I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins Christian Publishing, the author 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 HarperCollins Christian Publishing on July 11th 2017
Source: Harper Collins Christian Publishing, the author
Genres: Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Contemporary Women, Fiction, General, Romance
Pages: 352
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.
I don’t want to fangirl over this book so much that you all ignore what I have to say. But, I loved this book so much that I think the only way to adequately describe my feelings is to share my facebook status that I posted just after I finished reading.
Okay, my bookish peeps… I rarely demand you go buy a book but I sat here blubbering like a kid over this ending. You cannot miss this book. You can’t! Like, go buy it or we can’t even be friends!!!
-Kristin
I fell in love with the characters, with Tenley and Jonas but most of all with Birdie. She reached right through the pages and gripped my heart and gave it a good squeeze. One word sums up these characters—endearing.
I think most people who read my blog knows that I rarely read contemporary fiction. When I do, Rachel Hauck’s books are the ones that I pick up. Yes, I’m a fan. Make no mistake though, this book is fantastic and I’m not saying that just because I enjoy this author’s work.
The interesting thing about The Writing Desk is the duel timeline. Most authors cannot pull off a duel timeline but Birdie and Tenley’s tales were so beautifully woven together. Their lives were connected in a way that left me reeling. Their connection was beautiful and I kept turning the pages to see where the story would take me.
Lastly, I want to say how much I appreciate this author’s authentic tale of loss, love and redemption. This book was bittersweet and the characters were flawed. They were real—as real as a book character can be.
I hate to be on repeat but this book was just lovely and I truly think anyone that loves a sweet, clean romance would love this story. It’s not overly preachy and I think some devout Christians may want more. But, I like seeing the subtle hand of God working in the lives of those that need redemption. This book had the perfect amount of romance and faith elements for me. It felt authentic and not as if the author was trying to beat me over the head with a full plan of salvation. She let God find her characters where they were and I loved that. Truly, I loved this book.
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.
Ooo!! As you know I already put this on my tbr list because of your recommendation!!