Laura Frantz, Author @ Friday with Friends!

Please welcome author 
Laura Frantz to Friday with Friends!

What a pleasure it is to have Laura Frantz with us today! She has a new book releasing this September called "Love's Awakening" and she's sharing a deleted scene from Love's Reckoning which will lead into the new book.


Deleted Scene/Love’s Reckoning
Forty-Five
A hope beyond the shadow of a dream.
JOHN KEATS

          The hotel foyer was hushed, the clerk a bit wide-eyed as they came in. Silas paused at the desk, Eden alongside him. She glanced up the carpeted stairs, her breathing shallow. Had it only been hours ago she’d come down from her room, never daring to hope she’d return a bride? Her cheeks, stained from the heat of his kisses, had hardly cooled. Her tumbled thoughts stretched to their wedding day on the morrow. What, then?
            “Have you ne’er kissed a lass these eight years past?” she’d teased when he’d taken her in his arms again in the carriage.
He’d laughed – a low rumble in his throat – not bothering to answer.
            Now at the desk she marveled he was so composed when she was so…not.
“I’d like Miss Lee to be moved to the bridal suite, if you will,” he said quietly to the clerk as another couple came in.
            “Of course,” came the obliging reply. “Anything else, sir?”
            “Aye, fill the room with flowers as befitting Mistress Ballantyne.” The clerk turned away with a smile when Silas said, “Roses, I’m thinking. From the King’s Garden.”
            Eden felt a delight clear to her toes. “Are you trying to bribe me, Mr. Ballantyne? Afraid I’ll change my mind?”
            He could hardly check a grin. “Mayhap, Miss Lee…”
            The clerk returned with a skeleton key which Silas grasped with alacrity, eyes on Eden. “Can I show you to your suite?”
            “Our suite, you mean,” she whispered.
            He took her by the elbow and propelled her up the carpeted stairs. “How early can this wedding be?”
            She smiled, wishing he’d kiss her again, loving the unfamiliar, thrilling feel of him. “Best ask Reverend Herron, though I’m partial to mornings myself.”
            “Aye, the earlier the better. That way I can be back at the boatyard by noon.”
            She laughed, turning to him on the landing, thinking how good a little levity felt. “Tomorrow is mine, Silas Ballantyne. I’ll not let some old sloop woo you away from me. Not on our wedding day. Or night.”
            He framed her face with his hands, his eyes dark with purpose. “I’ll wager I’ll not come out of the bridal suite a week.” His mouth brushed hers, sweetly-rough. She felt the beat of his heart, his banked desire. “Och, Eden. I don’t know if I’ll last through this night.”
            She was dizzy with elation, nearly shaking. He left goosebumps at his every touch…
            “Well, well. Things seem to have taken a turn for the better.”
            They pulled apart, faces flushed yet hands still touching. Stephen Elliot was in back of them, coming up the steps, a look of undisguised pleasure overriding his surprise. “Miss Lee, when I last saw you, you were contemplating a ride out the Allegheny River road. I had no idea what would become of your foray.”
            Silas smiled. “Mr. Elliot, allow me to introduce my bride-to-be, Miss Eden Lee, no longer of Philadelphia but Pittsburgh.”
            Stephen swept off his hat and bowed. “So it’s to be Mr. and Mrs. Silas Ballantyne at long last?”
            “On the morrow, else I can persuade her sooner.”
            “Well, I’ll leave you to your persuading then.” With a wink, he turned and disappeared down the steps as quickly as he’d come up.
            In the gentle flicker of the sconce affixed to one paneled wall, Silas took her in his arms again, trailing hungry kisses from her ear to the soft curve of her neck, her sigh of pleasure a promise of the joys to come.
Tomorrow would come none too soon…
           

Well, folks, did that whet your appetite? Be sure to look for "Love's Awakening" this September! I believe Laura plans to be around to answer comments and questions, so be sure to leave them.



Novelist Laura Frantz, was born into a family who followed the legendary frontiersman, Daniel Boone, to Kentucky during the turbulent 18th-century and still resides there today. Passionate about all things historical, she writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Celtic themes. Her family lineage is Scottish, English, and Irish.
According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." She is known for the depth of her characterization and research. The author is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.
You may find Laura on at LauraFrantz.net, Facebook, and Pinterest. Happy Reading!

73 comments:

  1. Wow! Great deleted scene. That's a great idea. It gives me an idea of the style without revealing too much :)

    Sounds like a couple of great steamy books!

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    1. Hi Katie,
      My comment to you went to the bottom! But I am waving to you wildly anyway :). Happy Friday!
      ~Laura

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    2. I'm having trouble with "cookies" this morning on my browser and since I don't have a clue what that means, my comments are sometimes coming in as anonymous! But it's me and I'm really here, lol...

