Author Rachel Hauck has penned a beautiful novel that brings together two couples separated by 250 years. This book is filled with heartbreak and joy as both couples must navigate past or present obstacles to love. The transformation of each character was amazing to witness. I especially loved Chloe for her courage, perseverance, and faith. It was so neat to see how her life positively affected those around her.

I loved this book, and hope to re-read it soon. Again, Chloe just got to me on so many levels. I also adore the heavenly touches that Hauck adds to her novels.

Fans of historical and contemporary romance will enjoy this story. Those who want a Hollywood insider's perspective of that life will be thrilled.

I received an e-ARC of this book for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The premise of this dual period story sounded very promising, with a love letter at its core. Although I liked the “older” storyline better than the present day one, the whole story seemed a bit contrived to me.

: Outstanding! Rachel Hauck’s best novel so far. This time-slip story has it all from hero’s past and present, getting a behind the scene tour of a movie set and a peek at the creative process of making a film. Then there’s the battles that took place in South Carolina that will rip at your heart. There are characters you can cheer for, cry with and feel not only their agony but their triumphs as well! It was an engaging read in both time lines right from the start with actress Chole trying to break out of being the “Queen of death scenes”. Would Hollywood ever see her as something more? She wants to break their type casting; when Chole reads a script, she seeks to audition for. The movie is Bound by Love written by a new scriptwriter. She wanted the part of Esther Kingsley, a woman facing tough times during the Revolutionary War. She’s torn between being loyal to her father and/or following her heart and be with the man she loves, Hamilton Lightfoot. They learn that, “Bravery is fighting in the midst of your fear, not in absence of it.”

All the leading characters Chloe, Jesse, Esther and Hamilton face some hard truths about their life’s choices, faith, and forgiveness not only for the people they’ve hurt and/or hurt them but for themselves as well. It was refreshing to see that none of these characters were running off to get involved physically and then wonder about all the ramifications of their relationship later. Chloe had done that. Everything she rushed into died like the many roles she played.

I liked both leading lady’s loyalty and their search for true love. Chole and Esther ask themselves the question, what is real love.? What does it look like? Would their soul mate ever be found? Did it really exist?

I liked what Chole says this about marriage, “Marriage is the one place where no one can go but you and your spouse. One man. One woman. In a union that has baffled humanity since the beginning of time. It’s a treasure, something to be guarded with every part of your being…joined by God.”

I liked that they were flawed characters testing the waters of faith, church and their struggle with trusting God and His best plan for their lives. So far as they could see things weren’t adding up to be toogreat. It was down right horrific in some of the things they experienced. Many discovered that forgiving others was easier then forgiving themselves

I relished hanging out with these characters past and present. I enjoyed all the twists, turns, and surprises I experienced with them on their journey. Don’t rush through this, you’ll want to savor every word. This makes for a great book club pick. The author includes ten discussion questions to help make your book club experience lively! I highly recommend this novel for a great read and for your next book club pick. This is a keeper to be enjoyed over and over again!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
SVP Promotion

Another wonderful book by Rachel Hauck! An amazing story, actually two amazing stories in one! This book is about The American Revolutionary War and it includes the often forgotten South, especially South Carolina, my home. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you so much, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, atmosphere, and characters. I would recommend the book to friends and family for their reading pleasure.

When I started reading The Love Letter, I didn't know what to expect. What I found was a story of faith. It took me a bit to adjust to going between Hollywood and the Revolutionary War, but once I got the hang of it, the story unfolded beautifully. Chloe is an amazing character who struggles and faces obstacles; but relies on her faith to help her. And that's not the norm in the acting industry. Esther, also an amazing character for her time, carries the Esther/Hamilton story into unknown territory for that day. The parallel stories create an interesting journey and a superb ending. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Esther and Hamilton. Chloe and Jesse. Both couples ' futures rest on a letter and GOD's hand. A true love story that left me with goosebumps.

This book is one that has to be on your must read list. It has everything you could want in a story. I couldn't put it down. It took me back to the Revolutionary War and the fight for freedom. Esther, Hamilton and even Chloe and Jesse had to fight for what they believed in and for their love.

Love can be expressed in many different ways. We are not promised tomorrow. I have attempted to express my feelings and love in many different ways. I want no regrets. I want my family and friends to know how I feel about them. It might be difficult to open yourself up to others but oh so worth it.

Congrats, Ms. Hauck, for an excellent book that I will highly recommend to all my friends and family.

I received this free to review.

