In The Memory House, Everleigh Applegate is looking forward to a new baby joining their family. When a tornado sweeps through Waco, TX destroying the lives of all those near to her. Seven years later, she is living with her mother, widowed and childless. She runs into an old friend from high school, Don Callahan. But Everleigh has a secret – will that keep them from a future together?

New York City police officer Beck Holiday suffers from a specific type of amnesia – she can’t remember anything about her father who died in 9/11, and she has trouble recalling other memories as well. Her anger issues at work lead to a suspension which coincides with her inheriting a house from Everleigh Callahan, a woman she can’t remember.

She makes the trip to Florida to investigate her inheritance where she meets Bruno Endicott. She has no memory of him or their shared first kiss as teenagers. Will she be able to work through her anger, regain her memory, and find a new future filled with love?

Hauck excels at telling these time-slip stories, writing about characters the readers will care about. Readers will appreciate the men who love these women. Fifty years separate the women’s stories, but they intersect in this Victorian house. “Love well” and “family is whoever fits into your heart” are central themes in this story of learning to live (and love) again after tragic loss.

Rachel Hauck is a new author for me. She's apparently known for writing inspirational romance. So if that’s your usual jam, you may not like this book. That’s not to say that element (a religious undertone) isn’t present, but the present-day heroine in this book is a flawed character that some religious readers may not like.

I, however, am NOT a religious reader (or more accurately I should say I’m not a reader of religious stories, because I do consider myself “religious” - but that’s a squirrel we don’t need to chase). In fact, I usually stay away from books labeled as “inspirational romance” because frequently those books are more intent on proselytizing instead of giving the reader a good plot - and I don’t read fiction for the purpose of defining or endorsing my theology. But, that is not the case with The Memory House, hallelujah!

The Memory House is the story of four people, two couples. Told in past and present story lines, with the viewpoints of each of the main characters, there’s a lot going on in this story.

Beck Holiday is a New York City police officer, and her life is currently a mess. Personally, she’s dealing with the repercussions of a one-night stand, and professionally she’s just been suspended for a month. She’s also been notified that she’s inherited a house down in Florida, so with some time off from work she heads south to figure out why she was given a house by a woman she doesn’t know. Or rather...doesn’t remember. Because when Beck was 14, her father was a police officer killed in the September 11 attacks, and for some reason she has no memories of her father.

Everleigh Applegate is a young newlywed and excited about expecting her first child when a massive tornado touches down in Waco, Texas in 1953, killing her husband and destroying the ranch where they lived. Seven years later, she’s living with her mother, working at a floral shop, when she makes a stop at the store on her way home and runs into a friend of her older brother. She initially rebuffs his invitation to dinner, but when Don persists, she eventually agrees.

Bruno Endicott has moved back home to Florida and is working his pants off to make a go on his own as a sports agent. He’s excited to learn Beck has inherited the house across the street from where he grew up, and where his mother still lives, because he has fond memories of their time together when Beck visited Miss Everleigh during the summers.

Don Callahan went off to the Korean war, but made it home. Now he finds himself working a job he’s not sure he wants and nearly engaged to a woman he doesn’t love. When he runs into Everleigh at the store, despite her look of soul-deep sadness, he’s drawn to her like no one else. With a new plan for a new life in Florida, his deepest desire is to be the man Everleigh loves, and loves her well.

As I said, there was A LOT going on in this book. I pretty much loved all of it. Beck has to do some serious soul-searching to figure out what to do with her life, and Bruno is there for all of it, supporting and encouraging but never judging. Bruno has his own demons to fight, and Beck is there beside him. Everleigh and Don were perhaps the best part of this book, with his patient determination to win her love.

The author did a good job of weaving the tale of these two couples, showing the parallels between their lives, while still telling two separate stories. It can be difficult to balance the back and forth between two different stories with two different timelines, but the author did an excellent job keeping the pacing and the flow throughout the whole book. Yes, this story has some religious aspects to it, but those aren’t front and center. Will this book put you off if you don't like "those" kinds of books? It shouldn't - this is a really good story! Will this book offend you if you DO like "those" books? It shouldn't - there isn't anything objectionable in this story, other than a heroine who made some not-so-good choices. But haven't we ALL made some of those? The Memory House is about people facing their pasts and allowing love to lead them forward. That they go to church, have faith, and call out to God for direction is part of who they are. And quite frankly, it was refreshing to read a book where sex isn’t front and center of the relationships.

Going in, I almost let other reviews taint my opinion of this book. But Rachel Hauck wrote an excellent, multi-layered story with relatable characters and compelling, heartfelt situations. I’m so glad I dove in and let the story speak for itself, and judged the writing and plot by my own standards.

* thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I am suffering a severe book hangover from this beautiful story! I didn’t want to put it down, and found such beauty and grace in the imperfect, flawed characters. I loved that Beck was hard and somewhat cold to protect herself from further injury, and her similarities to Everleigh were so strong it kept me thinking through the whole book! Bruno & Don both loved women who felt they hadn’t earned the right to be loved, but they loved them anyway. There was so much good in this book that stemmed from hard situations and life altering choices, things I myself have been through, and it really touched a chord. I’d give it 10 stars if I could.

