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annathebibliophile's review
2.0
I absolutely loved Rachel Hauck's Once Upon a Prince series. I think it's because I'm a hopeless romantic who LOVES Hallmark Christmas movies. I was excited to read another book of Rachel Hauck's as I've only read the first three in the Once Upon a Prince series. Unfortunately, for me, this one fell pretty flat. I didn't love the writing, but I could get past it--there were just some cheesy lines that I read out loud and cringed (now, I'm reminding myself how much I love Hallmark movies so I shouldn't get caught up in cheesy issues.) I could get past the flat writing, but the plot just did not draw me in! I'm a fast reader: this book should have taken me about a day or two, and it took me about 5 days. I just wasn't pulled into the story like I hoped I'd be. I also can't blame it on the structure of jumping back and forth from the Revolutionary War to today--I've read plenty of similarly structured texts and flew through them. I probably would have been more drawn in if the characters were more fleshed out. I didn't feel connected to Esther or Chloe. The character I felt I knew best and liked the most was Jesse, which is interesting as I normally connect with the female characters more. I really wanted to like this, and I think many people will find this an enjoyable read, it just didn't do it for me.
cmareads's review
5.0
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the free review copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
This is another fantastic love story told by Hauck. I loved how the Hamilton and Esther story intertwined with Jesse and Chloe's story. The Revolutionary War aspect of the story was amazing. I had never seen this at play before in a romance, and I liked how the conflict was created for Hamilton and Esther.
Chloe and Jesse were also unique. It's rare to read about a Hollywood actress believing in Jesus. I appreciated how Chloe viewed love and marriage. Her perspective added complexity and depth to her character.
My favorite part of this whole novel was that it was a true love story. Jesus and his love for us was reflected so well in this story. He loves us unconditionally, and I think this love and grace was shown so wonderfully on the pages. I was constantly reminded to love Jesus first, and everything else will work out, which is the best message any book, fiction or nonfiction, can send.
This is another fantastic love story told by Hauck. I loved how the Hamilton and Esther story intertwined with Jesse and Chloe's story. The Revolutionary War aspect of the story was amazing. I had never seen this at play before in a romance, and I liked how the conflict was created for Hamilton and Esther.
Chloe and Jesse were also unique. It's rare to read about a Hollywood actress believing in Jesus. I appreciated how Chloe viewed love and marriage. Her perspective added complexity and depth to her character.
My favorite part of this whole novel was that it was a true love story. Jesus and his love for us was reflected so well in this story. He loves us unconditionally, and I think this love and grace was shown so wonderfully on the pages. I was constantly reminded to love Jesus first, and everything else will work out, which is the best message any book, fiction or nonfiction, can send.
cctblog's review against another edition
4.0
Chills. Tears. Happy Sighs. I experienced all of those while reading The Love Letter. From the second Chloe appeared on the page, I knew I was going to love her as a main character. Her chemistry with Jesse was palpable, and I loved the way Hauck wrote their stutter-step romance, which had a frustrating yet real feel to it. The faith thread in both of their stories was incredibly relatable and completely rang true. Basically, I could not get enough of the pages written from Chloe's and Jesse's viewpoints.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Hamilton and Esther. The Love Letter is a split time novel, with part of the book in the present with Chloe and Jesse and part in the past with Hamilton and Esther. For probably two-thirds of the novel, every time I was reading about Hamilton and Esther, I just wanted to get back to Chloe and Jesse. The story was written well, but I just didn't particularly connect with either Hamilton or Esther. However, Hauck does weave their story into Chloe and Jesse's story in surprising and ultimately satisfying ways (see the aforementioned chills), and I loved seeing how Hamilton's and Esther's stories ended up.
So, while I didn't enjoy Hamilton and Esther too much while I was reading about them, I did end the novel with an appreciation for them and their story. And Chloe and Jesse definitely rank right up there with some of my favorite book couples ... so overall, I'd say this book is a win. (And can we please get a book featuring Chloe's costar Chris? I feel like he has a great story to tell.)
