The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck is about the connected multigenerational stories of two lady writers from two different eras and two very different worlds, separated by relentless time and fiery circumstances, who achieve their goals with indomitable courage, defying all odds and braving obstacles. Fate binds them together irrevocably in a way time cannot erase. This faith-based book, with its beautifully integrated spiritual content, has wide-spread appeal for its extremely meaningful story, well-developed characters, intriguing storylines and surprise plot twists, blending the mysterious past with the predictable present, to create a captivating tale of enduring love, strong faith, forgiveness, and the beauty of second chances.

Wow! I loved this book! Tenley Roth is an author who has had a successful book written and now she is expected to write another great book. The problem is she has writer's block. She is living with a man that she is not sure she loves. She has lost her father and barely knows her mother who left her when she was a young child. When Tenley is presented the choice to go to Paris with her boyfriend or go to Florida to be with her mother who is fighting cancer, Tenley chooses Florida and it changes her life.

Birdie is living in the early 1900's and is expected to marry well to further her family's name in society. It does not matter that Birdie loves an English man named Elijah and that he loves her. She is expected to marry a man she does not love. Her mother is steadfast in making Birdie in her pursuit to further her family's name. Birdie loves writing and has written about her love for Elijah in a book that she submitted to a publisher. When that book is missing the plot thickens and takes Birdie down a new exciting road. As Birdie learns of family secrets she begs to be able to marry the one she loves but it is not until an unexpected ally intervenes that things begin to look up.

Tenley and Birdie's life become intertwined in a most unexpected way as Tenley makes her way in Florida. Tenley also discovers a love that she did not expect and a relationship with her mother that she can cherish.

A Writing Desk is so well written. The characters are wonderful and it just keeps you engaged. I cannot say enough good things about how it goes back and forth between modern to historical throughout the book. They way the two meet is just perfect. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

The Writing Desk is the latest novel by Rachel Hauck. Tenley Roth has just won the Gordon Phipps Roth Award for Outstanding Debut Novelist. Tenley is the great-great-granddaughter of Gordon Phipps Roth for whom the award is named. She is supposed to be working on her second book, but Tenley is experiencing writers block (and many doubts about her abilities). Tenley’s debut book is a hit, but she wonders if it is for her writing prowess or her heritage (Conrad Roth, her father, was also a famous writer). Her boyfriend, Holt Armstrong is going to France for three months and wants Tenley to join him. But then Tenley gets a call from her estranged mother, Blanche Albright. Blanche is starting chemotherapy and needs someone to assist her. She is asking Tenley to come to Cocoa Beach. Tenley has been yearning for a connection with her mother and decides this might be the perfect opportunity especially since she is her last relative. In the library at Blanche’s house is the perfect desk for Tenley to work on her book. She can tell it has history and it speaks to her. In the early 1900s, Birdie Shehorn has just obtained her degree from Wellesley. She is hoping to spend more time on her writing. Unfortunately, Birdie’s mother is pushing for her to marry Alfonso Van Cliff (a notorious flirt). Birdie has no desire to be married off to someone she does not love, but her mother will not be thwarted. Will Birdie get her chance to write and marry for love? Can Tenley overcome her writing block? Pick up a copy of The Writing Desk to see how the story plays out.

The Writing Desk is a well-written and engaging novel. The past and future are beautifully woven together for a lovely story. I was more interested in Birdie’s story than Tenley’s. Tenley is a difficult character to like. Her whining and complaining quickly got on my nerves. The Christian element is light but impactful. I am giving The Writing Desk 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I only told you a little bit about the story. There is also Jonas Sullivan and Elijah Percy. The story is told from the perspective of all four main characters (it does not get confusing). In this story, we can see that despite a hundred years difference, people undergo the same struggles (joys, doubts, uncertainties, love, grief). The Writing Desk is Christian, romance novel that can be enjoyed by readers from 13 to 103. It is an inspirational story with a feel-good ending (it has a great epilogue). I am never disappointed when I pick up a novel by Rachel Hauck.

The Writing Desk is one of my top reads so far this year! I really enjoy reading the two timelines, Tenley's and Birdies stories. How they come to share the same writing desk in the course of their writing careers. They also have other similarities in their lives. Overcoming adversities and discovering romance. A wonderful story. I'm looking forward to more from Rachel Hauck!

