The Memory House by Rachel Hauck | Blog Tour

A woman who's on shaky ground in her job as a New York city cop. A struggling sports agent starting over. An inherited house and the story of its origins.

All of these details woven together by the skill of master story teller Rachel Hauck!

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck | Re:View

She’s done it again. Rachel Hauck has made me cry. I mean…Every. Single. Time. No matter what it is, if Rachel Hauck writes it I’m usually crying by the end (note: they are pretty much always happy tears!).

I was in desperate need of a great Christmas book to help me continue the feeling of the holiday’s past December and this book was exactly what I needed for that. I have long loved her royal series and this was the perfect end to that! Plus, combine a quaint kingdom, a handsome prince, and a spunky Georgia girl and you’ve got a recipe for success.

In this sweet (and relatively short) Christmas read we see Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom become reacquainted with Avery Truitt (Susanna’s sister). We also find out more about their past and how that affects their current history. Plus, in addition to all of this, we get let into a past tradition in Brighton Kingdom involving a bell and a potential marriage on Christmas Day. What more do you really need to know?

The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck | Re:View

A tale of God's perfect timing that spans the ages. 

***

She's done it again. I don't know what kind of magical mojo Rachel Hauck weaves into her stories but they get me right in the feels every time. Every. Time. Yes, I spent a good portion of this book crying...In a reflective, happy, sad, mixed-emotions and feelings kind of way. I'm pretty sure not everyone will be affected in this way, but somehow this book hit me right in a soft spot and pressed in. Deeper and deeper.

This book--and the characters journey--reminded me that God is powerful, influential, and working in this world (yes, even though it is a fictional book). It's one of the many things I admire about Rachel's writing - her ability to gently remind us of the fact that God is a BIG God and capable of doing amazing things. He's a God of miracles. I remember one line hit me especially where Haley says, "...but I'm not going to let a little thing like money stand in my way." What truth! And what a great theme--considering the fact that God's will is bigger than money or our ability to plan things out (but I digress).

This story, like The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel, is "dual time" encompassing a story from history with the present. I'm not a huge fan of this in general, but the stories have really grown on me. If I were to choose which story I liked best between Cora Scott and Haley Morgan I'm not sure that I could pick. Both were well thought out, developed, and enticing in their own right.

Haley reminded me a lot of myself - not exactly in personality, but at the core of who she is and what she focused on in this book. Her devotion to opening The Wedding Shop and her appreciation for its history is also something that resonates deep in me. I love history and want to see it cherished and preserved. I loved Cora's character and storyline, though I was frustrated with her at times for being "blind". Then again, aren't we all blind to things we don't want to see sometimes?

And the ending. *sigh* I won't share much here other than the fact that I was at around 50% one night and finished the rest of the book (staying up until 2 am) just to see what happened. And I loved it!

If you like present day romance, historical romance, or (like this book) a combination, you are going to love this book! It gives you the best of both worlds and a woven story that will pull you through until the end and have you rooting for The Wedding Shop.

Rating: 5*
Purchase: The Wedding Shop 

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.  

More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.

______________

I received this book for free but was under no obligation to post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Rachel Hauck | Spread the Christmas Joy

Christmas and the Cross

One of my favorite Christmas memories embodies the heart of the season: salvation.

Some years back, my family gathered for Christmas. At the time, almost everyone lived in Florida — that’s since changed, sigh — and we had plans to spread the holiday among a few houses.

On Christmas Eve, we went to church before loading up and heading to Tampa to see my sister. As my husband and I sat on the front row with my Mom and Dad, my brother, his wife, and their children, and another brother, the pastor dimmed the lights as we lit our candles.

He spoke of how a little light can break the largest darkness. Then he beckoned those who’d never walked with Jesus to stand and declare, “I choose the cross.”

The room was silent but weighted with a holy presence. One by one, people began to stand and declare, “I choose the cross.”

You see, the cradle of the Christ child really only makes sense when you look past it to the cross— the whole reason He came.

The pastor allowed the moment to linger. Candles flickered. Another person stood and chose the cross.

Two seats down from me was my sister-in-law. I knew the holy presence in the room beckoned her. Should I lean over and encourage her?

