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A review by cctblog
The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck
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.