown and not told. It's a beautiful thing to be swept away by a book!

Submitted by Karen Reece on
It is a combination of the reader's imagination and the writer's ability to draw you into the story by their descriptions of sight, sound, and smell. I visualize as I read. I can see things in my mind's eye. Two of my favorite authors for are Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz both very good at their craft.

Submitted by Janet Merrell on
I'm not sure, some authors just "have it" and some don't. Both of you are favorites of mine! Both books are on my to read list.

Submitted by Sheri on
The author makes me feel like I am right there when the characters are more realistic. I also enjoy reading books that are more descriptive.

Submitted by Erin Palko on
I think description of the characters, their feelings and the setting help me really get a feel for the characters. Laura does a wonderful job of this in her books

Submitted by Carol Edwards on
I like it when there is a great description of the surroundings. It makes me feel like I am there. Also when a book is set somewhere I have been I can really feel a part of it.

Submitted by Debrah on
I've been told that I have a good imagination so when I start a book I see the description in my mind. Each of us will see things that are specific to our gift given to us by the Lord. I look forward to both books and "seeing" the story from both you and Laura Frantz. Laura is one of my favorite authors and hopeful that have found another author to add to that list with your new book.

Submitted by Nicole House on
I feel like I am right there when the characters are fully fleshed out and believable. It's definitely a bonus when the author has taken the time to thoroughly research both time and setting. When I encounter an author that has made glaring errors, I tend to not finish the book.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Oh Becky! Bless your heart, what an honor to be among your favorites, along with Laura!

Submitted by Allison on
Definitely a major part of what makes me lose myself in a book is the author and the way they write! A few more details are: setting, plot, and character development. :)

Submitted by Janice Moore on
Both of these books have a certain sparkle that appeal to me! A moonbow is a new thing for me, and I love gritty female leading characters, When I think about what "grabs" me, at first I wondered how so many books are able to do that! Yet, I find myself liking novels with elements of suspense or character growth. Or maybe there are so many great Christian authors out there who know the trick to catch and hold my attention in many different ways!

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Janice, "gritty" is the word many readers have used to describe my novels, which I take as a compliment. :) Hopefully there is also beauty and grace along with that grit! ;) Thank you for entering the drawing!

Submitted by Debra Duncan on
I think the descriptiveness of the characters, their emotions, surroundings are what pull me into a story. Can i relate to them? Is it realistic? Do i feel what they are going through? Am i anxiously waiting to see what happens next? If i can truky lose myself in a story, the author has done a great job.

Submitted by Jocelyn Green on
Dear readers, I have been truly overwhelmed at the response to this give-away! My sincere apologies for not being able to respond to each and every comment, as I am also trying to write another novel for Bethany House which is due next month. But please know I have read and enjoyed reading all of your comments on this post. Using random.org, Laura Frantz has selected one lucky winner (Congrats to Linda!) and emailed her for her mailing address. Thank you all so much for entering the drawing! Tomorrow is the big release day for both books--we hope you can get your hands on your own copies--or your library's copy! :) God bless.

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