Genre: Christian Fiction; Christian Romance; Dual Narrative
Publishing Date: July 10, 2017
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Tenley Roth’s first book was a literary and commercial success. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who merely found a bit of luck?
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.
Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Yet her life is not her own. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams of her own. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has literally destroyed her dreams, 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. Yet when Tenley discovers Birdie’s manuscript, their lives intersect. Birdie’s words help Tenley find a way home. Tenley brings Birdie’s writing to the world.
Can two women separated by time help fulfill each other’s destiny?
My Thoughts:
Rachel Hauck is one of the authors I stalk on NetGalley so that I can get first reads on her new books instead of languishing in the hold list at my library.
While this book harkens the Wedding Dress, Wedding Shop, Wedding Chapel series with its item tying a past and a modern story together, I didn’t find this one as engaging and heart-warming. Not surprisingly, I found the story of Birdie more interesting. I do have a soft spot for historical fiction. I also just couldn’t really get attached to Tenley. I found her to be flighty and a bit dramatic. Additionally, the development of her relationship with Jonas just seemed too quick and odd to me.
The unique ties between the characters past and present were interesting, though.
I did enjoy the tidbits about writing and publishing, both in the Gilded Age and modern times. The pressure to create no doubt takes some of the creativity out of it. I’ve seen that in many Young Adult trilogies I’ve read in recent years where the first book was great and then the following two not so much (or even rotten).
It was a quick and easy read. I think fans of Rachel Hauck or of stories with dual timelines would find it worth their time to read.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit www.mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment