Santa Cruz, California, October 28th, 2014

Santa Cruz, California, October 28th, 2014

Monday, April 13, 2015

A visit with Lori Benton, a sneak peek at The Wood's Edge, and an EPIC give-away!


Hello Redheads! 

Without further ado, 
I present, my dear friend and Christy Award winner,
LORI BENTON!!!!



Lori's new book, The Wood's Edge comes out next week, and peeps, this one will make you fake sick, injured or just refuse to move until you finish it.
I know this, because I basically shut down my entire house to finish this.

Here's a sneak peek...


I asked Lori a few questions, and her answers will show you just how much research she does.



1) Why the Oneida? What set them apart in your mind?

Their own choices and history set them apart. Out of the Six Nations of the Iroquois, the Oneidas (along with some of the Tuscaroras), gave their support—at the cost of their homes, possessions, and many lives—to the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The rest of the Six Nations, those members who didn’t manage to remain neutral, actively supported the British Crown. When I first stumbled upon this split in the Iroquois Confederacy during the Revolutionary War, I was intrigued to learn why it had happened. What factors led to it? How far back did this fracture go? Thus began my research into this fascinating and in so many ways tragic time in history.

2) How many research books do you have?

Too many to count! From my desk I can see three full sized book shelves crammed full, plus some hidden away in my desk cabinets, and a few more stacks and rows bookended on various tables. Pretty soon every available surface of my tiny house is going to be filled with books.

3) If you could pick anywhere to live for a year, where would it be? 

Somewhere on the east coast central to all the locations I want to travel to for research—by car, I’m not a fan of the rigmarole that is flying these days—but it would have to be in the mountains. I doubt I could bear being away from them that long. West Virginia would suit. So would a year. It would take that long to visit all the places I want to see.

4) Which book that you didn't write is one that you wish you had?

Not sure I’ve ever considered that before. After much deliberation I’m torn between two. Either The Summer of the Danes, by Ellis Peters, or To Say Nothing of the Dog, or How We Found The Bishop’s Bird Stump at Last, by Connie Willis—and I would like to have the narrating skill of Steven Crossley, who reads the latter for Recorded Books and does a smashing job of it.

5) Which woman in American history would you like to be for a month, and why?

Another tough one, but I’d choose an Oneida woman, someone like Two Kettles Together, the wife of Honyery Doxtader (also Oneida), who went into battle with her husband and did many other daring feats. But not for that reason. I’d like to better understand the world view of an 18th century Oneida woman facing all the changes that Two Kettles Together faced, and the convictions she held, and the choices she made. She is, by the way, a minor character readers will meet next spring (2016) in A Flight of Arrows, the sequel to The Wood’s Edge.




And if that isn't enough to woo your reader hearts, 
check out this give-away!!!

Everything you see here, other than the basket, will be awarded to one commenter. 
(Sadly, due to shipping costs, this give-away is for US residents only. I mean, come on, there are bags of flour!!)







  Is that cool, or what??

Thank you, Lori, for the visit!

And peeps, you really MUST read The Wood's Edge!!

52 comments:

  1. What a beautiful book cover. I am looking forward to reading Lori's new book. Loved her previous books. Her use of imagery just pulls the reader in by bringing the characters and community to life. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
    Blessings
    eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com

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  2. Thank you for the opportunity to win an amazing prize package! The book looks wonderful and I can't wait to read it!
    steelefairytale6506@yahoo.com

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  3. What a beautiful basket of goodies! I would love to win this and I am hoping to read this new book very soon! jeissman@hotmail.com

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  4. You ask tough questions! I really like #5 and I'm going to think on that today.
    I agree with Lori about living in the mountains. The military has brought us to Arkansas, but we've lived in Colorado and Alaska too. **Sigh**

    The Wood's Edge sounds like it would make a wonderful Summer Reading title. If I win I will post a review on my blog and all over social media. I'm sure all of Lori's research will teach me a few historical facts I can pass along to my kids. Then maybe we can do a summer unit on the Oneida. I'd have to scour the library shelves for more information.

