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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
From beginning to end, I was completely engaged in The Wedding Chapel. When I realized it would be a dual timeline story, I became a bit uneasy—often in these stories, I care far more for one timeline than the other. Not the case here, possibly because Jimmy's and Colette's stories ran through both timelines, providing a unifying factor. Plus, the stories were just so good!
Somehow, though the main characters were not always likable, I was very invested in each of their stories, and I never minded the shift from one character's point of view to another's. While I enjoyed each of the four main characters, I especially loved Jack's story (though he received less page time than some of the others). His journey, which led him to the father's love he so craved, also represented the strongest faith thread of the novel.
Hauck wove multiple twists and turns into this engaging story—the kinds of twists that I didn't fully anticipate, yet they made perfect sense once revealed and caused the story to take on new meaning.
While Hauck's recent releases (the Royal Wedding series, which I loved) have been a bit on the fluffy side, The Wedding Chapel has much in common with her wonderful The Wedding Dress. There's a depth and realism to The Wedding Chapel that I found wholly satisfying. This is a beautifully romantic and compelling novel about secrets, sin's consequences, family, and redemption that will stick with you beyond the final page.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Somehow, though the main characters were not always likable, I was very invested in each of their stories, and I never minded the shift from one character's point of view to another's. While I enjoyed each of the four main characters, I especially loved Jack's story (though he received less page time than some of the others). His journey, which led him to the father's love he so craved, also represented the strongest faith thread of the novel.
Hauck wove multiple twists and turns into this engaging story—the kinds of twists that I didn't fully anticipate, yet they made perfect sense once revealed and caused the story to take on new meaning.
While Hauck's recent releases (the Royal Wedding series, which I loved) have been a bit on the fluffy side, The Wedding Chapel has much in common with her wonderful The Wedding Dress. There's a depth and realism to The Wedding Chapel that I found wholly satisfying. This is a beautifully romantic and compelling novel about secrets, sin's consequences, family, and redemption that will stick with you beyond the final page.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
This book intrigued me from the very beginning. I do love a book full of secrets and scandal. I was also intrigued by the way this story was told. Two different stories that are intertwined and told in different decades proved for some very good reading.
There are four main characters in this book: Jimmy and Collette, whose story takes place in 40's and 50's, and Taylor and Jack, whose story takes place in the current day. I enjoyed reading about the Taylor/Jack marriage. There was a tension between the two that leaped off the page. Jimmy's character was ok, but nothing could compare to Collette. Her character was my favorite. She was easy to relate to. I also liked her spunk.
The author did a great job of describing the scenes in this book. Whether in Manhattan or Heart's Bend, 1940's or today, the story is full of detail. The wedding chapel scenes were so well described that I felt as if I was there.
The telling of a love story sixty-four years in the making couldn't be easy to write. The author was consistent with the characters throughout the book. The story had several twists and turns and at one point I had an "aha" moment where I thought I had everything figured out. I love it when this happens and I can read on and see if I was right.
This was my first book by this author and I purchased more of her books before I had finished this one. She has a wonderful writing style that pulls you into the story and keeps you there until the last word is read. Fans of romance and love stories that span decades are sure to love this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
There are four main characters in this book: Jimmy and Collette, whose story takes place in 40's and 50's, and Taylor and Jack, whose story takes place in the current day. I enjoyed reading about the Taylor/Jack marriage. There was a tension between the two that leaped off the page. Jimmy's character was ok, but nothing could compare to Collette. Her character was my favorite. She was easy to relate to. I also liked her spunk.
The author did a great job of describing the scenes in this book. Whether in Manhattan or Heart's Bend, 1940's or today, the story is full of detail. The wedding chapel scenes were so well described that I felt as if I was there.
The telling of a love story sixty-four years in the making couldn't be easy to write. The author was consistent with the characters throughout the book. The story had several twists and turns and at one point I had an "aha" moment where I thought I had everything figured out. I love it when this happens and I can read on and see if I was right.
