There’s nothing I love more than introducing my readers to new authors, and a debut author is even more special. Rachel Fordham’s The Hope of Azure Springs is her first novel, an historical romance featuring an young woman separated from her sister as youngsters on an Orphan Train, and a dedicated sheriff, determined to do the right thing for his town and own future. I hope you enjoy learning about Rachel in this interview and don’t miss your chance to win a copy of her novel (enter via the Rafflecopter form below).
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The Writer
Why do you tell stories?
So many reasons! I enjoy telling bedtime stories and watching my kids eyes light up when I use them as a character. I think they feel empowered when I send them on a daring adventure or to some new and faraway land. The sneaky Mom in me often throws in a subtle lesson or two.
I love telling adult stories that allow me to not only escape to my favourite places and times in history but that also allow me to explore different emotions and struggles and ultimately sigh over happily ever afters.
It’s all great fun!
Your favourite place to read
I rarely have the luxury of reading wherever I want. I mainly read in the school pick up line or on the couch during my little boy’s nap time. I do love reading outside in the summer. I’ll sit in a lawn chair and read while the kids play.
Best meal of the day
Breakfast, if we have time to make a “real” one. I’ve never outgrown my love of pancakes or French toast.
Most beloved childhood book
This is a really hard question. I have lots of favourites but since my son recently read Where the Red Fern Grows and I have lots of memories with that book I’ll pick that one. It made me cry as a child and makes me cry still.
If your life was a TV show, what would it be?
I don’t watch much TV but something with lots of kids running around or a comedy.
Whose music inspires you?
Another tough question to narrow down. I was introduced to Josh Groban while on my first date with my husband. A year and a half later we danced to him at our wedding and have since been to his concert. I don’t imagine I’ll ever get tired of his voice. Certain songs and lyrics speak to my heart.
What ice-cream flavour would you be?
I’m going to go with salted caramel. A little salty, a little sweet.
The most recent novel you read
I just finished reading The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz. Excellent read.
What’s your current book recommendation?
I’ve been on a bit of a classics kick. So go and pick up an Austen or better yet Jane Eyre. (Is it just me or is the book everything! Mystery, suspense, romance?)
Name a book character you can’t forget
Sarah from These is My Words. Rarely has a character stuck with me like she has. She’s plucky and resilient and yet because of the diary format you are able to get into her head and realize she’s so much more.
Dream travel destination
My husband and I made a goal to get to all fifty states together. We only have a handful left. So I suppose that means my dream destination is North Dakota, Hawaii or one of the others we’ve missed!
The Book
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
What was the working title?
Azure Springs
Describe your book in 5 adjectives
Heart-breaking, hopeful, endearing, beautiful, hearth-warming
Strange combination I know but there is really a lot going on!
Which character did you enjoy writing most?
Margaret- originally she was just a plot device but she came alive on the page and in my mind. I adore her! (Here’s a secret- she is back in my second book. Ssshhh!)
Which character gave you the most grief?
Eliza. She was very one dimensional for a long time. I really had to stop and get to know her in order to write her the way she needed to be written.
What emotions do you think your story will generate in readers?
I think there will be moments when they feel their heart being tugged on and it might even ache but ultimately I think they’ll walk away from The Hope of Azure Springs with a smile on their face and hopefully an eagerness to make the world a little brighter.
What emotions did you experience while writing this story?
Oh goodness! This story was a really emotional writing experience for me. My son who was four at the time became very ill while I was working on the first draft of this book. So ill that I could not write for five months. I was too overwhelmed by the trial we were facing. When I did come back to it I felt every emotion in the book much stronger than any other manuscript I’ve written. I felt Em’s loss and hurt so deeply. I was a mess as I wrote it. I also felt her joy!
How do you choose your characters names?
I love using names that mean something. My kids’ names are all snuck into this novel as side characters. The main characters names were just names that I liked that were used in that era.
Thanks Rachel!
Rachel Fordham started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She’d pull a book from the shelf, but they’d insist she make one up. Finally she paired her love of good stories with her love of writing, and she hasn’t stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Rachel’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Hope of Azure Springs or Koorong
June 26, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Yay! So happy to be featured here.
June 28, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Rachel Fordham » It’s a delight to have you, Rachel 🙂
June 26, 2018 at 10:38 pm
I very much enjoyed the interview with a new author as I appreciate historical novels! Rachel and her husband sound somewhat like my husband and I, re the travel goal. Some states, such as the western states with numerous national parks, we have visited several times and other states just once or not yet. So, I think we have visited about 80% of the US. Thanks!
