What an original story! I loved reading about Birdie's life back in the early 1900's. The connection between Tenley and Birdie's lives was a surprise. The back and forth between past and present really worked in this story. Very emotional story with a positive ending. Highly recommended!

Time seemed to bind these two writers in one story, both in the wrong love matches and in their writing. I really did enjoy this book, written in a similar fashion to "The Wedding Chapel", I still wanted a bit more at times. It was a deeper read, but woven in a way that you read to discover the secrets. 

I love a book about a writer and this one has several writers as characters in the story. You will want to pick it up and figure out the mystery of the desk, the author that sat there before and how are the two writers from different time periods connected. 

It is also a story about relationships between mothers and daughters. That is more subtle, but very present throughout the story. As we see in the stories, a mother controlling for good or for wrong can change the pathway of our life, and how we react to it will impact us.

The Writing Desk is told from 4 different perspectives. Two in present day and Two in the past. Tenley and Jonas and Birdie and Elijah. Tenley who is estranged from her mother is asked to help her through her chemotherapy. She is in the process of writing her next novel which she is also suffering from writer's block. Enter Jonas a friend of her mothers. There is an instant connection but Tenley is engaged to another and Jonas is healing from a bad relationship. Back in 1903 Birdie is to marry for money and power even though she is not in love with the man. Her mother is controlling her every move. She meets Elijah who comes to New York finding a bride. The chemistry is strong but due to family duties they can not marry.
I loved finding the connection between Tenley and Birdie over many decades. This particular desk brought them together and the truth was able to come out. A clean christian romance. I love how the author brings it all together and although I had some idea it still left me guessing in the end of what would happen. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Rachel Hauck's newest novel, The Writing Desk, is a delightful and hopeful story of a woman's struggle with failure. Tenley is a one-hit wonder novelist who cannot find inspiration to write her second great novel. She is seized with anxiety over her looming deadline, and has not produced a single page of her next book.

The pressure on her compounds because her father and grandfather are both well-respected and prolific writers themselves. She finds herself reunited with her estranged mother, and spends some time at her home, nursing her mother during cancer treatments.

Each morning Tenley parks herself at a writing desk in her mother's library, desperate for a story to type in her computer. During this process, she finds a connection to the past, and a romance for her future. Hauck writes this story, focusing on two female protagonists. Tenley is in the present, and Birdie is from the early 1900's. Hauck vacillates between these two worlds, and two lives, and connects them in a suprising, and clever, way.

Hauck's writing style in this novel is full of rich imagery, original metaphors, thorough descriptions, and raw emotion. She adds some plot twists, and some long-held secrets, and a bit of romance, to keep the reader involved until she learns the lesson Hauck intended. She weaves this story of restoration, identity, loss, and love with beautiful language and effective sentence structure.

The result is a powerful and encouraging tale of a character who faces and overcomes failures and finds much more than what she originally sought. Readers will gain courage to face their own fears and difficulties, and find joy and fulfillment in the process.

Don't miss this book. If you have a dream you are about to give up on, follow Tenley on her journey and you will be energized to follow that dream and live it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. I have read several books by this author but this one did nothing for me. I was very disappointed and had a hard time getting into the characters and the storyline.

I love all of Rachel Hauck's books, She is an author whose books I automatically order without even needing a description. The Writing Desk is certainly up to her usual standards. She has created 2 sets of characters in two different time periods and their stories mesh perfectly into one cohesive novel. I highly recommend The Writing Desk as your next great read.

From Amazon:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a new captivating novel of secrets, romance, and two women bound together across time by a shared dream.


Tenley Roth’s first book was a runaway bestseller. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who has run out of inspiration?


With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.


A century earlier, another woman wrote at the same desk with hopes and fears of her own. Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams she doesn’t know how to realize. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has taken extreme measures to manipulate her future, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.


Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds, but fate has bound them together in a way time cannot erase.

about the author:

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower.

I was given this book by NetGalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

The Writing Desk is another great book by Rachel Hauck, it is well written with a great plot and well developed characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck 5 ☆'s 

This is by far one of my most favorite books I have read in 2017. It is my favorite romance so far this year. I enjoy how the book alternates between Tenley and Birdie's point-of-view. Each woman are from different times, but they both are facing different obstacles around the topic of writing. As the story progresses, Hauck is able to deepen the plot to make the reader more intrigued into her characters. It feels like, you as the reader, are right there with the characters and their obstacles they must face. 

