MY REVIEW:
I have long been a fan of Rachel Hauck’s books so I was eager to read “The Writing Desk”. At first I had difficulty getting into the story but I’m still not certain why it started out so slowly for me. Nevertheless, I knew something good was waiting for me so I persisted and soon found myself totally immersed in the stories of both Tenley and Birdie.
Tenley is probably one of the most unique characters I’ve encountered. Her insistence on practically living in a man’s robe, not to mention failing to shower or comb her hair was just a bit over-the-top. Yet Jonas Sullivan and his family’s total acceptance of Tenley as she was eventually made a difference in her attitude. Tenley’s story was connected to Birdie’s by the writing desk used by both women and by the end of their story, readers will learn how closely the connection really was.
The book is populated with several strong characters who each add a special touch to the total story. The plot does not always move in the expected direction but takes a few twists and turns that might surprise the reader. I particularly liked how Tenley’s relationship with her estranged mother developed and was happy to see forgiveness play out on the pages of the story.
All-in-all, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Writing Desk” and would recommend it for adult readers. It is a clean story but it does mention lifestyle elements that some might find offensive. Be sure to read other reviews if you suspect you might be one who might take offense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a new captivating novel of secrets, romance, and two women bound together across time by a shared dream.
Tenley Roth’s first book was a runaway bestseller. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who has run out of inspiration?
With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.
A century earlier, another woman wrote at the same desk with hopes and fears of her own. Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams she doesn’t know how to realize. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has taken extreme measures to manipulate her future, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.
Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds, but fate has bound them together in a way time cannot erase.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.
She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Visit her at www.rachelhauck.com or www.facebook.com/rachelhauck
