THE DIAMONDS TOUR: An Interview and Giveaway with Debut Author Rachelle Rea!

This spring has brought a glorious blossoming of new books, debut authors, and awesome blog tours!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Rachelle Rea, the author of The Sound of Diamonds, the first book in "The Steadfast Love" series, releasing June 15, 2015! I know that many of you snatch eagerly at excellent historical fiction, and if Rachelle's writing over at her blog is any indication, I believe that we historical fiction readers are in for quite a treat with "The Steadfast Love" trilogy. :-)

First, however, here's Rachelle's "official" bio:

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

Now, let's pull up a chair, pour some peppermint tea, and chat awhile, shall we? (Rachelle's giveaway is at the end of this post.)

What’s The Sound of Diamonds about, Rachelle?
With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.

How did you get the idea for The Sound of Diamonds?
I love this question. I’ll never forget driving down Central Avenue on my way to college when a song came on the radio. I have forgotten what song but I remember thinking a portion of the melody sounded like diamonds. And then realizing what a weird thought that was. I spent the summer writing a book to figure out what the sound of diamonds actually meant.

What kind of research went into this novel? What part of it did you find the most interesting?
This is my favorite time period so I’ve always done a lot of reading about it. That helped. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the research process, though, were those nitty-gritty details I never saw coming. Like the day I had to randomly Google how many miles a horse can travel in a day, because that would determine how long it would take my hero and heroine to make it to the coast.

How has your relationship with Christ influenced your writing?
My relationship with Christ inspires my writing. The only reason I feel like I have a story to write is because He is already writing such a beautiful one with my life. I wouldn’t have the guts to write a story in which Gwyn goes through such a tragedy if I didn’t know there’s Hope for her and all others like her. I’m so grateful for all God has taught me about Creativity—and that He chooses to give me a story to tell.

What's the message that you'd like readers to take away from The Sound of Diamonds?
I’d like them to see that God’s love transcends even the toughest tragedy. Gwyn and Dirk learn that sorrow is no match for hope, and I’d love for someone who picks up my book to be able to say the same.

What will you be working on next?
I’m excited about the upcoming release of the next two books in the series! The Sound of Silver comes out in October and The Sound of Emeralds will complete the trilogy in February of next year. So I’m hard at work getting those books ready… ☺

Now for some split-second questions :-) --

Favorite book?

Hope was Here by Joan Bauer
Favorite movie?

The Decoy Bride
Favorite place to write?

At my desk overlooking the forest in my backyard
Cake or ice-cream?

Ice cream
Favorite/special Bible verse?

Isaiah 30:18, because He rises from His throne for love of me
Dream vacation location?

Anywhere with ocean
You have the ability to time-travel. What century and country do you choose?

I’ll be lame and pick my book’s setting. 16th century England rocks.
You are given the opportunity to meet anyone, past or present. Who is it?

Elizabeth I, of course.

Friends, I hope that you've enjoyed getting to learn about The Sound of Diamonds and its author as much as I have! Interested in learning more? You can visit Rachelle: 

Website: http://rachellerea.com/
Blog: http://rachellerea.com/blog/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/inspiringdaring
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelleRea
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/rachellerea/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Rea/e/B00RZHIL1Q
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24348955-the-sound-of-diamonds

The Sound of Diamonds is available for pre-order/purchase at:

Barnes & Noble: Coming June 15th
CBD: Coming June 15th
Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Diamonds-Rachelle-Rea/dp/1939023599/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Kindle: http://is.gd/EZ7DJ1

In honor of the release of The Sound of Diamonds, Rachelle Rea is holding a delightful giveaway! Enter below (It's a clickable link.) and spread the word! :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway