Meddlin' Madeline: Sweet on You; A Review and a Giveaway

Madeline is a lovely young society lady. Her father is the mayor, and as such, she is accepted into social circles. Madeline isn't interested in that, though. She has bigger thoughts than who is wearing what to the next party, and isn't afraid to pursue those outside interests, much to the dismay of her aunt and other society individuals.
When a fellow member of her circle appears to be an interesting personality, Madeline's family and friends are duped by good intentions. Madeline, on the other hand, recognizes that he may be of questionable character and sets out to prove her suspicions, much to the chagrin of her aunt. Her exploration leads her to the darker side of town, where inappropriate actions take place, which prompts further exploration by Madeline into societal wrongs.
Madeline is far from a typical society girl and her character is well-developed in this story. She is unafraid to speak her mind and goes after what she wants. I enjoyed this historical novel, set in the early 1900s during the temperance movement and before women were given the right to vote. Historical details such as the adding of electricity into society homes made the story seem realistic.
I did receive a free copy of this through Celebrate Lit for an honest review. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys lighthearted mysteries and historical fiction.
About the Book

It is my hypothesis that social conventions are created to test our fortitude. 
Rockland circa 1900-
As the mayor’s daughter, Madeline Brown enjoys a rich social life that many might envy. But a sharp mind but a growing talent for observation leaves Madeline torn between avoiding social censure and exploring the world around her.
With an aunt who considers higher education and employment equally unsuitable for the mayor’s daughter, there is little to amuse her save endless committee meetings, evening socials, and her favorite pastime: curling up with an exciting detective novel. The temperance and suffrage movements hold little interest for a young woman who has just endured the rigors of her father’s mayoral campaign.
So when a young man shows interest in her friend, Madeline’s interest piques–until his actions hint that he might not be the upstanding gentleman everyone presumes him to be. Unable to ignore her concerns, Madeline finds herself in the middle of an investigation into his character and discovers a side of Rockland she’s never encountered.
Will her new hobby reduce the tedium of her life, or will her “meddling” create tension for herself and her father?  Will she be forced to squelch this budding skill of hers or has Madeline finally found her calling in life?
Meddlin’ Madeline: Sweet on You.
Welcome to Rockland’s infancy.
Sweet on You is the first book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Mysteries. Watch for the second book in the series, Such a Tease, in winter, 2017

About the Author

 

 

I am fortunate enough to live in the great state of California (in the Mojave Desert) with my husband Kevin and five of my nine children. My eldest is married with five children, so I have the fun of a son-in-law and grandbabies to enjoy. I’ve graduated six out of my nine children from our home school, and they’re all doing quite well in their lives. My younger children keep me from getting too selfish, and someday I’ll be fully retired as their teacher. I have to say, I’m lookin’ forward to it. Teaching about gerunds was fun the first time… not so much anymore. I salute all of those in the education field. You are my heroes.

When I’m not writing (which I admit isn’t often) I enjoy blogging (a totally different kind of writing, trust me), paper crafts, sewing, smocking, photo editing, and old music. No, really, I like OLD stuff… the Beatles are too newfangled for me. Yeah,I know they’re before my time… but I like stuff before my PARENTS time.
 

