Rachel D. Lyne (pen name) is a published non-fiction (“The Apple – A Woman’s Battle Plan: Overcoming Forbidden Fruit in Marriage”) and fiction author (“The Tales of Rizalia Series”). She’s written multiple articles in Charis Woman and Christian Women Living magazines. Lyne is also an editor (novels and curriculum) and an inspirational public speaker for women’s groups, schools (K-12th), and writerly groups. She holds degrees in Business and in Biblical Studies with a counseling concentration. After nearly two decades of employment in administrative roles, Rachel currently enjoys being a homeschooling mom (which includes dozens of job descriptions!). She lives with her husband of 18 years and 2 children in Pennsylvania. Connect with her @racheldlyne or www.racheldlyne.com.
Visit Rachel D Lyne online
.png)
Pure Heart
Trapped in a castle with suitors vying for her hand, Princess Alawen wonders if monarchial duty is all life offers. Tangled in a war she’s powerless to stop unless she weds, the heavy weight of who she “should be” nearly crushes her…until she meets an unlikely savior. Will she follow the God of Rizalia with a pure heart of love and honesty or be overcome by revenge, prejudice, and fear?
- ISBN: 9798991654708
- Publisher: Self Publisher
Interview with Rachel D Lyne 2025
When did you feel called to become an author?
I’ve always had a deep-rooted, commanding love and knack for writing - especially poetry - in my younger years. I began writing Pure Heart 20 years ago, but God took me on some learning and faith-building field trips before the final destination of its publication. When tragedy struck in the 2010’s, I could do nothing but write a faith-based guidebook to help other women in their journeys. That’s how my non-fiction, The Apple, came to fruition (pun intended!) in 2021. Three years later, after dozens of edits, beta readers, critique groups, and insight from fellow writers, the Lord opened the door for Pure Heart to finally be released in His time and in His way.
What did you learn while writing this book?
That God’s timing is different from ours – even when writing a book. He will make it happen in His time. When my audiobook comes out in March 2025, good Lord-willing, you’ll notice 2 young voice actors toward the end of the book. One was a toddler when I began writing Pure Heart 20 years ago, and the other wasn’t even born yet! God’s timing is PERFECT, and I learned not to put undue pressure on myself to get a book finished.
Can you give us some fun facts about your book?
1. There are ZERO contractions in my book!
2. It’s loosely based on Elizabethan Britain, but is a whole different world with dialects and new discoveries!
3. I have a Bible verse at the beginning of each chapter!
What is the toughest part of writing in your genre?
Feeling like the story’s already been told. When I first started writing, many of the now-popular movies weren’t even a thought in their creators’ minds. Many of my nuances were “taken” by movies that were released before I could publish my book. Instead of becoming discouraged, I try to remember that no one tells the same story the same way! Ever!
If someone were to look at your Google search history (all for research of course!), what types of things would we find?
How long does it take to travel by horse versus on foot for x-amount of miles? What happens when someone faints? When were maces invented? What is brigandine armor? I also search for my fantasy country names just in case they’re already copyrighted!
If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?
C.S. Lewis. He dove into deep spiritual themes while creating a mystical world of wonder. I’d ask him where he’d draw the line with allegory, thank him for having the diversity to write fiction and non-fiction alike, and ask him if he likes my work and what I could improve upon.
What’s your go-to drink while writing?
C-O-F-F-E-E!!
Yes! Fellow coffee lover here :)
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. In God’s timing, it will come to pass if it’s according to His will. Your calling isn’t a career. It’s a heart posture (Micah 6:8).
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
First and foremost, being in the Lord’s presence. Singing, playing video games (you read that right!), and studying the Japanese culture.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Lysa TerKeurst books, and books that my author friends write – I’m so proud of them all!
What can we look forward to next?
Audiobook of Pure Heart coming March 2025 and Blind Eye: Book 2 in The Tales of Rizalia Series coming later in 2025!
I’ve always had a deep-rooted, commanding love and knack for writing - especially poetry - in my younger years. I began writing Pure Heart 20 years ago, but God took me on some learning and faith-building field trips before the final destination of its publication. When tragedy struck in the 2010’s, I could do nothing but write a faith-based guidebook to help other women in their journeys. That’s how my non-fiction, The Apple, came to fruition (pun intended!) in 2021. Three years later, after dozens of edits, beta readers, critique groups, and insight from fellow writers, the Lord opened the door for Pure Heart to finally be released in His time and in His way.
What did you learn while writing this book?
That God’s timing is different from ours – even when writing a book. He will make it happen in His time. When my audiobook comes out in March 2025, good Lord-willing, you’ll notice 2 young voice actors toward the end of the book. One was a toddler when I began writing Pure Heart 20 years ago, and the other wasn’t even born yet! God’s timing is PERFECT, and I learned not to put undue pressure on myself to get a book finished.
Can you give us some fun facts about your book?
1. There are ZERO contractions in my book!
2. It’s loosely based on Elizabethan Britain, but is a whole different world with dialects and new discoveries!
3. I have a Bible verse at the beginning of each chapter!
What is the toughest part of writing in your genre?
Feeling like the story’s already been told. When I first started writing, many of the now-popular movies weren’t even a thought in their creators’ minds. Many of my nuances were “taken” by movies that were released before I could publish my book. Instead of becoming discouraged, I try to remember that no one tells the same story the same way! Ever!
If someone were to look at your Google search history (all for research of course!), what types of things would we find?
How long does it take to travel by horse versus on foot for x-amount of miles? What happens when someone faints? When were maces invented? What is brigandine armor? I also search for my fantasy country names just in case they’re already copyrighted!
If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?
C.S. Lewis. He dove into deep spiritual themes while creating a mystical world of wonder. I’d ask him where he’d draw the line with allegory, thank him for having the diversity to write fiction and non-fiction alike, and ask him if he likes my work and what I could improve upon.
What’s your go-to drink while writing?
C-O-F-F-E-E!!
Yes! Fellow coffee lover here :)
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. In God’s timing, it will come to pass if it’s according to His will. Your calling isn’t a career. It’s a heart posture (Micah 6:8).
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
First and foremost, being in the Lord’s presence. Singing, playing video games (you read that right!), and studying the Japanese culture.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Lysa TerKeurst books, and books that my author friends write – I’m so proud of them all!
What can we look forward to next?
Audiobook of Pure Heart coming March 2025 and Blind Eye: Book 2 in The Tales of Rizalia Series coming later in 2025!
For more great interviews, visit our Author Interview Archives.