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  2. I am entered! LOVE the deleted scene!

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    1. Oh, SO thrilled you love the deleted scene! I so wish it had gone into the book :) Thanks so much for being here! Happy Friday to you!

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    1. Hi Jeff and Shaun, I would love for you to read it if you can! Many libraries have it, thankfully, and I'm going to be doing a lot of giveaways of this book and the new one on my website and Facebook page soon if you want to join in. I'd love to see you there!

      Happy Friday!

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  4. Well u know I will do that. I have been waiting and waiting on this one and u know that, lol I tell ya constantly. Cant wait...u are such a FANTASTIC AUTHOR!!! I fell in love with this one though...I love the Ballyntines!~~~~~~~~~~~mmakingmagick@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh, mmakingmagick, you sure light up a rainy Friday :) Thanks so very much for your encouragement and support! I hope you enjoy Ellie and Jack's story as much as Silas and Eden's. It's very different in book 2 but hopefully just as sweet!

      Have a wonderful weekend!

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  5. I wish this wasn't a deleted scene... :) I can't wait for Love's Awakening! :)

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    1. Joy, So good to see you here! I was thinking of you earlier this week and here you are :)! Like you, I wish this had been in the book. The truth was, when I wrote THE END of Love's Reckoning, I couldn't bear to see the story stop so I just kept writing even up to the wedding day, etc. But the book was so big and sprawling by then I had to cut it. And my editors wanted a cliffhanger at the end so I had to bring Elspeth back in, lol. But this scene is much sweeter!

      Thanks so much for being here. Have a lovely weekend!

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  6. Laura, love the scene! I'd like to enter to win a copy for my young friend at church.

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    1. Susan, Love your being here! Thrilled you enjoyed this scene. It was sure a joy to write. And I love your heart for your young friend at church. That sure blesses me. Happy Friday to you - you've made mine extra nice, as always!

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  7. Oh, this book sounds wonderful!! (I am not sure how to enter so I shall just put my email and name) Megan W. Ninjaspy13(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Dear Megan, You're IN :). Thanks so much for wanting to read Love's Reckoning. It's a great time to do so as the next book in the series is going to print as we speak. Happy Friday to you and thanks for taking time to stop by here!

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  8. This book totally sounds like my sister. So I will be entering for her. Sounds like a great book.

    Halita W.

    Lovelybrowneyes84@gmail.com

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    1. Halita, Bless you for entering for your sister! This book is about 2 sisters though they are not as compatible as the 2 of you, sounds like! Thanks for having a heart to share. I'd love to send a copy your and your sis's way.

      Happy Friday to you!

      p.s. you have a lovely, memorable name!

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  9. Dear Katie, Bless you for being here and for your gracious words! I do love writing passionate scenes and this one was a particular joy as Silas and Eden struggled so to be together! Great to meet you through Linnette :) Happy Friday to you!

    ~Laura

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  10. As usual your writing makes me want more! I can't wait to read these books.

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    1. Tammy, Love that it's making you want to read more - music to this author's ears :) I really appreciate your encouragement and gracious spirit. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. Wow, that was fabulous!!!! Silas Ballantyne is so dreamy! He was my favorite male lead last year.

    I've already got Love's Awakening pre-ordered & I can't wait to savor the story. And maybe fall in love with another swoon-worthy lead?? ;)

    Beth

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    1. Oh Beth! Wonderful words from you this Friday :). Love that Silas won your heart last year. I hope this next hero does the same! He's quite a contrast from Silas but he's wonderfully redeemable, or so I hope!

      And HUGE thanks for pre-ordering. You're the reason I can keep writing! The book is about to go to print and I'm going to be seeing advanced copies of it next week while on a book trip to St. Louis. I'll try to snag a copy and bring one back, maybe have another giveaway ahead of time...

      Thanks so much for the blessing of your presence here. Have a lovely weekend!

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  12. Hi Kate, I can't wait for you to read this next one, too! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and support - that means so much. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Dear Linnette, I just have to sneak in a HUGE thank you to you for inviting me here. You have a beautiful site and I think your Friday with Friends feature is delightful and fun! I wish you the best in your own writing and am so thankful we've met - and for your gracious spirit. Happy Friday to you, too!

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    1. Hi, Laura!

      Thank you so much! Sorry I've been MIA today. I had a doctor's appt this morning and now I'm getting ready to head out to the bank to set up checking and savings accounts with my boys. These things happen when they start getting jobs. :) I'm so glad you're here and I love that you've been kept busy this morning. That's wonderful!