This novel has so many different elements to it. It focuses on mother/daughter relationships, and how one is created and, another, is pushed to the limits. This book challenges values and morals. It begs the question of: how far is too far? Hauck's writing from the very beginning will entrance the reader and cause them to want to not put the book down. I really enjoyed the romance in it, and how it doesn't overtake the whole novel. There is so much more to this novel than just romance. It also focuses on how to find oneself and God. It's a novel very much about discovery and having faith. 

Tenley must make a decision regarding her mother that she doesn't necessarily want to make. Along her journey, she discovers what a mother can be like, love, heart break, and being stuck in a career. Birdie must decide to follow social norms or follow her heart. Either will cost her something dearly. As the book progresses, the dilemmas faced increase, and I was left wondering if everything was going to work out like I hoped it would. You'll have to pick up the book if you're wondering how it ends. 

This book is great for a quick read. The romance is there but isn't overpowering. All of the elements that went into the book make it the irresistible book it is. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a book all about different relationships to pick this up when it is released on July 11.

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck will capture you and not let go until the very last scene. Tenley and Birdie are from two very different times but their lives intercept in the most beautiful way.
Birdie is from the Gilded Age and quite different from other women. She was allowed to go to university before being forced into a loveless marriage. Her mother was quite the witch. Her attraction and love for Eli was beautiful and heartbreaking. You are on the edge of your seat the entire book hoping that something will come and save them from their arranged marriages so that they can be together. Birdie’s passion is writing stories and she hides in the attic at her writing desk to do so.
Tenley is from the 20th century and is having writers block after having a knock out hit. Her estranged mother asks her to visit which starts a chain of events. Tenley meets Jonas who is trying to by the writing desks that she has fallen in love with at her mom's house. Jonas likes to make furniture which reminded me of While You Were Sleeping.
The books is hilarious and heartbreaking. The similarities in the two stories are subtle and beautifully done.
I highly recommend this book and will be rereading it again.
sexual content: kissing and knowledge of sex after marriage but no details

THOUGHTS

5 stars

It's decidedly hard to get 5 stars out of me, but for The Writing Desk every one is well deserved. Rachel Hauck might not write as well as her own Birdie, but she writes better still than most everyone in her genre. Sure, the book wasn't perfect--but what book is?

I love the name of the novel, The Writing Desk, because it not only connects our two main characters physically, but emotionally. The desk was not there simply to manipulate the plot, it meant something to both Birdie and Tenley.

And the cover is so beautiful, it's half the reason I requested the book. It bothers me when covers don't represent the actual story--the girl on the front is not Birdie nor Tenley (maybe it's supposed to be Tenley?), and the desk is surely not the desk for it has no drawers--but I approve of the aesthetic.

SPIRITUAL ASPECT

So books in this genre have, of course, a spiritual aspect. I loved how subtly Tenley's conversion was dealt with, and the realistic way Jonas told her to read the Bible. There was no section of "sermon", but we still got to see the way God can change people's lives--those of our protagonists and those of minor characters. And I respect that--it's so hard to find Christian books that are written for already Christians that are not trying to convert the reader.

STORY/WRITING
Progression would occur every chapter, but the antagonistic struggles for each character were incredibly repetitive--up into a point in the book. It sort of felt like each chapter was an episode of a TV show and we had to be reminded of the continual problem.

I loved the parallels between the timelines, especially with the climax of Tenley's story. The "Do not be dismayed. You don’t have to worry or be afraid," thing, though, was odd and awkward, a bit too far fetched for my taste, and I have no idea how one line can be considered a song.

The 1903 language/wording was well used—enough to separate the times but not integrated in an awkward manner. The reader can feel the difference between the time periods simply from the writing style of the sections--and that's a feat.

I loved the hints of popular culture in both timelines. And, I'm proud to say, I've watched Newhart.

I also really liked the sections of news updates, especially the ones after the wedding. Each time they were either informational or funny or both. Maybe it was telling instead of showing, but it worked for the book.

CHARACTERS

Tenley - She was somehow quirky without being stereotypical. And maybe most importantly she was a flawed human being, more so than all the other characters. She made mistakes. I loved the banter between Tenley and her mother, their candor, and the same-but-different banter between Tenley and Jonas. I loved that Tenley looked up other authors' negative reviews. Tenley felt so real, when the other characters didn't--at least not to the same extent. Tenley's voice definitely clicked the best with Rachel Hauck, I could feel it in the writing.

Jonas - I liked Jonas, and his family, from the start. He himself might not have been the most unique but he was the sort of person Tenley needed in her life.

Birdie - I really like Birdie--she wasn't the typical I-don't-want-to-follow-my-parents'-dreams character (can you tell I have a problem with cliché characters?) and I liked that she wasn't turned off from marriage in general, just to someone she didn't love. I loved when Birdie did the right thing (at least the kind thing) with her mother, and I liked that she was almost fine with the way things turned out with Gordon. Birdie was a fun character to follow.