But some moments are meant to be between God and the beckoned. So I remained still.

“There may be more,” the pastor said. “Choose the cross.”

Then she stood, my sister-in-law, her voice wavering. “I choose the cross.”

Even now, the memory of that moment brings tears to my eyes. My mom was crying. My niece. My brother. Something changed in the atmosphere as she made her declaration.

The meaning of Christmas was fully realized in me, in my family, in the whole room, as my sister-in-law chose Love.

After the service, we said our goodbyes, wishing one another a merry Christmas. My husband and I, along with my parents and brother, piled in the car and headed to see my sister.

During the two-hour midnight drive, my heart resonated with the sound of my sister-in-law choosing Jesus. Joy flowed out of my heart. I relived that moment over and over.

Christmas morning came and gifts were exchanged. Delicious food consumed. But nothing topped that one declaration. “I choose the cross.”

It’s easy to love the Christmas season for the festivities, the gifts, the lights and decorations, and the general feeling of goodwill.

But we can only truly understand Christmas when we choose the cross.

How about you? Have you chosen the cross?

_______________
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and award-winning author.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Visit Rachel: http://www.rachelhauck.com/

*Giveaway*

Rachel is graciously offering a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding! Enter below.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

14 Favorite Reads of 2015 + GIVEAWAY

I'm wrapping up the year on Thinking Thoughts and I'm so thankful looking back over this year. I've gotten to read some incredible books. I've met amazing new friends here on the blog. I've gotten to know some amazing authors. I've started a newsletter. I got an agent (eeeik!). And all the way I've gotten to share these experiences with you my dear readers. I am so grateful!

As a kind of wrap-up I've compiled a list of my favorite 14 reads of 2015. These books...well, I can't recommend them highly enough! You can also check out my reviews of them (find them here). And make sure you scroll to the bottom for the GIVEAWAY!

A Praying Life
by Paul E. Miller

Devotional/Prayer
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQSq45

Emissary

by Thomas Locke

Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1loF3y5

Plot & Structure
by James Scott Bell

Writing Craft
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9buS

Golden Son

by Pierce Brown

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NG9Egx

Playing Saint
by Zachary Bartels

Thriller
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQT9SQ

How to Catch A Prince

by Rachel Hauck

Romance

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTvJ4

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

YA Lit/Dystopian/SciFi
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQTAN7

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

YA Lit/Fantasy 

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaOZA

Falcon
by Ronie Kendig

Military Suspense
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGaUQY

Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand

Biography/WWII

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1NGbEFJ

From the Start
by Melissa Tagg

Romance
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUp8B

Seek and Hide

by Amanda G. Stevens

Dystopian/Suspense

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUEQT

A Time To Die
by Nadine Brandes

YA/Dystopian
Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQUUiY

Embers

by Ronie Kendig

Fantasy

Purchase link: http://amzn.to/1HQVfSC

To end the year with a BANG! I thought I'd offer up one last giveaway. I've got 12 books (that will remain a mystery) to giveaway. They are review books so they have been read once, but I thought I'd share the love and pass them along. The best part is that, should you win, you won't know WHAT you won...well, until you get it at least. I thought it could be fun - hey, they are all great books and, if you've read the book, you can pass it along to someone who will enjoy it!

Leave a comment below with your favorite genre - no guarantees, but as the winners are chosen (via Rafflecopter) I'll try and match up genres with winners.

Enter below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachel Hauck {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Rachel...

Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Best Selling, and award-winning author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince.

She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.


How to connect with Rachel...

Website: www.rachelhauck.com
Blog:www.southernbelleview.com
Goodreads: Rachel Hauck 
Facebook: facebook.com/rachelhauck 
Twitter: twitter.com/rachelhauck
Purchase: The Wedding Chapel 

Author Interview | Rachel Hauck

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing as a kid. I wrote my first “novel” in a pale blue, spiral bound notebook when I was ten. I studied journalism in college, and dreamed of writing books but wasn’t sure how to go about getting published. When the Christian market started growing, I found my way in.