      Thanks for you well wishes! You're so sweet and I hope we can do this again! Happy Friday to you, too, and I'll check back in once I get this trip to the bank out of the way. They're going to love me coming in with four new accounts. :)

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  14. I love your books! Can't wait to read your next one! :) I get lost in your stories and don't want to stop until I am done the book! :)
    Lisa
    Deiselbuffs(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh Lisa, sweet words to hear from you this stormy Friday! Love that you get lost in my stories and don't want to stop. That is certainly my intent :)! I pray Ellie's story keeps you captive, too. Thanks for taking time here today. Happy Friday!

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  15. I've loved Laura's first few books and can't wait to start this series!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Patty, So happy you want to read the Ballantyne books! I think it's great that you haven't read the first one yet as then you don't have the wait between books 1 and 2! Thanks very much for your encouragement. You're a blessing!

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  16. Why was it deleted -I loved it, couldn't wait for them to have that wedding and get upstairs..whew...
    always enjoy reading your books Laura, thanks for sharing this.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. Paula, Oh, I'm so with you on this scene. It should have been in the book as it ended on such a happy note! Thanks very much for your gracious presence here! You're a keeper :) Have a lovely weekend!

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  17. This needs to go onto my reading list :)
    corningfamilyateastlinkdotca

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    1. Oh, would so love for you to read my books - thanks for wanting to and saying so! Happy Friday!

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  18. I can't wait for this!
    Rebekah Gyger

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    1. Rebekah, I ALWAYS smile when I see Bookishqueen pop us :). It's the perfect descriptor! Thanks for wanting to read - your enthusiasm means so much!!

      Happy Friday to you!

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  19. I already have Love's Reckoning, but I thought I would stop on by and say hello. *sigh* That deleted scene was wonderful, too bad it make into the book.
    I am really looking forward to the next book! Me thinks, I should probably preorder a copy :)

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    1. Whoops, my cookies are causing trouble again and won't let me be me. Sigh. My reply to you is below in case you don't see it! Thx!
      Laura

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  20. Samantha, So good to see you here! Love that you find this a sigh-worthy scene :) I do wish it had made it into the book! And thanks so much for wanting to preorder. Readers can also ask their local libraries to order the book and that way many people benefit, too. I hope Ellie's story is worth the wait!

    Thanks for being here today! Have a wonderful weekend!
    Laura

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  21. OH, my...be still my heart. I can't believe that is a "deleted" scene. It's SOooo good. Now see what you've done! *pout* tsk tsk tsk! I will hardly be able to wait for the books release to read the rest of the book :p LOL Just kidding..but yet not really. *sigh*

    winterrose(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Also, I replied to your facebook post--there I am Heather Louise Navarro :D

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    2. Louise! AKA Heather! Bless you for sighing with us along with that scene. I sure hope it whets your reading appetite for that next book :) You're presence is so appreciated this Friday. Thx so much!

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  22. Would love to have Eden join Lael and Roxie on the bookshelf. Morrow is on the Kindle, but it's not the same, so I'm going to have to buy the hard copy. :) Looking forward to seeing Silas and Eden again, and meeting Jack and Ellie. :) You know I love that deleted scene!

    Happy Friday, friend. :)

    Whitney

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    1. Oh Whitney, Wonderful to see you here :) A fabulous way to finish the week! I'm so glad this scene warms your reading heart. I could have kept on writing clear to Ellie's birth if I could have... But you know I'm wordy, lol. Eden and Morrow need a home on that shelf of yours! Hope Ellie finds a place, too. You sure have blessed me with those pics you took. I keep looking at them on Pinterest. Bless you for being here!

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  23. Love the deleted scene! Laura Frantz is my favorite author, and I'm looking forward greatly to her newest book!

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    1. TJ, Oh, I'm honored to have you say such gracious things! I can't wait for you to meet Ellie and Jack - hope the story sweeps you away :). Not too much longer now! Thanks so much for being here and adding to the Friday book buzz!

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  24. HI,
    Loved the scene! It is always fun to learn more of what happens to characters. Love you as always.
    Terri O

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    1. Terri! Thrilled you're here. I could have kept writing till Silas turned 60 as he does in book 2 but had to put that pen down rather reluctantly! Hard to switch to his and Eden's children but hope you enjoy book 2 just as much. Thanks for being a blessing this Friday! Love you as always, too, and more!

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  25. I want to thank everyone who has stopped in to cheer Laura on. I know as an author how vital reader excitement is to us writers. Keep them coming! Laura deserves every one of them! :D

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    1. Linnette, You're so right. We authors really do need readers and their enthusiasm and support to keep going. It provides needed inspiration - and JOY!

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  26. Loved the deleted scene! A very intriguing story........I look forward to reading it!

    Marie Ferland
    mariefluffy@yahoo.ca

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    1. Marie, Thanks so much for stopping today. This story has a lot of intriguing twists and turns, or so I hope! I'd love for you to read it. Have a lovely weekend!

