Book Review of Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

I enjoyed book 1 in Rachel Hauck`s Royal Weddings Series, but ...

I loved Book 2!! Princess Ever After was amazing!

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess. But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales. Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future---and his own. Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.

The second book in Rachel`s fairy tale, Royal Weddings Series is fantastic. Hauck goes deeper into the fictional story world of Hessenberg from the first book. This time, even the Prince Nathaniel and his blushing Bride Susanna enter the story line as all come together to convince this small-town, grease monkey to become a princess. 

My favorite character by far was Tanner, the hero, Sir Blue Eyes. He is stoic and classy while also being down to earth and real. His interactions with Regina made for many laughs and smiles. His back story, which I won`t spoil for you was well-crafted and fit into the story line perfectly. 

The intrigue that pushed the story forward was finding all the hints and clues left behind by the last Princess of Hessenberg, Regina`s Gran. Hauck kept the characters, and of course the readers running to catch them all in time for the book to end. A real page turner!

I believe book 2 can be a stand alone as far as the story line goes. My only concern would be the detailed information about the history of the fictional country. It is pivotal to the story. I found the history aspects much easier to follow in this book over the first one. That may (or may not) be related to the fact that I had some understanding of the situation going into Book 2. This is just a very mild warning.

Reading Group guide included as well.

It was a true delight to read and I recommend it to anyone. This is my favorite princess story.

Order your copy from any Christian retailers. Also watch out for another Rachel Hauck book coming out next month, A March Bride.  

Thanks to Booksneeze and Zondervan for the review copy. I received it free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.

What is your favorite princess story

Book Review - Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Beautifully written. Beautifully crafted. Just plain ... Beautiful!

Synopsis: Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, tells a modern-day fairy tale as fetching as the recent nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. When a jilted girlfriend meets a reluctant crown prince, they discover the power of God’s love to heal hearts and change a nation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Rachel Hauck's book. She's done a splendid job of crafted a world that is both realistic and other-worldly. The opportunity to see life through the eyes of a Crown Prince doesn't pass through my little Town much. The characters, Susanna and Nathaniel felt real, bold and inspiring. They touched my heart as they traversed the unknown within the circumstances they found themselves in. And they did it all through the eyes of faith.

The setting of the book was also beautifully crafted. Susanna's beach-front world of the family owned business and Nathaniel's made-up but realistic world of a Monarchy ruled European Nation were beautiful compliments to each other; Hauck weaving the love of gardens into both.

The ending was greatly anticipated and delightfully sweet.  I was uncertain all the way to the end if the two would be able to blend their worlds and be together after all. It was very satisfying. Thanks Rachel!

The only down side for me was

The Frasier Contest is open!

Are you a writer?  Is there a novel ruminating in your head, or perhaps even on your computer?

I want to tell you about an awesome opportunity that I discovered last year.

For over two years now I have been a part of an online community of Christian writers. It is a teaching community that focuses on how to write better and then eventually sell better, of course. The women heading this project have a love of writing (they are published) and a passion for encouraging.

They have tailor made the group to teach to you at whatever level you are at - serious, dedicated writer or interested-but-in-my-free-time kind of writer. You won't be disappointed either way. Feel free to check out the group My Book Therapy here.

The reason for my post today is about a contest they offer titled the Frasier Contest. This isn't like other contests I have entered. The goal isn't publication or winning first place - the goal is feedback! That is something I have found hard to get since I have started writing. I'm not talking the kind of feedback I get from my mom or my sister-in-law - NOTHING AGAINST THEM - you guys are great!  I am talking about deep, concise (measurable) feedback from people who have traveled the writer's journey and who know the ins and outs of the publishing world. Good feedback.

Here are some of the reasons I entered the Frasier last year.

1. I knew I wasn't going to win any prizes or final in any big fancy contests with my writing - it just wasn't there yet. However I didn't really know where my writing sat. I wanted some honest feedback.