Member Reviews
This was the first book I had read by Rachel Hauck. I happened across it while scrolling books and was hooked by the synopsis. Excited when I was selected to receive and review it, I was not disappointed. I read the book in less than 24 hours and enjoyed every moment of it. The story, called The Memory House, centers on two women, one who loved and mot in the fifties and another in the present day. Everleigh was a young bride, pregnant with her first child, when a tornado blew through Waco, Texas in 1953. She lost her husband, in-laws, and father that day. Her heart and souls crushed, she lost hold of her memories and tried to forget her pain. Beck was a young teenager, full of life and ready to face the world, when she lost her father in the attack on 9/11. In an effort to forget her pain, she blocked out all memories attached to her father. Every good and bad memory of him was gone. Eighteen years later, she inherits Everleigh’s house on Memory Lane. There she runs into her childhood friend Bruno and the two connect, even though she has no memory of him. As the stories of both women unfold, life, love, and loss are apparent, but so I s hope, joy, and possibility. I would highly recommend this story!
I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I asked, through netgalley.com, to read and review this book. I was granted an ebook to do that and this is my own review.
I do not give a synopsis of the book, you can read that on the cover, etc. I will tell you what I thought about the book. First, it was an interesting concept, but not executed in the best manner. I enjoyed reading the book but it was not the kind that you "can't put down". It jumped back and forth between one group in the late 50s and early 60s to another group in the early 2000s. That was ok, but there were some things I felt could have been left out.
The characters were quite well developed and were interesting in general. The story in part was believable but other parts were hard to believe.
What brought my rating down was the need for more editing. There were several times that the words were wrong or mixed up. It is harder for me to enjoy a book that has so many errors. I double checked and it did not say it was an advanced readers copy. If it had not been finalized I probably wouldn't mention this.
Overall, I give it 3 stars out of 5. I would recommend it to anyone that likes a novel. It is a Christian book, but not at all preachy. It does have some Bible verses but the characters in the book are not all Christians. It is a good, clean read.
Every time Rachel Hauck publishes a new book, I want to be one of the first in line to read it. Her books are compelling and heartwarming, with storylines that weave together seamlessly. Her characters are vivid and come to life as you read. There’s always that golden thread of faith that runs through each book and pulls the story together into something special that that you’ll remember long after you’ve read it for the first time. I’ve just described this book and why I enjoyed it so much.
We view this story mainly through the eyes of the two main characters, Beck and Everleigh. Beck’s story takes place in the present day; Everleigh’s in the past. Their lives are connected by Everleigh’s faith and love, and this comes at a crucial time in Beck’s life. I loved the character of Everleigh. She struggles with tragedy and loss, and her story was heart rendering at times. Beck’s story in the present day is one of a confused, angry, heartbroken young woman. As their past and Beck:’s future come together, lives are changed and hearts healed.
This book starts out in a completely different way than normal for a Rachel Hauck book, so give yourself a couple of chapters to settle into the story. It’s a surprising beginning and works very well. 5 stars from me for this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious lHeetter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
Beck can't remember her childhood after 9/11. She can't even remember her father. Her personal life is in shambles as well. She inherits Memory House from Everleigh Applegate and decides to go there after being suspended from her job. There she meets Bruno Endicott. He was her best friend as a child when she visited Florida. She can't remember him either. This book is Beck's journey back to her father and God.
I recommend this book to everyone.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This book, for some reason, I believe, a technical error in the download, just gave me one chapter to read. And I was really looking forward to reading. From what I read, in the one chapter I received , was not really what I was expecting, but I’m sure if I had been able to read all of the book I would have came to like it more, because I love Rachel Hauck. But with the one chapter it was a good start. I would have loved to read more. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers of #TheMemoryHouse for the opportunity to read and review. My review is my honest opinion.
I was offered the first chapter of this book by Rachel Hauck to read and review, but one chapter alone does not give the whole feel and does not really give a full insight of the book. I usually read a book over three or four nights right before I go to sleep, but this book was so compelling, I finished it in two nights.