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  27. That scene was wonderful! Can't wait to read the whole story! Beautifully written.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen@yahoo.com

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    1. Brittany, Oh, thanks so much for saying 'beautifully written.' As an author I am always conscious of the beauty of words and hope I do them justice. This scene was thrilling to write after all the angst of the book! Bless you for being here. Happy Friday!

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  28. Love's Reckoning was my favorite of your books so far! I loved it! You did an excellent job with it and great deleted scene...wish it was in the book! I am looking forward to reading your next book! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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    1. Martha, Love, love, love that it's your favorite book of mine! Thanks for that. I do wish this scene had found its way into the book. Readers deserved it after all the angst and suffering in those pages! So it's doubly thrilling to post it here. Can't wait for you to meet Jack and Ellie - have a great weekend!

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  29. Wow! That was an amazing scene. Thank you for sharing it now.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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    1. Kaye, So good to see you and share this scene with you! It was hard to cut from the book but very nice to post it here. Thanks so much for being here. Enjoy your weekend :)!

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  30. oh man I love those pictures of the dresses Laura...I would love a whole book of pictures!!!!!!! can't wait to read your book....vrush729@aol.com

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    1. Virginia, Oh, I agree - a whole book of those beautiful dresses would be heavenly :). I can't get enough of this historic stuff. Bless you for being here and adding to the Friday fun. You're a gem!

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  31. Oh, my, Laura,

    So glad to read Eden and Silas HAPPY. What a scene! Thanks for sharing it with us. [ Not a romance writer? Piffle. :-) ]

    Blessings,
    Mary Kay

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    1. LOL, Mary Kay :) Maybe there is a little bit of a romantic bone in my body and not all drama and angst! So good to see you here. I do love a happy Eden and Silas. They sure earned it! Happy Saturday to you!

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  32. Oh Laura I thought was for the second book. Guess will have to wait for that. I still want to enter. Can gift it to my daughter or Library. Thanks! MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie, Oh, bless you for being here even if it's the wrong book! I will be having lots of giveaways for Love's Awakening including some beautiful bookmarks coming up soon so I'll be sure to flag you on those! Love your heart for your daughter and the library. Thanks so much!

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  33. Looking forward to the next book. The deleted scene was terrific. Sorry it isn't in the book. rttl@mosquitonet.com

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    1. Anon, Bless you for taking time to read this scene and enter the drawing! Happy Saturday to you!

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  34. Laura, glad to see you back from Scotland! I'm not entering the giveaway because I already have that book and have pre-ordered book two. Just wanted to comment. Oh, that scene was beautiful! What were your publishers thinking to not let you include that scene? You could have included it and that other scene as well. Now I want it in the back of my book. :) Do you think you could sell it as an e-short or let us print it (with credits) for future readings? The book NEEDS a happy ending. :) Did I understand correctly that the next book will take up where this scene leaves off? Looking forward to Love's Awakening! Have you announced titles for books three and four yet?

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    1. Sylvia! SO good to see you! Yes, I'm back from Scotland and writing my heart out and getting ready for LA's release. Isn't it terrible this scene wasn't in the book?! Well, you can blame author instead of editor, lol, as I never even let them see it! It was my own special dessert, so to speak, as I really needed to have Silas and Eden HAPPY and just kept on writing after the story was turned in.

      Now you're probably going to cry because the second book does NOT take up where the first ends. We leap from 1790's to 1822! How's that for time travel :)?!


      I haven't thought of titles for the next 2 books. But am sure Revell will name them better than I could. Though the first 2 titles in the series are the ones I came up with. I should pick you clever brain for another LOVE'S ________ing. For some reason naming the 3rd book eludes me.

      Anyway, lest I write a novella here, it's wonderful to see you!

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    2. Oh, and I forgot to respond to your very thoughtful question. Please feel free to copy this scene if you like. I'd like to paste it in the back of the book! Love's Reckoning, that is, or even as the preface to Love's Awakening. Like you said, LR needs that, yes!

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    3. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're a good lady. :)

      I know that the next book is in the 1820's, but I thought the wedding of Silas and Eden might be a prologue. Oh, well, bring on the next one!

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  35. Loved the scene - would like to read the book!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi Bonnie, Bless you for being here. Would love to send a book your way! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    2. Oh Laura,

      You do romance so well! I love all your books so much. I have Love's Reconing sitting on my bookshelf waiting to read, but I have been saving it. I have Love's Awakening already pre-ordered so I will receive it as soon as it is released. So I really don't need to be entered into the contest but I still wanted to let you know how much I truly enjoy your writing. And also your sweet comments to everyone.

      Blessings to you,
      Georgianne
      gsbarnett@hotmail.com

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  36. Thanks so much to everyone who supported Laura by visiting Friday with Friends and leaving comments! :D

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Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me! I hope you enjoyed your time here and will come visit me again! :D

Linnette R Mullin