The Love Letter is the latest novel by Rachel Hauck. Chloe Daschle is auditioning for a role that could change her career. She has become stereotyped into roles where she dies, and it is time to change her fate. She gets the role of Esther Longfellow in Bound by Love written by Jesse Gates. The other thing Chloe longs for is her one true love. After several disastrous romances, she wonders if the right man is out there for her. Then Chloe meets screenwriter and actor, Jesse Gates at a friend’s wedding. Based on a letter from an ancestor, Jesse wrote Bound by Love. When Jesse meets Chloe, he wonders if she is the woman for him. He is not sure that he deserves a happily ever after because of what happened eight years prior.

Esther Longfellow has been in love with Hamilton Lightfoot for many years. She has returned from two years in London with the hopes of marrying him. However, war is breaking out and their families are on opposite sides. Esther’s father, Sir Michael is a loyalist who will not allow his daughter to marry someone unworthy of her much less a patriot. After a devastating death, Hamilton goes off to war and sees many horrors. One night before a big battle, he pens a love letter to Esther. Four people, two stories, one letter.

The Love Letter is a novel about finding someone who will love you, complement you, be there for you during the good times and the bad times. Finding someone to love can be easy but finding your soul mate is a different matter. I thought the story was nicely written and the author takes readers on a journey. The Love Letter is a dual storyline novel that is told from four point-of-views. I did find it jarring with the four POV’s in the beginning (trying to keep the characters and their stories straight). It became easier as I progressed through the book. I found Esther and Hamilton’s storylines more compelling. The author did a wonderful job at capturing the time-period (starts in 1781) with the descriptions of the area, the clothing, the various Revolutionary War battles and attitudes. It was clever how the author connects the four people together (I do not want to spoil it for you). The Christian elements are light but present throughout. Having faith is the main theme. You need to have faith that God has the best plan for your life. I appreciate that the author did not make the characters perfect. She made them realistic with their own flaws and struggles. My rating for The Love Letter is 4 out of 5 stars. It is a lovely story, but I did find the pacing to be slow and the transitions were not smooth (as we switched from character to character). The Love Letter is a satisfying romantic Christian story with an unpredictable, heartfelt ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own..

Jess Gates is inspired to write a screenplay based on a love letter his great great great great great grandfather, who lived during Revolutionary times, wrote to a woman he didnt get a chance to marry. Chloe Dashle has been waiting for such a role all her life.

In this novel, we get both stories; the story of Chloe and Jesse, as well as the real story behind the letter that inspires the film. The book cuts back and forth between modern and revolutionary times, and is told in alternating voices of the main characters.

I have enjoyed Rachel Hauck’s stories in the past. This one was okay, but I found it to be a bit confusing at times. Also, some points had some supernatural occurrences that felt unbelievable to me. That being said, It was an interesting story about love, redemption, and God’s perfect timing.

4.5 stars

Buckle in - this is gonna be a long review! lol

Y’all. This book did not go at all the way I thought it would. And I’m giddy about that. Giddy at the power of story. Giddy at well-woven plot lines. Giddy at redemption and restoration and stories that don’t turn out the way we plan but are all the better for it.

From word one, I was captivated by Hamilton and Esther’s story. How could I not be? Star-crossed loves whose families are on opposite sides of the War for Independence, both hoping to avoid the conflict altogether and both failing to do so. Both are strong characters, though I dare say that Esther is the stronger of two. (Sorry, Hamilton!)

Fast forward a couple hundred years and we meet Chloe and Jesse as they prepare to tell Hamilton and Esther’s story the way Jesse – Hamilton’s descendant – imagines it to be. I loved watching their instant heated attraction mature into a deep and heartfelt friendship even as they tried to put their growing feelings on the back burner. And perhaps most compelling to me in this present day timeline is Chloe’s redemption story – its newness to her yet its absolute rightness in her spirit, the way I can see it shining in her eyes even though she’s “just” a character on a page.

These characters – all 4 of them – will lodge firmly in your heart as you read their stories. Each timeline in this dual-timeline (aka time slip) story is poignant – the present as well as the past. And in one way or the other, figuratively or literally or metaphorically, Chloe and Jesse and Esther and Hamilton are all on the verge of being in bondage to death. Yet in the middle of whatever battles they each face, there is a Savior.

Great plot and swoony kisses notwithstanding, the message in The Love Letter is really, in itself, a love letter from our Savior to remind us in this crazy world that “Love broke chains. Unlocked doors. Healed wounds.”

Not to mention a couple of surprising plot twists that I’m still gushing about (quietly so I don’t give away any spoilers lol). It was also fun to see a nod to Hauck’s Royal Weddings series tucked away for faithful fans. Which brings me to how much I love love love Rachel Hauck’s stories for the way she seamlessly weaves in divine nudges and supernatural winks throughout the plot.

