Another hit from a great author! I love how the author weaves together two stories in a way that is easy to follow.

Absolutely beautiful! Hauck's storytelling is breathtaking. This is one story you won't want to put down.

This is a sweet story, with split time stories one involving a debutante in the Gilded Age and the other modern day. In classic Rachel Hauck fashion the stories intertwine in unique ways with characters I loved. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

2.5 stars

I had a very hard time connecting with this book. The premise held such promise for me, but the story fell flat.
The story is told through two timelines – if I could, I would rate the ‘past’ timeline 3.5 stars and the ‘present’ timeline 1.5 stars.

I didn’t like any of the characters in the present day story. The main character, Tenley, bothered me the most. I found her character whiny, spoiled and rather annoying. The housecoat was one of the most irritating and unbelievable parts of this story – it made me want to scream! I didn’t believe in her passion to be a writer – it didn’t seem true or fitting to her character. Her interactions with her mother were awkward (as I know they were intended to be) and added to my dislike of the present day story.

The story from the past was much more interesting and entertaining, although my enjoyment of it faded as the novel progressed. I simply lost interest.

Perhaps it was just a timing thing, but this novel missed its mark with me.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Rachel Hauck for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review!!

Romance, clean, Christian Faith elements
This was a lovely, poignant read. Tenley's journey to help her mother and work on writing her next novel is a lovely, beautiful, lush story of family, friendship, home, and heart. Her struggles to write, intermingled with the story of Birdie and her struggle to maintain her heart and be true to herself along with her writing, intersects in the present as Tenley finds a lost treasure that may save her writing career.
Tenley and Birdie's choices, their hopes and fears as they make choices for their future intermingle and mix to form a lovely beautifully lush and well written novel that will make you want more from this story. Jonas and Eli are two very striking men who have some difficult choices to make with regard to their feelings for Tenley and Birdie. Beautiful read, and very well intertwined.

I love dual time period stories. I also love Rachel Hauck’s superb gift of storytelling. This is the fourth book she’s written that proudly lives on my bookshelves.

I was instantly intrigued by the title, The Writing Desk, and it’s gorgeous cover art. To me, the author, cover and title are so important, because it’s what initially draws me to a particular book. I wasn’t disappointed once I began reading. This is one of those nothing-else-gets-done-until-I-finish-reading books. It was difficult to put down.

The description of the desk and the history behind it…the fascinating characters…the plot twists…oh my! There are so many treasures in this book. But foremost, I loved the numerous emotions it pulled me through.

The Writing Desk carries touching themes of love, faith, heartache, and second chances.

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0310341598
First Lines: This should be her night of triumph. To be the queen of her world.

Thank you, BookLook & NetGalley, for my complimentary copy.

There are not enough words to describe how much I loved this book! I have never read anything by Rachel Hauck before this even though her books have been recommended to me by numerous people over the last year or so... and let me tell you, SHE IS AMAZING!!! Not to mention, I am a big fan of dual time-line stories and this is just that! Rachel Hauck is right up my alley! I will most definitely be reading all her other works!

This amazing book is filled with twists and turns, heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud moments, a little mystery, two women allowing God to work in their lives by trusting in His plan even when everything seems to be going wrong, and how a simple desk can transform the lives of those same two women a century apart.

Birdie is a young woman who dreams of being a published author in the early 1900s. She is a Gilded Age socialite with a controlling mother who wants Birdie to marry for money and position rather than love. Birdie believes her soul-mate to be Elijah, an English Lord, whom she met years ago when her family visited abroad.

Tenley is a young woman from a prolific writing family living in modern-day Manhattan. She is fresh off a NYT best-seller and has hit major writers block when her publisher sets her a July 31st deadline for her second book. She is 'sort of' engaged to her boyfriend, Holt, when she is contacted by her estranged mother, Blanche. Blanche has asked Tenley to come stay with her in Florida to help her get through chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. Torn between the mother who left her and the fiancé who wants her join him in Paris, Tenley wrestles with her heart and winds up in Florida where she meets local good boy, Jonas.

I received this e-book free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Zondervan, and Rachel Hauck.