Guest Post from Chautona

The idea for Madeline came while I was searching for photos for another book idea (one I still haven’t fleshed out yet!). I came across an intriguing picture of a girl wearing a bowler and loved it. I wondered who she was and what she was reading. Well… then I turned the page and… wow! Dozens of photos appeared—all in the same general theme. Bowler hat, gloves, late Victorian/early Edwardian clothes…. I could just see her riding through town on a “wheel” and solving crimes. And well, the rest was born. I had to narrow down about twenty pictures to five. I couldn’t do it. So, I did six. I just hope I can limit myself to six.
Fun Facts:
Fact #1:
This is a historical novel, so that meant lots of research. Well, in the sense that it takes place in another period, anyway. Research proved much more difficult than you might imagine. You see, the world was in a state of flux in 1901. Victorian mores gave way way to a new, modern era—a new century! Though an exciting time in history, because everything was in a perpetual state of change, finding truly historically accurate information was almost impossible!
Additionally, the writing style is very different. This is partly due to a quirk of Madeline’s, but it is also because people used broader vocabularies back then. I wrote the book with a style that fit the era. It was difficult not to lapse into modern vernacular or even something a bit more twenties. After all, the series title was inspired by a song from the 1920’s!
Fun Fact #2
This book begins a journey of self-discovery for Madeline. One of the things I wanted most to do with this book was to explore the “birth” of a detective—to show what it might be like for someone to realize that he or she notices things that others don’t. Through Madeline, I explored how people would react to having their secrets exposed, and I tried to show just how difficult it would be to investigate suspicious things without becoming deceitful or putting oneself in compromising positions. It’s easy to assume people would appreciate knowing if they were being taken advantage of, but would they really? Would pride not get in the way of things? I suspect it would.
Each book does have a definite “mystery”. But, these aren’t traditional mysteries. There won’t be a murder until the final book, but each one will increase in difficulty for Madeline and the reader to decipher the truth and will add a new element of danger and self-discovery. Addtionally, there’s an overarching story over the entire series that won’t be resolved until the end.
Fun Fact #3
We have five more books to go! We’re just getting started with Madeline’s adventures. A sneak peek into the rest of the series: we’ll get to learn more about her best friend, Amy. I haven’t decided just what kind of girl Amy is, but I suspect she’s quite beautiful. I think that’ll play a part in a future book. She’s also likely to meet someone in her European tour. Will she be the friend with the suspicious letter in book four? Who knows? Not me!
Madeline’s Unofficial Glossary
One of the best parts about writing this series is playing with words that I grew up using and reading, but most people don’t use anymore. I had parents of a literary turn of mind, so I grew up being told to, “Slow down and enunciate.” This began at age 3. So, while other kids were told to “go potty,” I was told to “use the facilities.” I’ll never forget in second grade telling a classmate, “That’s your prerogative,” when she said, “I don’t like you.” She was… confused, I think.
Add to that the fun slang of the day, not to mention a quirk I’m not giving away, and I can honestly say I had a blast writing this book. However, I know not everyone is fond of sesquipedalian words or erudite language. So, with that in mind, I decided to write this glossary of words you will find in the book. Please note: definitions are mine and written with my tongue super-glued to the inside of my cheek.
Diffidence: noun
Pretending to be reserved in an attempt to hide the truth. Desperate. A misguided notion that pretending not to notice someone will create interest.
 
Vicissitude: noun

• The quality of never being able to make up your mind. A woman.

 
Multi-eloquent: adjective

• The misguided notion that one must be like Nellie Olson in These Happy Golden Years and allow one’s tongue to go “flippity-flop.” Example: Gossips are often multi-eloquent.

 
Jitney: noun

• Slang for a nickel. Also, a horse-drawn “cab.” Because it has fewer syll–nope. Not that. Because people like to confuse one another in speech. “Hey, do you have a jitney?” Gee… let’s see. I’ve got a nickel, but I left my horse and carriage in my other pants at home…

 
Copacetic: adjective

• Doesn’t matter, because I had to remove it from the book. I didn’t read the entire dictionary entry when I chose the word, and only saw 1880 mentioned. Alas, the first known use is 1919. Eighteen years after this book takes place. I consider the coiner to be tardy, and would appreciate that in the future, words be coined by the dates I need. Thank you. (Do you see the amount of research I must do. I have to check if words were even IN USE before I use them. And I still almost flubbed it.)

 
Recalcitrant: adjective

• Madeline… wait. That’s not quite right. But close enough. Okay. Madeline Brown when she has a bee in her bowler. Resisting authority or convention.

 
Dialogue de sourds: noun (French)

• Literally: a worthless conversation where both parties speak to a glass wall, hearing only themselves. Example: political conversations, theological conversations, ideological conversations, Facebook wall “discussions,” and arguments with toddlers.