...I keep writing because I love it. I love having written. I love the power of story. There are hard days when I don’t like it and I feel uninspired, like a hack, but there nothing else I’d rather do. Nothing else I feel called to do.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...For some reason, I’m not sure why, I’m partial to a book I wrote with Sara Evans, Softly and Tenderly. There’s a touching scene in with the protagonist and her mother that still makes me cry.

What was the hardest thing about publishing? The easiest?
...Hardest part about being published is the business side. How do you grow your readership, improve your craft, and try not to write the same thing over and over. The easiest is having the relationship with the industry, knowing people, editors and agents, and other authors. It helps to have a list of published books on your resume too.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...The Wedding Chapel is about a 60 year old chapel in which there have been no weddings. So it’s the story of how the chapel came about and asks the question, “Is it ever too late for true love?”

...I wrote it because, well, here’s an unromantic answer, I had a deadline and needed an idea. I was on vacation in Tennessee and drove past a small wedding chapel. Bing! Idea!

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I do! Jimmy. I love this character. He’s so genuine and honest.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Stay near to the heart beat of God. 

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration is everywhere. I hear it in conversations, reading, watching a movie, hearing the news. Also, I do research to get a feel for what my characters might be like during a certain era or if they work in a specific field. The more authentic you can be with setting and story world, the more real the characters will feel. Even when they do wild, over the top things.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...Do not give up. You’ll never be published if you quit. Study the craft, read a lot and don’t be impatient. Plus, in today’s publishing world you have options such as independent publishing. Don’t get stuck in one mind set about how to get your work out there. Explore your options. Above all, write a great book.

You

What will you/did you do for Thanksgiving?
...Eat! Ha! I’m not sure yet. I have two deadlines this fall so I think I’ll be butt-in-chair.s

What is your favorite food of the Thanksgiving dinner?
...A family yeast roll recipe! Add gravy or a bit of black raspberry jam and I’m add pounds to the hips!

What are three things you’re thankful for?
...Jesus! My husband and my new Sleep Number bed!

_________________________

Thanks so much for being my guest Rachel! Readers, I have been a long time fan of Rachel's writing and it wasn't until last years ACFW conference that I got to meet her in person. It was surreal meeting someone I'd gotten to "know" through her books first. When she agreed to be on my blog I was overjoyed :D

I personally really enjoyed The Wedding Chapel and am so excited for it to come out in just a few days. I'm also excited to offer an eBook copy here as a giveaway - because you all should read this sweet story. If you don't win, make sure you head over and order this lovely book. See my review of The Wedding Chapel here.

_________________________

I've been gone on vacation and I realize I'm behind on announcing my giveaway winners :/ I'll get to that hopefully tomorrow and add a little update of my own. Plus, I've got some posts to make up so be on the look out :D

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

A multi-generational story of healing and restoration. 

The intricate tapestry of The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck creates a complex picture of interwoven lives. Each character thread is specifically placed. No one thread can shape the image by itself, but together they weave a tale that speaks of the power of healing and restoration.

The story of Taylor Branson and her new husband Jack is juxtaposed to an older tale of aging high school football coach, Jimmy Westbrook and his estranged love, Collette Greer. Battling miscommunication and the damaging toll that keeping secrets can take, these four lives are forever changed through the course of the story and their encounter with the wedding chapel Jimmy built for his true love.

I enjoyed this dual-time story set in past and present day New York and Hearts Bend Tennessee. Of course, the fact that Taylor was a photographer appealed to me as well, seeing as how I am also one. As I've come to expect with Rachel's books, her descriptions painted a vivid image for me and the depth of each character was strong. Emotions came off the page, affecting me in a personal way. I also enjoyed the ending and the strong themes that were wrapped together cementing the importance of restoration.

One thing I did want to see more of was Taylor and Jack's story. I felt like--at a certain point which I won't say so as not to spoil anything--I wanted to see more of why they changed not just how, but maybe I'm being nitpicky ;)

I'd definitely recommend this to fans of Rachel Hauck as well as those who enjoy romance, historical romance, and dual-time novels.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: The Wedding Chapel

Book Description
(from Rachel's website)

For sixty years, a wedding chapel sat silent, waiting for love. But times have changed and the hour has come when it just might be too late.

