Favorite Quotes:

Chloe never understood how one could simply fall out of love. Was it an open window, a trap door?

Hollywood is getting tired of me. I’m fifty-seven going on a hundred. I refuse to have plastic surgery and… I refuse to play one of those horny old cougars who makes a fool of herself by falling for some hot thirty-something who only has one thing on his mind.

My Review:

While the premise sounded interesting, I struggled to remain engaged with this book, it wasn’t my cup of tea. Written with two timelines that were 240 years apart, both storylines involved a young couple of ancestral heritage bucking authority and yearning to establish a romantic relationship during a turbulent period. Both timelines were overflowing with heartbreak, grueling disappointments, angst, stress, despair, and conflicts of every sort – which again, not my favorite tropes. As such, my frustration and dissatisfaction were entirely self-inflicted - I chose poorly. There was considerably more religious spirituality than I was expecting and I couldn’t seem to invest or connect to but a few of the characters as I found most of them rather shallow and tedious. Several storylines seemed to lack cohesion - or maybe I just got lost. I probably should have stopped with a DNF but was ultimately glad I continued as despite my disappointment and frustrations with the author’s choices, I needed closure and in due course, I did enjoy the ending, although I doubt it would be an easy read for anyone, nor was it an HEA all the way around.

I have to say, I usually don’t care for books that go back and forth during time periods, but this was the ultimate exception. I heard a lot about how great it was and they were not wrong! It was amazing in every way. The romance and characters, the story itself flowed beautifully. Very well done. Loved it!

I enjoyed reading this book, it's the first by this author that I've read. I liked the sound of the book although I don't usually ready historical novels, this book had enough of the present day in it to keep my attention more. I found that I cared more about the present day characters than that of the older ones. I found the ending to be a little predictable, but nevertheless it was still an enjoyable read.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/review/R2FV18TJ0WPCXK?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

All I can say is, wow. Rachel Hauck sure knows how to twine her characters together in these intricate storylines that somehow fit together and draw you in. You can’t help but keep turning the page to find out what happens next!

Like with most of the split-time novels I read, I was drawn more to one storyline, in this case that of Jesse and Chloe. Their story has its roots in Esther and Hamilton’s, and the Hollywood setting is fascinating. (I’ve never really been a fan of Revolutionary War fiction, so that probably contributed to my opinion.)

I did wish for a bit more resolution between Hamilton and Esther. I wanted to know how their lives ended up after that New York encounter, but the novel does resolve well without that detail. I enjoyed Chloe and Jesse’s romance and the character development they show. I do want to know what happens next for them, so here’s hoping they make a cameo in a future book!

I thought this was an interesting book. I liked it pretty well. The story line did keep my attention. I did find it a little bit hard to follow as there were several different people's stories going on.  I thought the character's were believable and relatable.  The present day story was more interesting to me. I think Rachel Hauck did a good job weaving a story that bounced back between the Revolutionary war and present day. She wrapped up all the pieces of the story well.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.

Two timelines combined with two love stories and the way Hauck brings them together is better than the best Love Letter ever written.

Chloe Daschle has become known as the queen of the death scene and is in dire need of a change. She doesn’t want to be cast in a movie to just be killed off at the end. She wants to prove she can be deeper than what is shown on screen. Romance has never been successful for her, either on screen or in real life. When Chloe is given the script for the best love story she has ever read, she knows she is perfect for the role of Esther Kingsley. The story is one of romance, war, and finding out if true love can really exist. Jesse Gates, the screenwriter, has written this based off of a one-page letter found from his ancestors. He has had rocky relationships in the past and doesn’t feel he deserves happiness. Jesse wants to be deeply involved in the film and ends up as one of the extras. During a scene with Chloe, the chemistry is undeniable and they both start to play out their own love story.

I have to admit I had just a little bit of trouble getting into this book, a fact that surprised me since I have loved Rachel Hauck’s previous books. Luckily, I didn’t give up on the story and loved how it played out in the end. The love stories, both in the past and present played out in such a way that worked beautifully for the characters and settings they were in. There were some really special moments between some of the characters, in particular between Chloe and her dad and even Jesse and Chloe’s Dad. A few moments felt a little slow, especially towards the beginning, but once the story was part way in it really picked up the pace and captured my attention until the very end. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but the ending is well worth sticking with the story. Rachel Hauck is quickly becoming one of the best romance writers out there and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I recommend this to readers that love historical romance and a love story that spans time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I love Rachel Hauck and this book was one of the best I've read all summer. I usually do not care for books that switch back and forth between time periods, but this one was an exception.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I definitely will be looking for more of her books. I am a fan of historical fiction, so the dual time-line aspect of this book grabbed me right away.

When Chloe and Jesse (the modern day characters) meet, they are both struggling to find healing from relationships in their pasts. Chloe dreams of finding her one true love while Jesse feels he is unworthy of being loved or of loving someone. The back stories to these feelings are shared as the book progresses.

The backdrop of this book is a love story of two people, Esther and Hamilton, during the Revolutionary War and their story is told in flashbacks. Jesse has written a screenplay of their story and the current and the past collide in an interesting fashion.

The author has created believable characters who struggle with their faith and with forgiveness. I found that the faith element of the book added to the story-line. It is a book I enjoyed and would recommend without hesitation.

I feel like this book takes me thru 4 people. I dont know why the author felt the need to make us read about script or the story from his grandpa side, I did not get to finish the book. I felt nothing, no chemistry no lust kinda rushed romance, the shifting for me were kinda unnecessary. I would've preferred more focus on the present events that what I got from the description anyway, I wish I could finish the book because A I hate unfinished anything B. I feel like I own it to the author to at least since they gave me chance to review the book. However,I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to live in both world, and read about many characters
Also the writing is beautiful

I was given free copy for honest review

To be completely honest, this one took me a little bit to get into. Split time books generally interest me, but I end up only liking one time period and not getting into the other. This one kept me engaged with both time periods once I got into it. I have never read any other books by Hauck, but that is definitely going to change!

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

Thank you to Netgalley for my advance ARC in return for an honest review.

This novel was a mixed bag for me. It was well written and the characters believable. Chloe and Jesse made a lovely couple, and everyone could tell that immediately.

Esther and Hamilton (the historical aspect) where another matter. I felt that she was a stronger character than he was, and possibly they were an unlikely couple.

What made this story a complete mixed back was the dropping in of religion, and finding God. It made what was a beautiful love story into something that seemed to me a bit what? Where has this come from? Finding God? It made the novel a little bit drawn out at times, so therefore 3 stars.

The Love Letter tells the story of Esther and Hamilton, a couple separated by differing family ideologies during the American Revolution. Chloe and Jess serve as the contemporary characters who are bringing Esther and Hamilton's story to life through Jess' screenplay, based on his ancestor Hamilton's letter.

The Love Letter is a story of embracing redemption and second chances by all characters. The backdrop of South Carolina during the end of the Revolutionary War is a setting not often explored, but one that comes to life both in the historical setting as well as the contemporary.

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.

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)