I’m not sure how I first met author Rachel Muller online…but somehow our paths crossed, probably more than a year ago, and I’m so glad they did. Why? Because she writes my faaaavorite era of historical fiction: World War II. Rachel recently released her first novel, Letters from Grace, and now that my own deadline is over, I finally get to read it. Can’t wait!
And I have to tell you, after reading Rachel’s answers to the questions below, I feel even more kindred spirit-y with her. You’ll see why when you get to the last question.
There’s also a giveaway below for a Kindle copy of her book, so be sure to enter!
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Melissa: All right, we have to talk about your book, but first, I saw on your website that you have a pretty cool outdoor writing space. Can you tell us about that?
Rachel: Ah, you spied one of my favorite places of relaxation and inspiration. My whole life, I’ve lived near one of the most visited sites in America–Gettysburg. Most people visit the battlefields for its Civil War history. But I visit there for inspiration and for its beauty.
One little known fact about Gettysburg is its link to World War II history, which is what I write about and where my passions lay. President Eisenhower bought and retired at a historic farm on the outskirts of the battlefields. He hosted many world leader including, French leader, Charles de Gaulle, who also developed a deep appreciation for American Civil War history. After the Eisenhowers’ death, the farm was converted into a museum where tourists can now tour the grounds. It’s a beautiful establishment nestled among gorgeous fields with a mountainous backdrop.
Melissa: What sparked your interest in telling WWII stories?
Rachel: For 13 years, I lived with two very special people in my life–my grandparents. Both were born in the very early 1900s and spoke of their childhood and young adult lives during the 20s, 30s, and 40s. I found their way of life fascinating, and when the movie Pearl Harbor hit the silver screen in 2001, I jumped at the chance to see it.
From there, I was hooked. I began reading and researching the war, speaking with WWII veterans, and watching war documentaries. When the premise for Letters from Grace came to me, I did not hesitate to set the story in the 1940’s era.
Melissa: What kind of research did you do for Letters from Grace?
Rachel: For 2 years I poured over historical books! My kitchen turned into a library research center, each counter lined with day-by-day records of WWII history, biography’s, photos, fashions, vintage vehicles. I searched for and watched many documentaries on Operation Overlord–D-Day.
When I felt I had a good understanding of war tactics, I began conducting conversations with my dad (who is an Army veteran). I also had the opportunity to speak with and interview 2 WWII veterans during the building of this project, asking questions not only about their time of service, but what life was like for them in the 1940s.
But the most important piece of information I gathered, was the true life account of my husband’s grandfather, David Green. He marched with the 29th Infantry Division onto Omaha Beach on D-Day and survived! All of the thoughts, feelings, and sights Luke experiences in my novel is taken from “Grandfather Green’s” point of view. It was crucial I detailed correctly the events of World War II and the homefront.
Melissa: Oh wow, it must’ve been amazing getting to talk to him. Back when I was reporting, I had the opportunity interview a WWII veteran and it was by far one of my most poignant interview experiences. Can you give us the basic premise for Letters from Grace?
Scarred from the death of her fiancé in World War II, Grace Campbell must learn to love again. Lieutenant Luke Brady could make falling in love easy…except he’s going to war. There’s one thing that can keep a thread tied between them—letters. But the suave Dr. William Keller enchants Grace with his charm and proposes marriage. She must choose between them. Will she settle for comfort and safety or risk losing everything on the Normandy beaches?
Melissa: Hollywood’s going to make your book into a movie! Who do you cast as Grace, Luke and William? And what song just has to be included in the soundtrack?
Rachel: WooHoo! Now we’re talking! Without hesitation, Nicole Kidman would make the perfect Grace. Grace Campbell is said to resemble the flawless Grace Kelly. So naturally, Nicole fits the bill. I think Andrew Walker would fit Luke’s description and, for William…I’ll stick with Hallmark and pick John Newton.
Melissa: What’s next for you writing-wise?
