by Rachel Hauck
“You know, I was just thinking the same thing . . .”
Acknowledgments
This book tied me in knots. I’d sit in a beach chair in our garage and stare at the white board hanging on the wall trying to figure how the letter connected six people over 250 years.
I drew a nice, elaborate scheme and at the end of the day, deleted it.
The story became its best when I simplified and focused on the four it impacted the most: Hamilton and Esther, Chloe and Jesse.
Thanks to my editor Erin Healy for listening, sounding out my structure issues, and reading this book at least three or four times! At least. Your insight, kindness, and inspiration gave me courage when I made those big changes. I appreciate your faith in me!
To my in-house editor, Karli Jackson, all love and blessings as you begin this new phase of your life. Being a stay-at-home mom is the best job of all.
To my new editor, Kimberly Carlton, I’m looking forward to the journey.
My writing partner for thirteen plus years, Susan May Warren. Thank you for always being there when I need help. Or to kick me back in play when I surrender to “I’m-the-most-boring-writer-in-the-world” lies.
To Beth Vogt, stellar author and friend, and my FaceTime partner.
Amanda Bostic, Kristen Golden, Allison Carter, Paul Fisher and the entire HarperCollins Christian Publishing team. It’s an honor times a hundred to be working with you all to bring my stories to the world.
My thanks and appreciation to the HCCP sales team, the boots-on-the-ground force, as well as Matt Bray, Jason Short, and the rocking digital team.
Most of my research was done online and reading books. I’m so awed and appreciative for the men and women who recorded our amazing American history. There is so much to read on the Revolutionary War, I was overwhelmed.
However, and there’s always a however, lining up all of the historical facts proved to be daunting. As well as deciding how to mold my fictional characters into real history. I did my best.
The Battle of Cowpens was a real and vital battle in winning the war with Great Britain. General Morgan’s success there changed the tide of the war.
The movie The Patriot is a fictionalized Battle of Cowpens. I picked this historic, southern battle for two reasons. One, we don’t talk much about the south when discussing the Revolutionary War. And two because what’s not to like about the name “Cowpens”?
As I researched and realized this battle was the boilerplate for The Patriot, I endeavored to keep as true to the story as possible.
My husband and I stopped by the battlefield in Chesnee, South Carolina, on our way home from vacation. As we walked the grounds along Green River Road, it was hard to imagine men fighting there 237 years ago. Yet I was awestruck. And grateful.
The letters of John and Abigail Adams provided emotional insight to the mindset of our eighteenth-century ancestors. Reruns of Poldark helped me find the cadence of the language.
Any misses in dialog and historical facts are all mine.
John Irwin; John Brown; William Brown; Jacob Broadway; Robert Nelson, surgeon; and Andrew Pickens are real men of the Revolutionary War. General Morgan’s speech to the troops before the battle is also real.
Off Camera with Sam Jones gave me some insight into the life of an actor as well as the book Must See TV.
I owe many thanks to screenwriter and blogger Lori Twitchell who answered all of my movies questions. Again, any mistakes are mine!
I dedicated this book to my husband because I cannot imagine doing life without him. He is my living “love letter.”
To all of you, who give your time and precious dollars to read and/or buy a book: Thank you. You are the reason I do this.
Above all, thanks to Jesus. I wouldn’t be here without Him. The Prince of Peace is the Prince of my heart. He makes all things beautiful!
Discussion Questions
1.Do you have any historical family artifacts? How have they helped you discover more of your family or yourself?
2.The book asks the question, “What happens to unrequited love?” Even though I asked the question as the author, I’m not sure love is its own entity, drifting through time, looking for a place to rest. Yet I was fascinated by the idea of two people falling in love yet finding themselves separated by war, life, social status, or circumstance beyond their control. What do you think of unrequited love?
3.Hamilton and Esther were on different sides of the war. In my research, I came across stories of entire families split apart by the fight for independence. What are other things that can destroy families and friends? How can we overcome obstacles like politics or social constructs to love one another?
4.Chloe hasn’t had much luck in the romance department. Don’t we often think successful, beautiful people have it all, yet many times they are the most lonely and lost? How can we pray for those who seem to “have it all”?
5.Jesse bears the burden of Loxley’s death. How have you dealt with guilt in your life? How can you encourage others?
6.Chloe makes a fascinating statement about marriage. It’s the one place where only those two people exist! What do you think about her view of marriage?
7.Jesse tried for a long time to make it in Hollywood. When he finally did, he gives it all up on principle. What would you have done? What would you give to stand by a friend?
8.Esther is very loyal to her father. Did she make the right decision in the end?
9.Hamilton didn’t want to fight but found himself drawn into the militia. What did you think about his final battle?
10.Jesus appears to Hamilton and Esther. What did you think of His beckoning, “Come, follow me”? In what way is He beckoning you in your life?
About Rachel Hauck
Emilie Hendryx of E. A. Hendryx Creative
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower.
Visit her online at rachelhauck.com
Facebook: rachelhauck
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Instagram: @rachelhauck
