I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Thomas Nelson Incorporated on June 12, 2018
Source: The Publisher
Genres: Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Historical, Romance
Pages: 352
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.
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors. She weaves past and present in a seamless and cohesive story that leaves you absolutely breathless.
I’m going to be honest, the direction that The Love Letter took in the past tense, it’s one that makes logical sense. But…I really struggled with accepting things. The romantic in me wanted a happy ending for everyone. This isn’t in any way a knock on the book as it is beautifully written. I just fell in love with the characters so much that I wanted a happy ending for EVERYONE and it wouldn’t have made much sense for that to happen.
That’s not to say that this book ends with sadness. The author does give us a happy ending. I couldn’t have asked for any better for a feel good-redemption and hope story than this one.
Rachel Hauck proves time and time again that she’s a master at crafting emotionally gripping stories with characters you cannot help but love. I honestly wasn’t sure if I could enjoy a book more than I had enjoyed The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck last year but The Love Letter is every bit as good.
If you love historical and contemporary love stories, then you definitely should check out The Love Letter.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing.
Themes: Romance, Trust, Love
Note for parents: This book mentions a couple that lives together without being married. There’s a mention of cursing. However, nothing in the book is inappropriate for the genre.
Suggested Age: 15+
About Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times. She is a double RITA finalist, a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Rachel sits on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is the comical sidekick to Susan May Warren at the amazing My Book Therapy. She is a worship leader and speaker.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel is a devoted Ohio State football fan. She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
I need to catch up on my Rachel Hauck TBR… :) Nice review!!
Great review! I loved this book. I also wanted everyone to have happy ending, but I felt like they all did in a way.
Right? It wouldn’t have made as much sense but the hopeless romantic in me really wanted it—though illogical.