I received this book from the author and NetGalley for my honest review.

This book was pure and heart melting genius. God certainly had a hand in this book with Rachel. The characters are some of the best I have ever read, the story line was flowing like ink writing on parchment. The tenderness of this book will make this one of the best Christian fiction books of the year. It will show you that all those that are lost can be found.

A romance that spans the ages, and continents, to bring people together even in the hardest of times.

After her first book became a runaway success, Tenley Roth feels the pressure to bring another hit. However, due to the pressure, she is unable to get any words on the page. During this time, her estranged mother calls asking for Tenley to help her through chemotherapy in Florida. Shortly after arriving, she ends up meeting a furniture designer that shows her what real romance is about. Tenley finds an old desk at her mother’s house that she uses to try and kick-start her new book. The desk has history to it that ties everything together between the families and past writing.

Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of old money who wants to be her own person and not have her parents make her every decision, especially about who she will marry. Birdie wants to write novels and get her stories out in the world, a difficult feat for an unknown woman in this time. Her mother is working behind her to get her future set the way she believes it should be, which is not want Birdie wants. Tied together through time and circumstances, Birdie and Tenley find that even though their circumstances are not what they want, they can make the best of it if they follow their hearts.

This is one of those books that at first I thought I was going to give up on, the back and forth between the timelines and characters was a little confusing and took me out of the story. However, by the end of the book, it worked together so well. The decisions made by each character and how it brought about the actions and reactions of those around them was done incredibly well. Rachel Hauck did a fantastic job bringing about the sympathy for Tenley and the hard times she went through with the decisions she made and the consequences she had to face. The relationship between Jonas and Tenley was a nice slow build up instead of an instant attraction that exploded into a full-blown romance that took over the whole story. Even though this is an inspirational novel, it never gets preachy in any way that would be a turn off to some. One of the nicest aspects is this is a story of forgiveness and redemption and how it can soothe the soul. This book will be great for those that love romance and a story of hope and moving on to make the best of a situation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Where do I get started with this book, the characters were all amazing and the storyline was complex but easy to follow, with these types of books its easy to get lost amoung the different stories but I never once felt like I was.

I loved Tenley and how despite having had a somewhat broken childhood she was using her potiential to be the best writer she could be and wasn't letting anything get in the way of it.
Jonas had had his recent share of struggles in the past and was trying to get back on his feet. He is extremely loyal to his family and is willing to do whatever it takes to help them out, even if it means putting his own dreams and desires on hold.
Tenley longs to have what Jonas has in terms of his family and the stability that it brings, as while she had a loving father he has since died and she is now trying to get to know this stranger who is her mother.
To see how Tenley and Jonas relationship forms is really fascinating and it kept me on my toes throughout the whole book!

Birdie was an intriquing character and I loved getting swept up into the Gilded Age with her. She was full of fight and as the story goes on you get to see just how strong she really is. She never sat around and felt sorry for herself instead she realised that there was more to life than just being a housewife and marrying someone of status and got to work proving herself.

The story had lots of twists and turns and I loved seeing just how important the writing desk was to everyones stories throughout the book. It was a book that got me thinking and comparing the differences between the Gilded Age and current age. Overall the book was very enjoyable and I wouldn't expect anything less from Rachel Hauck.
If you are after a great standalone book to read then this is it and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Wow! I couldn't put this book down... I loved it!

Rachel Hauck hit it out of the ballpark with this captivating story about 2 women trying to find their way in this world. You will find moments of laughter and sadness with hidden dreams lost and found. This was absolutely flawless!

Birdie lives in the early 1900s and has a strong love for writing. Her mother is very controlling and has specific plans for Birdie's future, she wants her to marry a man for money instead of love. But, Birdie has other plans for herself, her dream has always been to write a novel and have it published. Unfortunately, in the early 1900s, she was told women don't write books and faced social backlash. Birdie found an escape from her mother in the attic where she had a special desk she did all her writing on.

Tenley comes from a family of writers where she followed in her father and great great grandfather's footsteps. Her first book was a success and now she is riddled with fear that her second book won't be as successful. Just as she is about to pen her second book her estranged mother calls and asks Tenley to help her while she undergoes chemotherapy. Tenley agrees in hopes a change will help her get over her writer's block. While staying with her mother Tenley uses an antique desk to write her new book - the same desk Birdie used 100 years ago.

