This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Starts 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!
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 transferable across the miles? And can you take it with you when you go?
If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE
MY REVIEW:
Love Starts With Elle is just another confirmation of why Rachel Hauck has become one of my very favorite authors. Her characters are people who could easily be our friends or neighbors. The places and people of small town Beaufort, South Carolina come alive through her descriptive prose – so much so that I’d really like to visit. Rachel also has a very special touch when describing the presence and movement of God.
Just when Elle thinks her life has finally gotten on the right track, things suddenly take a drastic turn. As she struggles to accept the unwelcome changes, new opportunities and relationships present themselves. I was particularly touched by the details of Elle’s spiritual journey throughout her trials. There were moments that seemed almost holy. It was enjoyable to follow Elle’s process as she slowly matured, became more self-confident, and found her true calling. Of course the romantic elements were good too, but I won’t give any of that away. I hope that Rachel will take us back to Beaufort again in the near future.
And Rachel, how about some recipes for some of those dishes you describe? You know – like pluff mud pie and roast beef casserole. I can’t be the only one who gets hungry reading your books.
