Woven by Words: The Memory House By Rachel Hauck Review & Giveaway

The Memory House
by Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0310350965

It's been a while since a Rachel Hauck book has landed on my TBR pile. It was also my first time working with Audra Jennings PR to review a book. Do you ever love an author so much that you don't even check to see what the book is about? You just know whatever the topic is you're going to love it. That's how it is for me with Rachel Hauck.

Summary:

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!

My Review:

From the start of page 1 I was invested in this book. The Memory House starts off with Beck in hot pursuit of a perp. We're thrown into her story right away and and from there the reader is taken on an adventure. The story has multiple characters that span generations. I love when authors bring us from one time period to another so we get to understand the characters' histories. Don't you wish you could have a glimpse into the past like an author can give us?

Next we meet Bruno. Oh, Bruno. He's a guy with a lot NOT going on, which means he's a dude with a lot going on inside. lol He and Beck are both people who have no idea where they're going. A match made in heaven? I think they might exasperate each other. That being said, I love the depth of both of them. Their storyline is rich and it just felt real to me.

Next we're introduced to Everleigh and life in the early 1950s. 1953 to be exact. There was an actual tornado that happened in Waco, Texas which the author wanted to add as the backdrop to Everleigh's storyline. What that poor woman lived through! It's incredible how God can use the terrible things that happen in our lives! Do you ever want to hug a character in a book? That's exactly what I wanted to do with this her.

Then comes along, Don. He's torn between wanting to help Everleigh move away from the past, but his family has expectations of him as well. The choices we have to make aren't always the easy ones, but when God is involved, He makes a way.

I have to tell you, this book was a fast read. I didn't want to put it down. I think it took me a day and a half to read it. I actually cried towards the end, which hasn't happened in ages! I wonder if other readers will be as moved as I was. Thankfully I was by myself as I finished the book so I didn't have to worry about anyone catching me. HA!

While I know this isn't a story that will have a sequel, it certainly makes me wish we could get to know Beck's dad's life from when he was a child until he met her mom. What Everleigh's life was like later on. lol I can't say much because there's so much connection throughout this story. Definitely the reason why I'd like to read "more".

Now you see why I enjoy books written by Rachel Hauck. She brings the reader deep into the story and gets you to invest your heart in them. She also weaves faith in the Lord into the story as well. Of course, this is the most important piece. It gives the reader the opportunity to see how God can work in people's lives, even in the midst of tragedy or going through unforeseen circumstances.

You definitely need to get your hands on this book. I guarantee you'll appreciate the writing style, the characters, and the storyline.

About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journalbestselling 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).