Elijah - I thought that Elijah was better than Alfonse, and I liked him, but I didn’t think he and Birdie fit. He also lost all personality after chapter 22, so.

SPOILER-Y THOUGHTS
read the rest of my review at your own risk

I hated the 100% lack of communication between Tenley and her supposed best friend. She wasn't even mentioned when Blanche died. Or when Holt cheated on her. Who doesn't call their best friend when the advice they gave them changed their life in the best way? Tenley felt utterly alone when she lost Jonas, and she moved back to New York, but Alicia never once was mentioned. Ugh. (Alicia's part was so small I had to go look up her name)

I liked how I wasn't entirely sure Elijah and Birdie would marry--despite their dueling POVs. The entire book had this feeling distinct from other Christain contemporaries. I can't even really describe it.

I disliked that Elijah got out of his engagement so easily, but I did like what it did for the story with Rose. The waiting for the last second thing maybe wasn't the most realistic, but it was the best way to get around Birdie's mother.

I loved how realistically the characters responded to what Tenley did, even Tenley herself. Especially the arc of Jonas' reaction.

I loved that Tenley wasn't able to completely fix her mistake, but that she was able to fix Gordon's. The redemption arc was well rounded. Better rounded than this review.

The Writing Desk, an exquisitely told love story, is Rachel Hauck's BEST BOOK EVER!

I was drawn to The Writing Desk because of it's beautiful ethereal cover. It made me want to open the pages and find out what was being written at that desk and by who. Rachel Hauck took me on a fantastic journey that transported me to two different time periods. Both stories by themselves were fascinating reads, but intertwined together as they were only multiplied my enjoyment of her exceptional storytelling.

The modern day story has successful author, Tenley Roth, experiencing writers block and considering of she'll be a "one hit wonder". Tenley finds the perfect writing desk to write at while on a trip to Florida to help her mother Blanche. But the desk won't be the perfect writing desk for long because it's been sold. When the desk's new owner comes to claim it, she meets Jonas Sullivan and rounds of hilarious banter begin. She calls him Cocoa Beach and he calls her New York. Tenley's quirky behavior and quick-witted one-liners had me laughing so much I had to stop and highlight them so I could go back and read them later. Tenley and Jonas have terrific, palpable chemistry together. There is, however, a serious side to this storyline. Issues of rejection, abandonment, wrong choices and forgiveness are just a few of the things Tenley and Jonas struggle with. I love that Tenley wasn't portrayed as being perfect. She makes mistakes, but she's still likeable. Jonas' woundedness kept him closed off from future relationships until God broke through, I loved that, too. Excellent relatable character portrayal of both.

The early 1900's story has Birdie Shehorn's life planned out for her and her having little say about it, as was the social norm of the day. Birdie wants, first and foremost, to be a writer, writing away in her attic hideaway until her mother puts a stop to it and insists she marry. Birdie gives little importance to her "obligation" to marry well and doesn't want to marry unless it's for love. She meets the titled Elijah Percy in England and then later again in America when he comes to claim his bride, prearranged for him while he was away at war. A bride of wealth to rescue his failing ancestral home in exchange for a title. Birdie and Eli's story is so charming, full of unrequited love and battles against family duties that took precedent over anything else.

The two stories of the two different couples are woven masterfully together because of the writing desk. Even though their stories are more than a hundred years apart, the historical background and the events tie them together with a common thread, making for a stunning page-turner.

The Writing Desk has everything to offer. It's romantic, it's historical, it has mystery and intrigue, and it's funny! Rachel Hauck has written her BEST BOOK EVER! All the elements came together so perfectly, I was thinking about it long after I finished it. I predict The Writing Desk will be at the top of everyone's Best Books of 2017 list!

I appreciate Thomas Nelson making a copy of The Writing Desk available for review.

The Writing Desk (2017) is a stand-alone novel written by Rachael Hauck. This book will release on July 11, 2017, and will come in all forms including eBook. The book is roughly 350 pages in length. With a full-time job and a five-year old at home, this book took me two days to read. I received a copy of this eBook from Zondervan Publishing through NetGalley; all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this stunning novel 5 STARS. This is a Contemporary Christian Romance AND Christian Historical Romance all in the same book.

This novel is a beautiful, multifaceted story. Ms. Hauck tells this story through four narrators: Tenley and Jonas from our contemporary time, and Birdie and Eli from the American Gilded Age (c. 1877-early 1900s). I do worry when an author uses this strategy because it tends to take me out of the main story and can have a soap-oprah/telanovela feel, but the use of four narrators in this book is perfect.