Bottom Line: The Love Letter is incredibly poignant, hopeful, redemptive and yes, entertaining. The cast of memorable characters (even the supporting ones) will linger with me for a while, and their stories certainly will. This is a great story, a sweet romance, and an intriguing dual timeline plot. But what makes this a must-read is the message that (as Natalie Grant sings in another of my favorite songs) “Death has lost and love has won!” Not only in the physical realm or the figurative realm but in the spiritual – where the battle of all battles was fought for our freedom.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

A book that has two stories and two time periods.. I liked both the historical and modern stories. Two broken hearts, a love letter and an actress who only gets casted for characters who die. Chloe is determined to break the mold that Hollywood has placed her in., but is she the only one who cares? Can Jesse find answers to his past, through a screenplay he has written?

.
.

I was enthralled by this book! It was a wonderful book and I enjoyed reading it and following the plot as it went.

The power of the written word…

Characters with deep emotions and realistic fears create a relatable story of love and the importance of communication, trust, and forgiveness.

The Love Letter tells two stories, one contemporary and one historical. If you are a lover of both genres, this could be a treat! But if you are in a season where you have to set the book down frequently, a dual-timeline like this might become challenging. I enjoy really disappearing into a story, so changing between two stories kept me from feeling as immersed as I might have been otherwise.

However, the stories were well-told with likable characters and pacing that kept me turning pages. This was my first time to read one of Rachel Hauck’s books, but it won’t be my last. And if you are prone to emotional leaking, you might need a tissue. Just saying…

(I received a complimentary copy of this novel. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)

This book flipped back and forth from present to past . I thought the story was easy to follow and I thought the history interesting. I like that her books have some light romance and also some religious aspects. I really enjoy her books!!

This is a beautiful love story that reaches into the depths of your soul. It lingers there as you feel the emotions and become one with the characters. I loved the transition from present day with Jesse and Chloe to the past with Esther and Hamilton. The author does an amazing job of transporting readers to the Revolutionary War where we find two people deeply in love. I wanted Chloe to have her forever soul mate so bad I cried though each scene. Have you ever loved someone so much it hurt to be away from them? That is what Esther felt each time she was apart from Hamilton. Their story is powerful and I loved how the author captured their feelings with words, looks and a special letter. Do you know what it is like to want to be with someone you love, but obstacles get in the way? The author makes Esther and Hamilton come alive with her compassionate writing style.

Jesse and Chloe are in the present and their story is just as fierce as Esther and Hamilton's. Chloe has had a hard time as an actress and finally finds a part in a film that could boost her career. This is where the story for me really made an impact. I can't tell you how many times I have lost at love and had my heart broken. When Jesse and Chloe share intimate moments from their past, their vulnerability was the meat of the story. To trust someone so completely with pain from your past, is the start of a true relationship. I loved how their story ran parallel with Esther and Hamilton's.

The story is emotional and one that captures you with a quiet peace. The author explores what happens when pride overtakes you and forgiveness is hard to accept. I loved how the characters were easy to connect with. This is in my opinion the best book the author has ever written. There are so many lessons to be learned throughout the story and shows how love is one of the most treasured feelings we can have and receive.


"When a man loves a woman, nothing can hold him back. The same is true of women. When she is in love, there is no force more powerful."

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck is the author's latest book that connects the past and the present. Ms. Hauck is absolutely brilliant in weaving together two seemingly distinct stories into one cohesive whole. Who else could connect modern day Hollywood with the Revolutionary War. Yet, the author gradually spins a web of clues you won't even notice until she grabs them all together at the end. This is a beautifully written book and it should be on everyone's summer reading list. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is a difficult book to review. Not because I didn't enjoy it, I did, but because it's almost like reviewing two books at the same time.

This is the story of four people. Hamilton and Esther, who lived during the American Revolutionary War. On opposite sides of the battle, they try to find a way to be together. The other two people are Chloe, an actress who is only ever given roles where she dies and Jesse, who has just written his screenplay.

The two couples are linked because Jesse's screenplay is based on a letter that was written by Hamilton to Esther and passed down in his family. Chloe is set to play Esther in the film and as a result, finds herself questioning her ideas about love.

There is a clear link between the two couples, although they are separated by time, which becomes clearer as the story progresses. That said, I think that this worked better almost as two standalone stories. I preferred the historical story and felt that it worked better than the modern one. It did leave at least one key point unanswered at the end though, which was a shame.

Although I preferred the historical storyline, the modern one still, for the most part, worked. The book was a little different to ones that I'd normally read, but I did enjoy it all the same.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book tells two love stories from the Revolutionary war era to the present time. The story is seamless. When I was reading one side of the story I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen on the other side. There wasn't one moment where I was bored or didn't know what was going on. Both stories are separate but weave into one. It was very well written.