Gilded Age history. Self-discovery. Writerly characters. Swoon-worthy romance. An heirloom that leads to historical discoveries in a quest that feels a bit like a treasure hunt. Excellent story craft. What's not to like? :)

Rachel Hauck has done it again! I am quickly becoming a fan of her dual-timeline stories. I love having history connect with the present, and seeing how it all ties together!
This book has a modern day gal, Tenley, attempting to write a novel, after her first book became an instant bestseller. Only she has no idea where she’s going to get the idea from for another book. She’s stuck!
In the Gilded Age, we meet Birdie, who’s full of ideas for books, but because of the day and age she’s living in, she’s not allowed to publish a book. She must marry well, according to her mother’s wishes.
Compelling characters, delightful plot, I could hardly put this book down! The unexpected twist at the end gives a very satisfactory conclusion.

An enchanting book about two women living in different times, present day Tenley and Gilded Age Birdie. Their stories intertwined with ease keeping me turning pages late at night. Rachel Hauck created strong characters I grew to enjoy and care about in their dilemmas. Both women’s faith in God were tested. Tears came to my eyes as their stories enfolded. I would recommend any of the three books I have read by this author including The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Shop.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and have given my own opinion in this review.

I have long been a fan of Rachel Hauck’s books so I was eager to read “The Writing Desk”. At first I had difficulty getting into the story but I’m still not certain why it started out so slowly for me. Nevertheless, I knew something good was waiting for me so I persisted and soon found myself totally immersed in the stories of both Tenley and Birdie.

Tenley is probably one of the most unique characters I’ve encountered. Her insistence on practically living in a man’s robe, not to mention failing to shower or comb her hair was just a bit over-the-top. Yet Jonas Sullivan and his family’s total acceptance of Tenley as she was eventually made a difference in her attitude. Tenley’s story was connected to Birdie’s by the writing desk used by both women and by the end of their story, readers will learn how closely the connection really was.

The book is populated with several strong characters who each add a special touch to the total story. The plot does not always move in the expected direction but takes a few twists and turns that might surprise the reader. I particularly liked how Tenley’s relationship with her estranged mother developed and was happy to see forgiveness play out on the pages of the story.

All-in-all, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Writing Desk” and would recommend it for adult readers. It is a clean story but it does mention lifestyle elements that some might find offensive. Be sure to read other reviews if you suspect you might be one who might take offense.

"Remember. . . never let anyone steal your dreams. You must guard them with all your heart."

There is just something about The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck that pulled me in from the very first page and continues until the last. I'll get right to it. The earlier part of the novel did drag a bit for me, but it was because I didn't understand, but the neat thing was it still held onto me without letting go. Or rather, I held onto it like I was mesmerized by the words and by the emotions of two very different, yet similar characters. Both Birdie and Tenley strive to find themselves in different times. Both strong female characters in their own way, but also a certain vulnerability that readers can relate to.

"Birdie felt instantly a child again, ruled by a demanding if not harsh mama whose approval she desperately sought."

I loved that this story focused on two writers which gave us readers a glimpse into a writer's mind. It's not necessarily taken from the author, but it helped us understand some of the thoughts behind it. And as a designer, I can relate based on the creative aspect of it.

"The writing, the process, the emotional mining of words proved to be her therapy, her way of commanding grief. . . but now that grief and pain were in her rearview mirror, Tenley found writing a chore. A strain. Void of creativity and inspiration."

Then there's the matter of the desk. The desk that spoke louder than many of the characters but all in a quiet way. It shared stories, tears and history that like a novel, unfolds as we turn each page. There's a bond that this desk held for each occupant.

"Are we going to be good friends, desk?"

I love the humor we get in spurts from the characters. From Tenley, to Blanche and to each of the Sullivans, one can't get enough. "The Sullivans are the place to be on Wednesday night." And trust me, you want to join in on the fun.

"We've got potato salad here and, oh, my grandmother's baked beans recipe. It's better than kissing."

I'm equally in love with the romance aspect of the modern story of this dual-time novel. Tenley and Jonas' interactions are quite comical and with lots of wonderful insight.

"'Got something in your eye?' 'No. I just can't wink.' 'Stop. Watch.' He stepped around in front of her, gazing down, smiling, then slowly, almost seductively, winked. Heart. Be. Still. 'Like that.'"

