Writing Desk - Rachel Hauck

Genre:  Christian Fiction; Christian Romance; Dual Narrative

Pages:  352 pages

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

The Widows' Club - Joyce Livingston

Synopsis from amazon.com: Valentine Denay seems to have it all in finances and nice possessions-the only thing missing is her husband Carter. Can she find a way to fill the aching void he left behind? She has already opened her house each morning for coffee with two other widows in the cul-de-sac. But when a new widow in the neighborhood, a church fundraising project, and a pregnant soldier's wife all come knocking at the door to her heart of compassion, can Val keep her wits about her? Or, will the princess of the cul-de-sac fall from her lofty perch when pulled into a romance triangle?


This was an interesting concept for a book series. And this is the first book in the series (finally reading a series in order!).

It is the story of Valentine and her widow friends. How they help each other, help the community, and basically do life together.

I enjoyed the connections between the characters. Their friendships, their open doors, and the way they accepted others for who they were.

I did find it odd that most characters had very odd names…Valentine, Bitsy, Barbie, etc. Really?

And I didn’t like Edna popping up at the end. She seemed more like a specific plot device than an actual character in the book. I also wonder what happens when these widows remarry. Do they still get to be a part of the club? I guess I’ll have to read book two to find out.

Overall, it was a lighthearted (despite being about widows), enjoyable read on a unique concept.

City Dreams - Lyle, Lynxwiler, Murray, & Paul

Four sisters from rural Nebraska head to different big cities to chase their dreams in these four novellas.




Fluff, pure and simple. And predicatable.



Exactly what I needed. :)

Split Ends - Kristin Billerbeck

Sarah Claire is an up-and-coming hairstylist from Wyoming. That is until she moves to LA and is relegated to chief hair sweeper and coffee maker. Sarah Claire is determined to make a name for herself in this market and break the Winowski curse when it comes to love. She has talent. She has grit. But will her past keep her from success in the future?


Better than the last Billerbeck book that I read. But I was still disappointed. I loved her Ashley Stockingdale series and recommended them to many people. However, I haven’t loved a lot since. This one had several dropped or randomly arranged story lines. Also (and I know this isn’t the author’s fault), there were many typos, misspellings, etc. And being the grammar-freak I am, that always takes away from the overall pleasure for me.

I did like the main plot and the old movie references. Since this is our book club pick for February, I’m interested in seeing what everyone else has to say about it.

Back to Life - Kristin Billerbeck

By being a “trophy wife” Lindsay expected to outlive her husband. However, she did not anticipate being a widow at thirty-five. Or to have to deal with Ron’s ex-wife, Jane, as the executor of his estate. But everyone has their secrets, and Ron had a reason for wanting them all together.

I have to be honest, I love Kristin Billerbeck but I was pretty disappointed in this book. (Fingers crossed that her other “newer” book is better since it’s what we chose for book club in February). The story telling was very disjointed and jumpy. And I don’t think that is solely because the chapters alternate voice between Lindsay and Jane. Even within the chapters things didn’t flow.

Additionally, I didn’t really feel or see a lot of character development and change. Lindsay still hasn’t found a plan for her life. She has just found another man (and not the one I was cheering for). Jane grows a bit more, but still not to a satisfying level in my opinion.

Play It Again, SAHM - Meredith Efken

Not a lot to say about this book. I had read the other two in the series. Never really got a lot out of them other than some mindless entertainment. Same can be said for the final book.

 I will say this, a book of nothing but emails is an interesting format…and quick to read.

And for those of you unaware, a SAHM is a Stay at Home Mom.