This was my first book by this author and I purchased more of her books before I had finished this one. She has a wonderful writing style that pulls you into the story and keeps you there until the last word is read. Fans of romance and love stories that span decades are sure to love this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Gentle love stories with stirring themes of faith and redemption are the status quo when it comes books by Rachel Hauck. The Wedding Chapel continues with a nostalgic tale of love lost with a modern day romance woven in just like The Wedding Dress. The beautiful, serene covers will draw you in and the stories between will keep you turning pages. While this story involves an already married couple and their search for a deeper connection as well as young love that blossomed many decades ago, strangely this book didn't quite grab me as these types of stories usually do. The chemistry between Taylor and Jack didn't mesh. The switch between present and past worked in and of itself, keeping me engaged and interested in each of the "worlds", but I just felt that it didn't leave enough time for me to really become attached to Taylor and Jack, if that makes sense. Rachel Hauck can definitely write a great romance, but I felt this wasn't her best. The Wedding Dress is still one of my favorites with its just right mix of nostalgia!
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~My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Read what other bloggers are saying here.
~My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars~
*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
This story was really amazing, told from 4 different perspectives in dual timelines... I thought I'd figured out how it would end, but it completely caught me off guard 3/4 of the way in. In truth, I was getting real bored reading about bland issues of people having drama in their marriage or pining for a love that wasn't meant to be. I didn't even imagine that something exciting was waiting in the pages ahead, normally, the twists and turns happen at least half way or sooner in a story, but this one had it all happening in the last few chapters. The author did an awesome job of weaving everything in so well, the complexity of incorporating past and present, addressing real life issues and allowing the reader to soak up the reality of the issues presented. Overall, it was a beautiful story.
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After reading The Wedding Dress, I was excited to read the second book in Rachel Hauck's Wedding Series. It was very similar to the first book as it was written in multiple characters' perspectives from different generations. The way that Hauck shares the stories of the characters is easy to follow even when she's flipping from one point of view to the other. As I was reading, I was able to piece together the details that intertwined the characters together and thought I had the ending figured out before I got there, but that didn't stop me from reading. And boy was I wrong about the ending! There was a plot twist that had me on the edge of my seat with my jaw dropped. After that turning point in the story, I did not want to put this book down.
One of my favorite things about discovering Hauck and her writing style is how she weaves a spiritual element into the story. I find myself searching for how she's going to introduce that element when the story begins. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a romantic story with a spiritual influence.
One of my favorite things about discovering Hauck and her writing style is how she weaves a spiritual element into the story. I find myself searching for how she's going to introduce that element when the story begins. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a romantic story with a spiritual influence.
The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck... Oh my, what a sweet, sweet story.
Taylor and Jack, a young couple that eloped and is now questioning their decision. A past that keeps Jack from opening up emotionally and Taylor, who’s family dynamics hold secrets and divorces that make her feel as if her story has already been written and a successful marriage and true love is not in the plan for her. Between exes, regrets, lack of communication and emotions, their marriage is on the rocks.
Colette, a soap opera actress whose sixty years of acting on a show that had cast members like family, is coming to an end and she is questioning everything, including a lost love from a past that won’t let go. As she embodies the spirit of her character, Vivica, she tries to confront the past and get answers she feels she deserves.
Jimmy, residing in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, is being pressured into selling the wedding chapel that he built with his own hands. The stunning building hasn’t see a single wedding, but Jimmy is still reluctant to sell it. It’s a staple in his life and it’s not fair to see it fall into someone else’s hands.
The Wedding Chapel follows the lives of these four people telling their stories and sharing their perspectives. Let me just say, this book really surprised me. Flashbacks into the past, secrets exposed, heart-breaks, heart-aches, and tender moments that leave you swooning. Oh this book gave me all the hallmark movie feels but also threw in some twists I never saw coming.
Beautiful book and sweet-filled read!
Taylor and Jack, a young couple that eloped and is now questioning their decision. A past that keeps Jack from opening up emotionally and Taylor, who’s family dynamics hold secrets and divorces that make her feel as if her story has already been written and a successful marriage and true love is not in the plan for her. Between exes, regrets, lack of communication and emotions, their marriage is on the rocks.
Colette, a soap opera actress whose sixty years of acting on a show that had cast members like family, is coming to an end and she is questioning everything, including a lost love from a past that won’t let go. As she embodies the spirit of her character, Vivica, she tries to confront the past and get answers she feels she deserves.