 
Asinine: adjective

• Ridiculous or silly–like the assertion that someone saying the word is using foul language.

 
Penurious: adjective

• Marked by an inability to part with money. A lickpenny. (see how I did that?)

 
Scintillating: adjective

• A word meaning amusing or extremely interesting that lends itself more to sarcasm than plain speaking.

 
Hawkshaw: noun

• A nosy person who gets away with it under the guise of “helping.” Sometimes known as a detective.

 
Fustian: noun

• Um… yeah. This glossary. Madeline does lend herself to the fustian.

 
There you go. It’s just a taste of what’s ahead. Happy reading!

Blog Stops

December 13: Bigreadersite

December 13: Jeanette’s Thoughts

December 13: History, Mystery & Faith

December 14: Daysong Reflections

December 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

December 14: Baker Kella

December 15: Back Porch Reads

December 15: Moments Dipped in Ink

December 16: Pause for Tales

December 16: Quiet Quilter

December 17: cherylbbookblog

December 17: A Baker’s Perspective

December 18: ASC Book Reviews

December 18: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

December 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

December 19: A Greater Yes

December 20: Lane Hill House

December 20: A Simple Life, really?!

December 21: Books for Christian Girls

December 21: Reader’s cozy corner

December 22: Two Girls and a Book

December 22: Blogging With Carol

December 23: His Grace is Sufficient

December 23: 1983

December 24: Neverending Stories

December 24: Carpe Diem

December 25: Bibliophile Reviews

December 25: The Scribbler

December 26: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after

December 26: For The Love of Books

December 26: Ashley’s Bookshelf

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona are giving away a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter. Be sure to comment on this blog post to claim nine extra entries in the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/aa59

 

 

 

Top Posts of 2016

I didn't write as much in 2016 as I had hoped to... story of my life.

2016 was a roller coaster of a year... highs and lows. Ups and downs. Getting the wind knocked out of you, climbing the rickety hill to appreciate the view from the top, only to get knocked down again. That's represented in my top blog posts from 2016.

1. From Humble Beginnings

This post is the eulogy I gave at my Papaw Jr.'s funeral. A simple, humble, happy man, my Papaw passed away in November. He lived a beautiful life and left a legacy of hope for his six children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

2. "Feeling with My Fingers"

This post is the eulogy I gave at my Papaw Paul's funeral in June. Papaw was truly the smartest man I have ever (and will probably ever) know. His kind heart and generosity have prompted me throughout this year to look for ways to serve others.

The Legacy of Great Men-

I thought a lot about legacy this year. Death has hit us hard, but I know that it doesn't have the final victory. While this was not one of my top read posts this year, I want to add it in, because Uncle Dennis's legacy speaks for itself.

3. To My Seniors

My reflection on the three seniors on our Ladycat basketball team. I always say I've been blessed with one son and too many daughters to name. Here's a look at three of them. We didn't win that regional title... made it to the semifinals and lost a nailbiter to Leslie County, who went on to be Regional Champs... but I'm forever proud of my Ladycats.

4. My Prayer for 8th Grade

To say that I can't believe that Caleb Bates is an 8th grader is an understatement. Watching him grow up has been the best part of my life... but also the scariest. This post, written on the first day of Caleb's 8th grade year, tried to portray a little of that. And all the crazy Mamas said... Amen

5. Tackling the Field

This was one of my favorite books I've read in 2016... the entire series, to be matter of fact. I'm so thankful I discovered Celebrate Lit and the authors and books featured there. I've been exposed to a lot of great writing that I may not have otherwise discovered.
6. Honeybee Sisters

This was another post I completed for Celebrate Lit. This series was well-written, with likeable characters... well, except for the characters you weren't supposed to like =) Beckstrand's portrayal of three Amish sisters raised by a slightly eccentric aunt make for delightful reading.
7. Surround Me

This was yet another book I reviewed for Celebrate Lit, the second book of the Revolutionary Faith series. I enjoyed "traveling" to pre-Revolutionary War Charlestown.
8. What I Learned this Summer
Other than my Papaw passing away, my family enjoyed the best summer of our lives... or at least one of the best. We took the boat to the lake, went hiking, visited the beach, spent time in the hills on the side by side, and basically just enjoyed being with one another. Here's my recap of what I learned in the summer of 2016.