I've always thought I enjoyed Tenley's story much more than Birdie's, but then I realized at a specific moment in the story, that I've always placed an emphasis on seeking Birdie's story. I want to know what becomes of her, of her life, her love, her family and most importantly, her dreams. Just as Tenley gave me a light hearted interest, Birdie was what held me on.

"Why must duty require me to break my own heart?"

"Those things fade. Glory fades. The excitement of a new love, of success, fades. Then what do you have? People come and go. They forget about you faster than they befriended you. All that matters at the end of your life is whether you loved others, gave generously, and had a faith that will carry you through to the next life."

In all, The Writing Desk is a story of dreams, of life, of hope, but also of seeking without understanding. Trying to find who you are. There are stories to unfold, to discover and to make. Rachel Hauck gave us not only romance, which was fabulous by the way, but also a message of trusting in His mercy, of togetherness and of not being afraid of what the future holds. Reading can be so subjective, and my thoughts and what I take from a story may not be the same as the next person. But I do hope that certain words will penetrate our hearts the same, and that each of us will pray these same words, "I'm yours, Lord. Even if I don't understand." However way, do remember that "God's mercy cannot be quantified or understood. Just receive it."


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.


Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Please note, all quotes are taken from ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC.

In this novel, Rachel Hauck weaves two women's lives together even though they live generations apart. Tenley Roth is searching for success as a writer in this contemporary time, while Birdie Shehorn wants to write novels and marry her true love in the Gilded Age. But both of them encounter daunting obstacles along the way, and both of them are connected by a single writing desk...
I enjoyed this novel, especially Birdie's story. She is so passionate and determined to do the right thing, and her love story is so sweet and real. I think that Hauck makes the parallel story lines work well (I've encountered some that don't work at all). I did find myself tempted to skip Tenley's story so I could find out what happened to Birdie, but I ended up liking Tenley's story in the end as well.
I don't like the casual approach to Christianity that is portrayed in this novel, but other than that, I really did enjoy this book.
My takeaway from this book: Don't give up on your dreams, because someday they may become reality.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have very mixed feelings about The Writing Desk. In reality, it was like getting two books in one. One story I was really invested in and the other not so much. The story is told dual timelines and through the eyes of four people. I'm not sure that many perspectives worked for me. Some of it seemed like filler and really didn't need to be there. As I said, of the two story lines, I was really invested in and enjoyed Birdie's story the most. I loved her perspective and her love story with Elijah. It was heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. I loved seeing her get justice in the end.

As for Tenley's story, I really didn't care for it. I had a hard time liking her. I felt uncomfortable with her growing friendship with Jonas while she was engaged to another man. No matter what Holt did to her, she in a way, did the same to him through her emotional investment in Jonas. In the end, I just didn't like many of the choices she made or how her ending was too neatly tied up. Her time with Blanche was just about the only thing I did like. Their journey to forgiveness with each other was touching.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I will probably try her out again. This is a relatively clean romance and a pretty fast read. Pick it up and give it a try. -Kari

I love Rachel Hauck's books and when I see one offered, I immediately push the "request button". However, this one, not so much. It was still a good read, but I just didn't feel the connection with the characters as much as I usually do when I read her books.

I did, however, love Birdie. Her ambition and heart had me rooting for her throughout the whole book while she went through the trials of her daily life. And, what a life! A woman who only wanted to write and to marry someone she loved. Her mother was dead set on that idea from the very beginning. She was determined, whether Birdie loved them or not, that Birdie would marry a man worthy of the union of marriage through wealth and prestige. In that sense, Birdie's mother only goal left in life was to insure that Birdie marry the man she had picked for her. A man who was a huge flirt and would undoubtedly cheat on her time after time. Birdie's story was absolutely a great one.

However, Tenley, the present day woman who had written a best selling novel and was having a very hard time with her second book was somewhat like her name. Tenley, for me, was tenous. A self-absorbed character who was always "woe is me". When in actuality, she had everything. Her constant whining was really grating one me. I even preferred Tenley's mother over Tenley. And Tenley's mother was portrayed more as self centered than Tenley. There were lots of times when I would wish that the book was going back in time to Birdie's life, one I liked reading about a lot more.

