I'm not a fan of historical fiction, but Rachel Hauck has been winning me over with her dual time period novels. In The Love Letter, we are thrust into the life of Hamilton Lightfoot as he faces a decision-does he fight for the British Crown or the Independence of America? As he gets ready for battle, he writes a letter to Esther, the woman he loves.

Jump to present day as we meet the actress who is dubbed “the queen of the death scene”. Chloe Daschle want's to change her “dying” reputation and accepts the role on a revolutionary war film.

Jesse Gates moves to LA to write and sell a screenplay based on the events surrounding the lost love of previous generations. As he and Chloe meet and work together on the film, the story develops, both in the past and present day.

Hauck brought this story together in a beautiful way. While there were parts that moved a little slower at times, the story was thoughtful and charming. I enjoyed the dual time aspect of this story and the way the letter fit into the story.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and the moment I read the blurb, it really caught my attention. I loved the sound of this one and always love when a love story has a Hollywood side to it.

This one started off okay for me, getting a bit of an intro to both Chloe and Jesse's characters but then began to go between the two timelines, the distant past and current day. I really struggled with this, at times the jump felt choppy and felt like the two storylines weren't connecting for me, was just two different storylines playing out in the same book.

I liked both Chloe and Jesse's as well as Hamilton and Ester's but I really struggled to connect with them and their storyline. I wasn't truly feeling it and struggled to stay engaged in the storyline, finding myself at times skimming pages at a time trying to move things along to a part I could be engaged with

This was a sweet loved story but was one that overall fell flat for me. I know I will be in the minority but this one just wasn't for me.

An interesting read albeit a little drawn out and tedious at times. Grateful to the publishers and Netgalley for this book. It was a book enjoyable enough to read once but not one that I would recommend to anyone strongly

Chills. Tears. Happy Sighs. I experienced all of those while reading The Love Letter. From the second Chloe appeared on the page, I knew I was going to love her as a main character. Her chemistry with Jesse was palpable, and I loved the way Hauck wrote their stutter-step romance, which had a frustrating yet real feel to it. The faith thread in both of their stories was incredibly relatable and completely rang true. Basically, I could not get enough of the pages written from Chloe's and Jesse's viewpoints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Hamilton and Esther. The Love Letter is a split time novel, with part of the book in the present with Chloe and Jesse and part in the past with Hamilton and Esther. For probably two-thirds of the novel, every time I was reading about Hamilton and Esther, I just wanted to get back to Chloe and Jesse. The story was written well, but I just didn't particularly connect with either Hamilton or Esther. However, Hauck does weave their story into Chloe and Jesse's story in surprising and ultimately satisfying ways (see the aforementioned chills), and I loved seeing how Hamilton's and Esther's stories ended up.

So, while I didn't enjoy Hamilton and Esther too much while I was reading about them, I did end the novel with an appreciation for them and their story. And Chloe and Jesse definitely rank right up there with some of my favorite book couples ... so overall, I'd say this book is a win. (And can we please get a book featuring Chloe's costar Chris? I feel like he has a great story to tell.)

Note: For fans of Hauck's Royal Wedding series, there's a nice little tie-in to that world in a blink-or-you'll-miss-it scene.

I really enjoyed this book! It's a time hop book that goes back and forth between present day and the revolutionary war times. I liked the characters on both sides and was quite invested in their stories which always makes such a difference in whether I like a book or not! These characters are real. I love the way both sides come together in the end! It's just a great and very satisfying read!

I really loved the romance in this story. I did not want to put this book down. I loved the story within a story. Esther and Hamilton and Chloe and Jesse. Both stories were never confusing and each story worked well together. All the characters were easy to like. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I have to admit, I struggled with the story. Couldn't understand where the author was. I enjoyed the beginning but then got lost among the characters. I only made it a few pages in hoping that it would get better. For me I just lost interest. I know this is a very short review, but when I struggled so much and forced myself to turn the pages. I kept hoping it would start making sense and the two different stories would come together. I may pick the book up again one day and try to give it another read. But I had to close the book. 

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

The Love Letter

A Novel

by Rachel Hauck

Thomas Nelson–FICTION

Thomas Nelson

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 12 Jun 2018

I am reviewing a copy of The Love Letter through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:

Chloe Daschle is an actress whose forte is not romance on life or on the screen, but she knows how to play a convincing death scene, the very thing that may be killing her career.

Chloe is given a sneak peek at an epic love story. It is then she takes matters in her own hands and auditions for the lead female role Esther Kingsley. The tale is inspired by family Lore and a one page letter by the ancestor of the screenwriter Jesse Gares. If she lands this role it may well break her out of the rut she finds herself in. Jesse would rather write about romance than live it but there’s no denying there’s a chemistry between him and Chloe.

,Hamilton Lightfoot and Ester Longfellow wrote their own script in the days long before the Silver Screen even existed. In the midst of the Revolutionary War.

Esther’s father a loyalist opposes her relationship with Hamilton but Esther must face her beloved fathers disapproval and the dangers of war to convince Hamilton they have a future together.