Note: For fans of Hauck's Royal Wedding series, there's a nice little tie-in to that world in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it scene.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Hamilton and Esther. The Love Letter is a split time novel, with part of the book in the present with Chloe and Jesse and part in the past with Hamilton and Esther. For probably two-thirds of the novel, every time I was reading about Hamilton and Esther, I just wanted to get back to Chloe and Jesse. The story was written well, but I just didn't particularly connect with either Hamilton or Esther. However, Hauck does weave their story into Chloe and Jesse's story in surprising and ultimately satisfying ways (see the aforementioned chills), and I loved seeing how Hamilton's and Esther's stories ended up.
So, while I didn't enjoy Hamilton and Esther too much while I was reading about them, I did end the novel with an appreciation for them and their story. And Chloe and Jesse definitely rank right up there with some of my favorite book couples ... so overall, I'd say this book is a win. (And can we please get a book featuring Chloe's costar Chris? I feel like he has a great story to tell.)
Note: For fans of Hauck's Royal Wedding series, there's a nice little tie-in to that world in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it scene.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
kristi518's review
3.0
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite dual timeline authors. She is able to write compelling stories set in different time periods and combine them into quick, easy, can't-put-them-down reads. However, The Love Letter seemed to be missing something. Exactly what was missing I can't put my finger on. I just know it wasn't there.
For me, the story started off a bit slow. I found myself more drawn to Chloe and Jesse than Esther and Hamilton. I liked the instant connection between Chloe and Jesse but then became a bit disappointed in them. Jesse has a secret from his past and readers are also clued into an embarrassing video of Chloe that's on the internet. I didn't like the way Jesse and Chloe told each other their secrets at the same time. Were they even listening to each other? I've been in conversations such as theirs and just gave up trying to tell my story but these two characters kept going on and on until they had finished. Also, I think the phrase "hot and heavy" was a bit overused. It seems like within a few pages I read this phrase several times. (Does anyone even say that anymore?)
As for Esther and Hamilton the more I read about them the more I enjoyed their story. I'm not a big fan of the Revolutionary War and thought the all the fight scene details slowed down the flow of the story, which was slow enough on its own. I did enjoy the aspect of the story as far as them being on different sides of the war but still maintaining their friendship.
All in all, this isn't a bad story and once I got into it I found it was a fairly quick read. I will admit towards the end I was ready for it to wrap up. While this isn't one of my favorite stories from this author she is still on my must-read list.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
For me, the story started off a bit slow. I found myself more drawn to Chloe and Jesse than Esther and Hamilton. I liked the instant connection between Chloe and Jesse but then became a bit disappointed in them. Jesse has a secret from his past and readers are also clued into an embarrassing video of Chloe that's on the internet. I didn't like the way Jesse and Chloe told each other their secrets at the same time. Were they even listening to each other? I've been in conversations such as theirs and just gave up trying to tell my story but these two characters kept going on and on until they had finished. Also, I think the phrase "hot and heavy" was a bit overused. It seems like within a few pages I read this phrase several times. (Does anyone even say that anymore?)
As for Esther and Hamilton the more I read about them the more I enjoyed their story. I'm not a big fan of the Revolutionary War and thought the all the fight scene details slowed down the flow of the story, which was slow enough on its own. I did enjoy the aspect of the story as far as them being on different sides of the war but still maintaining their friendship.
All in all, this isn't a bad story and once I got into it I found it was a fairly quick read. I will admit towards the end I was ready for it to wrap up. While this isn't one of my favorite stories from this author she is still on my must-read list.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
stacyroth's review against another edition
2.0
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Chloe Daschle hates that she has been dubbed “queen of the death scene,” and when she reads the script for Bound By Love, she just knows the role of Esther will break her out of that stereotype. She becomes friends with Jesse Gates, the screenwriter for Bound By Love and an actor in the movie. Bound By Love is a fictionalized version of Jesse's great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Hamilton Lightfoot's, love for Esther Longfellow. As Chloe and Jesse's story unfolds, so does the “true” story of Hamilton and Esther.