9- Hold Me Close

The first book in the Revolutionary Faith series, set in an era I rarely read about, so this was refreshing. Thank you, again, Celebrate Lit.
10. Change of Heart

This was another book featuring an Amish family that I reviewed for Celebrate Lit. A good read, with warm characters and engaging dialogue, this storyline made the reader think about what is truly important in life.
11. Damsel in Distress
I wrote this book in January after reading the book of Ruth. Ruth is one of my favorite books of the Bible and she is also one of my favorite characters, but her faith and trust in a God that she didn't even really know amazes me. Here's my take on her famous speech to Naomi as they stand at the crossroads of their lives.

So there you have 'em, the top read posts of 2016. Thanks for visiting, and here's praying 2017 is filled with lots of writing!
Linking up with Kate Motaung (pic courtesy of her blog).

Fear Fighting: Beating The Beast of Worry

I'm thrilled that I was recently selected to serve on the launch team for Kelly Balarie's book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears.

Let me just make a disclaimer and say that I've never been someone who necessarily considered myself a fearful person. I mean, I am afraid of some things. Snakes. Getting lost. Wrecking (because I have a bad driving record!).
However, in the world in which we live in, especially with a teenage son, it's hard not to be a little fearful.
So, I'm soaking up Kelly's words and looking to God for my peace...

Here's a guest message from Kelly to you... a great little strategy to help you fight fear and worry.

Go look up Philippians 4:8.  I did a month long series on it a a couple of years ago.
Then come back...

From Kelly:
I woke up in the middle of the night, my mind tossing and turning worse than my body had been ten minutes ago.

Everything hit me at once: I'm not taking care of my family well enough. Good moms make their kids homemade meals, they don't buy the boxed variety in the aisle's of Trader Joe's. They also don't have picture ornaments hanging on their Christmas trees without the faces of their loved ones in them. Most of all they don't forget birthday parties and gym day at school. Not only this, they don't leave their houses complete wrecks; they tidy them. I'm the worst mom. I've got to do better. I can't do better though, there is hardly any time for anything. My kids are bound to hate me one day.

 

Worry is like a spin cycle that never ends. It turns and turns and turns and turns until you are nauseous from its movement.

 

I should know; I sit in worry often. Do you?

 

The worst thing about worry is that all its circles get you nowhere. They clean nothing up, they spic and span no dish sitting in the sink and they fix no task before you.

 

So, why do I worry so much? You may be asking yourself the same question. 

 

I've sat up countless nights circling this question. Kelly, why are you worrying? Why are you shredding a good night's sleep with this stupid process? And, why can't you stop thinking about what you are thinking about?

 

Nothing of value is every accomplished in one's mind the middle of the night. I've determined this. 

 

So, what is a peace-hungry woman supposed to do? 

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil. 4:8

 

That's what! Do you know how it looks for me in the middle of the night, when the sneaky enemy prowls around like a ravenous beast? 

 

It looks like me saying the ABC's of God's goodness. 

 

It goes like this:

A is for Always by my side, God will be.

B is for Before me, God goes.

C is for Carry me He will, when I am weak. 

D is for Delight in him, he will give me the desires of my heart.

 

Can I tell you all something? I've never made it all the way through the alphabet. Never. Ever. Ever. 

 

I've always fallen asleep - in peace.

 

When you focus on the goodness of God, you find the good thing you were always after. When you trust him and his ways, he leads you to the best way. When you stop worrying that you are worrying, you make space to start praising his name.

