Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. 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 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
Dynamic Uno here: Oh. My. Goodness. I'm a huge fan of Rachel Hauck's books, but none have ever grabbed me quite like this one- The Wedding Chapel.
I enjoyed that the story was told through each character's point of view-both as teenagers and then again as adults. Through the flash backs, I was able to get the backstory of the characters which put everything that was currently happening in their lives in perspective.
I also loved how the chapel itself became a living/breathing character. I could completely picture it in my head and was actually a bit sad that the romantic gesture had been left empty and unused for so long.
The characters broke my heart because of all of the hard-ships they suffered so young. It really brought into focus the stark realities of war and broken families, and how they affect children of all ages. The story also showed how prayer and forgiveness can help heal wounds and bring people together.
If you want to read a wonderful novel that has romance and a great story, then pick up The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck!
Let me know what you think and Happy Reading!
