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Friday, May 10, 2013

ONCE UPON A PRINCE - Rachel Hauck - One Free Book on This Blog Plus Much More

Readers, please follow all the instructions at the bottom of the post if you want to be included in the giveaway.

I'm thrilled to be sharing this new book with you. I've loved all of Rachel's books, but this is my favorite. I read it in one day last week. I honestly had a hard time putting it down when I had to. It's engaging, has plenty of depth, and the characters grabbed my heart right away. ... And I love princess stories.


Welcome, Rachel. I love your new headshot. One of my favorite pictures of me was when the photographer caught me when I was teaching a session, and I was laughing. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m ten pounds overweight and I like potato chips. One explains the other. I’m a Florida girl with Ohio roots and I love the sun on my shoulders.

Writing is a passion and an emotional outlet for me. I started writing my first novel in ’94. An epic WWII book that lived in the darkness of my closet until I pilfered some scenes for the sub plot in Love Starts with Elle.

My husband is my best friend and makes me laugh. We don’t have children but a very spoiled dog.

When I’m not writing, I loved to hit a good spin class or lift weights, watch college football and troll Facebook for the latest happenings with my family.

I’m taking piano lessons and that’s all I’ll say about that… There’s a reason we take lessons as kids under our Mama’s watchful eye.

I lead worship at my church!

Is Once Upon a Prince part of a series?     
Most certainly! It’s the first in the Royal Wedding Series! Princess Ever After is next.

I can hardly wait for the next one. What was your inspiration to write Once Upon a Prince?
Duchess Kate, seriously. I got up at 5:00 a.m. to watch her marry Prince William and I thought, “The world just fell in love with her.” I was right. I knew she was the new Princess Di.

Her poise and confidence got me thinking and dreaming of royal weddings and an idea for a series was born.

How much research did Once Upon a Prince take?
Quite a bit. At first I just read a lot of royal history online but found I was shallow on some actual history and interaction with living royals. I read about 4 books on the British royal family and one on the three cousins, Nicholas II, George V, and Wilhelm II.

It’s fascinating history.

What are the some of the most interesting facts that you learned while researching and writing Once Upon a Prince?
Ah, you had to ask… I just pulled a mental blank. Well, let’s see, for starters, Queen Victoria wanted to marry her children to the royals of Europe because she thought it would lead to peace.

Her great grandsons were George V and Kaiser Wilhelm II as well as Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. They were all first cousins.

George and Nicolas look like twins.

Also, I realized in more depth how deeply WWI impacted Europe. Almost all of the royal houses fell after that war.

What other new writing projects do you have on the horizon?
I’m working on the rewrites for Princess Ever After as well as a novella to be released next spring. Stay tuned for more on that front! After that will be the third Royal Wedding book.

What message would you like your readers to take from reading Once Upon a Prince?
I wanted to show how God has a plan for us even when our lives look out of control or so unplanned it seems they will never get on track. Also, that when we surrender completely to the Lord, He never forsakes us. His plans for us are good.

There’s also a bit of a picture about how the power of love can change a nation.

What organizations are you involved with?
I’m on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Romance Writers of America.

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
My biggest challenge lately has been really utilizing my time well. When I first left the corporate world to write full time, I managed my writing time fairly well. But with the onslaught of social media, and nine years of working from home, I don’t manage my time as well as I’d like.

Working on it…

I totally understand that. Who is the person who most influences your writing?
My writing partner Susan May Warren has a huge impact on my writing because we talk craft and stories all the time. I also brainstorm with her throughout the first and final draft process.

My editor is also a major influence because she’s the first one to actually read the story and react. I value her opinion immensely.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?
Writing! Story telling. Holding the completed, printed book in my hand. Most of all, hearing from readers!

What do you do to get away from it all?
I live in Florida so the beach is fifteen minutes away. I like to drive over there sometimes. I love to hit the gym. I can really disconnect from the stress of writing in a spin class. And often I find solutions to plot or character problems.

I also love a good prayer/worship set. I love watching Netflix with my Hubby!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks for  having me Lena!! Appreciate you.

It's my great pleasure to have you drop by, Rachel.

One "royal" winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th 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 28th!