Retired hall-of-fame football coach Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook never imagined anything would come of his labor of love—the wedding chapel he built for Collette Greer, the woman he fell for back in ‘49. But now an offer has come to turn the chapel into what it was meant to be—a place for love—and Jimmy sees no reason to hang onto his dream any longer.

Photographer Taylor Branson is trying to make a life for herself in New York. Leaving her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, she put a lot of things behind her, including her family’s abysmal marriage rate. But love surprises her when she falls head-over-heels for Jack Forester, a top ad man. Their whirlwind romance results in an elopement, and a mountain of doubt. Jack, while genuine in his love for Taylor, can never seem to overcome his own demons to find the words of his heart.

When Taylor takes an assignment in Heart’s Bend, the job does more than send her back to her hometown, but into a world of family secrets buried beneath the sands of time.

When Taylor’s journey intersects with Coach’s, they rediscover the heartbeat of their dreams and that the love they long to hold is right in front of them. And worth every waiting moment.

________________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

How To Catch A Prince by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

With a hint of the divine woven in, How to Catch a Prince will have you dreaming of fairy tales and miracles. 

 Stubborn, determined, and on the mend from heart-break, heiress Corina Del Rey is about to take the journey of a life time. Resurfacing after five and a half years weighted down by grief, Corina finds herself facing a secrete from her past that she hasn't quite escaped.

Prince Stephen, brother of King Nathaniel (from Once Upon A Prince) loves rugby more than anything else, though it's become more of an obsession and distraction after coming back from the war. When his past refuses to say in the past, Stephen finds himself facing more than just memories.

Arriving on the royal coattales of Princess Ever After, I was more than ready for this third installment of The Royal Wedding Series. I really enjoyed Corina and Prince Stephen's unique story and loved the dynamics of their interaction together. Stephen's character was the perfect compliment to Corina's determined personality and their spark was undeniable. Of course, I also loved the details of Brighton, Rachel's superb descriptive language, and the openness of the characters true feelings. In some books I find that too often an argument or feeling isn't expressed to a logical conclusion or even to a certain depth, that was not the case with How to Catch a Prince. I found myself in the trenches of their emotions--but not in an overwhelming way.

This is a must read from me! And hey, while you're at it, make sure to grab the other two books in The Royal Wedding Series. You will quickly find yourself lost in a fairy tale world that's not too far from ours.

Rating:5*
Purchase:  How to Catch a Prince (Royal Wedding Series Book 3)

Book Description
(from Rachel's website)

Behind him, beside him, before him, the synchronized cathedral bells began to ring out.

One, two, three . . .

Then she said it first. The words his heart burst to share. “I love you, Stephen..”

She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey’s life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she’s shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.

When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen’s pre-war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it’s own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.

Or let it be lost forever?

_______________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

25 Favorite Reads of 2014

Well, looking back on this year, I have gotten the chance to read some incredible books! I know a lot of people who share their "best of" or "favorites" lists, so I thought...why not join the gang?

I started by going back through my Goodreads list to see what I actually read this year! Call me crazy, but the year flew by and I was having a hard time remembering what all happened this year. So, these aren't in any order other than the order that I read them in. Some were read for review, some just for fun, but either way--if you're looking for books to read in 2015, look no further ;)

25 Favorite Reads of 2014

1. Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung

2. Galatians for You: For Reading, For Feeding, For Leading by Timothy Keller  

3. Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck 

4. Beowulf: Explosives Detection by Ronie Kendig

5. Humility: The Beauty of Holiness by Andrew Murray 

6. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth

8. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

9. Mortis by Hannah Cobb

10. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

11. Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

12. Words of Conviction by Linda White

13. A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

14. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

15. Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest by Bonnie Gray

16. Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt

17. The Judgement Stone by Robert Liparulo

18. Hacker by Ted Dekker

19. Redeeming the Rancher by Deb Kastner

20. A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr

21. Operation Zulu (all Episodes) by Ronie Kendig

22. The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen by Tosca Lee

23. Deceived by Irene Hannon

24. A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker

25. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin

2014 ACFW Conference Highlights

Conference selife - I allow one
of myself per year ;)

It's not often that you leave a place knowing--and feeling--that people truly understand you. For me, that place is the ACFW Conference. Though this was only my second year attending, I feel as if I've been a part of the ACFW family for much longer than that. They are warm, welcoming, and above all - they understand my weirdness!

