Tag Archives: Historical romance

#Giveaway: The Substitute Bride by Carrie Fancett Pagels

18 Dec

The Substitute Bride

The Substitute Bride by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Purchase a copy: Amazon

A letter for Sonja’s deceased friend arrives at the post office in Michigan, and with it a proposal. With her father threatening to kick her out of his home, Sonja impulsively responds, offering to travel west to be a substitute bride. At the same time, Louis’s railroad promotion sends him back to Michigan, the one place on earth he’d hoped to never return—where Christmas past was full of pain. A mysterious stranger leaves him marked copies of “A Christmas Carol” as he considers romancing Sonja in Christmas present. Will Louis discern the best choices for Christmas future? Does it include the Poor House, again? Even so—will God bring healing and love to him this year?

 

My thoughts:

The Substitute Bride is an enchanting novella! With this tale of “A Christmas Carol meets It’s A Wonderful Life”, Carrie Fancett Pagels completely charmed me. I loved the delightful characters, engaging story line, and sweet romance. I also enjoyed the touch of intrigue and am left wondering about the mysterious stranger and the gifts she leaves. The Substitute Bride is a heartwarming story and a perfect treat for yourself or others this holiday season!

Speaking of treats, I am treating THREE of my readers to this delightful novella!

Giveaway- The Substitute Bride 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
THREE readers will win a print copy of The Substitute Bride!

To enter the giveaway:
Comment with your favorite Christmas movie and your email address. The giveaway ends Sunday, December 20 at noon CST.  The winners will be drawn and announced Sunday afternoon.

To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

 

carrie-brick-headshot-pm

Carrie Fancett Pagels Ph.D. is an award-winning, best-selling, and multi-published Christian historical romance author. Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Married for twenty-seven years with two children. Carrie resides in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and enjoys reading, traveling and researching. She’s a finalist for the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

 

Website | Blog- Overcoming with God | Blog- Colonial QuillsFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | LinkedIn

#BookReview: Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

15 Dec

Whispers in the Reading Room

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1lujxr6

Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks-the man so many people fear-is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

 

My thoughts:

Whispers in the Reading Room is an enchanting tale of mystery and romance! Shelley Gray captured my attention on the very first page and held it steadfast until the end. The following passage opens the story and describes how I feel about this novel.

“She still remembered the expression on his face last week when he’d finished and closed the last tome. He’d looked pleased and just a bit melancholy. She knew those dual feelings well – the satisfaction of completing a well-written piece of literature while also coming to terms with the fact that those few moments of pure bliss would soon be replaced with a longing for more.”

Gray’s characterization is excellent and one of the things I love most about this novel! Lydia Bancroft and Sebastian Marks are unique, complex characters; each struggling to discover who they really are and where they belong. Their contrasting personas make for a captivating story, one that carefully and cleverly unfolds with each turn of the page.

I loved Whispers in the Reading Room! I have been remiss in not reading the first two books in this series, but that is an oversight I will soon remedy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray

 

Shelley Gray

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.

Connect with Shelley: website, Twitter, Facebook

 

#BookReview: The Midwife’s Choice by Delia Parr

13 Dec

The Midwife's Choice

The Midwife’s Choice by Delia Parr

Purchase links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

In a time when the traditional ways of medicine are constantly being questioned by new doctors fresh from medical school, midwife Martha Cade tries to balance her life’s calling with the demands of her family. Recently reunited with her estranged seventeen-year-old daughter, Martha finds herself torn between guiding her child and allowing her to be an adult. At the same time, she must decide whether she’ll risk reopening the heart she’d long closed off to love.

Though a small town, Trinity, Pennsylvania, is fraught with secrets, and as a midwife, Martha moves among its people. She knows which homes are filled with light and love, which families have slipped into grief, which wives are unhappy, and which husbands dare to cross lines…As Martha struggles with the conflicts of being a mother, a midwife, and a woman, she learns the greatest lessons of all–that hope can shine even in the darkest hours, and that faith has a way of making the impossible possible.

 

My thoughts:

The Midwife’s Choice is a wonderful story! Once again, Delia Parr brings Trinity, Pennsylvania, and its residents to life in a captivating tale of faith, family, and friendship.