 

It works. It works anywhere at any time in any place. Start singing. Start thanking. Start noticing creation as you drive on a traffic-filled street full of cars that will never let you arrive at your destination. Still, it works.

 

With this, tonight, rather than dozing off to the doozy that is my motherhood-style; I'll doze off to the truth that God has good in store even in the center of all I cannot control.

 

 

 

About the book, Fear Fighting, Awakening the Courage to Overcome Your Fears: 

Author and Speaker, Kelly Balarie didn’t always fight fear – for a large part of her life, she was controlled by it. Yet, in her book, Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears, with God, Kelly charts a new course. Join Kelly, on the journey to go and grow with Christ’s bravery, the Spirit’s counsel and God’s unending love that squelches fear. This book reads like a love letter from God, while offering practical heart-calming prayers, anxiety-reducing tips, and courage-building decrees that will transform your day. www.fearfightingbook.com

 

About Kelly Balarie:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly is both a Cheerleader of Faith and a Fighter of Fear. She leans on the power of God, rests on the shoulder of Christ, and discovers how to glow in the dark places of life. Get all Kelly’s blog posts by email or visit her on her blog, Purposeful Faith. You can also find a variety of resources for your fight against fear at http://www.fearfightingbook.com/.

 

 

 

 

All Things Christmasy... Well, Kind of.

So today is my last official day of work in 2016, which always brings much excitement to my life.


Until I look around my office and realize that in three weeks, I'll step back into the chaos of disorganization, only three weeks removed, meaning that I will have forgotten the location of the things I thought I had placed where I would never forget.


Surely I'm  not the only one?


However, nothing gets one in the Christmas spirit quite like remembering that you only have one Christmas present purchased.


So, to celebrate the season, I download every Christmas book I have purchased throughout the year and lose myself in the magic of fairy tale Christmases.


The first Christmas book I've completed this year is A Baxter Family Christmas by Karen Kingsbury.

 Kingsbury is one of my absolute favorite authors, and I was delighted to find out she was bringing back the Baxters. This book is everything you want in a Christmas novel. It's got a production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, family get-togethers, recipes, and a little bit of smooching under the mistletoe...


But it's also got a very serious message behind it. A message that family is everything. That we keep on impacting others even after we've taken our last breath here on Earth. That our heart will go on... (channeling my inner Celine Dion).


Family patriarch John Baxter gets it. He's loved and lost, and found true love again  in his second wife, Elaine. The Baxter family has had their shares of ups and downs in the past, which is what makes this beautiful novel all the more heartwarming. Following the loss of his daughter, her husband, and their three daughters, John wants to open his home to the recipient of her heart on Christmas Eve.. The family is split about whether it's a good idea...


but the story that follows leads the reader on a true tale of redemption.


I loved this book. That's all. Once I started it I couldn't stop it. Go out and buy it yourself!!! Click this link.


I did receive a free advanced readers copy from netgalley.com and agreed to post my honest review, which this is.

Surround Me: A Review and a Giveaway

I recently reviewed the first book in the Revolutionary Faith series, Hold Me Close, so when this book became available on the Celebrate Lit book tour, I was quick to request a copy.  (I did receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review of this book).

In this sequel, we find Louis returning to Charlestown from a trip to France. The colony is still in upheaval as colonists choose sides. Elizabeth has pined for him the entire time he's been gone, but they are unsure of how her Father will react to their love.

Set among a time ripe with drama, this story finds the two main characters searching for what they truly believe and at times having to make difficult choices. The situations they face try their faith in God and in each other, and remind the reader about what it is like to be faced with difficult decisions and to fear the future. Both characters are nicely developed, believable, and provide the reader with tension throughout the novel. The author also does an awesome job of describing the pre-Revolutionary world. Her vivid writing allows the reader to imagine they were right in Louis's living room or the mercantile his uncle runs or in Elizabeth's family home. I would recommend this book if you enjoy romance or historical fiction.


