Saturday, June 6, 2015

The Sound of Diamonds Blog Tour

OK, I just want to go on record as saying I called it! ;) In this post from January 11, 2013, I suggested that historical romance fans keep Rachelle Rea's name on file for future reference...and the day has come to whip that file out and head on over to Amazon to pre-order yourself a copy of her debut!

I'm so, so pleased to help Rachelle celebrate the release of The Sound of Diamonds, the first in her Steadfast Love series. The whole trilogy should be published within a year, and trust me - you're going to want to follow these characters through to the very end of their suspenseful, dramatic, and sweeping journey!


About the Book

"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."

Releasing on June 15th!
Purchase on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

Quick Thoughts

While I haven't yet re-read the final version of The Sound of Diamonds, I can tell you that I was impressed when I read and edited an early draft a couple of years ago. This is a story full of insightful metaphors and inviting word pictures, surprising history and suspenseful dangers. And the romance and friendships are also depicted in a rich and deep way.

The Sound of Diamonds is a grand start to a poignant series - an exciting adventure unto itself and a wonderful introduction to a cast of characters you'll befriend, bemoan, and ultimately cheer for throughout the trilogy. I'd say Dirk and Gwyn are the next Edmund Merrick and Charlisse Bristol (of MaryLu Tyndall's "Legacy of the King's Pirates" fame). This couple will break your heart, but they'll also teach you the unexpected music and faith lessons to be found in diamonds, silver, and emeralds.

Be prepared to get swept away by Steadfast Love.

*Disclaimer: I had the pleasure of editing an early version of this book and was provided a final courtesy e-copy. However, these opinions are my own.*


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. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote The Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college. Connect with Rachelle at http://rachellerea.com.

4 comments:

Rachelle Rea Cobb said...

OH Amber, how you bless my heart. Thank you so very much, my friend, for believing in me way back then and standing by me and my stories ever since. I so appreciate your friendship and encouragement--and all the many emails. :)

That reference to MaryLu Tyndall's infamous series makes me want to cry. Did you know those were the first in this genre that I ever read? And now you're comparing my Dirk and Gwyn to them? Melting this author's heart... :)

Thanks so much!

Unknown said...

That's awesome Amber! I know I can't wait to read the book and how cool that the entire series might release all this year! So cool!

Amber Holcomb said...

Rachelle,

Aw, friend, I love your comment! It's been my pleasure to be a part of your author journey and to see your beautiful series get published as it deserves. :) And I'm so pleased that you not only know which characters I was referring to, but also hold them dear, as I do! I adored that series - and I love the way your series continues that tradition of following one couple through the highs and lows, danger and triumph of their historical romance. Wonderfully done!

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Laura,

I know you're going to love it! According to Rachelle's website, Book 2 (The Sound of Silver) will release in October of this year, and Book 3 (The Sound of Emeralds) will release in February of 2016. So, not all out in 2015, but all out within the span of a year, which is pretty awesome. :) Can't wait for you to read the series!

~Amber