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series) - paperback
Once Upon a Prince (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

30 comments:

  1. Please include this gal from Ontario Canada in the giveaway. I signed up to tour this book, but somehow it's been lost in translation and I am no longer in it. Would love to read the book though. Many thanks.

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  2. Like to read this author and glad to see you today on Lena's blog. thanks for chance to win one of your books, I have signed up for the FB party so see ya there Rachel...
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
    a reader in Ga

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  3. A modern day fairy tale, how fun! I look forward to reading this book. Hopefully soon=)

    Patty in SC

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  4. I've been looking forward to this book for a while! I'd love to win. I'm in MN.

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  5. We have Rachel's books in the church library.
    I would love to win, "Once Upon A Prince" to add to our collection.
    Thanks!
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
    Florida

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  6. Anonymous9:02 PM

    Please enter me in this contest! I got to read an advanced copy of this book and it is one of my very favorites. I would love to win a copy.
    Thanks,
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen@yahoo.com

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  7. The research would have been fascinating. What a delightful cover!!

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  8. Sounds like a fun read. I would love to be entered to win a copy of Once Upon a Prince. Thank you for the chance.

    I live in Indiana.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  9. Leauphaun4:41 AM

    I've read some of Rachel's books, and I LOVED them!

    - Leauphaun from BC

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  10. I am so excited to read this book. I discovered Rachel last year when I read The Wedding Dress. I'm hooked.
    Amy C
    VA

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  11. oh, love Rachel's books thanks for chance to win
    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  12. I entered Rachel Hauck's giveaway/sweeps and I would also like to be entered for your one free book giveaway. You have such good opportunities to try to win a book. And you know that the books I win go to the Alamance Christian School library, too. I'm in middle North Carolina.

    Hope all you mothers have a lovely weekend and remember each of you is special!

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  13. I am really looking forward to reading this book. Would love to win.

    Lourdes from Long Island New York

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  14. I love princess stories too! Can't wait to read it!

    Marissa from CO

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  15. I would love to win this!!
    Rebekah TN

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  16. Please drop my name in the hat! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Anna W. from GA

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  17. I love fairy tales and especially modern day ones!
    Beth from Iowa

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  18. Wonderful interview! I'm from NC.

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  19. I love Rachel's novels :)

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

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. Pam K.5:49 PM

    This book appeals to the tiny part of me who wanted to be a princess when I was a little girl. I enjoy Rachel's books so would love to win a copy of Once Upon a Prince.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
    Kansas

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  22. sharon m8:23 PM

    Your book sounds very good.Love to win it! sharon, CA

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  23. Thanks for sharing a great interview! She sounds like a lovely person :)

    Heidi, CA

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  24. I would love to win,Enter me!
    Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
    Sarah Richmond
    N.C.

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  25. I cannot begin to say how badly I want to read this one. Please enter me.

    Kentucky

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  26. Sharon Richmond3:57 PM

    Enter me this book looks great!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  27. I've notnhad the privilege of reading one of Rachel's books and would love to read this one.

    Ginger in AL

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  28. Jorie8:28 PM

    Ms. Hauck,

    I truly loved this interview because it gives us such a wonderful glimpse into your life and writing! I am so very thankful that I stumbled across the Southern Belles earlier this year, as it has begun to introduce me to each of the Belle's contribution to literature! When I first saw the coverart for this book Once Upon A Prince, I thought!? That's a wickedly smashing book! Full of light, joy, and happiness!! I love the expression on the girl's face too! :)

    I would be honoured to win but simply delighted that I can celebrate this book launch with you!! Oh! I didn't know you were in Florida!? How did that slip past me!?

    Blessings to you!

    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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  29. Jorie,

    Thanks for the kind note! So glad to meet you!

    All,

    Thanks for entering this contest. Best of luck to all to win.

    And don't forget the FB Party on the 28th!

    Lena, I just got the link to the blog. Sorry to come by so late.

    I was celebrating my grandma's 99th last weekend and was a bit out of pocket!

    Blessings to all!!

    Rachel

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  30. Once Upon a Prince sounds wonderfully romantic, I'm excited that it is the start of a new series. Please add me!
    Merry in MN

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