Hamilton loved Esther for year’s and pens a letter to Esther on the eve of a battle a letter that comes from his heart.

I give The Love Letter five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

This is another great book to read from Rachel Hauck. She is an author that does dual time lines so well.

The historical time line is from the 1780s. I had always thought that because the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1775, that’s when the fighting stopped. I enjoy reading fiction and learning to know more about history. The history is a real part of this story, but yet, it is not the kind that has too many details that it gets bogged down.

And then, there’s the contemporary story. The present day time line takes you into the lives of Hollywood folks. I found Chloe to be down-to-earth and realistic. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and seeing the progression of events in her life…

If you enjoy Christian romance (both contemporary and historical), you will enjoy this one. And if you’re already a fan of Rachel Hauck, than so much the better!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This is an absolutely incredible contemporary/historical romance!

The characters in this novel are so well developed that I felt I could sit down for a cup of tea and visit with them. I was especially captivated by all four of the main characters. It was like I could get right inside their heads at any moment.

The way the story flowed between the two time periods was wonderful. I don’t read very many duel-time-period books so it did take me a couple of switches to get used to it.

The historical portion really brought to life for me what the conflict between Tories and Patriots was like during the Revolutionary War. I had never really considered that they would be living in close proximity with each other. The fact that Esther and Hamilton had grown up as close friends and then found themselves on opposite sides was heartbreaking for me.

All four of the main characters had personal journeys to grow closer to God and mature. There was past baggage that they had to sort out and move on from. I love it when the characters grown throughout the story. That is what life is all about.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinions.

I absolutely loved Rachel Hauck's Once Upon a Prince series. I think it's because I'm a hopeless romantic who LOVES Hallmark Christmas movies. I was excited to read another book of Rachel Hauck's as I've only read the first three in the Once Upon a Prince series. Unfortunately, for me, this one fell pretty flat. I didn't love the writing, but I could get past it--there were just some cheesy lines that I read out loud and cringed (now, I'm reminding myself how much I love Hallmark movies so I shouldn't get caught up in cheesy issues.) I could get past the flat writing, but the plot just did not draw me in! I'm a fast reader: this book should have taken me about a day or two, and it took me about 5 days. I just wasn't pulled into the story like I hoped I'd be. I also can't blame it on the structure of jumping back and forth from the Revolutionary War to today--I've read plenty of similarly structured texts and flew through them. I probably would have been more drawn in if the characters were more fleshed out. I didn't feel connected to Esther or Chloe. The character I felt I knew best and liked the most was Jesse, which is interesting as I normally connect with the female characters more. I really wanted to like this, and I think many people will find this an enjoyable read, it just didn't do it for me.

I have never read a book by Rachel Hauck, those I have heard of her a great deal previously. This book was really, really good. Almost bordered on being a historical Christian fiction. Sometimes I find that Christian fiction can be campy and hard to read, but this was so well written and makes you think it is based on fact but also how the moments that these individuals came to Christ was just mind blowing for me personally. Beautifully written.

I have been hearing fabulous things about Rachel Hauck for several years now, but I never had the chance to read one of her books until this past week. I was very excited to receive an ARC of her new release The Love Letter, and I'm equally excited to share about it! I really enjoyed this book! In fact, I had a very hard time putting it down because I was so invested in both stories. The only saving grace for me was that I finally found I was able to put it down when it switched stories; otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten any sleep at all this week!

I really enjoy the way Mrs. Hauck writes. Her characters are loveable yet very believable. I really enjoyed the complexity of this plot and how she wove the two stories together. I wondered at times if she could possibly tie up all the loose ends in a way that would satisfy me, and she actually succeeded quite well, leaving only a few that I wished she had tied up a little better, all of which were in the historical story rather than the contemporary one.

The best thing about this book for me though was the spiritual component. I loved how she portrayed her characters seeking God and striving to live their lives in a manner pleasing to Him. It wasn't just a cursory nod toward religion but had some real depth, and I really appreciated that. I also loved how she showed real spiritual transformations in some of the characters!

I highly recommend this author. I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I finished it, I went hunting through my Kindle library to see if I had anything else she'd written. Happily, I did, and I've already finished that one too! Next time we go to the library, I'll definitely be checking out the H section to see if they have any of her books.

Title: The Love Letter
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Chloe Daschle is known in Hollywood for being the actress to play a convincing death scene. But she’s tired of dying. She wants to live. When she hears about the role of Esther Kingsley in a historical film, she decides to go for it.

The script is based on a one-page love letter written by screenwriter Jesse Gates’ ancestor, Hamilton Lightfoot, but Jesse would far rather write about romance than try his hand at it…again. When Jesse and Chloe meet, they both must re-think their views on love—and their pasts.

During the Revolutionary War, Esther longs to be with Hamilton, her friend from childhood, but Hamilton is torn between his love of peace, and his desire to fight for the land he calls home. He’s afraid his thirst for revenge over the death of his father will motivate him—not the cause he wishes to fight for. And Esther must choose between her beloved father, a British Loyalist, and the rebel Hamilton, the man she loves.