June 27, 2018 at 11:46 pm
We do sound a lot alike! National parks are awesome.
June 28, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Cathy » I’m loving how many people are discovering Rachel – it’s my favourite thing about my blog!
June 26, 2018 at 11:41 pm
I have visited 12 states so far, and have lived in six of them.
June 27, 2018 at 11:47 pm
12 is a very good start! So fun!
June 27, 2018 at 12:25 am
I think we’ve visited about 20 US states, all on the East Coast or Midwest, since that’s where we live.
June 27, 2018 at 11:48 pm
We lived in Buffalo New York for a few years and loved how close together some of the states were!
June 27, 2018 at 3:09 am
Sounds like a great début. Congrats! Does driving through states count? Because that is mostly what I have done.
June 27, 2018 at 11:49 pm
Our only rule is airports don’t count and you have to do something in that state! Driving through is a great way to see how beautiful the state is. I love a good road trip.
June 27, 2018 at 3:46 am
We’ve visited all the states on the eastern coast, a couple Midwest states, Texas, Nevada and California.
June 27, 2018 at 11:50 pm
Sounds like we might be missing some of the same ones!
June 27, 2018 at 5:04 am
I think I’ve been to 18 states – Rachel definitely gas a leg up on me there. Be sure and read her book, it’s awesome!
June 27, 2018 at 11:51 pm
Thank you! You’re such a great support.
June 27, 2018 at 5:44 am
I think I’ve been to 10 states. That’s not counting the ones we drove through. It would be a lot higher if I counted those.
June 27, 2018 at 11:52 pm
We count them when we drive through as long as we stop and do something…some states we do more exciting things than others.
June 27, 2018 at 6:09 am
I have almost all of the continental United States. I haven’t been to Alaska, Hawaii and some of the northeast and northwest states. The USA is a really beautiful country.
June 27, 2018 at 11:52 pm
Such a beautiful country!!!
June 27, 2018 at 6:26 am
I’ve been to all but 15 states, and most of them are on the east coast. I’ve been to Hawaii and Alaska. We tentatively have a trip to New England planned for the fall, so that will take care of a few more.
Thanks for the fun interview and book spotlight. It’s always fun to meet new authors. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book already. It’s on my wish list.
June 27, 2018 at 11:54 pm
This thread is so great. I wonder how often we’ve all passed each other and don’t realize it.
June 28, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Winnie Thomas » Great to hear, Winnie.
June 27, 2018 at 6:29 am
I’ve lived in four different states, and visited 13, so have many more to visit. Thanks for introducing us to Rachel Fordham and her book.
June 27, 2018 at 11:54 pm
It’s great meeting you too!
June 28, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Pam K. » A pleasure, Pam!
June 27, 2018 at 7:16 am
I have been to 48 states except for Ohio and Michigan.
Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
June 27, 2018 at 11:55 pm
I’m having a bit of travel jealousy! You’re so close!!!
June 28, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Janet Estridge » Wow! I’m impressed, Janet. We only have 8 states and territories (despite being a similar sized landmass to the US!) and I’ve still got one to go!
June 27, 2018 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for the introduction to a new historical fiction author. It’s my favorite genre!
I would guess I have visited between 15 and 20 states. Would have to sit down and think about it and look at a map for sure!
June 27, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Historical is my favorite too. Nothing like stepping back in time.
June 28, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Patty » Love introducing readers to authors, Patty 🙂
June 27, 2018 at 8:53 pm
I’ve visited 3 states and lived in 2.
I’m excited to meet Rachel. Her books sound EPIC!
June 27, 2018 at 11:57 pm
I hope you enjoy it!
June 28, 2018 at 10:33 am
I knocked some new ones off this summer on our epic road trip! My total is now 46!
June 28, 2018 at 10:48 am
I’ve traveled to 28 states. I hope to one day make it to all fifty.
June 28, 2018 at 5:17 pm
I’ve travel some of the East Coast states and West Coast states, but have never been in any of the central US states.
June 29, 2018 at 1:32 am
I have visited 15 states and lived in 3.
June 30, 2018 at 9:49 pm
I too, have a goal of visiting all 50 states. I have been to 37. Thanks for the chance to win! I’ve heard wonderful things about this book!