"The Memory House" by Rachel Hauck ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Read with Audra blog tour)

About the book...

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she's a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile, a mysterious letter arrives informing her she's inherited a house along Florida's northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn't remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. when she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click here to read an excerpt

My review...

I love time-slip novels, so I was excited to read this one, especially as I’ve read and loved many of Hauck’s books. In this case, the story follows Beck Holiday (modern day) and Everleigh Callahan (1950s). Generally, I’m drawn to one story line a bit more than the other, but that wasn’t the case with this story, as I loved them both. The ladies live in different times, but both deal with fears, loss, and challenges. Hauck weaves them together seamlessly, and one special house connects them to create a wonderful, heartwarming tale.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

About Rachel...

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel is been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of the Year.

At home, she's a wife, writer, worship leader, and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she is a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

You can find Rachel online at:

Website:       www.rachelhauck.com

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/

Twitter:        @RachelHauck

Instagram: @rachelhauck

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Rachel Hauck’s "The Wedding Chapel" $100 Giveaway (Litfuse Blog Tour)

Join Rachel in celebrating the release of The Wedding Chapel by entering to win a copy and a $100 cash card—perfect for finishing up your Christmas gift shopping! 

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Wedding Chapel
• A $100 cash card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 31st. The winner will be announced January 4th on Rachel's blog.

My Review…

Years ago Jimmy Westbrook put his heart and soul into building a wedding chapel outside of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee to be used for his marriage to Collette Greer. However, that wedding never occurred. For 60 years that chapel has stood as a testament to his love. He feels it is now time to move on and sell it.

After a whirlwind romance, photographer Taylor Branson married Jack Forester. While Taylor’s business is slowly growing and Jack is a successful ad exec, their marriage is strained and in need of repair after only six months. Both are dealing with past secrets and demons. Taylor will have to face hers when she accepts a photo shoot of the chapel in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee.

Despite Jimmy’s insistence on selling, Taylor believes it is the wrong decision and is determined to change his mind. She knows that she feels the heartbeat of God there and is pretty sure Jimmy does as well. Both will soon find that they must confront their pasts to move forward. Along the way, secrets will be uncovered which could change the lives of many.

This is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck, but I will definitely be adding her books to my TBR pile!  "The Wedding Chapel" is told by alternating characters: Jimmy, Collette, Taylor, and Jack. The story shifts between the present and the past (1948-1951), seamlessly blending everything together to create a beautiful story. At times, the Taylor/Jack storyline is pushed to the side, but stick with it as there is a reason. The characters become more alive to the reader as the story unfolds. While complex, it is very easy to follow and each character is well-developed. This multi-generational tale is full of intricate details and vivid images. It is an uplifting and engaging read which will remind the reader that love requires honesty and risk

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

About Rachel…

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling 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 in Tenderly," one of 2011's Top 10 Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy and a conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

You can find Rachel online at:

Website:       www.rachelhauck.com

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck/

Twitter:        @RachelHauck

Link for blog tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck