the-wedding-shop



MY REVIEW:

Rachel Hauck’s books are always on my must read list and I NEED to read her books as soon as they are released. I love it when I am fortunate enough to receive a review copy but if I don’t I will always preorder so I can get a copy ASAP. “The Wedding Shop” is her latest offering and I can truthfully say that I loved it. Of course that was no surprise to me.

Often our idea of success is different from what God intends for us. I believe that “The Wedding Shop” is a beautiful illustration of the Lord’s definition of success, especially the story of Cora and how she used her shop to minister to young women in her community. It was so fitting that some of those same women were used years later to help Haley reopen the shop.

Two stories of two women from different generations yet somehow connected, “The Wedding Shop” is so infused with Holy Spirit moments that some might describe it as magical. It is a story filled with unexpected romance yet it is so much more. It is a story of faith and forgiveness and moving on with life past disappointments and mistakes.

I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and I also loved the way Rachel tied this story together with the first two books. To me that made it even more special. Do yourself a favor and read “The Wedding Shop” and don’t forget “The Wedding Chapel” and “The Wedding Dress“. I guarantee you will be in for a special treat.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

Click to purchase.

Click to purchase.

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It’s the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt’s wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.

More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart’s Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and Haley’s stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.

To purchase your copy, click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel HauckRachel Hauck is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her book, The Wedding Dress, was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Her book Once Upon A Prince was a Christy Award finalist.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook: rachelhauck, and Twitter: @RachelHauck

Guest Post from Rachel Hauck

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share The Wedding Shop with you. This book is one of my favorites.

While all books are my “babies,” this one found a special place in my heart.

This standalone novel is part of the Wedding Collection – The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel – and it came to life when I discovered the story of Cora Scott, a 1930s wedding shop owner.

At 30, she’s an old maid, but the best “bride’s maid” in fictional Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. But she’s in love with a charismatic, charming river boat captain.

The contemporary heroine, Haley Morgan, is a retired Air Force captain returning to Heart’s Bend to restart her life. She’s recovering from a broken heart. The handsome, dynamic, charming man she loved was nothing but trouble.

Returning home, Haley is set on keeping a childhood promise she made with her best friend—to open the old wedding shop.

The shop is legend in Heart’s Bend. Haley grew up with stories of Miss Cora and the shop, hearing the town’s mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers reminiscing about their “day in the shop,” walking down the grand staircase in their wedding gown.

But in 2016, the shop is dilapidated, neglected and in need of more money than Haley possesses.

While writing this story, I had to ask a lot of questions. Why reopen the old shop? Why not just open a new one?

Haley was a combat veteran, deployed to Afghanistan twice, why would she want to open a wedding shop?

I also investigate the meaning of the shop to the town? To Cora? To Haley?

As I developed the backstory for the characters, the shop and the town, Cora’s came to life. She fascinated me. I admired this fictional woman. She exuded ingenuity, courage, and deep, deep devotion.

On the other hand, Haley was a bit of a mystery but from the start, she saw value in something no one else did.

What if we all saw value in people or places others wanted to reject?

Isn’t that what Jesus does for us?

The heroes of the book, Birch and Cole, are just stellar guys. Princes among men. I love writing about slightly wounded but strong and tender men.

The theme of family and community populates the story. Also, how misconceptions and preconceived ideas often ruin relationships.

Booklist gave The Wedding Shop a Starred Review and called it, “Spellbinding.”

There’s a lot of fun drama in this book! I hope you enjoy spending time with Cora and Haley, the men they love and the shop they bring to life.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with me at www.rachelhauck.com.

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September 13: History, Mystery & Faith

September 13: A Holland Reads

September 14: Giveaway Lady

September 14: Daysong Reflections

September 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

September 15: Bibliophile Reviews

September 16: Bigreadersite

September 16: The Scribbler

September 17: Books,Dreams,Life

September 17: ASC Book Reviews

September 18: Book Babble

September 18: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

September 19: Pause for Tales

September 19: Book by Book

September 20: The Power of Words

September 20: Lighthouse Academy

September 21: Proverbial Reads

September 21: Splashes of Joy

September 22: Faithfully Bookish

September 22: Singing Librarian Books

September 23: Tell Tale Book Reviews

September 23: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 24: Quiet Quilter

September 24: Reading Is My SuperPower

September 25: For The Love of Books

September 26: His Grace Is Sufficient

September 26: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

GIVEAWAY:

wedding-shop-giveawayTo celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away her Wedding Collection Series! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a366

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