I love Martha Cade and her work as the community midwife! In this second book of the At Home in Trinity series, Martha is confronted with events that cause her to struggle with the decisions she has made and the life she has chosen. Each twist and turn of the plot drew me deeper into the story, and I reveled in its drama, emotion, and romance.

There are beautiful spiritual threads woven through the story and numerous words of wisdom shared. I made note of several meaningful quotes and passages throughout the book, and the following encapsulates one of the many lessons Martha learns.

“It’s natural for things to change. Even the land changes over time. So do people. They come into our lives and sometimes, sadly, they leave far too soon. But our memories–of our loved ones and our lives together–are ours to keep. Sometimes they fade a bit and we lose little details, or we might even forget whole incidents. Until something prompts us to remember. But the goodness, the warmth, the love our memories contain–that’s what will always stay in our hearts so we can carry our memories wherever we go. And there’s always room to add more.”

I thoroughly enjoyed The Midwife’s Choice and can’t wait to revisit these beloved characters again in The Midwife’s Dilemma!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the author:

Delia is the author of fifteen historical novels who now devotes herself to writing inspirational historical romance. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey who spends her summers writing on Anna Maria Island in Florida.

Blog Tour + #Giveaway: The Bartered Bride by Lena Goldfinch

12 Dec

The Bartered BrideThe Bartered Bride by Lena Goldfinch

Purchase links:
Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes/iBooks

COLORADO 1880

Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn’t looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn’t looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn’t planned on doing…

When Jem steps into Annie’s life, she’s not expecting anyone to save her. Mute from birth, she’s just using all her wits to survive. All she’s ever really wanted is a family of her own. For someone to see her. To look at her long enough to hear the things she can’t say.

Can a rescued bride who can’t speak communicate her love for a grieving widower and his little girl? Will her love ever be returned?

 

My thoughts:

The Brides Series is one I have enjoyed since reading the first book, The Unexpected Bride.  Although each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel, reading them in order will provide a more complete reading experience.

The Bartered Bride is a compelling story! Lena Goldfinch does a wonderful job crafting characters readers will care about, and my heart ached for several in this story. Jem and Annie’s story is rife with drama and danger, but it is also a tender tale of romance.

I delighted in the unique characters, historical details, and engaging plot of this well-told story. I really enjoyed The Bartered Bride and recommend it to fans of historical romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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GIVEAWAY!

In celebration of the release of The Bartered Bride, Lena is giving away some awesome prizes!
• Grand Prize: $25 gift card (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, or Google Play—winner’s choice) + all three e-books in The Brides Series (Open internationally)
• Second Prize: Paperback copy of The Bartered Bride (Open to US residents only)
• Third Prize: All three e-books in The Brides Series (Open internationally)

To enter these drawings, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Winners will be chosen after the end of the blog tour (December 19, 2015).

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

 

Lena Goldfinch

LENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet Historical Western Romance / Inspirational Romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.

Connect with Lena:
Website | FB Profile | FB Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest

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#BlogTour: Cooking Up Christmas by Teresa Ives Lilly

8 Dec

Christmas Mail Order Angels Tour

As part of the Christmas Mail-Order Angels Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Books, I’m happy to welcome Teresa Ives Lilly to the blog today!  

Please share a little about yourself, Teresa.
I am in my fifties. I grew up in Buffalo New York…but got out of the snow as fast as possible. I now live in Texas, but I miss the changing seasons…and the snow Ha Ha.

When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?
I homeschooled my children and once they were grown I began writing unit studies. However, I also began to pursue writing. I tried the traditional publishing at first, but met a nice woman on line who told me about self publishing and have followed that course since. (I was self publishing when it was not the THING to do)

What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?
Favorite is coming up with the ideas, least favorite is writing everything between the beginning and the end.

Please tell us about your latest release, Cooking up Christmas.
Cooking up Christmas is one book I wrote with a group of ladies. I was very pleased to be chosen to be in the group but working on a story line started by someone else in the first book was hard to go with.

What inspired this story?
I just kept wondering what kind of job the character could have in the town and it came to mind.

