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Friday, July 04, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Rachel Hauck and Love Stars with Elle

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Stars with Elle
(Thomas Nelson - July 8, 2008)
by Rachel Hauck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hauck is a forty-something, a child of the '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's and '00's, who roller skated through the '70's into the '80's with Farrah Fawcet hair and a three-speed orange Camero. She graduated from Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) with a degree in Journalism.

After graduation, she hired on at Harris Publishing as a software trainer, determined to see the world. But, she's traveled to Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the U.S. from California to Maine.

Rachel met Tony, her husband, in '87, at church, of all places. They married in '92.
They don't have any children of their own, just lots of kids-in-the-Lord and they love them all. However, they do have two very spoiled dogs, and a very demanding cat.

With a little help from my friends, my first book was published in '04, Lambert's Pride, a romance novel. My current release is Sweet Caroline from Thomas Nelson. Romantic Times Book Club gave both books their highest rank of 4.5 stars, with Love Starts With Elle being honored as Top Pick!

LOVE STARS WITH ELLE
by Rachel Hauck
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elle's living the dream-but is it her dream or his?

Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends sharing a lifetime of memories. And she's found her niche as the owner of a successful art gallery too. Life is good.

Then the dynamic pastor of her small town church sweeps her off her feet. She's never known a man like Jeremiah-one who breathes in confidence and exhales all doubt. When he proposes in the setting sunlight, Elle hands him her heart on a silver platter.

But Jeremiah's just accepted a large pastorate in a different state. If she's serious about their relationship, Elle will take "the call," too, leaving behind the people and place she loves so dearly. Elle's friendship with her new tenant, widower Heath McCord, and his young daughter make things even more complicated.

Is love transferrable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Elle was a fabulous, funny character in Sweet Caroline and I just knew she had a story to tell. Of course, once I started developing her for a lead character, I found she had a more serious side. I wanted a character to take a journey in prayer. Hard to do in fiction and not be boring or preachy. But, it worked out well.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I'm a firm believer in prayer and spent many hours wondering if God heard me, or knew me. So, I drew on my early days of learning to pray to build Elle's spiritual journey. I also drew from my own life disappointments to fuel Elle's. While she had way more let downs than I've had, I understood her pain.

Elle's drive and desire to be married and "run her own life" is unique to her. I'm a little like that but not as much. Her beauty is not mine, either.

3. What themes exist in Love Stars with Elle that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I hope they see that God is always with us, even in the wilderness. When we have nothing, it's then we see Him the most. Think of being out on the prairie or desert... the star light is amazing. Why? No city lights to compete. It's that way with God. When our lives are stripped of everything, it's then we see Him working in our lives.

I think another theme that developed as the story progressed was healing and forgiveness. We see this with Elle's youngest sister.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Writing in third person after writing four books in first was excruciating. It's hard to change! But, I'm glad I did and feel my experience in writing first person really helped me keep a close third person point of view.

I loved all the scenes with Heath!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book comes out April 2009... but stay tuned for more details.

* * * * *

Thank you, Rachel, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Love Stars with Elle.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

21 comments:

Karin said...

Please enter me--thank you!

kamewh said...

Great interview! Thank you for the giveaway!

windycindy said...

Fantastic story line! I want to see what life decisions Elle makes. Please enter me in your drawing. Have a Happy Fourth of July! Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Toystory said...

Would love to read this...

Kat Bryan said...

Interesting interview. I'd like to read the book.

Grateful Gramma said...

Sounds like a great book! Please enter my name. Thanks.

luv2read said...

Enter me in the drawing. spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Carole said...

Rachel is a new author for me and I love the plot of this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

cpullum said...

Please enter me I am enjoying my summer reading! I found my true Joy!
cpullum@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Great interview, would love for a chance to win this book for my best friends birthday coming up!

Unknown said...

Ooops my email is phillipsonlygirl (at) gmail (dot) com

Jo said...

I would love to read this book. I have read a few of Rachel's other books and really enjoyed them.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40a(st)aol(dot)com

Mimi N said...

I haven't read any of Rachel's books yet and am very excited to get started! Have heard a lot of great things about this book. Please enter me.

In Him,
Mimi B

mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Would love to win a copy of this. Please enter me in the drawing.

Golden
GPar0719[at]aol[dot]com

Cherie J said...

Sounds really good! Wonderful spotlight.

Lindsey said...

I loved "Sweet Caroline" and was definitely interested in finding out what happened to Elle so I'm wanting to read this one! Please enter me in the contest!

Thanks!

Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo dot com

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included for this one! tWarner419@aol.com

Carolynn said...

Please enter me, thanks!

Pattie said...

Please enter me...thanks! freshbrewedwriter at gmail.com

ChristyJan said...

Wonderful interview! This sounds like a great book ~ please enter me.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Gracious! I had quite a pile of names for the hat on this one. Rachel was thrilled to see so many comments.

We have a winner from this drawing, and that is:

KRISTINIA!

Congratulations! I've emailed you for your mailing information so your book can be mailed out.

Thank you to all for your support. Check out the other winners from the past 2 weeks' worth of drawings to see if you've won.