Beck Holliday is a NYPD sergeant who has blanks in her memories of her life growing up, especially since her father died in 9/11.
Bruno Endicott is a sports agent who is trying to build his business from the ground up and fight the negative press of his former employer.
Everleigh Callahan was a neighbor of Bruno's and Beck's (during the summer). She was the one who spent time with Bruno and Beck every summer until Beck's father died. She was a kind, grandmotherly type woman who loved children with her whole heart.
Beck works the night shift and with her partner, they go after a "perp" who is selling drugs in one of New York City's economically depressed neighborhoods. She goes beyond the regulations when she punches him in the face after he was already cuffed. She gets a reprimand and four weeks suspension. About this same time she finds that Everleigh has passed away and left her entire estate to Beck. This is the first turn in the road that leads to Beck's memories and leads her home to her Heavenly Father.
This is more than a Five Star book, but that's all they will let me give it. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a memory restored.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
I love Ms. Hauck’s books and this new release from her does not disappoint! She intertwines two stories that connect at the end to provide the reader with a beautiful story. As I read this book, I did not want to put it down at all! This book examines present day Beck Holiday who is a cop in New York City. She has been living kind of in an emotional limbo. At a time when she needs a change, she inherits a house from Everleigh Applegate who she has no idea who she was and how she knew her. Unbeknownst to her, she shares many similarities to Everleigh. Be transported back in time to Everleigh’s past and see what happens to Beck’s future as you read this story. It is a powerful story of letting go and taking chances even when fear drives you. I highly, highly recommend this story!!!! I loved it! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.
Really great! I love stories like this where there are two different time lines that eventually intersect and are woven together. This has all the great moments that tug at the heart strings for which Rachel Hauck is so well known. Her writing is beautiful and captivating. I love the way she builds the characters. We see two main women who go through some major life changing events and we get the opportunity to see them grow and change. Highly recommend!!!!
Once again Rachel Hauck does not disappoint. Told from several characters points of view and different time period this was a book that was hard to put down. The interlinking of the characters from modern day to the 1950's was fascinating. Once the news has passed we often forget about how the victims are affected for the rest of their lives as was demonstrated by one of the main characters and the loss of her father in 9/11. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic/historical fiction!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is such a sweet and moving story. Even though it is Christian Fiction, it showed extremely flawed and broken people. I think we all need a Miss Everleigh. Very enjoyable.
Rachel Hauck is well known for her sweet character-driven stories and this one was no different. Because I'd read the back cover synopsis and knew this was a dual timeline, I was a bit surprised when the first few chapters were all in modern times, but we caught up with the older timeline soon enough. We start off with Beck Holiday, an NYPD officer who has found herself in a sticky situation. At just the right time, she learns of an inheritance that changes everything for her. We move from Beck to Bruno Endicott, a sports agent who is struggling to make it on his own after being cast out by the agency that made him big. These two come together at the funeral for Miss Everleigh, who we learn about in the older timeline.
This novel tackles some difficult subjects - unexpected deaths, adoption, unwed mother status, and tragedy (9/11) and does so with grace. Beck has lost all of her memories pertaining to her deceased father. As a young adult, Everleigh had a similar problem after a tragic loss as well. So, it is appropriate that the place that they find healing for their souls is in the Memory House. The house is called such not only because it's situated on Memory Lane, but also because of the healing memories contained within.
This book is an excellent story about second chances - owning up to your past mistakes and inviting God's forgiveness - and seeking it from others. All of the characters had to overcome great obstacles and grew in their faith along the way. At Beck's "church moment" I was nearly ugly-crying in public! This was a beautifully redemptive story-line and had a sweet romance aspect as well.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced E-copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and all opinions contained herein are my own. As an aside, the version I received did have several typos and similar errors. I did not rate against that as I assume those will be removed before the final publishing and they did not detract from the story too much.