Rachel: Grace Campbell’s best friend, Maggie Johnson, is screaming for the chance to tell her own heart-pounding story in the Love &War Series. Due out in January, 2015, readers will learn what happens with Maggie as she ventures into enemy territory and encounters a love lost.
My husband is very excited for the release of Maggie’s Mission, as Book 2 is his favorite in this series.
Melissa: Aww, I like that your husband is excited about it! Finally, just for fun, what are three little known fun facts about you?
Oooh…do I dare tell??
1. My husband and I got engaged just two weeks after we met.
2. I love getting my hands dirty whether I’m gardening or assisting on vehicle engines, or fishing with the family.
3. I still have the urge to become a drummer.
Melissa: I LOVE that last one. I want to be a drummer So. Much. I feel like it’d be the best-ever energy release. Like playing racketball. Which I also love. Maybe I just like hitting things. And the fact that you and your husband got engaged just two weeks after you met is awesome and I want to hear that story!!
Thanks so much for being here today, Rachel!
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Obsessed with World War II since the tender age of 17, Rachel has been studying The Greatest Generation for 13 years and composing stories of love and war for three years. Her first project, Letters from Grace, claimed a spot in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write Contest in 2012 and semi-finaled in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, 2014. Letters from Grace, book 1 in the Love & War series, released September, 2014. She resides in Central Maryland with her husband and four children. Readers can learn more about Rachel at www.racheldmuller.com or connect with her at the following online spots:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Facebook: https://www.
Pinterest: http://www.
Modern Belles of History Blog: www.modernbellesofhistory.com
Giveaway Time
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Rachel’s new book!
Comments 31
This is a tough one to answer because I love all things historical fiction! I think I’d have to say that honestly, it’s a tie between medieval European stories of knights and castles and damsels in distress and WWII era stories!
Woops! I forgot:
kam110476 at gmail dot com
Thanks so much for visiting today, Kristen! Medieval works are very intriguing, especially when written factually correct (with a touch of fictional pizzazz) 😉
This was such a fun interview! I love the actors you picked for your characters and I think they’d make great stars in a WWII film! As for my favorite period in history to read about, that is without a doubt WWII! I can’t pinpoint an exact time but somewhere along the way I fell in love with that era! I love the whole feel of that time and it is the perfect setting for amazing, squeeze-your-heart romances. I honestly can’t get enough of books set in that time! I hadn’t heard of this one before but now I REALLY want to read it! It looks so good!
Hi Abbi!
I’m right there with you…I can’t get my fill of WWII reading. I’m a HUGE fan of Sarah Sundin and it kills me I have to wait a whole year between reading her books. As for the actors, I didn’t hesitate with you who could potentially fill those roles. I spent enough time with my characters I feel they are real people. 🙂
I really enjoyed this interview, and I would love to read the novel. Please enter me.
donvelma@gmail.com
Hi Velma!
Thanks for stopping by today and reading! 🙂
My favorite historical time frame is early 1800’s (regency), but recently I’ve become fascinated with WWII, after reading Sarah Sundin’s books. I am really interested in reading Rachel’s novel.
And I am really interested in having you read my books, Loraine. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by today and learning more about my debut novel.
Hi Melissa and Rachel! I would love to visit Gettysburg. I became a Civil War nut after living in Fredericksburg, VA for a few years. And, BTW Rachel, I think it’s awesome you got engaged two weeks after meeting your hubby!
Hi Jill!
You’ve got my full attention here! Gettysburg is a beautiful place to visit! So many different battlefields to walk, history to experience, sights to see, and places to shop! If you LOVE Civil War, you will most definitely have a grand time in Gettysburg. Many of the Bed & Breakfasts there are original Civil War Hospitals, or structures of that time with original log walls and trim work. I could continue, but I’d probably end up writing another novel on here! LOL. Feel free to connect with me on Facebook or through my website, though. 🙂
Melissa,
Thank you ever so much for having me on here today. You’ve made one of my dreams come true and I can now cross it off my bucket list! LOL. As for the drumming, we’ll have to meet face-to-face one day and take a drumming lesson or two! 😉
Author
And thank YOU for being here. I so enjoyed this Q&A and I just know I’m going to love your book. Truly can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing. My favorite periods of history are the Civil War and WWII.