About the Book:

Returning to Charles Town, Louis faces obstacles surrounding his engagement to Elizabeth and a city questioning its role in a volatile resistance to British rule.
As the dark curtain of the rumors of revolution threatens to descend, Louis Lestarjette pursues his relationship with Elizabeth even as the emotion and physical struggles set the course for a life of changes. Will his commitment to God stay firm or will the tide of change cause fear and flight?
The chance of reconciliation with England moves further out to sea leaving Elizabeth Elliott on the shores of surrender to a greater challenge. Although others of unwavering courage give her strength, she must choose to allow God’s love to surround her. How can she enter into a marriage during a time of uncertainty? Will selfish, safer options take her away from Louis and his love?

About the Author:

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close—Revolutionary Faith Book One. She enjoys the study of history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, and Daughters of the American Revolution. Originally from Louisiana, she currently lives in Abilene with her husband.

Guest Post from Marguerite Martin Gray

About ten years ago I stood in the front bedroom of my parent’s antebellum house listening to my father tell stories about his ancestors–my ancestors while waving around a silver candlestick–my eight times great-grandfather’s gift to his bride. A story was born and I was off to Charleston, S.C.

Blog Stops

December 1: Reading Is My SuperPower

December 2: A Reader’s Brain

December 3: Moments Dipped in Ink

December 4: Lane Hill House

December 4: Karen Sue Hadley

December 5: A Simple Life, really?!

December 5: Through the Open Window

December 6: A Greater Yes

December 7: Proverbial Reads

December 8: Singing Librarian Books

December 9: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

December 10: Bigreadersite

December 10: Bibliophile Reviews

December 11: His Grace is Sufficient

December 12: Pause for Tales

December 12: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

December 13: A Path of Joy

December 14: A Baker’s Perspective

Giveaway:

To celebrate their tour, Marguerite is giving away a print copy of Hold Me Close and Surround Me, a print copy of A Spy’s Devotion by Melanie Dickerson, a $10 Amazon Card, and a Yorkshire Gold Box of Tea! Click the link below to enter. Be sure to comment on this blog post to claim nine extra entries in the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/aa5c

A Royal Christmas Wedding: A Review and a Link to a Giveaway

 

 

I love Christmas. I love weddings. I love history.
This book covers all three. Avery is an American whose sister has married into Brighton royalty. Her plans for life don't involve following in her sister's footsteps, namely because she's already been burnt by Prince Colin. However, they find themselves thrown together when her Mother decides she needs to celebrate Christmas in Brighton. Avery must come to terms with unfinished business.
In the meantime, Brighton media is full of questions about Prince Colin and Lady Jordan. Brighton tradition finds that if someone rings a bell just after midnight at the beginning of the holiday season, it means they want to try to woo their one true love into marriage. Speculation at first is if someone will ring that bell; and then when the bell is mysteriously rung, speculation continues to Prince Colin and Lady Jordan. Avery finds herself in the middle of the madness, and as much as she'd like for it to be true that she doesn't love Colin, the sparks are still alive.  The two must find themselves... while contemplating if they want to find each other.
This book is an absolutely delightful read, with warm characters, easy to read conversation, and a love story that will find you cheering.  The festivity of the Christmas season, complete with description of community and royal events in Brighton, also helps with the storyline and has the reader getting ready for Christmas. Hauck has a winner here. I'd give it five stars and recommend it to anyone who loves lighthearted romances.
I did receive a free copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and am offering my honest review, and this is one that I would purchase for myself or a friend.
To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book:

Genre: Christian Romance/Christmas
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Book Format: Paperback & Ebook
Avery Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?
College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.
Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.
When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.
Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?
In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew.

About the Author

 

 

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and award-winning author.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.
She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.
Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck

I don’t think we can ever get enough of royals or Christmas, do you? The two just seem to go together.

The Bible tells us eternity is written on our hearts. (Ecc. 3:11) I wonder if it’s also written on our hearts to be princesses in a grand, beautiful, perfect kingdom.

That being said, welcome to The Royal Christmas Wedding blog tour. My deepest thanks to all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers for hosting and visiting this tour. I’m excited to share this story with you all.