This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, overcoming fear, and developing a deep faith in God.
Highly recommended!

*I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SWOOOOOOON. This. Book. Made. Me. Swoon.

There are not adequate words to describe how much my heart loved this book. The author, Rachel Hauck, has GOT to be one of the most underrated authors out there right now. Her ability to make a reader so utterly relate to her characters, is second to none. My heart ached, and soared, and cried (both happy and sad tears) throughout this entire book. The dual timeline story (which can be done so wrong sometimes) is so beautifully executed that you will love both characters deeply, with each paragraph, you will be hoping for the others' story and so the pages will always be turning, and you will not want to put this book down. Her writing speaks straight to your soul and won't shake loose until long after you've finished the book.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2056697747

Anyone who knows me understands that I love both historical and contemporary romance novels, and guess what? The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck has both! Ms. Hauck is masterful at creating novels that combine both genres. Seriously, folks. It hurts my brain to think of all the plotting that she must’ve done to make this story flow-y and flawless. And who doesn’t love twice the romance a dual story has to offer?

There were moments of laughter and sadness. It was a tale of dreams lost and gained.

Historical elements:

I love the Gilded Age. It’s a part of American history that’s unique from all other eras. The “class system” is still very much observed. Money. Prestige. And society placement. I experienced Birdie’s frustration with being manipulated by her mother and her struggle to find happiness in such a shallow environment. I rallied for her to follow her aspirations and not to close her heart to love. Not only was the historical scenes inspiring but also the blossoming romance shared between the characters was endearing to read.

Contemporary elements:

Tenley hooked me from the first few pages. She’s at the top of the literary world, so to speak, yet her heart’s empty. My own heart ached for her to get a glimpse of what her soul truly craved – redemption. And as a writer, I totally sympathized with Tenley’s writing block. Oh yes, sometimes the struggle is real. I was surprised by how much I loved Jonah’s character. He impressed me with his honorable and godly behavior. I could gush and gush about the vivid scenes with Tenley and Jonah, but I don’t want to give anything away 😉

The Writing Desk whispered to me through the pages of residual grace. Of His faithfulness to hold our hands as we reach for our dreams, but also of His steadfast presence when our desires slip through our fingers.

*I was provided a copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a dual-timeline story featuring two writers, one is being forced to marry someone and the other is dealing with writers block while on a deadline. Before beginning I wondered how a desk would weave the stories of these two ladies together but as it progressed I began pick up on some of the hints and loved the way they weaved together.

I was immediately drawn to Birdie’s story, her situation had me hurting for her and rooting for things to turn around. I had to keep reading to find out what happens to her. Even though she ended up marrying the person I was hoping for and she was able to continue pursuing her passion, her life was not easy. She endured many struggles that had me hurting for her, but she was positive and saw the good in everything. It took me a bit longer to connect with Tenley, I struggled appreciating some of her quirks, but she grew on me. She is in a rut and even with the change of scenery she struggles to get out of it, but then she finds something that offers a solution. But it is the right thing? She deals with a few difficult decisions and might not make all the right choices at times, but in the end I was proud of her. She took responsibility for her decisions, tried to make things right, and began to embrace God’s love for her and start to see that He could change her life. The progression of her relationship with Jonas felt just right and not rushed. I loved how welcoming his family was.

The men in the story were easy to love. Eli was torn between his heart and his duty, but decided to put aside his wants to do what was required of him and in the end he was blessed. Jonas also tries to put aside his personal wants in order to do right for Tenley, I enjoyed his personality and his willingness to be there for her even when it was hard for him.

This story will get you thinking about the moral decisions these characters make and what you would do in their place. Another great book by Ms. Hauck that I recommend and it has left me with the desire to watch the tv show Newhart again.

I don’t want to fangirl over this book so much that you all ignore what I have to say. But, I loved this book so much that I think the only way to adequately describe my feelings is to share my facebook status that I posted just after I finished reading.

Okay, my bookish peeps… I rarely demand you go buy a book but I sat here blubbering like a kid over this ending. You cannot miss this book. You can’t! Like, go buy it or we can’t even be friends!!!
-Kristin



I fell in love with the characters, with Tenley and Jonas but most of all with Birdie. She reached right through the pages and gripped my heart and gave it a good squeeze. One word sums up these characters—endearing.

