Have you discovered any books by Rachel Hauck? I just read The Best Summer of Our Lives. To be honest, one of the appeals of selecting this book was because it's my era. It's set in 1977 and 1997. I graduated college in 1977 (yeah, I'm that old.) Each chapter is named after a song from the past, which was a fun addition. Another plus is that Rachel put together a playlist based on the novel that you can listen to on Spotify.
I'm thrilled to host Rachel today. Long ago when I first met her, Rachel was so encouraging and kind, and she continues to be an encouragement now. This writing journey is a challenge. I don't know about you, but I don't forget kindnesses shown.
And you know I love to share the word about books and authors.
Book Blurb: Summer Wilde is a wannabe country music star. But when her latest girl band abandons her in a motel outside Tulsa, she is forced to face the shadows of her past. Twenty years ago, the summer of ’77 was supposed to be the best summer of her life. She and her best friends, Spring, Autumn, and Snow–the Four Seasons, 4ever–had big plans.
But those plans never had a chance. After a teenage prank gone awry, the Seasons found themselves on a bus to Tumbleweed, “Nowhere,” Oklahoma, to spend eight weeks as camp counselors. Arriving with hidden secrets and buried fears, those two months changed their friendships and the course of their lives.
Now, thirty-something and with no direction for her future, Summer is at a crossroads. Returning to the place where everything changed, she soon learns Tumbleweed is more than a town she left and never wanted to see again. It’s the place for healing, for reconciling the past with the present, and for finally listening to love’s voice.
Celebrating the songs of our hearts, the joys of love, and the threads of friendship that tie us all together, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck’s radiant story perfectly captures all the romance, heartache, and hope of the best summer ever.
Rachel agreed to stop by my blog and talk about her new release and give us a glimpse into her life.
Rachel, what's your favorite season and why?
Fall. One, it’s football season. (snort) Two, it’s the “sigh” on the year, The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling off, Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the horizon.
I live in Florida and we don’t have a lot of seasonal change other than the humidity dying down but fall is still such a lovely time.
That being said, spring in Florida is absolutely stunning. I’ll walk outside in the evening, look up and thank God for spring in Florida. The sky is blue, the air is thin and fresh… there’s no place like it.
Which compliment related to your writing has meant the most and why?
I’m sure all writers get these sorts of letters but when readers write to say, “You’re gifted” or “You’re talented” or “Don’t stop writing,” it’s so encouraging.
What advice would you give to an author just starting out?
I like to tell new writers to stick with it. Publishing is a journey. Often, it’s a hard and disappointing. Have a plan in mind. Learn the craft. Network with writers and publishing professionals through conferences or social media. Study the industry. While we don’t write according to trends, what books and authors are popular and why? Hone your own writer’s voice. Above all, write that book.
What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
I love this story. It’s one I noodled on for a over a year, trying to envision a story set in 1977. What would it be about? Who were the characters? I knew one character had to be named Summer. A little on the nose but… why not? Ha. I ended up using all seasonal names for the four best friends, which to be honest, I thought was hokey in the beginning but in the end, it really worked. This is a story of friendship, forgiveness and freedom.
How can readers find your book on the Internet?
Find me at www.rachelhauck.com. I love for readers to sign up for my newsletter. I try to keep the letter content exclusive for readers. I’m on social media under my name: rachelhauck. 😊 See you there.
Thanks for stopping by, Rachel. I hope all my friends buy your book and enjoy a sweet, nostalgic trip to the past.
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