I have been a fan of many of Rachel Hauck's previous books, but this one disappointed me. I didn't really connect with either story line or the characters. The surprise twist with Oliver near the end was creepy to me, while I think it was meant to be romantic. There were several small things that bugged me throughout the book, as well. Every character seemed to have a stuttering problem. Also, there were multiple scenes where the main characters chose to share their deep, important stories at the same time, i.e. “I'll tell a sentence of my story; now you tell a sentence of your story; then I'll tell another sentence of my story.” It made me feel like they weren't really listening to each other. The sum of all the little things made me glad when this book was over.
Chloe Daschle hates that she has been dubbed “queen of the death scene,” and when she reads the script for Bound By Love, she just knows the role of Esther will break her out of that stereotype. She becomes friends with Jesse Gates, the screenwriter for Bound By Love and an actor in the movie. Bound By Love is a fictionalized version of Jesse's great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Hamilton Lightfoot's, love for Esther Longfellow. As Chloe and Jesse's story unfolds, so does the “true” story of Hamilton and Esther.
I have been a fan of many of Rachel Hauck's previous books, but this one disappointed me. I didn't really connect with either story line or the characters. The surprise twist with Oliver near the end was creepy to me, while I think it was meant to be romantic. There were several small things that bugged me throughout the book, as well. Every character seemed to have a stuttering problem. Also, there were multiple scenes where the main characters chose to share their deep, important stories at the same time, i.e. “I'll tell a sentence of my story; now you tell a sentence of your story; then I'll tell another sentence of my story.” It made me feel like they weren't really listening to each other. The sum of all the little things made me glad when this book was over.
longtimereader's review against another edition
3.0
This book has a double timeline. It pops back and forth from 1780 to the present. Putting Hollywood tied to the War for Independence and in the process managed to create a very dramatic filled storyline. It's a love letter that creates a movie. However, that's when it gets bumpy. The characters can be repetitive and sometimes one story took away from the other one. Separately, the two stories are reasonable ones, if I could just get past the repeated issues that Chole was stuck on. Honestly, just don't take any more "dying" roles and that solves that problem.
My review is my own, with my own opinions, and left of my own free will. My copy came from Celebrate Lit.
My review is my own, with my own opinions, and left of my own free will. My copy came from Celebrate Lit.
nancycarey's review against another edition
3.0
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own..
Jess Gates is inspired to write a screenplay based on a love letter his great great great great great grandfather, who lived during Revolutionary times, wrote to a woman he didnt get a chance to marry. Chloe Dashle has been waiting for such a role all her life.
In this novel, we get both stories; the story of Chloe and Jesse, as well as the real story behind the letter that inspires the film. The book cuts back and forth between modern and revolutionary times, and is told in alternating voices of the main characters.
I have enjoyed Rachel Hauck’s stories in the past. This one was okay, but I found it to be a bit confusing at times. Also, some points had some supernatural occurrences that felt unbelievable to me. That being said, It was an interesting story about love, redemption, and God’s perfect timing.
Jess Gates is inspired to write a screenplay based on a love letter his great great great great great grandfather, who lived during Revolutionary times, wrote to a woman he didnt get a chance to marry. Chloe Dashle has been waiting for such a role all her life.
In this novel, we get both stories; the story of Chloe and Jesse, as well as the real story behind the letter that inspires the film. The book cuts back and forth between modern and revolutionary times, and is told in alternating voices of the main characters.
I have enjoyed Rachel Hauck’s stories in the past. This one was okay, but I found it to be a bit confusing at times. Also, some points had some supernatural occurrences that felt unbelievable to me. That being said, It was an interesting story about love, redemption, and God’s perfect timing.
kmaesmith's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars- I loved the way this book blended the past with the present. Cheesy at times? Yes. But a genuinely well written love story
joytiff's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed how the two storylines connected at the end of this book. The concept for this book was what drew me in, a written letter that has survived so much time and yet was never seen by the recipient. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters. Hamilton was about to go off to war and I wasn't invested in his survival. I was glad the ending was worth sticking with it though. I enjoy geneology and learning about my own history so this was interesting from that perspective.