On My Kindle - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Taylor Branson and Jack Forester eloped after a whirlwind courtship. Neither reckoned with how their past hurts would affect their marriage. Would they find their way back to each other or was this union doomed?

The story switches back and forth between the late 1940's-early 1950's to modern times. Jimmy and Colette declared their love for each other and planned to get married. When Uncle Sam called Jimmy and sent him to Korea, their relationship fell apart. Could love survive decades of secrets and misunderstandings or was it too late to recapture what they once enjoyed?

I've been fascinated with Rachel's character-driven stories, and this one was no exception. She digs deep into their feelings and motivations. Themes of repentance and forgiveness are woven throughout like a silk thread.

Five stars for this romantic offering that reaches into the heart and pulls you in.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  What type of stories do you craft? Plot driven and/or character driven?

Readers: Do you enjoy books that go beyond surface relationships? Please share.

On My Kindle - The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Charlotte Malone loves matching brides to their dream wedding gown. When it comes to her own, she runs into trouble. Could it be the doubts plaguing her about her whirlwind courtship are the cause?

At 32, Tim Rose wants to settle down - in theory. Is his reluctance a sign that Charlotte isn't the one for him or just wedding jitters.

A mysterious trunk and a wedding gown from 1912 may provide the answers to their questions.

I'd read Rachel Hauck's book, "The Writing Desk," not long again and picked this one up on Amazon. It didn't take long before her tale of a wedding dress and four brides over a century grabbed my imagination.

The strong spiritual theme throughout the book added great subtext about our relationship with the Lord. I've seen miracles and unusual experiences belittled and mocked in some Christian fiction, but Rachel handled them with great respect. It set her apart, and I'll be reading more of her novels.

Rating: 5 Stars on both content and craft.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any payment for a favorable review. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  How do you handle delicate subjects? Are you "in the reader's face" or do you come in gently?

Readers:  Does it turn you off  when an author mocks the beliefs of others? Please share your thoughts.

On My Kindle - The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

When one is a bestselling, award-winning, author and member of a writing dynasty, how do you overcome writer's block? Tenley Roth stares at a blank computer screen and fears she's a one-book wonder.

Her estranged mother calls and asks for help during a health crisis. Against the wishes of her boyfriend, she packs her bag and heads for Cocoa Beach, Florida. Maybe a change of scenery will give her inspiration. There she meets furniture designer, Jonas Sullivan. A cautious friendship blooms in the Florida sun.

Many years prior to Tenley's life, Birdie Shehorn is the belle of New York Society. She adores writing about life and the expectations placed upon her. The two women struggle to find their identity.

This dual timeframe novel had me glued to the page. I'd heard of Rachel Hauck, but this was the first book I'd sampled. Being an author myself, the whole writer vibe intrigued me. She did a masterful job of weaving these two stories to a satisfying conclusion.

Don't miss this well-written and researched book. I'll be reading more from this author. 5 Stars!

Disclaimer:  I did not receive any remuneration for this review. All opinions are mine and mine alone, as always. 

Writers: Does the idea of two stories within one seem daunting? How would you go about crafting such a book?

Readers:  Have you read any dual timeframe novels? What was your opinion of them? Did you find them difficult to follow of did the curiosity of how the two stories would merge keep you reading?