What will you be working on next?
I’m currently writing Wild Prairie Rose with many of the ladies from this book group. However, we all write our own story as long as we bring in the state flower.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
www.teresalilly.wordpress.com

 

Cooking Up Christmas

Cooking Up Christmas by Teresa Ives Lilly

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1jKPqdL

When Henrietta agrees to become a mail order angel for Benjamin Capel, she moves to Angel Vale Wyoming eager to begin working in the town’s eatery. Although happy with her job and attracted to her husband-to-be, she discovers that Benjamin has several secrets. What does he do for a living, why does talking about money upset him so much and who actually owns the Angel Vale Eatery. Will these questions be answered so she can freely say I Do or does God have a different plan for her life in Angel Vale?

My thoughts:

Cooking Up Christmas is a delightful novella! I really enjoyed the chemistry between Henrietta and Benjamin and the development of their relationship through the story. Filled with humor and romance, Cooking Up Christmas is a heartwarming holiday tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Giveaway graphic- Christmas Mail-Order Angels Tour

I’m excited to share not one, but TWO giveaways!  

Giveaway #1 is just for this blog stop and includes an e-copy of Cooking Up Christmas.  Giveaway #2 is a tour-wide giveaway; the lucky winner will receive the entire Christmas Mail-Order Angels collection.  Click on the links below to enter BOTH giveaways!  

Giveaway #1 ~ An e-copy of Cooking Up Christmas

Giveaway #2 ~ The Christmas Mail-Order Angels Collection

 

Teresa Lilly

Teresa Ives Lilly has authored 16 novella/novels in Christian Romance. She tends to write historical but dabbles in contemporary as well. She also writes children’s chapter books and Unit Studies which are used in both private, public and homeschool. She lives in Texas with her husband and her grown children live near by. She currently owns and runs a Christian Library which offers over 2000 books to the public in the Christian genre only.

Connect with Teresa: website, Facebook

 

#BookReview: A Thousand Shall Fall | Kindle Fire #Giveaway

7 Dec

A Thousand Shall Fall

A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1jbj37T

Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off—only to find she’s fallen into the hands of the enemy.

Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they’re all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears.

Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch the gentleman. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. But the arrival of Joshua in the Union camp as a spy will test her loyalties. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

 

My thoughts:

“A story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War”

A Thousand Shall Fall is a compelling tale! Andrea Boeshaar writes with historical accuracy and a Christian perspective as she shares the story of a young, spirited woman who finds herself in the hands of the enemy.

I love Civil War era novels and this one certainly captured my attention! The characterization is excellent, and I really enjoyed the relationships that develop as the story unfolds. Boeshaar’s extensive research and attention to detail bring life to the narrative, as she weaves a love story amidst the events that transpired in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Filled with drama, danger, and romance, I really enjoyed A Thousand Shall Fall and eagerly await the next installment in the Shenandoah Valley Saga!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

  Blog Tour:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/aboeshaar

 

The search for her runaway sister goes awry when Carrie finds herself arrested during the Civil War for impersonating an officer in Andrea Boeshaar’s A Thousand Shall Fall. Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel who arrested her. Carrie Ann discovers that her foe has become her ally—and more than that, someone she could love. Will she protect someone who has been like family or be loyal to this stranger to whom she wants to offer her heart? When her world is being torn apart around her, whom should she trust?

Andrea is celebrating the release of A Thousand Shall Fall with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

400 - a thousand shall fall

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of A Thousand Shall Fall
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 10th. The winner will be announced December 11th on Andrea’s blog.

a thousand shall fall-enterbanner

 

Andrea Boeshaar

Andrea Boeshaar is the cofounder of American Christian Fiction Writers and runs “The Writer’s ER,” a coaching service for writers. She is the author of thirty published works, including Threads of Faith, a finalist in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards. Andrea is also the author of a popular devotional and regularly blogs on a number of sites.

Connect with Andrea: website, Twitter, Facebook

#BookReview: Love’s Sure Dawn by Naomi Rawlings

17 Nov

Love's Sure Dawn

Love’s Sure Dawn by Naomi Rawlings
Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1HQ13Gw

No matter how hard she tries to help, Rebekah Cummings always ends up causing more problems than she solves. This time, though, things will be different. She’ll find a way to pay her family’s debts, even if doing so requires leaving Eagle Harbor. Maybe then they’ll start treating her as a capable woman who makes her own choices.

Gilbert Sinclair is going to marry an heiress. With his latest business venture sunk at the bottom of Lake Superior, he needs money to replace the steamship he lost, so he heads to Chicago where his father’s business connections should land him a suitable wife. Like most things in his meticulously planned life, everything goes as expected—until he discovers Rebekah Cummings working as the new cook on his ship.

