Monday, October 06, 2008

Love Starts With Elle blog tour!


Hey all!

Elle is going on tour...be sure to stop by the WONDERFUL blogs on her schedule, see what they're saying about Elle and Heath and who knows, you might make a new friend! LOVE IT!

Oh, and leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a copy of Love Starts With Elle! I'll be announcing the winner on Friday 10/24!

Trish at Books for Moms
http://booksformoms.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html
When the publisher sent me this book, my 13 year old daughter, Hannah, stole it from me. Then she read it. Then she gave it to her friend. It was being held hostage because the girls LOVED IT!!! It was that good!

So I am just now starting to read it, and can't wait to get more into the story. I am so impressed with Rachel's writing style and ability to pull readers in is amazing.


10/10
Martha at Our Familys Adventures
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha/602960/
Take a look at this delightful book! It is a sweet story with some real life struggles in it, but for those of us who like a sweet romance, you will enjoy this book.

Sunny at Life in the Estrogen Ocean
http://estrogen-ocean.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-tour-and-giveaway.html

I just have to say that I absolutely adored this book and it's predecessor, Sweet Caroline. I highly recommend both of them! There was so much I loved about this book, but I think the thing I loved most was the message that says by all means, fall in love, but don't fall in love blindly; things aren't always what they seem.

10/11
Deborah at A Cup of Joy
http://acupofjoy.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/love-starts-with-elle-by-rachel-hauck/
Ah…Love! So exciting! Confusing! Frustrating! And WONDERFUL! All at the same time. Finding the One can be heart wrenching, just ask Elle. She’ll tell you. I can identify with her.

Amy at The 160 Acre Woods
http://the160acrewoods.com/?p=1338
Boy oh boy! I was actually starting to feel my body tense up in this book! Will Elle do this? Or will she do that? oooooooh what is that girl thinking??? arghhh she had me biting my nails at a few points in the book!

Can you tell I liked it? Rachel Hauck did a fabulous job of drawing me into the characters and bringing life to her story. I loved that it was realistic, and was still a romantic dreamy kinda thang if that makes sense?

While there are a few parts that some people may not like (because it does portray the realistic sides of life and our slip ups). I have to say I totally loved this book because of it. It showed how God can work in our lives regardless of our situations and our desperation!

So if you’re looking for a fantastic Chick Lit to read you need this book!!! I seriously couldn’t put it down!


10/13
Melody at Kids, Cakes, Dishes, Laundry…In That Order
http://kidscakesdisheslaundry.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html
I mentioned in a previous post that I was reading two books at the same time. One I was reading for my morning quiet time, and this book was my fiction book that I was reading just for fun. I wish I could review them together, because as I was reading them at the same time, they were working together on my heart. As Elle was going through men-issues and learning to sit quietly and hear God's voice all at the same time, I was learning the importance of daily conversations with God. I was learning both to pour out my heart to Him and to sit quietly and listen to His...sounds easy doesn't it? As Elle finds out, it's not that easy, but it is well worth the effort!

Pam at Without Fear
http://withoutfear08.blogspot.com/2008/10/fearless-book-reviews-love-starts-with.html
First off, I loved everything about this book. I had already been privileged to read another of Rachel's novels, Sweet Caroline, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tasra at Real Women Scrap
http://realwomenscrap.typepad.com/scrapbook_lessons/2008/10/love-starts-witha-great-book-by-rachel-hauck.html
Rachel's writing always has a way of weaving its way into your heart and mind. The characters become my friends and Elle is no different. The characters are people I want to meet and hang out with. They get under my skin and sometimes make me forget that they aren't real!

Margaret at The Cappuccino Life
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/603881/
Rachel Hauck provides wonderfully for such times with romances that go way beyond mushy feelings and dive into real problems with realistic characters. While I am still stubbornly not a romance fan, I do appreciate that Rachel Hauck’s stories are a far sight more realistic characters than a lot of Christian romance.

Camy at Camy's Loft
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-giveaway-love-starts-with-elle-by.html

10/14
Sarah at Real Life
http://reallifereview.blogspot.com/2008/09/book-reviewgiveaway-love-starts-with.html
From the first chapter, I fell in love with Elle, and my heart felt every twirl on the roller coaster of her life in Beaufort South Carolina! I tore through the pages, as I was hoping and cheering for her. And by the end, I was in tears. It's a wonderful story of God's grace and provision for us.

Jamie at Surviving the Chaos
http://survivingthechaos.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-by-rachel-hauck.html
Here's a book that really struck a chord with me spiritually. I'm not sure if it was just a matter of the "right thing at the right time" or if it would do it again and again on many a reading, but boy could I relate to Elle. Not in the single-chick-whose-life-is-falling-apart way, but in the how-far-have-I-strayed-from-who-I-really-am-and-what-God-wants-from-me? way.

