Sunday, August 8, 2010

Eileen Hinkle Rife's "Journey to Judah"

We're happy to have Eileen Hinkle Rife with us today talking about her book, Journey to Judah. To learn more about Eileen and her book, read on!


1) How did this story come to you?
In November 2004, two days after my single missionary daughter arrived in India, a veteran missionary wife said, “Rachel, your ministry will be more effective if you’re married, and I have the perfect match!” My level-headed Rachel was skeptical, but curious. Two months later, her faith, as well as mine, got a shot in the arm as we watched the Lord lovingly pick up a young man in Washington State and take him to India to meet Rachel. In a culture of manmade matchmaking, God wrote their love story, thus deepening my assurance in Ps. 84:11 which says, “The Lord is a sun and shield; He gives grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” At the same time Rachel met Nathan, I was involved in a Bible study titled, A Lady in Waiting. As I thought about the similarities between Ruth and Rachel, a story began to emerge. I woke up one morning with the title for my novel: JOURNEY TO JUDAH.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I wrote JOURNEY TO JUDAH in 2005 between two weddings. It was one of those stories that just flowed out of me. Once finished, the manuscript slept on the shelf for several months. Later in the year, I sent a proposal to literary agent Steve Laube who rejected taking the novel on, but had several positive things to say about the work along with helpful suggestions for improving the writing. A few months later, I submitted the proposal through Writers Edge Service. When a year passed with no word from a publisher, I concluded that perhaps the Lord only had in mind for me to present it to my children. However, while in India visiting my daughter and family, I received an email from the editors at OakTara, then Capstone Fiction, saying that they had seen the proposal and first chapter posted on the Writers Edge website and would like to read the manuscript. Long story short, they accepted it in early 2007 and JOURNEY TO JUDAH was published in 2008.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmm . . . even though I’ve been to India several times, I have never developed a liking for curry, cumin, and coriander—at least not in the massive doses that the Indians love to apply it. However, my son-in-law is on a mission to convert his mother-in-law to his love for Indian cuisine. Interestingly enough, I do like coconut milk, straight from the coconut. In India, I can pull up to the “fast food joint,” i.e., the roadside open-air hut with coconuts piled on a wooden table, have the Indian punch a hole in the top with his machete, stick a straw in, and wah-lah—better than a milkshake! Well, almost.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Having completed all three books in the Born for India trilogy, I am now editing a stand-alone manuscript titled, SECOND HALF. Mave Robertson, a recent empty nester, wants the fire back in her marriage, but her husband, Jerry, remains aloof. Is he having an affair? She frets. Midlife crisis? When a neighbor suggests she “get a life,” Mave accepts the challenge and volunteers at an inner city teen ministry where she is thrown into a culture of drugs, gangs, and unwed teens. She soon discovers a friend whom she can help, but she never guesses that he might be the cure for both her stale marriage and her crumbling relationship with her father.

5) Parting comments?
JOURNEY TO JUDAH is packed with action, adventure, and romance. If you like a great love story, this book is for you. My passion in writing the novel is to assure readers that following the Lord is not a step to fear, but a fulfilling journey in which He proves to be a faithful Lover, Provider, and Protector. Book Two, RESTORED HEARTS is also available with Book three, CHOSEN ONES, to follow shortly.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Stop by and visit me at the following locations:
http://www.eileenrife.com/
http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com/
http://www.guardyourmarriage.com/
http://www.christianspeaker.net/

17 comments:

  1. What a wonderful interview! I would love a chance to win "JOURNEY TO JUDAH" please enter me in the drawing.

    Blessings to you both~

    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

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  2. I enjoy stories of missions work and how God works through them. Adding a spouse ups the ante. Please enter me.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  3. Action and romance in one...looks like a good one for me.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

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  4. Great interview. Eileen is so inspiring. I love her blog.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

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  5. I would love to read this book.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  6. I love reading about missions and I have a particular interest in India because we are planning (Lord willing) to adopt from this area.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. What a great interview...Love the way God works in our lives. I would love to read your book!
    I am a subscriber.

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  8. I would love to win a copy of your book. I know it will be great. Thank you for this opportunity.

    Best regards, Caroline
    thegrossmans@carolina.rr.com

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  9. I love how Eileen's novels seem to flow out of personal situations. Two of my friends are missionaries in India and I have enjoyed learning about their culture through the years. Though they are facing some persecution today, God has richly blessed their arranged marriage with much love.

    I am eager to read Journey to Judah and appreciate the chance to win a copy.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  10. Nakia George(nakiassgeorge)August 11, 2010 at 10:43 AM

    I would love to read this book.

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  11. What a wonderful story line!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  12. I, too, have a daughter headed to the mission field who would very much like to marry. We'd both enjoy this book!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  13. Please enter me! tiffanyniekro at gmail dot com

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  14. I would love to win a copy of this book! I have been hearing great things about this author :-)

    Thanks for the chance!
    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

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  15. Oops, forgot to leave my email address.
    RedeemedReaders@bellsouth.net

    Thanks,

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  16. Thanks so much for introducing us to Eileen and her writing. I coordinate the ladies book club at my church (Redeemed Readers of North Metro FBC) and am very interested in reviewing her book as a possible selection for our group.
    Please enter me in the drawing.
    Thanks, Sheryl
    RedeemedReaders@bellsouth.net

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  17. Hi Eileen, I loved your interview. So many interesting things going on in your life. I love Journey To Judah. I know this is going to be a great love story and can't wait to read.
    Thanks for stopping by to chat.

    K.Dawn, Thanks for introducing us to Eileen and her books.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

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