Jimmy, residing in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, is being pressured into selling the wedding chapel that he built with his own hands. The stunning building hasn’t see a single wedding, but Jimmy is still reluctant to sell it. It’s a staple in his life and it’s not fair to see it fall into someone else’s hands.
The Wedding Chapel follows the lives of these four people telling their stories and sharing their perspectives. Let me just say, this book really surprised me. Flashbacks into the past, secrets exposed, heart-breaks, heart-aches, and tender moments that leave you swooning. Oh this book gave me all the hallmark movie feels but also threw in some twists I never saw coming.
Beautiful book and sweet-filled read!
This one is about the lost love and renewed love of two couples from a very mixed up family. And about the wedding chapel that brought them all back together. Taylor is a photographer and her husband works in advertising. Jimmy is a retired football coach and Collette is a retired actress. The story starts when Taylor is asked to photograph a wedding chapel in her hometown of Heart's Bend, Tennessee.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy via the publisher at NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I requested this book because I have read and enjoyed several of the author’s books previously. So when I saw she was releasing a new one, I started stalking NetGalley until it was available. I went into the reading expecting a sweet romance on the lighter side. While that’s not what I received, I wasn’t disappointed.
This book has more depth and tackles weightier topics than the others I had read by Hauck. The narrative travels back and forth between present day and the generation past. Telling the stories of newlyweds, lost love, family dysfunction, and lies alongside first love, hope, and redemption. The romance was realistically handled in all relationships.
The characters were decently developed. Their actions were a bit more predictable than I like, but I did still feel like I could connect with them and understand their motivations. The narrative is told from multiple points of view. So it was a very well-rounded tale.
I was confused at the start of the book and was sometimes startled out of the story by a switch in time and point of view. However, once I got into it the pacing was great; I had no issues following the flow. There was a lot of conflict in this book – both internally and between the characters. The conflict and the processing of it is what moved the story along.
There were several grammatical errors and issues. Those grated on my nerves. However, I’m hoping and assuming they were fixed between the Advanced Reader Copy and the final book printing.
My other slight gripe was the heavy spiritual content towards the end of the book. The God content and spirituality was there throughout. But more as another character and in an incorporated way for most of the book. However, towards the end it got a bit preachy. Which, I realize that sometimes in our lives we just need to hear the Word clear and straight. So it’s only a minor complaint that it didn’t all stay smoothly integrated.
While I don’t think there is any graphic content, there are some trigger topics for sensitive readers: premarital sex and infidelity being two of the larger ones.
I think this book appeals to women who like books about complicated relationships but still enjoy a happy ending. I certainly enjoyed the reading of it.
***This review is also posted on The Christian Manifesto
Pros:
• Interweaving of various stories past and present
• Interesting characters
• Dealt with delicate topics in an appropriate way
Cons:
• Predictable
• Spiritually heavy handed towards the end
• Wanted more from the ending
•
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Good)
I requested this book because I have read and enjoyed several of the author’s books previously. So when I saw she was releasing a new one, I started stalking NetGalley until it was available. I went into the reading expecting a sweet romance on the lighter side. While that’s not what I received, I wasn’t disappointed.
This book has more depth and tackles weightier topics than the others I had read by Hauck. The narrative travels back and forth between present day and the generation past. Telling the stories of newlyweds, lost love, family dysfunction, and lies alongside first love, hope, and redemption. The romance was realistically handled in all relationships.
The characters were decently developed. Their actions were a bit more predictable than I like, but I did still feel like I could connect with them and understand their motivations. The narrative is told from multiple points of view. So it was a very well-rounded tale.
I was confused at the start of the book and was sometimes startled out of the story by a switch in time and point of view. However, once I got into it the pacing was great; I had no issues following the flow. There was a lot of conflict in this book – both internally and between the characters. The conflict and the processing of it is what moved the story along.
There were several grammatical errors and issues. Those grated on my nerves. However, I’m hoping and assuming they were fixed between the Advanced Reader Copy and the final book printing.
My other slight gripe was the heavy spiritual content towards the end of the book. The God content and spirituality was there throughout. But more as another character and in an incorporated way for most of the book. However, towards the end it got a bit preachy. Which, I realize that sometimes in our lives we just need to hear the Word clear and straight. So it’s only a minor complaint that it didn’t all stay smoothly integrated.
