Monday, February 17, 2014

PRINCESS EVER AFTER - Rachel Hauck - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Bio: Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated The Wedding Dress and RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series, the Nashvegas series and the Songbird Novels penned with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, she worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full time in 2004. Rachel 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 writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

The best stories show ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and Rachel Hauck has captured that very essence in her new novel, Princess Ever After. The second book in the Royal Wedding series tells the story of an ordinary girl who finds out she’s a princess, a revelation that changes the life she’s created for herself.

Like many of us, Hauck is enamored with the idea of royalty, and while she hopes readers are entertained and drawn to the modern fairytale of Princess Ever After, she has a deeper desire for this book and the entire series. “I pray readers find hope and encouragement,” she says. “Most of us are not going to discover we are long-lost princes or princesses in this life, but we are most sincerely princes and princesses in His kingdom. Right now! Let’s live like it and love as our King loves.”

Welcome back, Rachel. In Princess Ever After, your heroine, Regina, is happy with the life she’s created for herself. When God intervenes, she feels unprepared, yet He’s provided all she needs. How have you seen God’s direction and provisions in your own life?
I’m the anti-Regina. After I graduated from college, I realized I’d never be happy unless I was sold out to the Lord, so I told Him I was 100% available. It’s a surrender I’ve never, ever regretted. I know me. I like too many things in life to feel confident in committing to any one career. I was terrified I’d marry the wrong man. But like Regina, I had parents and mentors who encouraged me in my teen years and helped me choose a good path.

It’s not uncommon for our past mistakes to alter our life’s course. What would you say to those who feel their past mistakes hinder them from moving on?
Get over it. Can I say that? In love? Seriously, if we don’t allow ourselves to be defined by our success—meaning we give all glory to the Lord—then we can’t allow ourselves to be defined by our failure. Give that to Him, too. If you really believe in God’s forgiveness and love, there’s no point in stagnating in past mistakes. Believe that God can and will heal your heart and move on.

The trick in letting go of past mistakes is Romans 12:1. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We have to surrender our emotions and thoughts to the Lord. In doing that, we will approve of His will. Good, acceptable and perfect.

Do you think God views us differently or withholds his blessings because of the mistakes we’ve made?
Truth? No. If that were the case He’d never be able to bless us. We quantify sin. He does not. To Him, a lie or lustful thought is the same as a “bigger sin” like adultery. The consequences vary, but sin is sin. The difference is the condition of our hearts. If we have a “yes” in our heart to Him, repenting of our sin, His grace is sufficient. But if we have a “no” in our heart toward Him and continue in sin without repentance, I think we can move outside His blessing.

In reality, we have no idea of His heart toward the rebellious. Isaiah 55:8 is a familiar verse, “. . . my ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts.” But go back a verse. God is talking about the rebellious. “You don’t know my thoughts toward them,” I think God is saying. God is love and mercy. But He’s also judgment and wrath. It’s a divine paradox. We cannot build a “rule” on how He blesses us.

Your leading man must overcome a fear of failure. Is that a fear you have faced yourself, or have you conquered another fear? How were you able to overcome your fear?
I’ve dealt a lot with fear and anxiety. After college I was hit with small panic attacks and anxiety. I had to travel for my job, and boarding an airplane, which I did all the time, kept me awake the night before. The idea of being trapped on a plane made me claustrophobic. But I leaned into the Word, into the Lord, and never ever let my fears win. I got on the plane anyway. And I made it. Even enjoyed the 15 hours from LA to Sydney.

I overcame by believing what God said about me instead of my fears. I devoted my heart and mind to the Word and prayer. I did the Romans 12:1-2 thing. I just didn’t see where the Lord had called me to walk a life of anxiety and fear. He and I had a lot of conversations about it. I’m here to report prayer and the Word work! You just have to stay in the battle. Recently I’ve had “joy attacks” where I felt His presence in a tangible, joyful way. I need more of those!

One important theme in Princess Ever After is obedience. Why is obedience important for healing and restoration, and how can you know you’re actually doing what God has asked you to do?
Obedience is better than sacrifice. We know Him by reading His Word. When Regina found the fairytale her great grandmother had written to her, Tanner said, “This is your Gram speaking to you in this book. Hear what she’s saying!” God is speaking to us through His Son, through the Holy Spirit and through His written Word. We have to believe He loves us enough to show us His will.