The ladies out for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory

What's that, you may ask? Weirdness? Well yes...in fact, having a conversation about the voices in your head is common place at a writers conference and it's normal! Not to mention when you get a group of us romantic suspense writers together all we tend to do is talk about ways to kill people...without getting caught. But, not to worry - it's only in our fictional worlds of course.

For me, thinking about this year's conference causes my eyes to do this funny watery thing and my throat to get a little constricted. Honestly, the Lord brought about amazing friendships (ones that happened even in the span of 5 days!) and I know they will last.

Some of the highlights
(represented by photos because...well, you know me and photography)

Brandilyn Collins as the MC for the conference. She does such a fantastic job each year! (P.S. For a little treat, visit her amazing website and you'll see one of the headshots I took of her last year right there on her page! Eeek!)

Worship by this amazing woman of God! Rachel Hauck does such a beautiful job in leading us to the throne each year at the conference. Her sweet spirit and genuine heart for the Lord pour out in her words and through her beautiful voice! I was personally encouraged by the song choices and the time spend before our Father in worship.

Chatting with this amazing woman!!! My dear readers, I talk about her a lot but I can't say enough great things about Ronie Kendig! Catching up with her at the conference was definitely a highlight - and I smile in anticipation of our continued friendship now that we're within "meeting up" distance - yea!

Haha...another highlight - bunny ear selifes with this guy! Chip MacGregor is hilarious and kept photo bombing my shots of the conference with his deceptive and sneaky bunny ears! It was only right that we got a selfie of it.

Being in St. Louis right by the Arch. Wow! Our hotel was in the best location ever. This shot was taken from our room window at sunrise - talk about a view! The staff was so friendly and the hotel itself was lovely. I particularly loved the park right out the front door where I took my headshot clients to capture the beautiful natural light and green foliage.

Another highlight: these people (and sooo many more I didn't get to take pictures with).

So...can you tell I had an amazing time at the conference? I'm so sad that it's over! I typically get to see these people one time a year (which is definitely NOT enough) and leaving is always hard. I'll probably do a more 'writing oriented' update later, but for now this post has helped me relive a small portion of the conference plus it has updated you, so I'd call that a win! ;)

If you went to the conference, what were some of your highlights???

A March Bride by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

Swoon. Sigh. Smile.

Three words that perfectly describe A March Bride by Rachel Hacuk.

Part of the A Year of Weddings Novella Collection, Hauck reintroduces characters Susanna Truitt and King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom from her novel Once Upon A Prince. Following the whirlwind that was Susanna and Nathaniel's beautiful love story, their wedding preparations are in full swing! Slated for a large, public wedding in Brighton Kingdom and asked to give up yet one more thing, Susanna starts to question if she's made the right decision to enter into royalty. Who will she be once she's the Queen of Brighton? Will Nathaniel's very public, and very important life completely overshadow her?

King Nathaniel has been distant, dealing with governmental demands and one last request he must make of Susanna, knowing that she has already given up so much. Despite this, his love for her has never wavered, but has Susanna's?

Though only novella length, this sweet story will overwhelm you with intense emotions holding you captive to the story until the end! I'm a huge fan of Hauck's writing and this novella is no exception. I laughed, talked out loud to the characters, and even cried at the end (the good tears of course).

I completely recommend this to fans of romance and real-life fairy tales! You may be frustrated at first, wondering where the Happy Ending is, but don't worry, it will be well worth the wait.


Purchase: A March Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella)


Book Description
(Taken from Hauck's website)

In A March Bride by award-winning author Rachel Hauck, Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from marrying her prince, King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom.

But when a final request comes from the government for her to renounce her American citizenship, couple with the lack of attendance to her wedding by family and friends, doubt seeds her heart. Is this God’s plan for her?

