Note: I thought I did not read one of Rachel’s books before I interviewed here and saw her first-ever Hallmark movie based on one of her books. I discovered I was wrong! Glad I gave her a 5-star rating before I even knew her!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Four brides. One Dress.
A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.
Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift . . . and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress…or feel certain she should marry Tim?
Then Charlotte discovers a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new―shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed.”
Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history―and its new bride―begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the timeless beauty of finding true love.
The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I have read many historical fiction books in my time, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I am also an incredible fan of Christian romances, but this was so refreshingly different from anything I have ever read. And I read it very quickly.
The entire premise behind this book is a wedding dress that came into contact with four women and impacted them all in special ways. This means that the dress is over 100 years old. And it just so happens that Charlotte ends up getting this dress–almost by accident. She has no idea when she gets it what a marvelous journey she will undertake!
Because the book covered four different women and showed how their stories intersect, I was quite intrigued. It was also clear how strongly divine appointment figured into the story. There were too many coincidences for it to not be the work of God. I loved how the author wove everything together in a unique, endearing story. I think I experienced every emotion along with these characters.
My favorite character was Emily. I was glad that the author spent her time covering this wonderful character. However, Charlotte was the one with whom I could identify. And God definitely spoke to me through her. I was reminded that God puts everything in our lives for a reason, and we just have to trust Him for the outcome. God doesn’t give us good gifts and then delight in taking them away just to tease us or punish us.
The center of the story is definitely this magical dress. It seems to take on a life of its own. And I was quite pleased to see the parallels that the author drew between the Christian walk and the wedding dress. This is a historical romance that I think just about anyone who likes that genre would enjoy. It is a charming story told from a wonderfully fresh perspective.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and opinions are 100 percent mine.
View all my reviews
Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
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1 Comment
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I’d like to buy my sister this book to inspire her more before she gets married next month. She will be wearing a temple dress which we inherited from our grandmother. She’s too emotional with that.
