About the book:
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
Click here to read an excerpt!
The Memory House by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
First of all, I was quite familiar with Rachel’s work due to a Hallmark movie I loved which was based on one of her books. However, this was the first time I actually sat down and read one of her books. And to say that I was absolutely charmed, amazed, entertained, and inspired is the understatement of the year! This book is a Christian book in every sense of the word, but it is never preachy. Moreover, unlike some Christian authors I have read in the past, the story is at the heart of the book, and the faith elements are interwoven into the very framework of the tale. Rachel definitely writes on a different level than so many writers in today’s society, and this book was so phenomenal that I never wanted it to end!
I have read books that include flashbacks and even stories that tell two parallel stories that somehow have a connection. But this book was so expertly written that there were no loose ends, and everything made perfect sense. I forgot that this was a mere fictional story, and I found myself drawn into the world Rachel had created in a very real way.
I don’t want to spoil the story. Just know that if you decide to read this book, there is a chance you may neglect a variety of other things in order to follow the sweet tale of romance, life, and love. Hallmark readers will adore this tale, and those who still believe in the power of love and faith will also relish every moment! One of the best romances I’ve read this year, and definitely one of the best faith-based books I’ve read in some time!
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.
For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).
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