My favorite story line is Birdie and Eli's. Their story is, at times, exceptionally heartbreaking. I can tell that Ms. Hauck did a lot of research for this book; her attention to detail is exquisite. Birdie comes from old money. Her family is incredibly wealthy and are esteemed members of high society. The reader is treated to stunning scenes of decadent parties and gorgeous dresses, handsome men is fantastic tuxedos and romantic dances. Birdie's moments in this book are so well written I felt like I was at the parties with her. And, I felt her pain so deeply. Ms. Hauck knows how to write heart-wrenching scenes. Some of Birdie's moments in this novel took my breath away. Which leads to Eli. Eli, an Englishman, is next in line to be the Marquess of Ainsworth. He and Birdie met in 1898 when Birdie's family was on a Grand European tour. They fell in love, but nothing could happen. She was off to Wellesley and he was off to fight for Queen and country in the Boer Wars. They meet again in 1902, feelings for one another have not dwindled, but he is in America searching for a wealthy heiress to wed to save his homelands in England, which are falling into great debt. In an attempt to NOT spoil the plot, I cannot explain why the heiress can't be Birdie -- suffice it to say it just cannot be! There is happiness in store for Birdie and Eli, it just takes a while to get there.

Tenley and Jonas are couple number 2. Jonas is a great character. He is very well-written and very realistic. He is a good, God-fearing, family-oriented guy. He had an excruciatingly terrible thing happen to him, and at the start of this book, which is two years after the bad thing happened, he is still not ready to take his heart out of its safe house. Then he meets Tenely, and his life gets turned upside down. Tenley is a rich author who is celebrating her first book, which became an immediate success. Tenley has issues with this: did her book become popular because it is good, or because she is related to two well-known and beloved authors? This doubt causes her a severe bout of writer's block, and she can't seem to get a second book going. At the same time, her estranged mother is diagnosed with cancer and needs Tenely's help. Going to her mother's -- the mother who abandoned her twenty years ago -- dramatically changes Tenley's life. She learns many things including who her mother is, who she is, and who God is. The best part of the book is that everything Tenely goes through feels so authentic. Her struggles with doubt and depression, her questioning who she is, her quasi-anger at her mother, and her questioning God are all genuine. Nothing in this book feels formulaic. I think I truly appreciated this aspect the most. I could really relate to Tenley and what she goes through as a woman, daughter, girlfriend, career girl, etc.

I read a couple of reviews online for this novel and saw that a few mention that this novel has a thin-line of God in it. I am quite shocked by that, and wonder if maybe I read a different book than those reviewers did. God is all over this book. Just because Ms. Hauck isn't hitting the reader over the head with Bible verses and sermons every five pages doesn't mean He isn't there. In fact, one of the coolest parts of this book is that Tenley and Birdie share a Voice. Both women supernaturally hear the Voice of God whenever they are stressed, hurting, or confused. It's beautiful. When they feel at their lowest or are scared, the Voice sings to them and comforts them with the BEST words: "Do not be dismayed, do not be dismayed, you don't have to worry or be afraid." I am honestly trying not to cry while I type this; it's one of the most poignant pieces throughout the novel. I think I highlighted it in my book each time! It is a great reminder. When I am at my lowest, I need to stop and listen for the Voice of my Lord and Savior so He can pull me out of my dark places.

This novel is excellent. It is well-researched, beautifully written, and quite touching. It's one of those novels that will stick with me long after I have finished reading. I am grateful to Zondervan Publishing for allowing me the pleasure of reviewing this fantastic book. If you are looking for a unique Christian Contemporary Romance that is also a Christian Historical novel, then I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a truly fantastic book. Just make sure to have some tissue nearby for the really touching scenes. You will probably need it!

This book focuses on two women, Tenley's story takes place during modern times. Birdie's story is a historical.

Tenley is floored, literally, when she receives a marriage proposal right before she receives a prestigious writing award. Suffering from writers' block, she struggles with making decisions - should she go to Paris with her boyfriend or travel to Florida to care for her estranged mom. Isn't it too late to try and fix their broken familial relationship?

Birdie wants to publish her romance novel. But, her parents aren't aware of her writing aspirations. They want her to marry a well-to-do man that they've chosen. I almost felt as if Birdie had been born 100 years too early - she seemed like a modern woman.

Both Birdie's and Tenley's stories are related in a unique and appealing way. This was a light, enjoyable summer read.

Rachel Hauck is one of the authors I stalk on NetGalley so that I can get first reads on her new books instead of languishing in the hold list at my library.