While I don’t think there is any graphic content, there are some trigger topics for sensitive readers: premarital sex and infidelity being two of the larger ones.
I think this book appeals to women who like books about complicated relationships but still enjoy a happy ending. I certainly enjoyed the reading of it.
***This review is also posted on The Christian Manifesto
Pros:
• Interweaving of various stories past and present
• Interesting characters
• Dealt with delicate topics in an appropriate way
Cons:
• Predictable
• Spiritually heavy handed towards the end
• Wanted more from the ending
•
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Good)
OH THE FEELS!!! I absolutely hate that term but now I know what it means. This book has so many feelings and emotions tied into it, there is no good way to say just how good it is. I loved it from page one and I didn't know I could fall deeper in love with it, but I did. I have never read a book that made me love, hate, cry and smile the way this book did.
Taylor and Jack decided to be crazy and elope. Now they were balancing a not so successful marriage with work and trying to figure out how their marriage fit.
Collette is a famous soap opera star at the end of her career. Can she go back fifty years to the life she could have had?
Jimmy built the chapel for the love of his life. Can he sell it and finally be truly happy.
I can't even begin to explain why everyone in the world should read this book! Rachel has now become an author that I will highly recommend and that I will always want to read. She does an amazing job of playing to all of your emotions. If the characters are sad or hurt you are too. If they are happy, you are jumping up and down happy with them. There were times in this book where I was so emotional involved I felt like I was there. She also brings to light how not talking in any relationship can lead to misunderstandings that can ruin a relationship. Even though at times the subject matter would not be suitable for children, she does a good job of getting her point across without saying to much.
This has probably been the best book I have read this year and I can't wait to read more by Rachel.
I received The Wedding Chapel from The Fiction Guild in exchange for my review. A positive review was not required.
Taylor and Jack decided to be crazy and elope. Now they were balancing a not so successful marriage with work and trying to figure out how their marriage fit.
Collette is a famous soap opera star at the end of her career. Can she go back fifty years to the life she could have had?
Jimmy built the chapel for the love of his life. Can he sell it and finally be truly happy.
I can't even begin to explain why everyone in the world should read this book! Rachel has now become an author that I will highly recommend and that I will always want to read. She does an amazing job of playing to all of your emotions. If the characters are sad or hurt you are too. If they are happy, you are jumping up and down happy with them. There were times in this book where I was so emotional involved I felt like I was there. She also brings to light how not talking in any relationship can lead to misunderstandings that can ruin a relationship. Even though at times the subject matter would not be suitable for children, she does a good job of getting her point across without saying to much.
This has probably been the best book I have read this year and I can't wait to read more by Rachel.
I received The Wedding Chapel from The Fiction Guild in exchange for my review. A positive review was not required.
I’m so torn, writing this review! And there’s so much to say about this story! I’m a pretty big fan of Rachel’s books, especially since I loved her Royal Wedding series and I’m going to be honest - I loved this book! I really did! It pulled me in immediately and I read it in less than a day, staying up too late and stopping only occasionally to rejoin the “real world” for a short amount of time. I adored the characters and definitely enjoyed the dual romance, from 60 years past to present day. On the other side, which is leaving me torn, I found it a little . . . “odd,” I suppose is the word I’m looking for. I’ve only read her Royal Wedding series and this book so far and I’m definitely not making a blanket statement, but I’ve noticed a trend in her books that I’m not entirely comfortable with. Thus, the indecision!
As always, Rachel has done an excellent job with the details and may I just say that I adore how she describes things?! She draws me into the setting, until I can almost feel the sunshine, or see the view from Colette’s penthouse, or see the snow drifting down. It’s fantastic and a talent I would personally love to have. She brings the story to life in so many ways and I just love it! I also enjoy how she uses several different perspectives to tell the story, giving different opinions and views of the events. This is something I appreciate as a writer, because it gives the tale depth and allows me to make connections as I follow along and become drawn into the narrative. I really wish I could better describe it, because it’s one of the things I adore about her books. The characters just come to life on the page as she weaves their respective stories into a collective one.
