The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck -- Audiobook Review
A Thought-Provoking Listen
The narration by Windy Lanzi was very good on this unusual story. As with the other wedding stories in this series, there is a dual timeline. So there is a Christian historical romance and a contemporary romance. Both heroines, however, are struggling with some similar issues. Rachel Hauck does a great job of weaving some surprising backstory elements into the novel.
A heavy topic is addressed in this book -- adultery/infidelity. Also, abandonment both emotionally, by a loved one, and physically, is a theme.
I struggled with the historic romance heroine's commitment to a man that her closest friends were encouraging her to forget about. But she's pretty much "Stupid-in-Love" and sometimes that happens. Not addressed much in Christian fiction, but this obsessive love with blinders on happens, and can have terrible consequences. Without the second contemporary storyline carrying it forward, with that heroine struggling with, but regretting and repenting of her bad decisions, I may have abandoned the listen. But the two stories are interwoven and sometimes harsh situations need to have some light shed upon them.
This listen will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. You'll be booing some characters and cheering on others. You'll get angry with the author and then be thrilled later with how she skillfully takes the characters through their arcs. One of the marks of a well-written book is how unforgettable it is and The Wedding Shop will make a mark on the reader, who will recall the novel's powerful messages long after they've finished the novel.
I purchased my audiobook of The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck as an audible.com download. This story is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Available at Christian bookstores and is an ECPA Bestseller.
GIVEAWAY: Continuing the Barbour-palooza I have another Barbour collection to give away. It is DIANA FLOWERS' birthday on December 20th. To enter for the giveaway please leave her a birthday wish!
CARRIE, love the review and thank you for giving away a book in my honor! I don't think I have read a book quite like this before and it sounds intriguing. I know now what a fine writer Rachel is and would love to read this!
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Shop is probably the deepest book of Rachel Hauck's that I've listened to so far. I thought she took some risks, Diana, and this story will touch readers in different ways. Hope your birthday was super!
DeleteThanks for the review Carrie. I listened to The Wedding Dress on audible. I was thinking I might just read this one, I haven't decided yet.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA!
*Since I have been so blessed in winning books this year. Please don't enter me in this giveaway.
ANDREA! Thank you and Merry Christmas!
DeleteThanks, Andrea! I loved The Wedding Dress on audio. The narration on The Wedding Shop was very good and I believe complemented the story well.
DeleteHappy birthday, Diana Flowers om a Pal!
ReplyDelete*from a Pal
DeleteBless you, JOY!
DeleteHappy Birthday, Diana. I pray your day is blessed from a God with all good things. Hugs 🎁
ReplyDeleteThank you, LUCY! Hugs back, my friend!
DeleteWonderful review Carrie!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed and happy birthday Diana!
Blessings, Tina
Thanks so much, TINA! Merry Christmas!
DeleteThanks, Tina. I enjoyed listening to Rachel Hauck's latest audiobook!
DeleteHappy Birthday and Merry Christmas Diana Flowers!
ReplyDeleteThank you, ROBIN! Merry Christmas!
DeleteHappy, Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday, dear! Many more wishes given your way, for health, happiness and cheer!
ReplyDeleteHappy, Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday, dear! Many more wishes given your way, for health, happiness and cheer!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the wonderful birthday wishes, MELANIE!
DeleteHi Melanie! Congrats on winning a copy of a Barbour collection on our Barbour-palooza giveaway month. Thanks for celebrating Diana's birthday with us!
DeleteHappy birthday, Diana. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dianne, and Merry Christmas to you!
DeleteHappy birthday, Diana! I pray your day is super blessed! And what a fabulous author, Rachel Hauck, to share your birthday with on the blog, eh?
ReplyDeleteCARRIE, thank you so much and yes, I feel quite honored to share my birthday on the blog with the talented Rachel Hauck!
DeleteI've not yet read a book by Rachel but have really heard a lot of positive talk about them. There's so many authors out there to explore! :-) Thanks for your beautiful review Carrie!
ReplyDeleteDiana, happy (one day late) birthday!!! I've thoroughly enjoyed all your beautiful reviews on OWG and getting to know you on FB and various other blogs. I pray you had the most blessed day EVER...you deserve it!! :-) May you ever feel the Father's love surround you. And Merry (almost) Christmas to you and yours, blessings!
I do so adore the Barbour novella sets, I just got done reading the Seven Brides for Seven Texans and enjoyed it so much!! Thanks for the giveaway chance :-)
teamob4 (at) gmail (at) dot (com)
OH HAHAHA....I thought today's date was the 21st...OY!! Anyway, I'm right on time for wishing you a blessed birthday!
DeleteThanks so much for your kind words, TRIXI, and you're right on time, my dear. I read my first book by Rachel this year and I was hooked! As you mentioned there are just so many authors to get acquainted with, and I definitely need two heads! Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to you and yours.
DeleteOh my goodness, TRIXI, you are SO MISSING OUT by never having read any of Rachel Hauck's stories!
DeleteHappy Birthday Diana Flowers! Looks like a good book!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Pal.
Yes, you are quite a pal, BRENDA! Thank you for the well wishes!
DeleteHappy Birthday Diana!��
ReplyDeleteFrom a PAL
Thanks, ANNE! And a lovely pal you are! :)
DeleteWonderful review, Carrie - thank you!! I haven't read any of the books in this series but will make it a point to do so as I love reading about those heavy topics in my Christian Fiction - this sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteA happy belated birthday wish here via OWG, dear Diana (although I did wish you a happy birthday on your FB timeline yesterday, LOL). Hope you were blessed with a fun day full of your favorite people and things!!
It does sound good, doesn't it, Bonnie? Thanks so much! I had a blessed day and felt very loved!
DeleteBONNIE I think you'd love all this story and probably this one the most! Praying you had a wonderful Christmas!
DeleteHappy Birthday Blessings Sweet Friend. Love and Blessings ,DanaGirl
ReplyDeleteThank you, DANA! Blessings right back your way!
DeleteA belated very Happy Birthday Diana
ReplyDeleteJAN, bless you!
DeleteGreat review Carrie and a Happy Belated Birthday, Diana! Hope you had a blessed one! (Ironically,that's my brother's birthday,too! :) )
ReplyDeleteThank you, LYNNE! Happy Birthday to your brother as well!
DeleteThanks, LYNNE!
DeleteLovely review, CARRIE!
ReplyDeleteDIANA, May this year OVERFLOW with blessings! (((((HUGS)))))
psalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thx so much, CARYL! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours!
DeleteThank you, Caryl! I am looking forward to Caroline Kane's debut this summer!!!
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