Well, it’s day two of celebrations here and my foray into vlogging. Your kind words have been so lovely – thank you. Today I’m chatting about my character spotlight features, how they began, and who inspired them. There is another wonderful giveaway at the bottom of the page, thanks to Tyndale House. Be sure to enter for your chance to win this 7 book bundle of exceptional reads. Each giveaway lasts a week, so winners will be announced then. I can talk on and on about books but if there is anything you would like me to chat about in my vlogs this week, pop it in a comment below.
Hope you are having a wonderful day, dear reader friends!
Rachel Hauck
10 years ago…
I was writing….
Diva Nashvegas now Nashville Sweetheart! Wow… time flies.
And here’s my review from June, 2007!
My favourite thing to wear was…
As always, shorts and flip flops.
My most beloved book to read was…
Oh no! That’s too hard. Anything chicklit.
I was dreaming about…
Writing more books!
Rach & I – ACFW 2016
Now…
I am writing…
My 24th book, The Writing Desk
My favourite thing to wear is…
Same! Shorts and flip flops.
My most beloved book to read is…
Still not fair, but I’ll say Beatriz Williams A Hundred Summers.
My new dream is…
To write more books.
As you look back over the past decade, how has God inspired/transformed/challenged you?
He’s proven to me over and over He’s “got this.” He loves me and is in control, having my best in mind. That my biggest blunder is not beyond Him. I don’t have to be perfect because He already is!
What would you like to say to your readers?
From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!! I know there are so many good books to choose from, written by talented, talented authors. So picking one my stories to spend time with is a huge honor. Cyber hugs to all of you.
Rach – thanks so much for brainstorming with me on the character spotlights! You have been a wonderful encourager over the years and I’ve loved featuring you in some way on the blog…thirty-one times, in fact!
Here’s the spotlight that started them all… Rachel’s Elle Garvey from Love Starts with Elle!
Connect with Rachel
Website || Facebook || Twitter
Giveaway #2 contains one copy of each of the following novels:
The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, Beth Moore
The Occupied, Craig Parshall
Catching Heat, Janice Cantore
Land of Silence, Tessa Afshar
Lead Me Home, Amy Sorrells
The Promise of Jesse Woods, Chris Fabry
The Alliance, Jolina Petersheim
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- 10 Year Anniversary, Celebration Day #6 ~ Waterfall Press Authors & Friendship
- 10 Year Anniversary, Celebration Day 3 ~ INDIE BOOKS
September 27, 2016 at 11:27 am
I love bio pics, so I will say Luther and Katherina by Jody Hedlund. Maybe a young Mel Gibson as Martin Luther.
September 27, 2016 at 12:45 pm
Ooh! Good one Jill. I would love to see Luther and Katharina as a movie!!
September 27, 2016 at 11:37 am
Land of Silence. Played by an unknown actress, so we don’t identify with a big star. TY for the chance. God bless!
September 27, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Lucy Reynolds » I agree with that completely, Lucy!
September 27, 2016 at 11:45 am
Embers & Ashes series by T.K. Chapin as it would be four movies about firefighters, faith-based. Who would play the parts…oh my, I’m a reader not a tv watcher so I’m not sure I know actors enough to say who I’d like to play the parts :/
Love the opportunities for the giveaways…so many, such fun!
Happy Reading all!
October 10, 2016 at 12:22 pm
You are welcome, BHriv – so glad you have enjoyed the celebrations.
September 27, 2016 at 12:05 pm
There is no way to narrow down the books I would love to see made in to movies!
September 28, 2016 at 10:58 am
Completely agree!
September 28, 2016 at 11:02 am
Completely agree! Too many books to choose. Have gotten out of the habit of reading lots so I’m not good at this. Sigh.
Love the suggestion of the O’Malley series. And Mr. Knights.
I also am pretty clueless as to many current actors and actresses so I will pass on the suggestions.
Oh, Vanetta Chapman’s murder mysteries.
September 27, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Another wonderful vlog entry, Rel! You’re fabYOUlous!