Miralee at Coming Home
http://miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/2008/10/rachel-haucks-love-starts-with-elle.html
I'm reading this second book in Rachel's series right now and LOVING IT! I thoroughly enjoyed her first book, Sweet Caroline, but I think this one is going to top it.

10/15
Christina at …And Everything Else

http://christina-everythingelse.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html

Amy at Amy’s Random Thoughts
http://amychristopher.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-review-love-starts-with-elle.html
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite new authors. She is right behind Karen Kingsbury, love her. This is my 2nd book in a series and I am hooked. The first book was Sweet Caroline and these are must reads if you like good Christian Fiction. I want to get to know her characters. I want to live in the towns they do..Good Stuff.

Jill at Christian Work At Home Moms
http://cwahmjill.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html

10/16
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/2008/10/blour-tour-stop-for-love-starts-with.html

Melissa at Breath of Life
http://breathoflifeministries.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html
I've read one of Hauck's previous books, Georgia on Her Mind, and I shared that experience here. Hauck doesn't just write a good love story...she delves deeper into the characters and their struggles with life and faith.

Amy at Sprightly
http://sprightly-amyanne.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-blog-tour.html
Loved that this sweet story had such great spiritual depth! A must read!

Kate at A Simple Walk
http://asimplewalk.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-love-starts-with-elle.html
This is the kind of book that make you sad to turn the last page. Rachel did such a fantastic job with character and plot development that I was 100% invested in the lives of Elle and Heath. I found myself unwilling to say goodbye to them when I saw the end of the book was near.

10/17
Joy at Five J's
http://fivejs.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/love-starts-with-elle/
My interest in Love Starts With Elle was also piqued when I read that the story takes Elle from the Lowcountry, where I used to live, to the Dallas area, where I now live, and back again. In addition, having been in the ministry for many years, I also related to Jeremiah, another of the main characters in the book who serves as a pastor of a very interesting (but unfortunately not very unusual) Dallas-area church. Obviously I felt connected to the book from the start. And I wasn’t disappointed.

Kathie at Strolling
http://takingastroll.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-start-with-elle-blog-tour.html
It really touched my heart. Elle is charming, funny, and way too lacking in self-confidence (just like a lot of us). Her story made me remember that even as Christians it's much too easy to stray away from God, and how lovingly He is waiting for us to return.Read the book. You'll love it! And, hey, keep a watch out for feathers!

Julie at Booking Mama
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/2008/10/review-love-starts-with-elle.html
I thoroughly enjoyed Elle's story; and I found the basic premise of LOVE STARTS WITH ELLE very interesting. However, what I most liked about this book were the characters in it. I absolutely adored Elle, but there were so many other terrific (and memorable) people in her life that added to this story. Elle was such a down-to-earth and very real woman to me. Despite her setbacks, she still managed to stay true to herself while also keeping a sense of humor. I enjoyed seeing Elle discover the power of prayer and learn to listen for God's word. I guess you could say that I liked being along on her spiritual journey.

Karen at Sky High View
http://sky-highview.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#111673622259418461
I picked up Love Starts with Elle, expecting a light romantic read. I got romance, but so much more. Depth, spiritual truth, human frailty, creative gifts, and the power of God to heal and revive the human spirit.

10/18
Pattie at Fresh Brewed Writer
http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html
What I love about Rachel Hauck's books is that they're fun with substance. They have fun characters, with funny scenes, yet real-life struggles and faith lessons to learn.

Teresa at Joy in the Journey
http://teresaslack.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-begins-with-elle.html
I am thrilled to be part of Rachel Hauck's blog tour and let you know about her latest release, Love Starts With Elle.

Virginia at Book Reviews
http://www.virginiasmith.typepad.com/bookreviews/

10/20
Revka at Our Family Porch
http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-love-starts-with-elle.html

This book captured my interest from the very beginning. Elle is the perfect heroine - spunky and sweet at the same time. All the characters in this story live and breathe. They are not some fluff figures created just to fill space. Their strengths and weaknesses are the same as mine, which enabled me to connect emotionally with the story. I wanted to see Elle respond in a certain way; I despised Jeremiah for his self-centered actions; I cheered for Heath because I saw into his heart. In short, I escaped into a make-believe world that was nearly as real as the reality in which I live.If you can't tell, I highly recommend this book. Inside its covers, you will find an enjoyable story that also contains important life lessons.

Lauren at 5 Minutes for Books
http://www.5minutesforbooks.com/423/love-starts-with-elle/
Love Starts with Elle is an enjoyable read. Because most of us have learned at one time or another that our plans and God's plans aren't always the same, Elle's journey is one that is very relatable.

