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/