September 27, 2016 at 11:41 pm
Tamara Leigh » Thank YOU, dear Tam xo
September 27, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Rachel, we are twinning. Shorts and flip flops are my favorite attire too! 🙂
Rel, I didn’t realize you had a link to character spotlights. I got a little distracted looking through those for a bit. 🙂 I love the photos in the character spotlights. While I don’t read the descriptions until I’ve read a book, I do enjoy the photos before reading the novel.
Such a tough question as there are so many worthy choices!! I’m going to go with a romantic comedy and say In Good Company by Jen Turano. I would cast Reese Witherspoon as Millie and Owen Wilson as Everett.
September 27, 2016 at 11:41 pm
Staci » Glad you had some fun poking around the spotlights, Staci!
September 27, 2016 at 12:58 pm
I would love to see The Alliance made into a movie with Sandra Bullock and Brad Pitt.
September 27, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Would love to see Dani Pettrey’s book Silenced 🙂
Jake – Timothy Olyphant
Kayden – Cote de Pablo
September 27, 2016 at 11:40 pm
Susanne » Oh, I love those choices, Susanne 🙂
September 27, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Rel,
It’s been so fun to be on this journey with you. Glad the character spotlight worked out so well.
Staci, ha! Gotta keep it comfy.
Blessings to you Rel!!
Rachel
September 27, 2016 at 11:40 pm
Rachel » It’s been a delight, Rachel – big hugs xo
September 27, 2016 at 2:42 pm
What I love about the “one take” thing is that it’s just exactly like sitting in your lounge room with you. I love that your blogs are exactly true to who you are.
What I’d love to hear about is what ingredients make a good review? And what, in a review, makes you cringe?
September 27, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Tracy » You would know, Tracy 🙂 Thanks for the question – I’ll be back with an answer later this week xo
September 27, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Congratulations on making 10 years. The first review I wrote was when I was young, for the church newsletter. I had read a biography of Fanny Crosby. I’m sure it was more of a summary than a review.
September 27, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Jessica » Great story, Jessica – appreciate you sharing it.
September 27, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Movie? God, there have been so many books I’d like to see made into movies. Hmm, Mark of the Lion by Francine Rivers, Discarded Heroes by Ronie Kendig & The Ballantyne Legacy by Laura Frantz. Well, I couldn’t pick one, so those three are my top series at the moment 😉
I already know no movie would do the books justice, but how how fun it wouldn’t it be if they were made into awesome movies. I have zero idea who could play them, haven’t thought that far out.
October 10, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Great choices, Bee!
September 27, 2016 at 11:31 pm
REL, thank you for another fabulous video! Books are better than movies! 😉
September 27, 2016 at 11:37 pm
carylkane » Thank you so much, Caryl – glad you enjoyed it!
September 27, 2016 at 11:34 pm
The “Mark of the Lion” series by Francine Rivers has always been a powerful set of novels and could be a great set of movies. I don’t know that a big named actor or actress would be necessary just so that the focus is on the story, not a pretty face.
September 28, 2016 at 12:22 am
Congrats on 10 years. Can’t think of one off the top of my head.
September 29, 2016 at 3:25 pm
kim hansen » Thanks Kim 🙂
September 28, 2016 at 12:54 am
I have read so many books that I would love to be seen made into a movie! One of them would be Kissing Adrian by Siri Mitchell! Maybe Jennifer Garner would be in it and an unknown younger actress to play the lead. Would love to see more faith based movies from inspirational books!
September 29, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Kity » Kissing Adrien is one of my favourite books 🙂
September 28, 2016 at 12:59 am
Congratulations on 10 years! I’d like to see Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry made into a movie. I too would like to see unknown actors cast so that the focus could be on the story not the stars.
September 29, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Kay Martinez » Thank you Kay! Chris’ stories are fantastic.
September 28, 2016 at 1:17 am
Oh Rel! I can’t pick just one but I will say that I always find myself looking up youtube clips for unfamiliar accents and languages that are in the books I read. I want to experience the book as authentically as possible 😉 I don’t like the way movies are always so much different than the books, much shorter and often the story line is changed.
September 29, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Beth Erin » Wow – what a fun idea, Beth Erin. So what’s been your favourite accent/character so far?!