Rebekah well remembers the pain she endured the last time she tried trusting Gilbert, and Gilbert can’t afford to pursue the love of a working class woman. But they can’t stop the forgotten feelings swirling between them—or ignore the sacrifices they’d both have to make for a future together.

 

Graphic- Love's Sure Dawn

Love’s Sure Dawn is a captivating tale! The characterization is excellent, and I lost myself in the drama and romance of Gilbert and Rebekah’s story. I always marvel at the emotional and spiritual growth of Naomi Rawlings’ characters and the inspiration that is beautifully woven through her stories. This talented author has masterfully stirred my emotions throughout this compelling series, and I can’t wait to read more!

If you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend Love’s Sure Dawn, as well as the other books in the Eagle Harbor series. Each novel can stand alone, but I recommend reading them in order for a greater understanding of the characters and enjoyment of their stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Naomi Rawlings

A mother of three, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. Naomi writes bold, dramatic stories containing passionate words and powerful journeys.

To learn more about Naomi and her books, please visit her website.

Review: Love Everlasting

15 Oct

Love Everlasting

Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

Abrianna Cunningham has always viewed her longtime friend, Wade Ackerman, as a protective brother. Lately, however, she’s begun to see him differently and finds herself attracted romantically to him. But she’s confused and overwhelmed by these unfamiliar feelings.

Wade, on the other hand, has loved Abrianna for some time and has been waiting for her to realize they are more than just friends. When he asks her to marry him, she asks for time to adjust to their changed relationship.

And then there’s Priam Welby, who has been relentlessly pursuing Abrianna. Will his underhanded tactics succeed in luring Abrianna into marriage with him?

My thoughts:

Love Everlasting is an enjoyable tale of drama, intrigue, and romance! Tracie Peterson’s wonderful attention to detail always lends vibrancy to her stories, making them a pleasure to read.

After all Abrianna Cunningham and Wade Ackerman have been through together, I delighted in the culmination of their relationship. I have really enjoyed this series and will miss its well-crafted characters.

While the books in the Brides of Seattle series can stand alone, I encourage you to read them in order. In doing so, you will come to know the characters and understand their rich history that carries through each of the stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Review: Love’s Every Whisper

3 Oct

Love's Every Whisper

Love’s Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1QQ2R7k

Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria’s determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed’s enemy.

Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen’s sons don’t marry shipping barons’ daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.

He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?

 

My thoughts:

I have been eager to revisit Eagle Harbor since the moment I finished reading Love’s Unfading Light!  You can read my thoughts about Book 1 here.   

In this second book of the series, Naomi Rawlings once again captivated me with her beautiful storytelling. The story’s details and descriptions are vivid, and I could hear the wind and the waves as storms raged along the Michigan coast.

I could also see the characters in my mind’s eye, and I loved Elijah’s passions for life-saving and Victoria’s determination to redeem herself. These characters and their growth, in strength and spirit, was such a pleasure to experience, as was the spiritual thread that is woven through the narrative.

Love’s Every Whisper is a compelling historical romance and a highly recommended read for fans of this genre. I loved this story and look forward to continuing the series in Book 3, Love’s Sure Dawn!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

Naomi Rawlings

A mother of two young boys, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. Naomi writes bold, dramatic stories containing passionate words and powerful journeys.

To learn more about Naomi and her books, please visit her website.

Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

30 Sep

The Mistress of Tall Acre

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

Purchase a copy:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | DeeperShopping

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general’s past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal–readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

 

My thoughts:

“Though sympathy tugged at her, Sophie’s imagination made fearsome leaps. The grieving widower. The destitute governess. A motherless child. It had all the makings of a scintillating novel.”

The Mistress of Tall Acre is captivating!  One of my favorite reads so far this year, this story and its characters stole my heart! 

Sophie Menzies and Seamus and Lily Cate Ogilvy are memorable characters who share a remarkable journey.  Their story is brimming with drama, suspense, and romance, and includes a plot twist that I never expected.  I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out how this story would unfold!

Laura Frantz’s writing is beautiful and her historical details transport readers to another time and place.  I loved The Mistress of Tall Acre and highly recommend this story to historical fiction fans! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

Laura FrantzAward-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.  Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net.