** I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review**

The Love Letter follows a modern story of an actress trying to shake her past "dying" roles, a screenwriter, and a historic story of a love that history divides. The two storylines weave together to a surprising outcome. This was my first split-time novel, so it took a little while for me to get into the juxtaposition--at first, I wasn't sure who to care about. As I continued reading, I realized quickly that both storylines are critical to the overall telling and the overall arcs. Rachel Hauck expertly blends in history, loss, and the redemption of love. If you've never read a split-time novel, where both a historical story and contemporary story are being told, I recommend you give it a try. This was a very enjoyable read.

The Love Letter is one of the BEST books of 2018. I devoured this story in two days! This book spans 250 years, illustrates the pain of unrequited love, details several bittersweet journeys to forgiveness, demonstrates God’s immense love for us all, and shows just how small this world truly is. The plot is HIGHLY engaging — be prepared to lose a day or two in this extraordinary book. The characters are wonderful, realistic, and endearing. I absolutely love this book, and want to reread it right now.

One of my most favorite aspects to this story is Chloe’s take on love and marriage. There is a moment when Chloe considers love. She is a Hollywood starlet, so she is surrounded by the glitz and glamour of love. Many people in her circle see love as a feeling in the moment, but not Chloe. To Chloe, love is a verb. It is a choice made daily. I love this because it is so true. Anyone who has been married for any length of time will tell you that after the honeymoon period, loving your spouse is a choice. Some days it’s a really easy choice, and some days it’s one of the hardest choices ever. Even the best of marriages have moments of frustrations, discouragement, and pain. But, the best marriages are the ones where the couple has CHOSEN to love even when they would rather take a day off. In this, Chloe is SO correct. Another idea Chloe espouses that I love is the notion that marriage is a covenant between two people. Once entered into that covenant, there is a special bond that makes the two a super team. I love this concept because it is so true. My husband is my person. I can go to him for anything. We are definitely a team, and I can depend on him, trust him, and kiss him anytime I want! It’s a beautiful privilege to be a part of this team, but I can only do it with God’s daily help.

The Love Letter, time and time again, reminded me of Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Throughout this story, the reader watches as Esther and Hamilton, and Chloe and Jesse, attempt to make plans for their futures, but are constantly thwarted by war, parents, bad timing, etc. It is such a human thing to make plans, but God has other ideas. I very much enjoyed the many illustrations of God leading these characters where HE wanted them to go, and then seeing how each character reacted as their plans fell through. It is a great reminder to me that I am not in control of my life, so I better lean into the One who is truly in control. It has to be HIS will — not mine!

I could not help but be reminded of a fabulously crazy family story of mine as I read The Love Letter. Before I tell you the story, you have to know that my mother’s name is Catherine Ann Pace and my father’s name is Nicholas Patrick Durso III. I promise, it’s important.

When I was little, we had a knickknack that used to sit atop our coffee table. It was a small dish in the shape of Australia. I liked to play with it because it had a handle affixed to it and on top of the handle was a silver kangaroo. I thought it was cute, and I would often envision myself having adventures in Australia with this kangaroo. I was five and imaginative!

Inscribed on the dish is the following message:

To: Nicholas Patrick Durso

From: Katherine Ann Pace

With Love

As I got older and learned to read, I often wondered why my mom’s name was misspelled. Catherine should be spelled with a “C” and not a “K.” One day I asked my mother why the dish didn’t have her name spelled properly. She chuckled a little and then proceeded to explain the dish’s story.

During WWII, my grandfather, Nicholas Patrick Durso II, was severely injured. I actually know very little about his time in WWII because the Durso men do not talk about their times in war. All I know is that my grandfather was part of the US Cavalry, and he and his group were hit by enemy fire. My grandfather was injured and shipped out to Australia for surgery and to convalesce. One of the nurses assigned to my grandfather was named Katherine Ann Pace. Over the course of his time in hospital, my grandfather and this woman fell in love. When cleared by the doctors, and subsequently honorably discharged, my grandpa made plans to head back home to the US. Before he left, he asked Katherine to marry him. She wanted to accept my grandfather’s proposal, but did not have any desire to move to the US, so she declined his offer. My grandfather was heartbroken, but understood. The day he was set to leave, Katherine gifted the knickknack to my grandfather so he wouldn’t forget her.

When my grandpa came back from WWII in 1945, he met my grandmother, Madelyn. They got married, and in 1947 they had my father, Nicholas Patrick Durso III. My dad, at the age of 34, married my mother, Catherine Ann Pace. I don’t actually know how we came to possess the little dish. All I know is that my family’s story is proof that man makes plans, but God maneuvers our steps…just like Esther and Hamilton, and Chloe and Jesse in The Love Letter. And, I’m super glad my grandpa met and fell in love with my grandma, Madelyn, because I really love the life God has blessed me with!

The Love Letter is a remarkable story that I cannot recommend enough. I feel strongly that after you finish reading this review, you run to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of this book. You will NOT be disappointed!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.