September 29, 2016 at 11:19 pm
Some of my favorites are Irish, Scots, Brits, and Aussies but I also appreciate a good southern drawl, the many accents of new England (especially Maine and Boston), and really anytime a bilingual character lapses into another language (or dialect) in a moment of passion (rage or romantic).
I’m not so good at the whole picking one favorite of anything, lol! I love listening to the sound of your voice, Rel! So sweet and soothing 😀
October 4, 2016 at 1:25 am
Beth Erin » Love it!
September 28, 2016 at 1:58 am
I’d like to see Dear Mr. Knightley as a movie.
September 28, 2016 at 2:01 am
The vlogs are awesome!! It’s like sitting and chatting with you in your library.
September 29, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Jennifer Zarifeh Major » Wish you were actually in my library!!
September 28, 2016 at 3:08 am
That’s too hard of a question to answer. I generally don’t like books made in to movies because it spoils the way i see things in my mind and doesn’t do the book justice
September 29, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Kathy » Very true, Kathy!
September 28, 2016 at 4:42 am
Just because it’s fresh in my mind since I finished the most recent book – I would say the Walker family series by Melissa Tagg. They are so endearing and realistic to me.
September 28, 2016 at 6:03 am
For awhile now I have wanted Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers to be made into a movie. I had heard they were doing some research, but nothing has come into play yet. I’m terrible with actors/actresses so I have no idea in that regard.
September 28, 2016 at 6:27 am
How can you just pick one book??? Ok, I would actually like to this made into a TV series so I could watch frequently.
Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series
Kate–Evangeline Lilly
Marcus–Aaron Eckhart
Lisa–Jaime King
Jack–Ryan Gosling
Rachel–Keri Russell
Stephen–Ryan Eggold
Jennifer–Hilary Duff
September 29, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Melinda » You have thought about this a lot, Melinda! Love your choices for the girls. Ryan Gosling for Jack…hmmm…totally saw him differently, but why not?! 🙂
September 30, 2016 at 6:18 am
Who would you put as Jack?
October 4, 2016 at 1:19 am
Melinda » Mmmm…thinking more along the lines of Sullivan Stapleton. I may be showing a bit of bias given he is Australian! But Jack was always a little rough around the edges in my mind 🙂
September 28, 2016 at 8:38 am
Congratulations on ten years! Hmm, a book made into a movie? I absolutely loved The Girl From The Train by Irma Joubert. It’s a beautiful ww2 story. As far as actors go, I really don’t know. It would have to be a little petite blonde. I’m at a loss for the hero. Lol!
September 29, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Dana Michael » Thanks so much, Dana
September 28, 2016 at 12:09 pm
Thank you for this great opportunity. Love these books.
September 29, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Jackie » You are welcome, Jackie!
September 28, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Right now, I think I’d really enjoy seeing one (or all?) of Melissa Tagg’s or Dani Pettrey’s books made into a movie. I’m terribly indecisive when it comes to picking out actors/actresses for the roles, though, so I’m not even going to try! haha! ;P
September 28, 2016 at 9:57 pm
So hard to narrow it down to one book 🙂
I’d love to see Ronie Kendig’s Quiet Professionals series made into movies. No idea on the actors sorry…
September 29, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Leola » Pretty much any of Ronie’s stories would make great movies, don’t you think?!
September 28, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Congrats, Rel!
I would love to see Julie Lessman´s A Passion Redeemed! Emily Blunt could make a great Charity and Chris Pine might be nice Mitch! 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Janka H. » Thank you Janka!
September 28, 2016 at 11:46 pm
There are many great books that could be made into a movie, but my favorite one would be Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar.
Actors is a really hard choice, I can’t think of anyone to right now.
September 29, 2016 at 12:45 am
Oh geez! Too hard to pick! Lately I’ve been loving regency romances, so I’d love to see one of those as a movie. Although they’re probably too ‘clean’ for anyone to want to do that. And I’d choose Theo James as the main guy and me as the lady. Lol!
September 29, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Dezi A » Hahaha! Love that, Dezi 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 12:52 am
Since I just finished reading Ronie Kendig’s “Operation Zulu Redemption” I would LOVE to see it in movie form, and the people she has already picked as models for each character would be perfect. Another great vlog, Rel, and your one takes are spot-on. They make it much more authentic and intimate and your book enthusiasm is contagious.