I have read all and have several of Rachel Hauck's books in my personal library. She never disappoints me and this one looks promising, too. Thank you for the excerpt! Looking forward to the book!!

As always, Rachel Hauck's books are wonderful!
An easy read about heart ache, family, love, and more.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my Kindle.

The Memory House is a tribute to love, overcoming obstacles, families, following your heart, and listening to God. I found it a little confusing in the beginning as it followed the current trend of alternating time lines and stories, but eventually I started keeping it straight. It is told in four different voices, Everleigh, Don, Bruno, and Beck, who is really the central character. Hauck returned to the theme of memories, both hanging on to them and letting go of them, throughout the book. Memory House on Memory Lane was a very special place to all of the characters, and their lives intersected there. The characters were believable, flawed humans who fought through their challenges. I enjoyed the interjection of the world of a sports agent for Bruno’s character, and particularly liked Beck’s softening effect on him through her advice. The story wrapped up a little quickly after all the building, but I find that is a common flaw of most novels, and I can forgive that when everything makes sense. I recommend this book highly.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story tells of a young lady who lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11 and all memories of him in selective amnesia. When she inherits a house in Florida from a lady she has no memories of, she begins a new life and slowly regains memories connected with this house she visited with her father on summer vacations. The Memory House brings out memories and secrets that change lives of these struggling characters bringing answers from the past and healing.
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.

One of my new favorite books! This author has such a way with words the pages flew by in no time! I can’t wait to see the next work by this author! This was such a joy to read!

A lovely inspirational love story seeped with loss and characters trying to cope. The characters of Everleigh, Don, Beck and Bruno, are down to earth and I felt connected to them as I read their stories.

I loved the author's writing style and how she moved flawlessly from one character to another within the book without any confusion on my part.

The lives of all the characters were entwined in heartbreak, hope and God's love came through every page. A wonderful story that help my interest until the very end.

The Memory House was absolutely captivating! I loved both of the stories in this dual timeline novel. The novel was filled with history, love and forgiveness and the stories from both the past and the present were brought together so perfectly by Rachel Hauck.

The Memory House moved between the lives of two women, Everleigh Applegate and Beck Holiday who have suffered devastating life-changing loss. Rachel Hauck's huge writing talent captured my attention from the first page and kept me yearning to know more about Everleigh and Beck. Neither of them believed they were deserving of love and both women needed redemption. There was enough romance and religion for me without being overwhelmed by too much detail. This was a fabulous feel-good book that made me smile and I am so pleased to have read it.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

This was beyond my expectations! I loved every second of it, and the characters felt like true friends. Really great story and writing.

The Memory House is a story of two different women in two different times united by one beautiful house. Everleigh is from the past and Beck is in the present but they have both suffered a great loss that has altered their worlds.

It was interesting to read each woman's journey to healing and wholeness. Their stories were similar yet different. Everleigh is a grieving widow that can't escape her memories. Beck is a grieving daughter that can't remember her past.

If you are familiar with Rachel Hauck's writing style you know that there is a depth to the story that will make you look inward as you travel through the book. I absolutely adore her books. They move me in ways that draw me closer to Jesus.

The Memory House was a great story, and one that seamlessly weaves together right in front of your very eyes the way that God works and has His hand in your life. Events happen that seemingly don't go together,. but as things progress, you see how one event led to another, to another, to another. You'll read about a tough NYC cop, a sports agent down on his luck, and a sweet old lady who changed everyone's life for the better. I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to reading more of Rachel Hauck's work.

Oh no, I read this a couple months ago and forgot to write my review! But I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed this split-time novel. After Beck Holiday's dad died on September 11, Beck lost all her memories about him. Then, years later, she was left an inheritance from Everleigh Applegate, a woman she also didn't remember. As she took the time to visit the house she inherited, she met people from her past, began to regain memories and in the process figure out who she was. In the meantime we are given a picture of Everleigh's life as she faced great loss and learned to hope for a future. Both Beck and Everleigh journey through grief and learn to live again. I love the message of hope, and new life and love. Rachel Hauck is a terrific author, who I would recommend to any and everyone!

Rachel Hauck is always a good read and this book is no exception. A woman trying to deal with the hurt in life. Hauck conntines to point out that God can take bad things and turn them good. I love this book so much

THOUGHTS AND REVIEW OF THE MEMORY HOUSE BY RACHEL HAUCK: Where can you go wrong with a Rachel Hauck read. If you have never read a Rachel Hauck book, please pick this one up and you will be hooked.

Rachel takes you through the lives of Beck Holiday, Bruno Endicot, Everleigh Applegate. It is a time hop novel that intertwines these people. Secrets that lay hidden only waiting to be discovered.

Come within the pages of The Memory House and discover what secrets are waiting to come to light and how these lives will all come together.

BEAUTIFUL STORY OF HOPE!

“I’m just saying God has a way of taking the worst situation and turning it for good.”