    Thanks for introducing Lori and her new book. I've added it to my Goodreads tbr.

    @AmandaGeaney
    geaneymail at gmail.com
    http://christianshelfesteem.wordpress.com

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  5. Great question! great answers... I so want to read this.. I've read some great reviews on posts & it is something I'd enjoy reading :)
    Like Amanda - I'm headed to Goodreads to add to my TBR list :) dkstevensne AToutlookDotCOm
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway...

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  6. I love Lori Benton's books! I can't wait to get my hands on this one.
    @EmileeDouglas3
    douglas.emilee@yahoo.com

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  7. What a great giveaway - The Woods Edge has been on my TBR list for quite awhile now - I absolutely loved Lori's other 2 books - wouldn't it be great to win this!!

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  8. I'm not usually a huge fan of historical fiction but Lori Benton changes my mind every time I read one of her books. nashpredsfan@yahoo.com

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  9. I am so excited to read this one. I had never heard of her until I saw reviews of her new book. The reviews are off the chart ! I got the first two books in the series and I am chomping at the bit to read this one !
    Deanne Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com

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  10. love your cover page beautiful photos!! thanks for the chance to win!! morris.jackie49@yahoo.com

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  11. I'm so excited to read this novel. I've loved all of Lori's books, but this one especially intrigued me ever since I first read a summary of it.

    Brittany
    rolltide_04(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. I really enjoyed Lori's interview, Thank you. Would love to win. kyleswaters@hotmail.com

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  13. I can't wait to read it! I love your cover. Thanks for the opportunity! chris_davebures@bellsouth.net

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  14. Those were some unique questions and answers. What a different life to be an Indian woman for a month. Thanks for the chance to win your book, I am looking forward to reading it!
    rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. The basket of goodies looks wonderful. Thanks for a great interview. Would love to read this book. sydneyjames68@gmail.com

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  16. I really enjoyed Burning Sky! This one sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  17. I am so excited to read this book and learn more about the history of that turbulent time. thanks for sharing the interview and the fun giveaway!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  18. Would love to win The Wood's Edge and the basket of goodies.

    Shaun Renee
    srpaulsen3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Thank you so much for sharing with us, Lori! I have been so wanting to read The Wood's Edge! Thank you for the lovely giveaway!! ~ Blessings, Juli emeraldelena@hotmail.com

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  20. Thank you, Jennifer and Lori, for a chance to win. You amaze me, Lori ... and I thank you and Jennifer for always encouraging us. So blessed by you both ...

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  21. I adore Lori's books and can't wait to read THE WOOD'S EDGE!! Thank you so much for sharing this lovely interview and fantastic giveaway; I would love to be a winner!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. It sounds like such an amazing Book, I can't wait to read it! Thanks also for the wonderful giveaway!
      Thanks!
      Jennifer
      Jennybug52 (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  22. A good interview with some interesting questions!

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  23. Lori is a wonderful author and I would love to read The Wood's Edge and this giveaway is fantastic! Thank you for the opportunity!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  24. Hi Jennifer! :)
    I just LOVE the questions you asked Lori. Many times when I read author interviews (or Q&A's) the questions asked by the blogger tend to follow the same general line of questioning. It was refreshing to read a blog post full of unique and interesting questions for Lori. :) I have not read anything by Lori Benton and would really enjoy this giveaway prize. Thank you for the chance!
    I hope you have a great evening!
    ~Sabrina 'Mippy' :)

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  25. I'm NOT commenting to enter the giveaway, since I already own a copy of this superb book, but just wanted to say--this is all so very cool!! I love the giveaway basket and all the items--love your questions, Jennifer, and your answers, Lori. Oh, and love this sneak peek too! Your way with words, Lori...goodness. Makes me want to read The Wood's Edge over again right now. :)

    Bless you both!