I think most people who read my blog knows that I rarely read contemporary fiction. When I do, Rachel Hauck’s books are the ones that I pick up. Yes, I’m a fan. Make no mistake though, this book is fantastic and I’m not saying that just because I enjoy this author’s work.

The interesting thing about The Writing Desk is the duel timeline. Most authors cannot pull off a duel timeline but Birdie and Tenley’s tales were so beautifully woven together. Their lives were connected in a way that left me reeling. Their connection was beautiful and I kept turning the pages to see where the story would take me.

Lastly, I want to say how much I appreciate this author’s authentic tale of loss, love and redemption. This book was bittersweet and the characters were flawed. They were real—as real as a book character can be.

I hate to be on repeat but this book was just lovely and I truly think anyone that loves a sweet, clean romance would love this story. It’s not overly preachy and I think some devout Christians may want more. But, I like seeing the subtle hand of God working in the lives of those that need redemption. This book had the perfect amount of romance and faith elements for me. It felt authentic and not as if the author was trying to beat me over the head with a full plan of salvation. She let God find her characters where they were and I loved that. Truly, I loved this book.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.

I finished this book yesterday and Tenley and Birdie's stories are still swimming in my brain. I actually dreamed last night that I was in Cocoa Beach helping Tenley with her novel, which would be a dream job. In her latest book, Ms. Hauk writes from both present day and the Gilded Age with ease, both Tenley and Birdie's stories flow. The reader feels as if they are in both time periods simultaneously.
The book pulled me into it's pages from the beginning and hasn't let go. I hate to say that this is my favorite book of Ms. Hauck's but I honestly believe it is. I loved each and every character, even Birdie's ridiculous mother. They were all REAL, both likable and at times I wanted to smack them with the book. Both Tenley and Birdie although from different era's are witty, lovable, kind and someone you would want to spend time with. Jonas is the perfect hero, someone you'd want to come alongside your daughter to help her see truth or be your son's best friend.
I so hope Ms. Hauck is working on a sequel to this book, because I'm not reading to let go of these characters, and I want to know more.
Highly recommended!

I lfike Rachel Hauck's books. I've read several, including The Wedding Dress (my personal favorite), The Wedding Shop, and this title.
She seems to like including two people's stories, a few generations apart, a writing style I enjoy. This book followed that pattern and was enjoyable.

Growing up I think it was always assumed that one day I would be a writer. Part of me feels like it was understood that it would happen and that somewhere along the way I broke the deal. Oh, perhaps somewhere around college when adulthood became a reality and time and energy and creativity was drained away into bills and appointments and going to work. I've actually touched on this topic a time or two on my Laundry Whispers blog. You know, where I blog about how I'm not writing. Just roll with it. This book just brings that back for me just a little bit. Like maybe if I'd had an outlandish man's bathrobe to write in. Or perhaps I was just never given the right desk. I wasn't I born with famous author genetics? All of that kinda misses the point. Just like Tenley missed the point. And even Gordon Phipps Roth (GRP) missed the point. The point that Birdie wrapped herself around and completely 'got it'. At least from where I sit. Let's walk away from writing for a minute though. Yes this story is all about writings and books and manuscripts but that's just the fluff. This book is about so very much more...according to me.

Do not be dismayed, you don't have to worry or be afraid.

Raise your hand if you have ever been so worried or fearful about what step to take next in life or work or even love that you freeze up. Just wiggle your finger if you are in a space full of people. I don't care how perfect you think you are or try to appear to be there is at least one area of your life where doubt is a hand at the table. And remember that doing nothing is still actively making a choice. Tenley and even GRP both find themselves there. Decades apart, generations between them but the same problem. The difference is Tenley, while down and out and without much hope has an opportunity to not only right her wrong but the wrong of another. Not for praise or acclaim on her part because at the end of the day she actually wants to do the right thing. You know, I have so many thoughtful quotes and take-aways from the book but this is where my mind keeps falling back. Missteps and redirected paths. Everything else is just getting me there.

God's mercy cannot be quantified or understood. Just receive it.