Obedience is required because our human hearts are too weak to do good on our own. Obedience actually trains us to know Him. In our weakness, we choose to hate people who wrong us. But God says forgive. If we obey, we reap the benefits of His blessing! And I love in John 10:27 where Jesus assures us, “My sheep hear my voice.”

In many ways, becoming too comfortable can be one of our greatest difficulties to truly fulfilling our purpose. How did that familiarity come into play in this story, and why was it important for your characters to be pushed out of their comfort zones?
I’m pushed out of my comfort zone with each book! Stories are about imperfect people doing extraordinary things. That’s exactly what an author has to do: harness our weakness, overcome and write a good book.
For characters in fiction, there is no story if characters are not challenged and pushed to the limit. I write with the idea that my stories are about people dealing with a wound-lie-fear that must be confronted. In the end, they come to truth. Most of the time people do not willingly confront their wounds and fears. It’s my job to set up a situation that drives them to face those fears—and ultimately find peace and happiness.

Your books usually include some kind of symbolism that relates back to the Gospel message. Will readers find that trademark of your writing in Princess Ever After?
Oh yeah, in a couple of places. First, in the fairytale gifted to the heroine by her great grandmother. It’s symbolic of the message God has given us through His written Word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us His Word is living and active. It speaks. Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Also, Regina sees something in the forest. At first she’s the only one (I can’t say more or I’ll ruin the surprise), but this light is symbolic of the light of the Lord. When we follow the light, we gain insight, revelation and understanding. “In Him we live and move and have our being.”

Once Regina found the Light, she discovered valuable truths that enabled her to accept her divine destiny.

Princess Ever After is the second book in your Royal Weddings series. What is your favorite part about a romance with a royal twist?
Royalty! I found it fun to create the world of a royal. Have a coronation, a ball, servants, and protection officers. Also, to make folks bow and curtsey. Ha! Actually, there were a lot of challenges to creating a believable, modern royal world, but I had a great time giving it a go. With Regina, it was fun to sneak up on a common girl and tell her, “You’re a royal princess.”

What’s the most surprising tidbit you’ve learned about English royalty through your research?
How much space do we have here? One of the biggest things I learned was the relationship between the European royals. The cousins George V, Wilhelm II, and Nicolas II—all descendants of Queen Victoria—were in power at the beginning of World War I, after which only the UK’s George V remained. The royal houses of Europe fell after the first World War, and it changed the face of Europe.

What do you hope readers take away from Princess Ever After?
As always, I hope readers are entertained and drawn into a modern fairytale. But I also pray they find hope and encouragement. Look, most of us are are not going to discover we are long-lost princes or princesses in this life, but we are most sincerely princes and princesses in His kingdom. Right now! Let’s live like it. Love like our King loves.

Both Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After take a look at refocusing on God’s plans rather than our own. Is that a reoccurring theme in all of your writing or an idea specific to the Royal Wedding series?
Good question. I’m not sure if I’m doing it on purpose, but the very idea that two ordinary American women find themselves becoming royalty lends itself to God redirecting our plans. There’s also the underlying theme that when we give our lives to the Lord, we are faced with a royal reality we never knew before. God’s plans were unknown to us before we knew Him. Once we are His, we have the choice to follow His will or our own.

For Regina, once she knew her true identity, she couldn’t go back to her old life.

What can readers look forward to in the third installment of the Royal Wedding series? How are all of the books tied together?
There will be a third book, How To Catch A Prince. It’s Prince Stephen’s story, brother of King Nathaniel, and Corina Del Rey, a Georgia-Florida girl.


Learn more about Rachel Hauck and her books at www.rachelhauck.com or on Facebook (Rachel Hayes Hauck) and Twitter (@RachelHauck). 

Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of her latest "swoon"-worthy romance,  Princess Ever After, with a fun $200 "Princess" prize package giveaway and a Facebook "Princess" party on March 6th. Grab your tiaras and RSVP today!