Thanks for joining us today, Lori. 🙂
My favorite period in history to read about is WWII. I just finished a Sarah Sundin book, and it was excellent! I would love to read your book. Thanks for the chance to win! meaganlwilliford@gmail.com
Meagan,
I’m a big Sarah Sundin fan too. In fact, she had a little hand in my novel! The info is on the acknowledgments page in my book. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us.
My favorite time periods are Civil War era and WWII. Thank you for sharing your story and your book. This is another book added to my to-read list!
Cindy,
It was a pleasure to be here today. A big thanks to Melissa for allowing me to be her guest. 🙂 Glad to connect with new readers also. God bless!
I like the 1800’s love the old west. Although I do love to read Christian Historical too.
dkstevensne *at* outlook dotcom
Deanna,
I started out reading nothing but historicals set in the Old West. Still love to read them, although I’ve been diving into more early 20th Century works lately. 🙂 Thanks for connecting!
My favorite time period to read about…19th century America – specifically either the Civil War or the Oregon Trail.
I’d love to read this book. The cover is absolutely beautiful.
Brittany
rolltide_04@yahoo.com
Thank you for the compliment, Brittany. My cover designer did an excellent job of capturing the aura of the book on the front cover. Best wishes in the drawing! 🙂
You live near Gettysburg, Rachel? Color me jealous. But SO cool to find someone who not only writes historical romance as I do, but who lives near my favorite place on earth, AND whose favorite era is my second favorite–WWII. My first being Civil War. Cannot WAIT to read Letters from Grace and it’s sequel!
Hi Meghan!
Not only do I live near Gettysburg, but I have frequented there since I was about 4 or 5 years old. I never tire of the battlefields, memorials, and yes, I even walk through the Civil War Veterans’ cemetery to find peace and reflect on our country’s heritage. If you ever get the chance to visit, please do. 🙂
Glad to connect with another lover of WWII era historicals/romances. I hope you enjoy BOTH stories! 🙂
Hi Melissa and Rachel!
Great interview! I’m very curious to hear the story behind your getting engaged after 2 weeks, Rachel, so you’ll definitely have to come back and share with us! 🙂
Your book sounds great! I love WWII history, so I’m sure I would love it!
Oh, hard question! I have a horrible time naming my favorite anything, so yeah. Let’s see . . . I’m a huge fan of WWII history. I’m honestly not sure why, though I blame it on watching Hogan’s Heroes with my grandparents when I was a kid. I’m actually currently reading a book set during WWII, so that’s cool. I actually enjoy reading pretty much every time period, though. I’m not big on books set during like 1000-1500s, but I’ve read a couple and they were good. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win!
Hope you all have a great rest of the week!
~Sarah
Glad you enjoyed learning a little about the behind-the-scenes-me, Sarah. 🙂 Yes, the 2 week engagement thing is definitely a story within itself. But my husband and I have been very happily married for almost 12 years now. In fact, each year seems to get better. I truly married my best friend.
Thanks for stopping by today and I enjoyed reading about what you like to read as well. Have a great week!
I love historical fiction, I usually pick stuff set a bit further back than this… American in the late 1800’s is usually my first choice.
Thanks for stopping by, Patty! Historical Fiction is such a fun category to read! I love all types of historicals, especially when I learn something new.
ok, I was gone when this posted, so glad I came back to visit! Love the premise of this book. I have to say, I typically like historical as in Pride & Prejudice era, but there’s something about WWII that snags me. I love seeing veterans and hearing their stories. This is definitely something I’d pick up:)
Susan, So glad you decided to check out this post! 🙂 There really is something about the WWII era that holds so much love, mystery, and heroism. It has become my favorite era to read and write, but I love historicals of all types too. 🙂