Rachel
Hauck’s A ROYAL CHRISTMAS WEDDING, The
Royal Wedding Series
As Christmas
2016 approached, our Pens of Praise readers group wanted a short, yet appealing
read. We selected A Royal Christmas
Wedding from The Royal Wedding Series. Avery Truitt and Prince Collin of
Brighton Kingdom have a past. How can they move beyond that to have a future—or
will they? This story has a charming sense of humor sprinkled throughout, as
well as depth. The character’s emotions and reasons for ‘why’ they do what they
do, make these pages hard to close at night. I know for I’ve experienced this!
Her varied and unique characters made me feel as though I’ve met them on the
street while out shopping.
Rachel has a
marvelous way of bringing the mystique of God’s presence into the lives of
common everyday people—or shall I say her characters in her novels and novellas.
This is not an overdone quality, but something extra that pulls me into her
stories on a deeper level. I love the thrill of excitement that charms my
heart when I reach those places where her character’s predicaments are full of
mystery, which ever stirs my thoughts beyond my everyday experience.
This reader
was captivated from the very first line. I’m a sucker for pretty language and
uncompromising excellence concerning layering depth and emotion that is genuine
and relatable. Yes, you may wonder why I’m writing about a Christmas story when
most of us long for spring and warmer weather. The reason is—because I
can! So, I’m extending a challenge to
you and to myself. I wish to read Christmas stories throughout this whole year.
Cold weather or hot. Can you read with me? Share with me what you are reading.
Rachel Hauck is a favorite with our Pens of
Praise readers group. I hope that you
will give this author a try. A Christmas
Wedding offers discussion questions in the back of the book, which can
enrich any book club experience or private read. I’ve enjoyed Avery and Colin’s
challenges and victories and I invite you to do the same. Once you do, don’t
hesitate to come back here and tell us what you thought.
Questions for Rachel:
1) You used the mystery of the Lord’s
involvement with mankind in your story once again! Very appealing, I must say.
How did you come up with the Pembroke Chapel Bell legend? Was this interesting
thread from some history or legend you found when researching?
RH: The idea for the chapel came from
reading another book set in Scotland. I kept expecting the characters to come
across some “mystery” but they never did. So, I hooked my feeling into an idea
for A Royal Christmas Wedding. I knew
it needed something beyond the natural to tie my two characters together and
keep with a bit of a fairytale feel. I made up the legend.
2) What a beautiful mix of grief from
loss and new life from a birth soon to happen. Did you intend to present life’s
contrast from the conception of this story?
RH: A lot of times the contrasts just
appear as I’m writing. If I notice them I pause to see if I can develop them
more. If not, I just leave them as reader candy. 😊
3) There is a fairytale magic in the way
that you share Avery and Colin’s story. Did a particular fairytale inspire this
Christmas novella?
RH: I’ve wanted to write a Christmas story
for awhile but never had the chance. When Avery emerged as such a strong
character in Once Upon A Prince, I
knew she needed her own story. I might have mentioned the idea to my publisher
but almost a year past before we agreed to do a Christmas wedding for Avery’s
story. I’m so glad I had a chance to write it.
4) What is your favorite fairytale of
all?
RH: Cinderella. I’ve seen the animated version a
dozen times, the latest live action film a few times and even saw it on
Broadway. 😊
5) What is the first childhood story
that you remember being told and did it affect your writing today?
RH: I loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder
books. I read them over and over. I also loved biographies. I think reading
about real people helped me want to write real-to-life characters.
6) You know many writers and have helped
many want-to-be writers, can you give us a few of your favorite authors names.
(If this would get you into trouble – your favorite genres you love to read.)
RH: Ooo, well, I have to give a shout
out to some of my writing buddies—Susan May Warren, Beth Vogt, Melissa Tagg,
Denise Hunter, Colleen Coble, Lisa Wingate and Susan Meissner. I love Becky
Wade and Roni Kendig.
I read a lit of literary or mainstream
fiction. JoJo Moyes is a recent fun find.
7) What would you like to share with
your readers and would-be readers about the writing or message of this story?
RH: One of the themes that really
popped in A Royal Christmas Wedding WAS
THE Fatherhood of God over us. Colin had to grow up and learn to hear his
heavenly Father above his earthly father. And do it while honoring both. God
has a plan and destiny for each and everyone of us. Believe it and lean into
it.
8) Would you share a favorite recipe or
simple joy with your readers?
RH: I don’t have recipes. LOL. Sorry.
I’m not a recipe collector. But a simple joy for me is sitting out back on my
deck, reading, praying, or playing the two chords I know well on the guitar. I
can make up a lot of songs with those two chords!
9) Any last words you would like to
share?
RH: Thanks for having me! It’s an
honor and a joy!
10) How do you wish your readers to
contact you?
Thanks so much Susan!!!!
XO
Rachel
What a fun interview! Thank you Rachel! You may find Rachel's FB, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram on her web page!