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  One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card (buy your very own "princess ever after" gown or tanks of gas for your "royal" ride)
  • Princess Ever After, Once Upon a Prince, and The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 6th. Winner will be announced at Rachel's "Princess" Facebook Party on March 6th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of "royal" book chat, princess-themed trivia, laughter, prizes, and an exclusive look at the next book in the Royal Wedding series!

So grab your copy of Princess Ever After and join Rachel and friends on the evening of March 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Thank you, Rachel. for sharing this new book with us. When my copy arrived, it went to the top of my to-be-read pile. I had loved Once Upon a Prince, and I had been anxiously awaiting Princess Ever After. I've always enjoyed reading your books.

Right now, Princess Ever After is my absolute favorite. The story of Regina is fun and believable. My most favorite aspect of the book is the supernatural spiritual aspect. Our God is a supernatural God, and I've met Him a few times in supernatural ways similar to the way Regina did. I was thrilled to see this aspect depicted in the way I know Him.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Princess Ever After - Christianbook.com
Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series) - Amazon
Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

28 comments:

Amy C said...

I can NOT wait to read Princess Ever After! I am loving this series.
Thanks
Amy C
VA

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win! I've heard such great things about this series of Rachel's.

Courtney Clark from Arkansas

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Britney Adams said...

I love Rachel Hauck's books!! Thank you so much for sharing another fantastic author interview and giveaway!

Britney Adams, TX

Melanie Backus said...

Rachel Hauck is a real winner and her books are too. Thank you for a great interview with this great author and thank you for the giveaway.

Melanie Backus, TX

Lisa Medeiros said...

The cover is stunning!!! I love how Rachel writes an amazing story with a truth of God woven into the story!!! :)
Lisa Medeiros ON

Melissa Oldaker said...

Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

Melissa O from NC

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angela in Ky

Unknown said...

I absolutely loved "Once Upon A Prince" and would be thrilled to win a copy of "Princess Ever After." Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the contest, Lena and Rachel!

Sybil in GA

Mary Preston said...

Thank you for the fantastic interview. PRINCESS EVER AFTER sounds like such a great read.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Vera Godley said...

This is destined to be a fun read

I'm in NC

Anne Payne said...

Fantastic interview. I am looking forward to reading this book. It sounds delightful.
Anne, rural NC

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read Rachel's latest fairytale :)

karenk....from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Susan Johnson said...

This sounds like a fun book. I have a few books by Rachel Hauck in my TBR pile. Maybe I should move them closer to the top.
Susan
Texas

Patty said...

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, can't wait to read Princess Ever After!

Patty in SC

Melody said...

I have been wanting to read this series for awile! Maybe this will get me started!

Melody from Donna, TX

Anonymous said...

I loved Once Upon a Prince and can't wait to read Princess Ever After. I really enjoyed the interview. Thank you!
koho143@hotmail.com

A Cooking Bookworm said...

I really enjoyed Once Upon a Prince! Looking forward to reading Princess Ever After!

Stephanie
Binghamton, NY

mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

Pam K. said...

I absolutely LOVED Once Upon a Prince so am happy to have a chance to win Princess Ever After. This is such a great series! I also really enjoyed Rachel's book, The Wedding Dress. Thanks for this interview with her and the book drawing.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

sm said...

I haven't read many Royal romances but they are intriguing. I sure do like Kate and William and watch them. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I loved the first book in this series and cannot wait to read Princess Ever After!

Thanks for the interview!

Shannah McClamrock, NC

Merry said...

Regina sounds like a down to earth character, an unusual princess to be! Thanks for the chance to win Princess Ever After.
Merry in MN

My Recent Favorite Books said...

Great interview!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book!

Teresa said...

What a great read this would be! Would love to read this series!

Teresa Wade Sheroke
tsheroke@sbcglobal.net

TX.

Emma said...

great interview!Princess Ever After sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a wonderful weekend.PA.

Unknown said...

Awesome interview! I would love to read this book! Thank you for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!

Barbara Thompson (West Monroe, LA)

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Rachel Hauck said...

Hi all,

Thanks so much for stopping by and posting. So glad you all are loving the series. And thanks Lena for the great endorse!

Appreciate you all!

Rachel

Unknown said...

I would very much love to read this book. thank you for the chance!
~Mippy/Sabrina
Utah