The hero and heroine, Prince Colin and Avery Truitt, first met in Once Upon A Prince at King Nathaniel’s coronation.

I hadn’t planned to write a spinoff story with the two of them. In fact, I didn’t even know Prince Colin existed until Avery walked into the abbey for the coronation and glanced across the sanctuary into his eyes.

Here’s his introduction:
Lean, aristocratic with an outdoorsman ruddiness, he nearly made Susanna swoon when he winked at Avery.

I liked Colin immediately. So did Avery. As well as a lot of you.

When my publisher asked me to write their story, it would be two years before the book would release. Plenty of time, right?

But “time crunch” is the name of the game with most writers. Between life, rewrites, edits, and promotional activity, we often find ourselves hurrying toward a deadline. Well, at least I do.
In the fall of 2015 I was writing The Wedding Shop and A Royal Christmas Wedding at the same time.

I’d also dealt with a physical issue that left me shaky. Could I write two books in five months? Did I want to even make the attempt?
If I said no, publication dates would be pushed out, causing a year delay on A Royal Christmas Wedding. And I knew that was something I did not want to do.

Publishing is a long game. Books are contracted and due 12 to 18, even 24 months, before release dates. Time must be carved out for rewrites and editing, marketing and promotion. Review copies go out at least five months in advance.

So I agreed to write both books. I told my editor, “Diamonds come from pressure.”

Coming up with Avery and Prince Colin’s story wasn’t as easy as I’d planned. Since they met in Once Upon A Prince as teenagers, I struggled with how to advance their age and relationship, and how to present them as the book opened.

Where had their relationship gone “between the books?”

When I came up with the idea of the Pembroke Chapel bell, the story magic began to happen. One of the things I love in the royal wedding books is the fairytale aspect. Looking for something out of the ordinary.

Even though my writing time was tight, writing Avery and Colin’s story was a joy. Once again I wish I could visit Brighton, eat a puff, and royal watch for the Strattons!

I hope you found a few sweet spots in the story, all wrapped in Christmas holiday cheer, and enjoyed your time with me in Brighton Kingdom.

Merry Christmas!

Blog Stops

December 8: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

December 8: New Horizon Reviews

December 8: inklings and notions

December 9: Reading Is My SuperPower

December 9: Redeemed Hope Dweller

December 9: Book by Book

December 10: His Grace is Sufficient

December 10: Blossoms and Blessings

December 10: Pause for Tales

December 11: Quiet Quilter

December 11: Ashley’s Bookshelf

December 11: Reviewing Novels Online

December 12: Bibliophile Reviews

December 12: Lights in a Dark World

December 12: Splashes of Joy

December 13: Moments Dipped in Ink

December 13: Neverending Stories

December 13: Through the Open Window

December 14: The Power of Words

December 14: Counting Pinecones

December 14: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

December 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

December 15: Genesis 5020

December 15: CTF Devourer

December 16: Lighthouse Academy

December 16: God’s Little Bookworm

December 16: Christian Bookaholic

December 17: Smiling Book Reviews

December 17: God is Love

December 17: A Simple Life, really?!

December 18: A Holland Reads

December 18: The Scribbler

December 18: Faith * Love * Books

December 19: By The Book

December 19: Karen Sue Hadley

December 19: Southern Chelle

December 20: Faithfully Bookish

December 20: Books. Books. And More Books

December 20: A Baker’s Perspective

December 21: ASC Book Reviews

December 21: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card plus a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding and a copy of The Wedding Shop. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/aaeb

 

We Are Not Alone

Small-town living has a bad rap. There's nothing for anyone to do. The kids are all bored. You grow up there, and live there, and are stuck there.


But then on the flip side of the coin, growing up in a small town is also one of the best things in the world. Everyone knows you, and knows your family, and when times get  hard, we take care of our own. Even if you don't have money, you pitch in to help. Oh, sure, we can be selfish and jealous and petty just like anyone, but in tragedy, we change.