While this book harkens the Wedding Dress, Wedding Shop, Wedding Chapel series with its item tying a past and a modern story together, I didn’t find this one as engaging and heart-warming. Not surprisingly, I found the story of Birdie more interesting. I do have a soft spot for historical fiction. I also just couldn’t really get attached to Tenley. I found her to be flighty and a bit dramatic. Additionally, the development of her relationship with Jonas just seemed too quick and odd to me.

The unique ties between the characters past and present were interesting, though.

I did enjoy the tidbits about writing and publishing, both in the Gilded Age and modern times. The pressure to create no doubt takes some of the creativity out of it. I’ve seen that in many Young Adult trilogies I’ve read in recent years where the first book was great and then the following two not so much (or even rotten).

It was a quick and easy read. I think fans of Rachel Hauck or of stories with dual timelines would find it worth their time to read.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
If you would like to read more of my reviews, please visit www.mommyreadsbooks.blogspot.com

Okay, well I have read Rachel Hauck’s A Royal Wedding Series and enjoyed them but this story did not draw me in like those books. I would have to say I was confused most of the story and Tenley the main character was (in my own opinion) a selfish adult, who acted like a child. I was confused during the switches of point of view for Tenley and Birdie. I liked reading about Birdie better that Tenley.
The book had huge potential, since the plot and idea of the book was interesting, but it did not meet my expectations for a Rachel Hauck book.
I will probably give this book another chance, when the library gets a copy but as of right now, I would not recommend this book.

Another fabulous book by Rachel Hauck. I loved the history and multiple points of view. I love all of Rachel's books and this one did not disappoint! Different than her princess stories, I love the unexpected twists from both of the story lines. And look forward to more books by her. Thank you!

Every time I read a book by Rachel Hauck I remember why she is one of my favorite authors. I have never been disappointed by one of her books. Her characters are so real and likable. This is a story of two female authors and alternates between two time periods-current day and the Gilded Age, starting around 1903.

Birdie has a strong love and talent for writing but in 1903, she has trouble finding a publisher who will consider publishing her work. Her mother is a controlling person that thinks that what is important in life is the right connections that revolve around financial and societal gains. She causes Birdie much grief by demanding that she marry a family friend rather than for love. Birdie's mother doesn't want her to write but Birdie has a special desk in the attic where she escapes to write, thinking that her mother doesn't know what she is doing.

Tenley Roth comes from a family of writers and has a desire to follow in the footsteps of her father and great great grandfather. Her first book was a bestseller and was written out of her grief over her father's death. Her mother left when Tenley was young and there has never been much of a relationship with her. As she begins trying to pen a new novel, her mother calls to ask her to go help her through chemotherapy. Thinking that she doesn't want to have regrets and maybe she and her mother can work on their relationship, Tenley agrees to visit her mom and take care of her against the wishes of her boyfriend, who has just proposed. While staying with her mother, Tenley uses an antique desk to work on while writing her novel. She feels a connection to the desk and feels that maybe it will help her get over writer's block she is having penning her new book. This is actually the same desk that Birdie used 100 years ago. Tenley meets a guy whose mom is friends with Tenley's mom. The banter between the two is so fun and typical Rachel Hauck that makes the characters real.

This is a story of forgiveness, selflessness and a connection of two women a century apart but with similar issues. It is about overcoming fear and developing faith in God. The Writing Desk is similar to The Wedding Dress, The Wedding Shop, and The Wedding Chapel in that different time periods are paralleled in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Rachel Hauck's books and never miss one. This one was just as wonderful as all her others. My full review is in the link and I will share the same review with all major review sites.

I devoured this book. Ignored the sink full of dishes and dirty clothes piling up. Yup, it was impossible to put down. The Writing Desk was beautifully and masterfully written as two stories in one, historical and contemporary. The tie between the two tales had me guessing and excited to see just how they intertwined. Twists and turns galore ran through the novel. Everything I love about Christian romance was captured in the pages. Romance (Oh! The romance! The chemistry!), faith elements, strong and unique characters, settings that felt SO real, relationships between the characters that made my heart ache and rejoice. Rachel Hauck’s writing continues to be a blessing and shining light.

Well-developed characters, both in the historical portion of the novel, and the modern setting (Jonas and Tenley and Blanche). I really rooted for the HEA between both couples. Nice parallels between complex mother/daughter relationships in both eras. Loved the themes of lies, betrayals, concealed secrets and the way those choices impact future generations. Withholding key pieces of information/refusing to act appears so selfish in hindsight, but when it plays out on the page, the tension and the doubts the characters are wrestling with felt so real. Great writing! I was determined to pace myself and enjoy the novel one chapter at a time, but ended up reading it in a couple of days. So good!