This is one of those magical books that make you feel good and that only happen infrequently. The author immediately draws you into the story of Beck, a hard and angry police sergeant in New York City, the same city in which her dad gave his life on 9-11. She is bitter and angry but can’t seen to get to the bottom of her feelings until she finally gets suspended from work because of her actions. This suspension gives her time to find out what is going on down south since she inherits a house from a former neighbor that she doesn’t even remember very well. It is in Everleigh’s former home that Beck seeks to find herself. This is a romantic mystery; the story of why Everleigh left the house to Beck is revealed slowly via the tale of both of their lives. Flashbacks are used well, as is the point of view switching between these two main characters. Both women need courage to face down the tragedy of the past so that they will be able to move into a promising future. Both need healing, and God is part of this process in a way that is subtle but miraculous. Rachel Hauck does a masterful job of writing a novel that will stay with me for a long time since the heroines are strong female characters who overcome obstacles that would fatally cripple others. Fans of Christian fiction should definitely read this book; fans of romance will love it; and fans of mystery will be surprised at the way the stories of the two women mingle and form one beautiful tale.
Rachel Hauck has done it again! This was such a great book! The characters and the storyline kept me reading almost nonstop! I loved Everleigh and Beck and the way their two lives and stories intertwined. Rachel is a such a fantastic writer- I felt the emotions right along with all of the characters in this book.
I love Rachel’s novels and I’m so excited to have read this!! Beautiful , touching , romantic and just the right amount of light heartedness.
The Memory House shuffles between the lives of two women Everleigh Applegate and Beck Holiday. Everleigh has survived a tornado which killed her husband and his family in 1953. Beck Holiday is a tough NYPD cop who lost her father in 9/11. Both have suffered devastating, life changing loss.
Rachel Hauck is such a talented writer. She drew me in on the first page and kept me wanting to know more about Everleigh and Beck. I could feel the love between the characters and I cried with them. There was romance without all the details, and religion without being overwhelming. Oh this book had it all and it is one that will stick with me. These women both go through a process of healing and how their stories intertwine is even more amazing. This is definitely a feel good book that makes you smile in the end and I am so thankful to have read it. I will recommend this to all my friends.
I received a free copy through Netgalley. This is my honest review of The Memory House
I had a hard time putting this book down. Once again Hauck has done a skillful job of weaving together two stories that are separated in time, and yet deeply connected. Themes of love and hate, mistakes and forgiveness, light and darkness are rich with meaning.
Don't expect another “The Love Letter.” This one has a whole different flavor. To me it felt more “gritty.” I still enjoyed it very much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Bec Holiday is one modern day tough Manhattan police sergeant who is really good at her job. That is until a rich punk pushes her too far. While on mandatory leave due to her inappropriate actions, Bec learns that she has inherited a house in Florida from a woman she can’t remember.
Everliegh Callahan had her own story of love and loss in the 1950’s. Her story is told simultaneously with Bec’s story. Both stories were emotion packed and kept me reading long into the night.
There were numerous surprises and twists that made this story seem very real. Bec lost her father on 9/11 which left her with a lot of emotional baggage and memory loss. Why can’t she remember?
I loved the people in this book. They were real. Joshua Christian brought a smile to my face every time he appeared in the story. Though his part was small, I loved Stone Aloysius Endicott’s name.
This is a beautifully written novel that made me laugh and cry as I experienced life with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Great characters and theme. Love, faith, loss, beginnings. Hauck always hits a home run with all her books. I especially enjoyed the weaving of Everleigh and Beck. Beck overcoming her challenges was endearing. Great story as always. Hauck never disappoints.
The Memory House by Rachel Hauck is meant to be an inspirational story told about two different times. Yet, even though years separate them, their stories bring all the characters together for and with the love of a child. I didn't care for the part of the book about one characters father not really being dead. I didn't see a need for the lie or even to introduce it in the overall story.
Coincidences make this book what it is - an absolutely delightful book.. All the characters are nicely interwoven - one thing leading to another until there is a most satisfying conclusion..