September 29, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Amy » You make me smile – thank you for your encouragement. I have been tempted a time or two to edit something out, but we don’t do that when we are talking face to face so I’m leaving it as the one take 🙂 And yay for Zulu! Did you love it? Who was your favourite character?!
September 30, 2016 at 12:01 am
I did LOVE it! So much that I’ve read it twice back-to-back. I sent Mrs. Kendig an embarrassingly gushy e-mail about how much I enjoyed it and BEGGED her to write more in this series. As to my favorite character… I’ll have to divide it up by male (Sam) and female (Teya). The way Sam did everything in his power to find Annie had me begging for a Navy SEAL pursuer of my own. And Teya…she went from an Amish wannabe (and you know perfectly well how I feel about that!) to a lethal weapon to be reckoned with. My heart rate elevated enough that I could’ve skipped the gym while reading it.
October 4, 2016 at 1:23 am
Amy » Love this, Amy! You are not alone in wishing for a new series 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 1:36 am
Joshilyn Jacksion’s The Opposite of Everyone with Ruth Negga (Agents of Shield) as Paula…
September 29, 2016 at 2:17 am
All of them! Haha! Thanks for the giveaway opportunities. 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 2:29 am
I would like to see the series of books Song of Acadia by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn made into a movie. The books were soo good.
I would not know who to choose for actors.
September 29, 2016 at 4:38 am
Books are always better than the movie, but Redeeming Love would be a great choice for a movie. Congrats on 10 years!
October 10, 2016 at 12:24 pm
Thank you Beckie!
September 29, 2016 at 6:50 am
I would love to see any of Jenny B. Jones’ books made into movies! Particularly “In Between” or “There you will find me.” Either Lily James or Emilia Clarke would be fun to see in these types of roles!
September 29, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Sherri » Ooo, yes!
September 29, 2016 at 8:53 am
That’s a really hard question to answer. Maybe The Wedding series by Rachel Hauck. I have no idea who I would cast to be in the movie.
September 29, 2016 at 10:30 am
I think most of Charles Martin’s books would make good movies, I hear that ‘The Mountain Between Us’ is in the works!
September 29, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Patty » It is, Patty, and I can’t wait. Talk is Idris Elba will play the lead role 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 1:54 pm
Such great books!
September 29, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Rel,
Thanks for putting this together. I LOVE hearing about all these wonderful authors!
September 29, 2016 at 3:55 pm
I’d love to see any of Julie Lessman’s books made into a movie – I’d have to give thought to actors/actresses to play the part of her characters, one that immediately comes to mind is Julianne Hough. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway opportunity, Rel!!
October 4, 2016 at 1:28 am
Bonnie Roof » Pleasure!
September 29, 2016 at 4:32 pm
I would love to see Dee Henderson the O’Malley Series into a movie 🎥 or her True Valor series! Talk about yummy heroes!😉
October 4, 2016 at 1:27 am
Amy » Very true!
September 29, 2016 at 10:54 pm
I just finished the Lady and the Lionheart and would love to see that on screen! Off the top of my head, I’m thinking Emma Watson and Chris Hemsworth for the main roles 🙂
October 4, 2016 at 1:26 am
Becca » Oh, I don’t mind those picks at all, Becca 🙂
September 29, 2016 at 11:55 pm
OK.. This is way too hard. I took a few days to think this over. There are way too many. Currently, Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne and Sarah’s Orphans by Vannetta Chapman have really stayed in my mind even on a visual basis. However, I really can’t decide who I want to play the main roles. I switch around a lot! Since they’re more contemporary, I’ll choose a historical which I can really see playing on the big screen. Rachel McMillan’s A Lesson in Love and Murder, wait that’s the sequel. I would start with A Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder. It’ll be fun!
October 4, 2016 at 1:24 am
Annie JC » All great ones, Annie 🙂
September 30, 2016 at 2:34 am
I would love Lisa T. Bergren’s River of Time series to become a film series. Not sure on cast though
October 4, 2016 at 1:22 am
Aimee » There are talks in the works…hopefully one day 🙂
September 30, 2016 at 1:18 pm
I loved Land of Silence and The Alliance ! I have not read the others yet but want to.
