The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

I feel like I had been in a reading slump over a few weeks and had been finding it difficult to find a book that just absolutely grabbed my attention. I knew I needed to read this book, and wanted to, but I was afraid of being disappointed in it. You see, I've been reading a few authors that usually never disappoint me and for some reason lately, they have. Maybe it's me and a new season in my reading life. I don't know. So I was nervous when I picked up this book by one of my favorite authors.

I slowly opened the book, intending to only read maybe a few pages and set it down. To my delight, I was sucked in immediately and couldn't put it down! It has been awhile since a book grabbed my attention from the get go. It was like I had just been dunked into water on a hot day! It was so refreshing to enjoy reading!

I loved the rawness and the dialogue between the police officers. I loved the topics she dealt with, even though it was a touchy topic. And so long after 9/11, I really was thankful that she wouldn't let her readers forget that horrible day or the effects it still has on people today.

Beck was a refreshing character. She wasn't perfect! She was a real life, hot mess, like all of us are. I think that's why I clicked with her. She was dealing with some really hard things in the midst of some really hard things. She had to overcome so much, but was also in a way, given a fresh start.

Dear Everliegh was a beautiful story woven throughout the pages that I never expected. I couldn't figure out how these two ladies lives would cross each other. Her story was so tragic, especially in light of some of the recent tornadoes that have swept the nation in the past few weeks.

And then we meet Don, who is just as raw as Beck. Another thing that I really appreciated about these characters are that they live in worlds that I don't know a whole lot about. I don't know a lot about the world of a police officer or the one of a sports agent. So that kept my attention as I was learning of the interactions each was having in their own fields, too. I will say, my heart absolutely broke over Beck's circumstance and one of her co-workers. But once again, that was part of what gripped me....how would God redeem this story?

I've read so many of Rachel Hauck's books, but I think this one is my favorite so far. It's definitely one I highly recommend!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Imagine a wedding chapel that was built for the love of your life who isn't in your life anymore. In fact, you've spent your own time building this chapel just for her. Considering your past and how your mother walked away and you watched your father wanted to build a dream home for her in case she returns, you would think you'd be jaded a bit when it comes to love. However, when you find the one, there's no taking them out of your life. Well... except for a misunderstanding that leads to unforgiveness and bitterness. That's exactly what happens in Hearts Bend.

Now what would happen if a young photographer was able to bring these two people together? Sounds impossible, I know. Especially when you add into the mix that this young photographer just eloped and is dealing with her own marriage issues. To say that she knows it all in the romance department is a huge understatement. She had no desire to get married. When she did, she apparently chose the one person who had a lot of his past to work though and a lot of forgiveness to deal with. Of course, that would mean that her husband wasn't was strong as he wanted everyone to think he was, so she's left wondering if her marriage is even going to make it past the 6 month mark.

My favorite part about this book is that it is told from the perspective of different people. I always enjoy books like that because I don't have to guess at what the characters are thinking. I had no idea where the story was going in some parts because Rachel Hauck did a wonderful job at keeping her readers guessing. Secrets were revealed at just the right time and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire story.

Once again, one of my favorite authors didn't disappoint. I always know that I can read a book by Hauck and enjoy it from start to finish. Read other opinions on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/RHauck.

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The Wedding Chapel (Zondervan, November 2015)
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.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

        

Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling 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. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this group.

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

How do you catch a prince? Or maybe the question could be "how do you lose a prince?" The third book in The Royal Wedding Series features American heiress Corina Del Ray (of the infamous Del Ray family) and Prince Stephen of Brighton. Considering their wealth and titles, you can easily see how they would cross circles. However, that is not how they originally met. They had no idea who each other were.

The story focuses on 5-1/2 years later. A war and tragedy have occurred and have rocked the world of both families. Trying to pick up the pieces and move forward aren't as easy as it seems. There's a secret that only the two of them know about, a little divine intervention and a message from the Lord about how to start living again.

Corina is an easy character to like. Though she put her life on hold, she starts living again after a job offer at an online paper. She had the task of trying to help many others affected by the tragedy of the war to grieve and start moving forward in life.

Prince Stephen had a lot of guilt. I liked him a lot, but he was a bit frustrating when he made some of the choices he made. However, I could easily see his humanness in him. So many hold onto their guilt and have a hard time forgiving themselves. This leads to them thinking they are unworthy for any kind of happiness.

Who couldn't love the royal family in this book. There was so much laughter and a close family unit that it was easy to picture stepping into a family like his.

Rachel Hauck has yet to deliver a book I haven't enjoyed reading. With spring break and summer approaching, it's the perfect book for those travel destinations. I'll warn readers, though..... it's a hard book to put down!

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck.

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{More about How to Catch a Prince}

How to Catch a Prince (Zondervan, February 2015)
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?
Learn more and purchase a copy at Rachel’s website.

{More About Rachel Hauck}

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling 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. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.
Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/.

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I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite contemporary authors. This series has been so much fun to read because it's lighthearted and just plain fun. 

To start with, I'm impressed with Hauck's car knowledge as she opens up the book and introduces Regina.  I am quite certain I would not have been able to make one intelligible sentence when it comes to restoring cars.

The cover of this book is beautifully done. I think it interested me because what girl didn't grow up wanting to be a princess at some point in her life.  It's a cover that takes us back to our childhood dreams.

Regina is probably what most would consider an unlikely princess.  She restores old cars until Tanner shows up to tell her that she is an heir to a tiny town in Hessenberg.  Not given much warning, she has to make a quick decision to go there and leave all she knows back in Florida.  Romance fills the story and some parts where I had to laugh out loud. 

I can't wait to read the next book in this fun, light-hearted series.

Read what others thought about this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck.

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A Royal Wedding Book

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

I was first introduced to Rachel Hauck in her last book, Dining with Joy.  I absolutely loved that one and enjoyed the humor mixed with the romance.  That said, when I saw this one was coming up for review, I was anxiously awaiting it.  I was curious to see if her writing style stayed the same and if she's the type of writer I would enjoy reading--no matter what she wrote.  I'm pleased to say that my answer to that is yes!  Rachel didn't disappoint with this book and I look forward to reading all of the future books by her.

Charlotte finds herself bidding on a trunk that is welded shut, having no idea what could be inside of it.  Imagine the shock at finding out that it's the most beautiful wedding dress that has been shut inside of it!  Curious as to how and why it got in the trunk in the first place, Charlotte sets out to find the background of the dress.  She comes to find that Emily, Hillary, and Mary Grace all play a part in this dress.  The question would be: which part belongs to whom and what were the details behind the dress when it was theirs?  And what could all of this mean or have to do with Charlotte?

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255