Saturday I was sitting in my home away from home. As many of y'all know, I joke that I grew up in the Coliseum. I've played princess and detectives and climbed up on the backstops for the ballgoals (before the nice, new ones with the breakaway rims). I've played hide and seek and dreaded going past the boiler room because... well, I know Freddy Kreuger isn't real, but those cheerleaders sure had me convinced he was when I was seven or eight. I cheered my last ballgame in that gym. I've sang and laughed and cried...


Tomorrow, though, I'll do something I've never done in that gym. I'll sit and listen to ministers try to put into words the legend of Peggy Moore and her husband Leon. I know and they know they'll not do it justice, because there are no words, nor are there any words to offer for the heaviness we all feel... for Kyle, Kevin, and the family, for our kids in school right now, for the hundreds of kids who live out Peggy's legacy every day of their lives.


For as long as I can remember, Peggy seemed like a superstar. I was in awe of she and Irene, sisters- in- law who paved the way for Eastern Kentucky Girls basketball. Two little girls who shaped the sport for generations to come. I grew up with stories of their athleticism.


I can't remember visiting the store at Whick much, but I know we did, because I can remember loading up and going to Aunt Essie's house. They were family, and family runs deep in these parts. I cheered for Kyle as we won that second state championship, and to say I was proud of the Arrowood connection would be an understatement.


Wallace coached against Peggy when he was at Owsley and I was always quick to remind him that she was family. I was proud of her, proud to be associated with her because of who she was on and off the court. Simple. Quiet. Humble. Full of accomplishments but never boastful. And she had played professional basketball!  And baseball with the boys!  And she still could!!!


Leon was always there, quiet, unless you knew him. Not in the spotlight.


And then Wallace went to Breathitt and Kyle became head football coach.  I started helping in the concession stand for JV games and in the Bobcat stores and with whatever the boss Lisa Gross told me to do, because, again, that's what family do. You take care of each other. I came to know Peg and Leon in a different way. I saw firsthand how much they loved their granddaughters. Natalie, Haley, and Elizabeth were the light of their lives. How I love those girls!  They bring smiles to my face.


Leon fast became one of Wallace's favorite people on earth. They'd cut up and joke and try to cause trouble. Wallace would often come home from work telling me about a Leon story Kyle had shared at work. He was thrilled when Leon and Peggy started coming to church, because they took a void that had been left with my Mamaw Na's passing. When he couldn't rib Mamaw Na about something, he'd rib Leon. And Leon would give it right back!


I saw a softer, gentler side to them both. Saturday at the JV tourney Melody had come with me and I had sat her down to pace along the sideline, just like Holly, Kami, and I had done when we were little. Peggy was sitting on the bench, hands clasped in between her knees. Gentry was coaching on the other sideline. Melody reached out and patted Peg on the back and Peggy turned around and waved and smiled.


That smile is in my head.


That smile is why it didn't seem real when someone told me that afternoon that they had been in a wreck.


She had just been there.


I looked up at the banners on the stage, those banners that she had helped hang, and thought it has to be a mistake.


Sunday morning I woke up thinking it had to be a mistake.


I still wish it was.


My Mom said that 2016 has been a year of loss, and that statement rings true. We can't make sense of a tragedy like this...


but my hope and consolation is that through small town living, we are not alone. We have each other, and it is my utmost hope and prayer that the Moore family know that while we can't imagine their grief, we grieve with them. They are not alone.


Tonight and tomorrow, I'll find comfort in that as I love on my basketball and volleyball players, as I pat on those football players in their jerseys, as I hug my family.


We are not alone, because we have each other.


And we have God, who understands our sorrows. He even understands when we get hurt at him because things happen. Even Jesus felt forsaken.


Even then, though...


He wasn't alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfveawSAHJA&app=desktop


Continued prayers for my Moore family, my Bobcat family, and all who mourn the passing of Peggy and Leon Moore. Legends who left a legacy that will continue to inspire...