As for who I would pick to play the character parts, i really don’t know as I don’t really watch much tv or watch many movies.
October 1, 2016 at 12:31 am
Great books! I don’t really know who Id pick to play the roles. I’d choose “The Auschwitz Escape” for a movie.
October 1, 2016 at 1:14 am
This is a wonderful grouping of good reads, Rachel Hauck is a talented author!
October 1, 2016 at 2:29 am
Thanks for all the years of great blogs Rez. I have enjoyed following you and learning about all the great authors I enjoy reading. Congratulations on 10 years.
October 4, 2016 at 12:51 am
Penny A » You are most welcome, Penny, and thank you!
October 1, 2016 at 2:30 am
Really, I’d love to see a trend where the new, best Christian fiction are made into movies, one right after another! That would be great. There are so many to choose from, but I really do like Dani Pettrey’s books, and I’d love to see her S series made into movies.
October 4, 2016 at 12:50 am
Rosalyn » They would be great fun, Rosalyn!
October 1, 2016 at 3:47 am
Movies are never as good as the books, they leave too much out
October 1, 2016 at 7:19 am
I think most of the suspense novels by Terri Blackstock, Diann Mills, or Irene Hannon would make great movies!
October 1, 2016 at 12:48 pm
There are so many books that I would like to see as movies, actually more like mini-series.
October 2, 2016 at 9:01 am
There are so many truly good Christian authors I write incredibly great books. How do you choose? I would love to see movies, mini-series, Hallmark Channel, or any channel for that matter. DiAnn Mills, Janice Cantore, Tessa Ashfar, Ronie Kendig, Sarah Sundin, Vannetta Chapman, Kathy Herman, Irene Hannon, Beth Wiseman, just so many and I don’t want to leave anyone out.
October 3, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Pat Moore » Fantastic list there, Pat – I agree!
October 2, 2016 at 3:50 pm
I’d like to see Ronie Kendig’s Discarded Heroes Series made into movies…..
October 3, 2016 at 11:44 pm
Mark Buzard » That would be excellent, Mark, I agree!
October 3, 2016 at 12:05 am
I would love to see Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series made into a movie. For main characters I do not know who I would want to play the main characters
October 3, 2016 at 2:24 am
I think the Mark of the Lion series would make a great movie series. I would cast Emmy Rossum as Hadassah. I’m not sure who’d I’d cast as Marcus.
October 3, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Liz » Good choice!
October 3, 2016 at 11:48 am
I would love to see the “River of Time” Series by Lisa T. Bergren in movie format. As for leading roles, I’m open. 🙂
October 3, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Sarah » Oh, yes! Me, too 🙂 I’m currently listening to Waterfall on audiobook at the moment having read and loved the series when it first released.
October 3, 2016 at 11:41 pm
Sarah » YES!!
October 3, 2016 at 1:28 pm
This is a hard one for me bc filmmakers usually ruin books (the movie reel I have in my head is so much better). I’m going to say The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey for the scenery – Iceland!
October 3, 2016 at 3:34 pm
I just finished my first book by Tessa Afshar and would love to read another.
October 3, 2016 at 11:32 pm
Carol Alscheff » Tessa is fantastic! Which one, Carol? I’ve loved them all, especially Pearl in the Sand, her debut.
October 3, 2016 at 9:54 pm
Melissa Tagg’s books would be great as movies I think. Especially her Walker family series. They would be fun to see!
October 4, 2016 at 10:52 am
Ohh I’d love to see the Grand Tour series by Lisa T. Bergren in film. Not sure who I’d like to star in it though…hmmm. I really hope that she’ll be able to get the River of Time series made into film!! I know that she’s working at that right now.
October 10, 2016 at 12:25 pm
That’s right, Jen – here’s hoping it comes to fruition!
October 4, 2016 at 11:08 am
Kara Isaac’s books – CLose to You and Can’t Help Falling. Jen Turano’s A Class of Their Own Series, Jody Hedlund’s books. I am not good at picking actors to play the characters lol
October 4, 2016 at 11:20 am
The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim ~ Moses played by Geoffrey Blake and Leora by Helen Hunt!
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House