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  26. Looks like a great book to read. Congrats on this great book I hope it does well for you.

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  27. Thanks Robin for this interview with Lori. So different than most. I liked that. Was very interesting. And, the Prize basket is great. I had a great grandmother on both my mom and dad's sides. Not sure how far back. Wish my grandparents had passed more information from the past down.Would be interesting what tribe. I have two of Lori's books, and would sure love to win this one. That is an interesting Era. Please add my name. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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  28. Hi Everyone! Thanks so very much for your interest in The Wood's Edge and your kind words of encouragement and blessing. I'm so excited to share this story with you. Less than a week now. Actually, I've had reports of it turning up on some stores shelves already! Blessings to you all.

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    1. I won a copy of The Wood's Edge and I can hardly wait to read it! Thanks so much for the chance to win this giveaway!

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  29. My passion is historical fiction! Thank you for the opportunity to win this book! I have preorder this book but would still love to win!
    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. Lots to love here - thanks for the great post, Jennifer and Lori :) So excited about The Wood's Edge xo

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  31. Cynthia St. GermainApril 15, 2015 at 8:39 PM

    I want to read this book. I enjoyed the interview.

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  32. I love Lori Benton's writing!!!!

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  33. Enjoyed the interview! Thanks for the chance.

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  34. Lorie Benton is such a fantastic author! So looking forward to this new book!! :)

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  35. Love to read an author's interview. Thank you for sharing. Would so love to win this wonderful prize!
    CherylB1987@hotmail.com

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  36. Great interview! Her books reflect the amount of research she does... makes you feel like you are there! :-) Have been anticipating this book for some time now! Thanks for the giveaway!
    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. Oh I too want to read this one! Thanks for the interview, it was great. Love the West VA mountains too! Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book and gift basket. chris_davebures@bellsouth.net

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  38. Love the behind the book stories! bhssnellville@comcast.net

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer for having this interview with Lori Benton. I really want to read this book. I'm so glad Lori gave a background on the Oneida's. I love historical fiction.
      Lori, I also enjoy the mountains especially the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. The east coast is beautiful.
      Thank you for the giveaway.
      rsuebell@gmail.com

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  40. Thank you for the interesting interview with Lori and for the giveaway.
    I am looking forward to The Wood's Edge as I loved her other books.
    mcnuttjem0[at}gmail{dot}com

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  41. Thank you for the interview with Lori. The questions are unique and the answers very interesting. I love Lori's writing and cannot wait to read The Wood's Edge. sfc58@sc.rr.com

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  42. Great questions and answers.....awesome basketful of giveaway stuff!! I've seen many blogs, reviews & author interviews of "The Wood's Edge" and I really would like to read this book....who wouldn't? :-) Thank you for the chance to have a copy for myself along with other goodies! I've not read anything by Lori, but I've also not met a Christian author I don't like either ;-) I love discovering new writers and endlessly adding more books to my to-read list!! It seems to grow overnight, lol!!

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  43. I love the historical perspective. I want to own this book.

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  44. Looks like a great giveaway. Here's hoping my name is chosen! Thank you for the interview w/ Lori.

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  45. Thanks you again so much everyone for leaving comments, and for your interest in The Wood's Edge. I pray the book is a blessing in your lives and hope you enjoy the journey of these characters. And learning a bit of the history of one of our precious Native Nations that perhaps has been too long overlooked.

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  46. Just Friday I checked Burning Sky out of my public library new books section (Large Print, oh joy!). I'm already half way through, and it has been a busy weekend. I have been to Herkimer, and I appreciate the land and history woven into Willa's story, Looking forward to more in The Wood's Edge.

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  47. Two Kettles Together sounds like an Amazing woman. Will you write a book about her? Terrific interview, ladies, and I can't wait to get my hands on TWE!

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  48. This sounds like a great read. Thank you.

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