Book Review & Giveaway: The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

About the Book:

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 letter 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.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.


My Thoughts:

The Memory House is the first book I've read by Rachel Hauck in a long, long time. Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down! It captured my attention immediately and held my interest until the end. There were little mysteries embedded throughout the story that kept me wanting more and more.

The Memory House has a fairly large cast of main characters as it is a time slip novel. It was well-written and I had no confusion with the time jumps and multiple points of view. My favorite character was Everleigh, not just because of her lovely name. I could identify with the way she gave up on living in some ways, but I admired how she made a healthy choice to change and started embracing life again.

I loved that Don and Bruno love their women so well. They affirm the women as they are, yet encourage them to embrace both past and future. Readers see that theme play out in two very different ways with Beck and Everleigh.

The Memory House takes on some weighty topics and at times I teared up, especially near the end. There's the amnesia, of course, and I feel I must say that there is the chance of being triggered/uncomfortable if you are someone who has had repressed memories of difficult circumstances. The author gently works in reminders about the power and necessity of prayer. We see forgiveness play out in a some hard situations.

There are so many good things to say about this book, but I'll stop here. I highly recommend The Memory House by Rachel Hauck to readers looking for a novel with a compelling storyline, romantic tension, and inspirational themes! Five stars!

About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck). 

Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary arc copy from the publisher. 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."