A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Overview: Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own—right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

ISBN-13: 9780310338680

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 2/25/2014

Series: Year of Weddings Series, #3

Sold by: Zondervan Publishing

Format: eBook

Pages: 142

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: I just finished reading the Royal Wedding series, so you can imagine my surprise that this novella was about Suzanne and Nathaniel from Once Upon A Prince. I loved catching up with these characters! It provided a more in depth look at their characters. The novellas theme piggyback off of the message from the first story: God's got this! Don't let your fear or your past overshadow what God is bringing to your present. Overall, I loved this short, sweet look into the wedding of King Nathaniel  and sweet, Georgia Belle Suzanna!

Read my reviews of the Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck.

New Book from Rachel Hauck | ‘How to Catch a Prince’ and Royal Giveaway

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck's new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

My Review: I absolutely loved this book. I think it's my favorite of the whole series, maybe because I can relate so well to the emotions and feelings of both our hero and heroine (I've been in their shoes). The story itself flows in such a way that you don't want to put it down. I loved The Manor and Adelaide and Brill and their meaning and purpose in the book.

The characters were very well written. Corina Del Ray is a true role model for women. Even with her wealth, she is sweet, down to earth, and hard working. Sometimes, I think faith that is acquired or found during times of devastating trials, is more deep and unwavering than faith that has never been tested. Corina's faith in her Lord is inspiring, even in the darkest times of her life. Prince Stephen Stratton is a man running from his past. His actions, in his mind, are justified by the results of a deadly mission he faced during the war. Rachel Hauck captures the devastating emotions of death, loss, and grief in each character, making you feel what they feel, as they feel it.

The message is the sweetest part of the book, in my opinion. For Stephen, facing his past and learning to forgive himself as the Lord has forgiven him, was a true test of his character and faith. He wasn't really living until that happened, he was just muddling through and existing. For Corina, letting go of her grief was her first step in true healing. The message for her throughout the book was to love well. When I first read those words, I was floored. Adelaide said it well when she told Corina, "Love is vast, rich, textured. If you limit yourself to only romantic love, you will never love well." Loving well means emptying ourselves, trusting that God will bring about our hearts desires, and letting go of what you need to in order to gain what God has for you.

Overall, this was a fantastic addition to a beautiful series about God's love, grace, and perseverance in times of trials. It has challenged me to learn to love well in all areas of my life. I look forward to reading more by this fantastic author!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Litfuse blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*
 

#howtocatchaprince

Landing page:

 http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck

Enter to win a "royal" prize pack! 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
• 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
• The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel's blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}  

About the book:
How to Catch a Prince (Zondervan, February 2015)
She caught her prince once. Can she catch him again?

American heiress Corina Del Rey's life was devastated by war. Every thing she loved was lost. But after five years of grief, she's shed her grave clothes and started over in the sunshine along the Florida coast.

But some things are not so easily forgotten. When a secret from her past confronts her face to face, she realizes she must follow her heart. Even if it cost her everything.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom is a former Royal Air Command lieutenant turned star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life after the devastation of war.
When his brother, King Nathaniel, discovers Stephen's pre war secret, he must deal with an aspect of his life he longed to forget. But how can he do so without exposing the truth and breaching national security?

Yet, true love has a destiny all it's own. As the cathedral bells peal through Cathedral City, Corina and Stephen must chose to answer the call of love on their hearts.
Or let it be lost forever?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1BD8DVo

About the author:

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince. She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

 

Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Overview: Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.

But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.

Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.

Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever.

Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

ISBN-13: 9780310315506
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: 2/4/2014
Series: Royal Wedding Series
Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

My Review: Oh man, I absolutely LOVED this book. The premise of the story mirrors that of The Princess Diaries in that it's a story about a girl who is a princess, that didn't know she was a princess. That's where the similarities end. I love when an author takes a well-known plot and makes it their own. Rachel Hauck definitely succeeded in that. The story flowed very well, and I loved reading about the history of Hessenberg. It added an interesting dimension to the story.

The characters were phenomenal. I loved Regina Beswick. Her sweet, Southern innocence endeared her to me instantly. Her strength and surety of faith added to her charm. Tanner Burkhardt was a handsome man, with a strong, rugged, and sweet side. I loved them together and their romance was story-book perfect. The conflict with Seamus defined their characters and helped move the story forward. I also loved, loved, loved the diary entries from Gram (Princess Alice) sprinkled throughout the story.

The message of the story was intricately weaved throughout the story. Both Reggie and Tanner had to overcome fear and self-doubt to embrace all that God had for them. See, when we doubt ourselves or the forgiveness the Lord freely offers, we keep ourselves from living joyfully in the Lord. When we let fear rule our lives, we can never be sure of ourselves in our calling.

Overall, I think this was the perfect edition to the Royal Weddings Series and look forward to the next book from Rachel Hauck. (Read my review of Once Upon a Prince, the first book in the Royal Wedding Series.)

About the Author: Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as "The Wedding Dress," "Love Starts with Elle," and "Once Upon A Prince." She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, "Softly and Tenderly," one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals. She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets. Find out more about Rachel at http://www.rachelhauck.com/. Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Hello again everyone! Wow, this weekend FLEW by! I did not get much reading done this weekend, but I made up for it last night and today. Our additional group read this month in the Christian Fiction Devourers Group was Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck. Boy am I glad I decided to read this sweet story!

Overview: Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice. His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

My Review: This book is the first book in the Royal Weddings series. It's also the first book I've read by this author, so I went into it with a completely open mind. This book pleasently surprised me.

Susanna Truitt is a planner. She had her life mapped out from a very young age, and she was dedicated to the plan, that is until someone decided to veer her off course. Susanna is a character I can easily relate to. She is stubborn, down-to-earth, and loyal to a fault. I see myself a lot in Susanna and that made the parts of the story I didn't care for easier to handle. Nathaniel is also a very relatable character. His struggle to accept God's will for his life is very human and very real.

The romance was a little far-fetched in my mind, but it didn't detract from the story. Rachel manages the far-fetched by adding a dose of reality in each page of her story. Both characters struggles and fears are well thought out and nothing is left up in the air and the end of the story. The Christian element to the story makes sense because the characters are of a strong faith. I didn't mind that there was a heavy Christian overtone because it was done in a very good fashion. It wasn't preachy or "in your face" like some Christian novels tend to be. The message was subtly inserted in the characters thoughts, actions, and prayers. Who do you let control your life? Is it God?

Overall, I thought this was a very cute, enjoyable, quick read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants something sweet and easy. I will definitely look forward to reading the second book in the Royal Wedding series, Princess Ever After.