Beth at The Witing Road
http://thewritingroad.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-tour-love-starts-with-elle-by.html
I enjoyed reading Love Starts With Elle. Rachel Hauck develops strong characters with believable conflict who don't always make predictable choices. I've come to look forward to my "visits" to the South Carolina low country.

10/21
Kristy at I Need to Read
http://ineedtoread.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-by-rachel-hauck.html
From my current view on life, I have to say that I was quite impressed with how Rachel portrayed the grief process in Heath's life. Given that this is obviously fiction and in no way meant to be a manual on grief/bereavement, I didn't expect much in this department. However, for somebody who (as far as I can tell) hasn't lost a spouse, Rachel did a fantastic job in her portrayal of Heath and I found it a very interesting read.

Susan at Scribbles
http://susanmaywarren.typepad.com/scribbles/2008/10/ohmygosh-i-love.html
Deep rich characters, some spiritual a-ha moments, a setting you can almost feel, and a romance to warm your heart.

Patty at Girlfriends in God
http://patty-girlfriendsingod.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-blog-tour-and.html
I highly recommend Rachel's book. She is one of my favorite authors.

Mindy at Ponderings of the Heart
http://philippians4verse8.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle-book-review.html
I want to tell you, though, that is book is more than just a great love story. It spoke some great words from the Lord directly to my heart.

Tricia at Its Real Life
http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2008/07/love-starts-with-elle.html

Laura at LightHouse Academy
http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html
The faith message in this book really reached out and touched me—a strong message from God that I needed to hear. I’m so glad that God brought this book into my life when He did.

Robin at Writing Between Sundays
http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com/2008/10/love-starts-with-elle.html

64 comments:

Lisa said...

I want to win! I have looked for your books in the bookstore, and haven't been able to find one. I'm not much for online ordering, but if that's what it takes, I guess that's the route I'll have to go.
Enjoy the tour. Very creative.

Anonymous said...

hey there! can you edit my link in the tour please? all my book reviews are at www.ineedtoread.blogspot.com which is the reading home of my blogging life. :) thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I've read some of your political articles and really enjoyed them. Now I need to read one of your books!! I'd love to win one!

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

Tracy said...

Hey, I'll come out of hiding again for free stuff! :)

Rachel Overton said...

Oooo!I'd love to win a book! I also have a hard time finding your stuff in stores, but I ordered the NashVegas duo from CBD and LOVED them! Your sense of humor is so me! :-)

kc_froglady said...

oh how cool! I found you while blog hopping today! I would love to win your book - I am an avid reader and in need of something to start on next!

CherryBlossomMJ said...

*do not enter me*

I just wanted to stop by on the tour and say again how much I love Sweet Caroline and Love Starts with Elle. You can share my reviews with people too if you need any others. :)

http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/2008/07/sweet-caroline-and-love-starts-with.html

Martha A. said...

Don't enter me either, sorry for the late post, but my review is up and posted! I loved both of these books and plan on sharing them with my MOPS group library this year!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/martha

Amy Jo said...

Hi Rachel - I'm am so excited to start reading your books! Would love to win a copy of one. The covers are awesome. :-) Blessings & JOY, Amy in OR

Sarah DeSalvo said...

I'd love to win your book! I also am going to check out the rest of your books - it seems like you are a great writer!

Anonymous said...

I would love to have an opportunity to read this book!! I learned about your book from Amy at the 160 Acre Woods.

Mimi N said...

Hi Rachel. I'd love for you to enter me to win your book. I have your NashVegas books (which I had you sign at the MOA ACFW conference). Both books are on my Fall Into Reading 2008 list. Please enter me to win.

Blessings,
Mimi B

mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

wovenbywords dot blogspot dot com

Donna said...

Oh please enter me in this one. This looks like a keeper. I love the title and the play on words.

Donna
runninmama[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Jo said...

Rachel,

I have read a few of your books already and really enjoy them. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Love Starts With Elle looks fantastic. I'm 13, so I guess this would be a great read for me and my friends. Please enter me!
mammamialia(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mokihana said...

It looks like a wonderful book that I'd love to read. I love the idea that God works through all of our circumstances...

Anonymous said...

ooo, I loved Sweet Caroline and I'm so excited that there's going to be another book with these characters!
My email address is
gidgetblog [at] gmail [dot] com

Laurie Ann said...

Oooh...count me in! Amydeanne over at the 160 Acre Woods gave a fantastic review! I can't wait to read it, either by winning it or buying it. sisterchick1@yahoo.com

He & Me + 3 said...

It sounds like an awesome book. count me in.

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great book. please enter my name in the draw.
thanks,
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Patty said...

