Book Tour: The Sound of Diamonds

On June 15, Rachelle Rea will be releasing her debut novel, The Sound of Diamonds. I have been following Rachelle's blog on and off for some time, and remember being happy for her when she posted about signing the contract for this book. When the cover reveal came along, I became really excited to read it. I won't have to wait much longer now because it is releasing in four days!

In celebration, I have joined Rachelle's book tour and have a lovely interview with her to share with you today. Enjoy!

Description

The Sound of Diamonds

Rachelle Rea

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

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.

Amazon

About the Author

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. An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast. She wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

Website: http://RachelleRea.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/inspiringdaring

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachellerea 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rachellerea

Instagram: @RachelleDianeRea

Interview

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Hobbies, pets, quirks?

I drive a pick-up truck. I’m not even five feet tall (I’m 4’11”). I like Doctor Who and Once Upon A Time. I eat cereal for breakfast while I read a book. I like only cheese on my pizza. And my favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt is Cheesecake. J

Sweet, another Whovian! What was your favorite part of this book to write?

There are a few favorite scenes. One of my top favorites occurs early on; the scene takes place near a river. Gwyneth, who wears glasses, has handed them off to her friend without realizing that Dirk wanted to speak with her. So she has to talk to him the whole time, trying not to reveal that she’s having trouble seeing him. It’s an interesting tension between those two and I enjoyed writing that early look into their relationship, when they understandably don’t trust each other and a lot is at stake.

Sounds humorous. How did you come up with the title?

The title came first. And a lot of times authors don’t get to keep their original titles (or they don’t like coming up with titles). So I feel blessed to have The Sound of Diamonds on the cover when in fact those words started it all. I heard a song on the radio randomly one day and thought, oh, that sounds like diamonds. Immediately I realized that was a strange thought, so I wrote a book to figure out what the sound of diamonds actually is.

It's cool to hear the title was the inspiration for the story. Can you tell us about the challenges you faced in getting this book published?

Oh, that’s a tough one. I almost quit writing when I entered the Genesis contest a few months after I finished Diamonds and didn’t semi-final. That was definitely a challenge that made me question why I was writing—and I decided it wasn’t for publication but because I can’t not have a story in my head. I go through seasons, sure, when the story is flowing onto the page or just simmering. But that experience—not making it in that contest—taught me that whatever the challenge I wanted to pursue this. Right after that, I first approached WhiteFire and the rest, as they say, is history. J Dream-come-true history.

Awesome. I'm glad you decided to keep going. Why did you feel you had to tell this story?

Great question! It began mostly as a selfish thing; I was really curious about what diamonds sound like. It ended as a finished novel that I thought just might--just might--be the one that would become my debut novel.

Is there anything you would like to say or any advice you would like to give about writing or life in general?

Go for it. If I can make this author-thing happen, anyone can. Dream big, be daring, and work hard. It’s an investment to see a dream come true, but it sure feels great when it does and you’re holding your dream in your hand. J

Thanks so much for having me, Emily!

You are very welcome, Rachelle! I look forward to The Sound of Diamonds' release.