Rachel Hauck

If there's a girl that has never wished to be a princess or be loved by a handsome prince, I'd worry. Seriously worry about her. I don't think I've waited with as much anticipation for any other book than I did for this one. When it arrived, I pounced. And the family went hungry. But, praise God for fast food restaurants, right? ;)

Fully rounded and relatable characters made this book a great read. From Susanna (a planner who hates surprises) and Nate (a prince longing for personal freedom) show more to a mother and father who are as real as any could get, to a Queen who understands more than most would think, the great supporting cast makes the lead characters in this book even more lovable.

Nate is about to become King. In Georgia for a last holiday before a life of duty takes over, he meets--and falls for--local gal Susanna. Susanna has her own baggage she's carrying on her shoulders. Raw from a not-too-easy let down, she meets Nate and wonders if he can be someone special, or is he just her rebound guy? Can God do that? Pull the plug on a 12 year relationship and give her someone who is going to matter right away?

In a lighthearted, yet still deep manner, Ms. Hauck gives Christians questions to ask ourselves. Can God do this? Does God even care? What the heck am I supposed to be doing right now? Connecting with her readers on a personal, individual basis, we're forced to wonder "Am I willing to let go and allow God to lead in the way He wants me to go?"

She'll leave you with things to chew over, pray over, and ponder.
"She had to trust God, believing in the largeness, yet abandoning the outcome to him."

I loved this book. And I will be reading the next in the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun and entertaining romance that manages to bury itself deep within the recesses of your romantic heart. show less

Elizabeth Dorsey had a plan. High School. Bachelor of Science in Management Degree from MIT. MBA from Wharton. Job with a Fortune 100. Penthouse. Dream Car. Vacation in the South Pacific. That was the plan. There had been a medical interruption. A 2-year interruption. So, the timeline was already off track. With grit and determination, Elizabeth had gotten the plan back on track. She could do it again. But no one knows that another sidetrack is looming. And if it's permanent? Well, let's not show more answer that question. In the meantime, she's living with her grandparents in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, working in the financial office of family-owned Dorsey Furniture by day and moonlighting as Night Manager at Ella's Diner by night.

I loved this book. The characters' realistic life journeys show that not everything goes according to plan—not the carefully outlined plans, not even the best-laid plans, not the plans that lead to success. I loved the conversations in the relationships (grandparent/granddaughter, cousins, parent/daughter, boss/employee, friends). The contrasts between growing up in a city vs. a small town, surrounded by family and extended family vs. in a single-family household far from relatives. The reminders of being out in nature, taking us out of ourselves to see the land, the history, the vastness of our surroundings—and that sometimes there's something even more beautiful than sticking to the best-laid plans.

The color map of Hearts Bend at the beginning and the charming illustration opening each chapter—a strawberry milkshake complete with whipped cream, sprinkles, strawberry, and striped straw—add delightful visual touches to the story.

This was my first introduction to the author's writing, and now I can't wait to continue reading the series and explore more of her books.

Thank you Rachel Hauck, Sunrise Publishing, and LibraryThing, for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel. show less

I do not know if I shall scream or cry or both. Love Starts with Elle is officially one of my favorite books of all time. It is by far my favorite book of contemporary Christian fiction. I enjoyed Sweet Caroline immensely, but it does not fully compare with the power and wonder of Elle. This is a sequel, but does stand alone on a firm foundation of Christ no less. Elle is an artist, well in her heart. She mets Mr. Wonderful, who I did not like from page one, but he's so right. Until he's show more not, but really who is perfect? Well I did not see how in the world the plot could get her out of one situation or get her into another, but after reading the book in entirety I'm impressed. I cannot believe all that has happened. My goodness, our God is a mighty God. Usually, I really do not like contemporary, because it's so real and harsh and there is just not enough "light". Rachel Hauck gives contemporary a good name. It is real, there is some harshness and full tears. But there is love and light beyond the darkness. The characters are so real, and I want to move to their town and lives near their lives. After Sweet Caroline I just could not see how the story could continue on in Elle's life, but it did and in such a neat way. I had my tears and my giggles. I got angry at people and frustrated when they did not head my suggestions. I cherish their joys and I cannot wait for more works to come from the wonder that I have found in Rachel's words on a page. show less

If you are looking for a romance novel with heart and soul, look no further than The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck. Hauck is one of the best writers of contemporary romance around, but she really outdid herself with this novel. This book is definitely a must read!

The Wedding Chapel spans 60 years and revolves around the love stories of two couples. Told from the perspectives of Jimmy and Colette, high school sweethearts who lost their first love, and Taylor and Jack, newlyweds who are show more already wondering if their marriage will survive, the book looks at how fragile relationships are damaged without trust and openness. Secrets deceive and destroy and hidden emotions keep real intimacy at arms length. Although the faith message is faint as a heartbeat during most of the novel, it finishes strong at the end — and isn’t that how it often is in our walk with God. God is always there if we take the time to listen for His voice, to sense His heartbeat in our lives. The Wedding Chapel is definitely character driven, and the four main characters are strongly written with relatable motives, actions and emotions. However, Hauck also uses two minor characters in big ways. Peg is at the heart of both discord and reconciliation and is seen only through the perspective of the other characters. Sam appears in only a few pages, but points the characters and readers to tremendous truths.

More than just a romance, The Wedding Chapel will get you thinking about the twists and turns of life and the importance of faithfulness, forgiveness and grace. It is a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for Book Clubs.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Zondervan for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less