Losing Susanna is Nathaniel’s greatest fear. Marrying a king means her life will never be her own — right down to her very identity.

When she travels home to Georgia before the wedding, Nathaniel is unsure she’ll return. Gathering his courage, he devices a plan to win his bride all over again and prove her heart is the “kingdom” which he treasures above all.

                                                            _______________________
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.  

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck |RE:View

Sometimes, when I finish a book, I feel a small part of me has ended. Reading Princess Ever After, the second book in Rachel Hauck's The Royal Wedding Series, has left me feeling exactly this way.

Riding on the coattales of book one, Once Upon a Prince (my review found here) I found Princess Ever After to be just as delightful as is predecessor! How could I not love a book where an ordinary girl who likes to restore cars gets the opportunity of a lifetime to become a princess?

The fiery, red-headed princess-to-be, Regina, taunted me with her strong will and determined ideals. I found myself routing for her and, at times, frustrated with her resistance to something as amazing as being a princess (I mean come on, what girl doesn't want to be a princess!?). Then again, if faced with running a country, I'd probably be resistant as well! Then, of course, there was the handsome, ex-rugby playing Minister of Culture, Tanner Burkhardt with his own determined approach to life and secretive past. These two made for an explosive combination that set the stage for the perfect slow burning romance Hauck is so good at creating.

A talented author can create a world so real that you slip into it as if you'd always been a part of it. As if it were truth. I have found that to be true of Hauck no matter what she writes about. Upon entering the world of Brighton and now Hessenberg, my mind was awash with the colors, sounds, sights, and even smells of this delightful, fictional city. So much so, I wish it were real so that I could schedule a visit!

All in all, this was a world I did not want to leave. With both speed and hesitance I finished the book quickly, needing to know how it would all work out but not wanting the adventure to end. It leaves me looking forward to the third book rumored to be coming out in 2015 - which is much too far away in my opinion ;)

I highly recommend this book (in addition to book one) as excellent choices for lovers of southern fiction, romance, and the modern fairy tale! You will not be disappointed to hop in the car and ride out the adventure with Her Majesty, Princess Regina.  

Book Description:
*Description taken from Rachel Hauck's website

Regina Beswick never dreamed of faraway places. She’s happy with her life as a classic car mechanic and owner of a restoration shop.

But an unexpected visitor and the discovery of a fairytale, drawn by her great-grandma, causes Regina to wonder if she might be destined for something more.

Tanner Burkhardt, Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg, must convince the strong-willed Southerner, Miss Beswick, that she is his country’s long-lost princess. Failure could destroy his reputation and change his nation forever.

As Regina and Tanner face the challenges before them, neither are prepared for love to invade their hearts and change every thing they believe about themselves.

However, when a royal opponent nearly destroys Regina’s future, she must lean into God and trust He has sovereignly brought her to her true and final destiny.

Purchase the book here: Princess Ever After (Royal Wedding Series)

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.   

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck | RE:View

There is something about a fairy tale that captures a deep part of my heart. The notion of leading a kingdom, royalty, and elegant balls all resonate with my imagination and leave me daydreaming in a world where nobility is a reality and true love is always found.

Rachel Hauck's Once Upon A Prince, the first book in her Royal Wedding Series, meets all the qualifications (and more) for an honest-to-goodness, real-life fairy tale.

I found Susanna and Prince Nathaniel to be genuine, honest characters. From the moment I was introduced to the initial setting of St. Simon's Island, I was captured by the beauty Hauck described. I felt the soft Gerogian wind and could see the rolling sea oats lining the shore.

Rachel Hauck has a way of painting a story on your heart. Her descriptions are more felt than read and create the type of experience that transports her readers into the book.

For a plot that could be viewed as 'over done' or 'cliche', I didn't get that feeling at all from Once Upon A Prince. Hauck dealt with a fictitious country, politics and laws of this country, and ceremonies and customs all in a believable and understandable way that added to the plot.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance, fairy tales, or just good writing in general! It's an excellent book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Book description: 
*Description taken from Rachel Hauck's website

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

Purchase the book here: Once Upon a Prince (Royal Wedding Series)

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.