I expected a light romance in The Love Letter but got so much more than that. Chloe is an intriguing character: she grew up in Hollywood and has a past as one of those behaving-badly starlets caught on tape to live down. She’s changed, and now she wants so much more out of life, but Hollywood has her in a tidy box she’s not sure she can escape. Until she meets Jesse, who does things his way, not buckling to threats or even friendly advice. With Esther and Hamilton’s story woven throughout, The Love Letter was an engrossing, lovely read.

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning and best-selling author. Her newest novel is The Love Letter.

(Galley provided by Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.)

Rachel Hauck has another winner on her hands with her latest novel, The Love Letter. She expertly flipped back and forth between modern-day Chloe Daschle and Jesse Gates and the story between Esther Longfellow and Hamilton Lightfoot from centuries ago. I tell you, I kept wondering in my mind which couple I loved best, I did make a choice in the end, but I don't want to give away the ending ;-)

The historical part of this story was beautifully written, I felt like I was in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. The current-day part was emotional, thought-provoking, and almost envy-inducing as Chloe lives in Hollywood with her director father and actress mother, which means money, influence, abundant opportunities, mansions, pools, and servants.

The Love Letter held a deep spiritual message, it also kept me flipping the pages, the word choices were unique yet not over the top, and the plot moved swiftly. Pick up your copy today!

A lovely story of family, forgiveness and faith. Two strong storylines - one contemporary and one from the American Revolution. I preferred the contemporary story, although both are strong. I enjoyed the faith pieces that focused on redemption and surrender and unconditional love. There are some "mystical" spiritual pieces that, for me, didn't fit the tone of the rest of the story.

This is an author I really enjoy and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Hauck treats readers to a delightful journey of faith and love with authentic, complex characters and cleverly entwined storylines. This book is an exceptional reading experience… emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually engaging and satisfying.

The Love Letter balances the stark hot and cold contrasts of tension and conflict with warm friendship, attraction, and budding faith. The characters are relatable and the story flows smoothly throughout the point of view transitions and time period shifts. I love the way both Chloe and Jesse refer to themselves as old souls. I think the world needs more old souls with traditional values, honor, and integrity.

This exquisite story fully captured my heart within the first seventy pages and I eagerly indulged in blissful reader decadence to the end (then proceeded to wipe away tears of reader joy). I highly recommend this story it is without a doubt one of my favorite books of the year and all-time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Story Line: 4 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 4 Stars
Love Story: 4 Stars
Overall: 4 Stars



Author Rachel Hauck delivers yet another split-time romance that tells the tell of a long lost love from centuries ago, and a modern love story waiting to happen! Back in the time of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow are from different sides of the battle, but love each other deeply. Hamilton writes a letter proposing marriage - but it apparently never gets to Esther. When this letter is passed down through family centuries later to Jesse Gates, a Hollywood screenwriter, it inspires him to write a love story of what may have happened between the star crossed lovers. Meanwhile Chloe Daschle, daughter of two mega Hollywood stars and talented actress in her own right, is tired of playing the damsel in distress who always dies. Determined to find her destiny in the role of Esther and to find true love in real life, she presses forward through tension and doubt to make this her best role ever - all the while in her personal life, gathering the courage to open her heart to Jesse.

These two chicks really enjoyed reading The Love Letter with its dual storylines - one historical and one contemporary. The love stories between our main characters were realistic and relatable, yet charming! Also shining brightly in this novel is the faith aspect - Jesus is close to all characters who believe in Him, gently guiding and directing those who are willing to follow Him. Rachel Hauck is mastering both historical and contemporary fiction, and her books always draw us in for an intriguing escape. This was no exception and we eagerly look forward to her next one!

I loved how the author’s mind worked as she wrote this story, a love story that spans centuries, and six times greats.
We are spending time in the fight for America’s Independence the 1700’s and then we are in modern day Hollywood and making movies.
We are shown that love can have its problems, especially if is a one-way affair, but we are also shown God’s hand in the lives of these individuals and forgiveness.
Wait until you see how it is possible for a love of 1780 to come to a conclusion in 2018, Rachel Hauk has successfully melded these two-time periods into a tale that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

I was prepared to not like this story. I don't generally like modern themes. And this was not just modern, but Hollywood too. The initial appeal of this story for a historical fiction lover like me is that the core of the story is a letter written at the beginning of the Revolutionary war. As I read I found that the author made it personal, both in old and new eras, and it grew on me. The modern characters became just people and meshed with the old. Their stories wove back and forth, over and under, like ribbons, then did a mobius flip. Wow what a journey. And when completed, how smooth it actually was. Esther and Hamilton, Chloe and Jesse - each on their own journey, yet bound together - with a path to Jesus meant for each, illustrating the mountains, valleys and triumphs only He brings to lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson--FICTION - Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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”.