Rachel Hauck takes this theme and showcases it throughout her latest novel, THE MEMORY HOUSE. It’s a time slip story of the lives of Everleigh Applegate and Don Callahan and Beck Holiday and Bruno Endicott. Everleigh and Don own a home affectionately known as “The Memory House.” Bruno grew up across the street from Everleigh. Beck’s family used to vacation at Everleigh’s home.

Both women have lived through their share of loss. Their losses have left them empty, scarred and wondering if they would ever be able to be happy and know love again. Though they are separated by 50 years, they have more in common than most people. Everleigh loved Bruno and Beck and invested her time with them when they were children. She also recognized a part of herself in Beck. It’s as though Beck was the daughter Everleigh never had. The Memory House itself serves as a silent character in this novel as it’s the constant that ties them all together. Don and Bruno prove themselves time and again to be men who are trustworthy, loyal, kind and will always put their significant other’s needs before their own. Through it all, Hauck continues to point the reader to God by taking the worst situation and working it for good. She accomplishes this subtly by incorporating it into the story as the natural process of things rather than being overtly Christian. This is a wonderful book from start to finish and I highly recommend it! I was provided an ARC of this novel by Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

"I'm just saying God has a way of taking the worst situation and turning it for good." Although I won't quote which character said this, I will say that it came at the perfect time in this breathtaking novel from Rachel Hauck. I have yet to meet a book of hers that I don't love, but this book is something different. I don't know if it's the characters, the setting, the plot, or the two time periods, but this book left me hanging on every single word I read. I read it slowly so that I could savor every page, every chapter. And it was well worth it.

Hauck is a master of time slip novels. She easily provides two completely different storylines, but somehow manages to blend them seamlessly together at the end in a way you didn't always see coming (most of it I could, but there were a few pleasant surprises). The worlds that she creates in this novel are inviting, welcoming, and just somewhere that I want to jump into. I want to sit on the porch on this beautiful house, sipping coffee and reading a new book (by Hauck perhaps!). I want to befriend Beck and learn about her past right along with her. Or talk with Everleigh about taking care of her mother, and how she needs to get out more. You cannot help but feel connected to these characters as you continue to read this story.

Something else Hauck is great at? Telling us something important. That quote I mentioned earlier is really the founding message of this book in my opinion. Bad things happen, but God can turn them to good in many wonderful, beautiful ways. Bruno had to start over, and it certainly wasn't easy for him after losing his job. Beck had little to no memories of her childhood, and had to struggle to figure out why. Everleigh lost two very important people in her life, and yet had to figure out how to keep living in spite of them being gone. Now I won't say what wonderful things happened, because you'll obviously need to read the book, but Hauck proves in this book that God knows exactly what He's doing. Even when things seem rough, there is a reason. Even when it seems like there is absolutely no hope, there is. Our hope is in the Lord, and He alone can help us.

The Memory House is a creative story that I can see myself reading over and over again. The stunning setting and relatable characters make it a warm and inviting place that I don't want to leave. I can see this on my favorite lists this year! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved this unique story of what a “leap of faith” love really is. I mean that truly. Anyone who has ever been in love knows there is an intrinsic “leap of faith.” It might be letting go of fear, prejudice, or just memories and sometimes it’s the most precious of all TRUST. Trust is taken on faith, until it is proven wrong, for many this is the hardest leap to make. You have to trust they won’t lie, leave you, or break your heart. When you make that leap, you have to believe what is in the landing is more precious than all the things you’ve held onto and that the other person WILL catch you. It’s a scary enterprise this thing we call LOVE.
Rachel reminds us of that in The Memory House. Although this story takes place in two time periods with unrelated women, it is something to behold their journey to their “leap of faith” and how much change comes between like and leap for each of them. Both of these romances are hard fought and have lots to overcome, but somehow they each get to make that “leap of faith.” I was glad to feel like I was part of their journey. Her prose are elegant and sweet and emotional all the way through.
Don’t let yourself be dissuaded from this book based on how hard the romance is for each of them because of their losses. There is so much more going on and to see how tragedy shapes each of them and how they both move forward, but in different ways is rewarding in the end. This book will surely make it to my TOP 10 for 2019 because of the “leap of faith.” So for that reason, I’m giving this a 5 of 5 rating. Enjoy this masterpiece.

I knew right away that I was going to enjoy every minute of reading the new Rachel Hauck's book. The Memory House captured my attention as I got to know Everleigh and Beck. I loved how Ms. Hauck combined their two stories into one.

I didn't want to be partial to one or the other character. But I was pulled into Everleigh's story. I felt her pain. I cheered when she triumphed. I can see why the kids in the neighborhood were drawn to her. I was wishing she was my neighbor.

I don't doubt that The Memory House will remain in my memory as a sweet story of overcoming grief and the gift of healing on the other side.

Rachel Hauck will remain on my must read author's list.

This book captured my attention from the start. I finished it in about three days. I liked each timeline and felt like it worked together to make an satisfying ending. It was cool how each story started and ended with the Memory House. I liked both Beck and Evelyn and found myself wanting to hang out with them.
I like how there are many wonderful truths and lessons eaved throughout the book. I think that the reader can learn along with the characters

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.