I would love to win. I love your books. Count me in!

pleblanc_1[at]charter[dot]net

shelburns said...

Please enter me! I also read the review at 160 Acre Woods...sounds like a great book!

Sandra said...

I would love to win the book :)

Anonymous said...

Count me in!~

ylin.0621[at]yahoo.com

Trish said...

I would LOVE to win:)

Anonymous said...

I would love to win!!
trisha0507[at]gmail.com

PatriciaW said...

I enjoyed Sweet Caroline. Please count me in pwriter1 [at] yahoo.

Lori said...

Sounds like a delightful read.

Lori
lannoe@yahoo.com

Tracy said...

I would love to win the book! It really sounds great. Thanks for entering me to win! You can reach me at tracyk02@yahoo.com. Blessings!

Stonefox said...

Would love to win this book! It sounds great.
stonefox@pobox.com

Katie said...

Hello , I would love to win a copy of this book. I started reading a friend of mies copy and it seemed awesome....
Thanks, Katie
katie8407 (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. It sounds great! Thanks

Anonymous said...

I just left a comment. My email is KJM8704(@)JUNO(.)COM)

shelburns said...

This book sounds great! I would love to win.
shelly dot burns at cfisd dot net

Anonymous said...

I have "Sweet Caroline" on the table next to my bed, lined up to be one of my next reads. I'd love to have "Love Starts with Elle" to dive into after that! :-)

Thanks for the chance to win!
author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com

Linda said...

Sounds like a lovely book. I have a new niece named Elle. Would love to win this novel. Thanks

Thinking About Compassion said...

This sounds like a great story. Please enter me.

Doreen said...

Sounds like a great read! Please count me in for the drawing. purposedrivenlife4you (at) gmail (dot) com

much2ponder said...

This sounds very interesting...please count me in! Blessings to you :)

windycindy said...

I really enjoyed "Sweet Caroline!"
It would be fun to follow Elle's story with this book. Please enter me in your wonderful book drawing. Many thanks.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Stormi said...

I have never read one of your books, but I would love to give it a try so put me in the drawing.

Thanks,
Stormi

Anonymous said...

Rachel, your book sounds fantastic! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

Deborah Piccurelli
DebPiccurelli[at]verizon[dot]net

kalea_kane said...

So many great reviews! What a fun tour! Thank you for the opportunity, Rachel. I just loved Sweet Caroline. You are so very talented.

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carole said...

I don't believe I stand a chance, but I'm going to enter anyway! I've heard great things about Rachel's writing and this book in particular. Thank you for this giveaway.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Jackie said...

I finished Sweet Caroline this summer and loved it...now I am excited to dive into this one!

ibeeeg said...

I just read a review at www.5minutesforbooks.com and have become very intrigued with this book. I would love to read it!

Please enter me into the giveaway. Thanks!!!

ibeeeg(at)gmail(dot)com

Courtney said...

i would love to win a copy. I have been looking for a new book and although i have never read your work it sounds amazing!

gail@more than a song said...

I've read a couple of your books and really, really enjoyed them! I like fun girl books!

Julia said...

I'm always on the look out for new and good books to read. This one sounds great!
juliabca@hotmail.com

Debbie said...

I have never read her books but would love to win one..

Alexia said...

I'd love to win! I've actually never read any of your books before, but I'm off to the libraries site to look them up now! :)

Lora said...

Oh, please put my name in the hat!
Thank you kindly!

Cynthia said...

Please add my name to the drawing. Thank you!

Michelle V said...

Sign me up! I can't wait to read it!

Mary Helen said...

Please add my name to the drawing.

Anonymous said...

Please add me to the book drawing too! I can't wait to read it over Thanksgiving holidays. Blessings, Jill

http://jumpin-in.blogspot.com

GratefulinGA said...

Sounds like a good time,
count me in!

Debra Ullrick said...

Woo hoo. I think I found the right place this time. Add my name to the drawing to win a free copy. Hi Rachel, long time no chat. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Thanks.

Debra Ullrick, author of
The Bride Wore Coveralls
Déjà vu Bride
Dixie Hearts

www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I have read one other book of Rachel's and I really enjoyed it. Please enter me for a chance to win.

SarahAckerman@aol@com

Michele said...

Fabulous giveaway! I'd love to be entered!

Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read! I would love to win.
monica.robinson72@yahoo.net

Kate said...

OH YES, this sounds soo great!!! Add my name to the list!! Thanks so much! :)

Michele said...

You've got me hooked...I would love to read this!

Rachel Hauck said...

Hi all,

You all win! Please check my blog for information on how to send your snail mail addy.

Thomas Nelson is graciously supplying books to all those who entered to win!

Woo hoo!

Rachel