No matter how far you stray from where you think you should be or others think you should be there's always mercy to get to where God needs you to be. Not where you think or others think but what He knows. No matter how wrong you make things in a human endeavor there is always the mercy of God to get things to His right. Not your right or my right but His. You hand me a book that I laughed and cried and worried and loved so fiercely and this is my take away. Rachel Hauck did something so profound with this story through these characters that honestly changed just a little in in how I think about things. I was ready to tell so many quirky stories that this book brought me. And it did, and for that alone you should read it. But Tenley and Birdy. They changed the rules, for themselves and a little bit for me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Zondervan, the author, and NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

After a slow start, this book really caught me. I loved the connections between the two authors over many decades as each struggling with others' expectations and God's reassurances. The characters were real and their choices were believable (only one point that I thought was unlikely to actually occur in real life). The stories took several twists and turns as the timelines overlapped. Such a deep view of many of life's hardest moments -- divorce, abandonment, betrayal, death, serving unwanted duties -- and life's best rewards -- falling in love, finding a voice, trusting in God, occupational happiness. Some religious discussion, but not overmuch or preachy. An excellent read. Highly recommended.

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck is the most wonderful contemporary and historical Christian romance. It is a perfect read, one that will warm your heart and soul. It leaves you feeling good and with a smile on your face as you celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness.
The novel explores how God desires a relationship with us all. Even when we do not know Him or do not acknowledge Him, He is present in our lives, speaking into them. It's just that we fail to recognise His voice.
Going to church does not necessarily mean knowing God. "She attended church only to be seen by people, not God." Church in the early twentieth century (and sometimes today) could be seen as a status symbol. It was never God's intention for this to be so. The church is the people - people who live for God. "He kept his faith quiet and simple." By viewing one's example of living out a Christian life, others will be drawn to Jesus.
The novel is about families. There are all sorts of families - split families, matriarch families and families who welcome others with their open house policy. "The Sullivans were not lawn people. They were people people." The reader 'feels' welcome in their company. The Sullivans are the church in action.
Early twentieth century life was very much class based. People did not marry for love. Marriages were business deals. "Country and duty trump any man's heart." Daughters were sold to the highest bidder. Old estates were propped up by new money. A love match was discouraged. "She was playing her part Doing what society... expected." Society had underwritten rules that were ignored at your peril. No one wanted to be a social pariah.
The novel is one of two halves - modern day and 1902. They are linked by heritage and the writing desk. The characters are wonderfully drawn with strong female heroines and kind supporting men. The reader is attracted to them all. The exchange of dialogue is wonderful to behold. It was exceedingly witty at times as there were verbal volleys backwards and forwards.
There was the theme of loss. "In her grief, she'd stumbled upon... writing." Loss never diminishes. We just learn how to cope.
There was the theme of treasure. "If you think your greatest fortune is the size of your bank account, you've miscalculated." Some things are priceless - the love of others and the love of God.
Dreams are important. "Never let anyone steal your dreams." Dreams fulfilled bring contentment. Dreams can spur us on through life.
Guilt and regret are bedfellows with forgiveness. "I don't visit regret often because there's nothing I can do about it." Regrets are a waste of energy. Learn from the past and move on. Forgive where we need to forgive.
The Writing Desk was a real gem of a novel. All Rachel Hauck's novels are feel-good reads where the reader can escape for a few hours. They are also grounded in God. The reader learns lessons, along with the characters.
A totally wonderful read. Rachel Hauck has done it again.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I absolutely adored this book and simply could not put it down. Engaging and captivating. Pure and lighthearted romance from one of my favorite authors.

I've only recently discovered Rachel Hauck and I'm so glad I did! I absolutely loved this story especially the characters of Birdie and Tenley, who almost felt like a continuation of the same character. One rich in history, tradition and a bravery not befitting her time; and the other searching for her own connection to the past and courage.

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors, and The Writing Desk doesn't disappoint! Rachel is such a wordsmith, she strings together the most beautiful sentences; but it isn't ostentatious in the very least, it fits the mood of the moment. Also, she uses words I'm not familiar with, but they are used in such a context that I immediately understood the meaning. For me, it was refreshing to read a novel without the same old words used over and over again.

Tenley and Birdie are such strong women, I just loved their characters. Some backstory was needed as the author wove several stories together, but it was inserted seamlessly into dialog. The internal monologue was beautiful, a work of art. I loved how everything tied together in the end, even when I wasn't sure how the stories interconnected.

Awesome read, grab your copy today!