All in all, it was still a good read and I did enjoy doing so. Of course, this by no means indicates that I won't push that "request button" again because I know I will! Honestly, I can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Net Gallery for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors and her newest book did not disappoint. The Writing Desk follows modern day Tenley Roth as well as Gilded Age heiress Birdie Shehorn. While the book jumps between their points-of-view, it wasn't difficult to keep track of the time period or their perspective. There was a third character's (Eli, Birdie's love interest) point of view thrown in but not as consistently; while this didn't make it hard to follow along, it did seem slightly random.
Tenley comes from a line of authors who have achieved great critical and commercial success. She has one best seller and is facing a looming deadline for her second book with a severe case of writer's block, which is fueled by her lack of confidence in her abilities and ultimately, her purpose in life. Birdie is a privileged young lady of means whose father sent her to Wellesley but upon her graduation is expected to make a good marriage match based on money and social power. She has submitted a novel to a publisher who declined her manuscript which has gone missing. As the story progresses, we learn that Birdie continues to write yet never receives recognition for her work. In addition to this, both women have strained relationships with their mothers; and both must determine the importance of love in a marriage. Hauck did an incredible job exploring these issues. As always, her books have an element of faith and Birdie and Tenley both come to know Jesus in a more personal and real way. Sometimes this can feel very forced in a book. Hauck weaves the women's relationship with God and their growing faith into the storyline in a natural way.
I loved The Writing Desk! The parallels between Tenley and Birdie are so strong despite the fact that their story is not exactly the same. While I was given the opportunity to review this book by the publisher, I intend to add this to my permanent collection.

I liked the story set in the past better than the one in the present. The one in present day didn't interest me much. The romance between Tenley and Jonas didn't seem as genuine to me. Tenley was almost a little too eccentric for me. The only way I related to her was the writing aspect and her doubts about her writing ability. I enjoyed Birdie and Eli's story - how they loved each other, yet because of their families, they weren't allowed to let it go anywhere. I also liked how Birdie wanted to be a writer despite all the obstacles in her way relevant to the time period she lived in. I really liked how Eli supported and encouraged her from the beginning.

Pride causes a multitude of sins. It is the root of the selfishness and the glossy varnish covering our fears and insecurities. Some families hand down its follies and consequences shrouded in secrecy like unwanted inheritance.

Birdie and Eli and Tenley and Jonas, more than a century apart maneuver through such pride and its ever-reaching arms which threaten careers, relationships and lives.

Rachel Hauck delves into complex issues and personalities to pen another stunning inspirational tale.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

Rachel Hauck has to be one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. I haven't read The Wedding Chapel or The Wedding Shop yet but did read The Wedding Dress and enjoyed the split timeline of the story. She handles the split timeline really well and this book just shows how she masterfully ties together every detail from each timeline to deliver a stunning story.

The writing is fluid and easy to read. There is much humor in this book, more so than I remember from her previous books. At times, I laughed out loud at the thoughts and conversations. The chapters are titled by the characters' names, which brings a cozier, more first-person narrative-esque feel to this third person narration.

The characters are AWESOME. Of course, we must start with the hero of the story, Jonas. He is every woman's dream....faithful, loyal to his family, loving, responsible, intuitive, creative, a follower of Christ who walks the walk. Yes, he's flawed - he has his hang-ups, his past hurts - but he's willing to be vulnerable for a chance at love.
Tenley, the heroine, takes awhile to warm up to. She starts out as a self-absorbed writer with a truckload of emotional baggage. The story chronicles her journey into finding her purpose and who she really is.
Then there are Birdie and Elijah from the past who add such depth and flavor to the storyline. Their story kept me quite anxious....because I was never sure if they'd end up together or not. Birdie is a strong, educated, independent woman at the turn of the century who is an heiress to a fortune in NY. Elijah is an English earl - the honor-bound, God-fearing, loyal, tender type - with more family debt than he can pay back. Theirs is a story riddled with heartache but also with triumph and love.
The secondary characters, like Tenley's mom Blanche, Tenley's dad and his memories, and Jonas' entire clan, are also wonderful and memorable.

The component of faith, prayer, and communion with God is strong and steady throughout the book. Tenley's conversion experience is not as dramatic as some of Ms. Hauck's other characters' in her previous books (I still get goosebumps when I recall Prince Stephen's experience in How to Catch a Prince) but the quiet and steady way she comes to the Lord is beautiful.

I am thankful for the ARC from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.