I usually chat a bit about each character, but since there’s a dual relationship going on, and that would make this review super long (okay, longer than usual), I’m just going to say that I loved each character! Taylor and Jack have a lot to work out and they struggle with communication and letting go of past hurts. They both also have issues trusting the other person. They’re disillusioned by life in general and aren’t sure how to fix what’s wrong in their marriage and themselves. So a lot of their story focuses on communication and both learning to be vulnerable. I loved the realness (is that a word?) in their story. It’s not easy. Not “happily ever after.” It’s hard work. It’s pain, tears, anger, hurt, and all of those messy emotions that we sometimes gloss over. And I loved that! I loved reading a book that reminded me it’s okay to be a mess sometimes and that life doesn’t have to be perfect for you to love those all around you.
The other couple’s story takes place many years prior and it also focuses a bit on communication, but also betrayal and decades worth of heartache. It was undeniably the hardest to read and I can’t imagine Rachel writing it without tears rolling down her cheeks. I’m not one to cry at much of anything, but the painful reality shown in this story tempted me. It’s definitely a story of forgiveness and second chances. Some of which come a bit later in life than expected.
Now for the part I struggled with. I’ve already mentioned that I really appreciated the moral backbone of the story, the themes of forgiveness, second chances, communication, and learning to “love well.” But (and isn’t there almost always one?), I have to admit that the spiritual side of the story gave me pause and made me rather uncomfortable. I found that it didn’t line up with my personal beliefs and convictions and honestly, gave me a bit of pause as to whether I was going to finish the story or not. Obviously, I found myself too invested to put it down, but it does leave me indecisive as to whether I can truly recommend it.
Overall impression: The Wedding Chapel is a wonderfully written novel that left me with much to think about and I loved being taken on a journey that tugged my heart and reminded me to “love well.”
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
As always, Rachel has done an excellent job with the details and may I just say that I adore how she describes things?! She draws me into the setting, until I can almost feel the sunshine, or see the view from Colette’s penthouse, or see the snow drifting down. It’s fantastic and a talent I would personally love to have. She brings the story to life in so many ways and I just love it! I also enjoy how she uses several different perspectives to tell the story, giving different opinions and views of the events. This is something I appreciate as a writer, because it gives the tale depth and allows me to make connections as I follow along and become drawn into the narrative. I really wish I could better describe it, because it’s one of the things I adore about her books. The characters just come to life on the page as she weaves their respective stories into a collective one.
I usually chat a bit about each character, but since there’s a dual relationship going on, and that would make this review super long (okay, longer than usual), I’m just going to say that I loved each character! Taylor and Jack have a lot to work out and they struggle with communication and letting go of past hurts. They both also have issues trusting the other person. They’re disillusioned by life in general and aren’t sure how to fix what’s wrong in their marriage and themselves. So a lot of their story focuses on communication and both learning to be vulnerable. I loved the realness (is that a word?) in their story. It’s not easy. Not “happily ever after.” It’s hard work. It’s pain, tears, anger, hurt, and all of those messy emotions that we sometimes gloss over. And I loved that! I loved reading a book that reminded me it’s okay to be a mess sometimes and that life doesn’t have to be perfect for you to love those all around you.
The other couple’s story takes place many years prior and it also focuses a bit on communication, but also betrayal and decades worth of heartache. It was undeniably the hardest to read and I can’t imagine Rachel writing it without tears rolling down her cheeks. I’m not one to cry at much of anything, but the painful reality shown in this story tempted me. It’s definitely a story of forgiveness and second chances. Some of which come a bit later in life than expected.
Now for the part I struggled with. I’ve already mentioned that I really appreciated the moral backbone of the story, the themes of forgiveness, second chances, communication, and learning to “love well.” But (and isn’t there almost always one?), I have to admit that the spiritual side of the story gave me pause and made me rather uncomfortable. I found that it didn’t line up with my personal beliefs and convictions and honestly, gave me a bit of pause as to whether I was going to finish the story or not. Obviously, I found myself too invested to put it down, but it does leave me indecisive as to whether I can truly recommend it.
Overall impression: The Wedding Chapel is a wonderfully written novel that left me with much to think about and I loved being taken on a journey that tugged my heart and reminded me to “love well.”
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.