MY REVIEW:
I’ll admit that I was a tad disappointed to find that The Love Letter is yet another book that switches back and forth between the past and present. The split-time format seems to be a very popular one these days and I have encountered quite a few of the books among my review novels. Nevertheless, who better than Rachel Hauck to take both stories and pull them together in a way that God’s hand is evident throughout – and she manages to throw in a holy surprise or two along the way. Even when it seems that a monkey wrench has been thrown in to mess everything up, the plans the Lord has in store are fulfilled.
I enjoyed reading this story of Chloe Daschle, and actress and Jesse Gates, the scriptwriter for the film i which Chloe is to star. With the screenplay loosely based on a letter written by one of Jesse’s ancestors, the story switches back and forth between Chloe and Jesse’s experiences to the story of Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow during the American Revolution. Each story could easily stand on its own but the author has woven them together into a romantic tale that reaches across history.
Lovers of historical fiction should love this book for the personal look at life during the Revolutionary War and any fan of Rachel Hauck will definitely appreciate her unique approach to writing that has endeared her to me for a number of years and books.
I voluntarily reviewed copies of this book provided by Amazon Vine and the author. 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 story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.
Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.
