As a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Rachel Hauck is no stranger to fan and critical acclaim. Her latest book The Wedding Shop looks set to ensure such praise continues to head her way.

Synopsis:

It’s the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman after having inherited her great aunt’s wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee. Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet. More than eighty years later, former Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart’s Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life. When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love. As Cora’s and Haley’s stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love.

I’ve often found books that intertwine two stories struggle to maintain both at the same pace however I was pleasantly surprised by the ease at which Rachel Hauck manages to do it so well. I’m also a big believer in traditions and legacies, so Cora Scott’s tale of inheriting her great aunt’s shop really struck a chord with me. I think it’s pretty safe to say that we can all, whether you read this book or not, identify with how she works so hard to find what’s best for her in her life, while maintaining and building relationships with others around her.

The only part of the book I didn’t like so much were the references to God. I personally am not a believer, but certainly don’t judge those that are, and fortunately for me, the personal thoughts and feelings of the two central characters allowed me to seemingly suspend my thoughts on the matter while still devouring the pages.

Ultimately, The Wedding Shop is a great story and a fantastic, powerful read. While summer might be drawing to a close, this book wouldn’t be out of place in your hand-luggage or beach bag while you soak up some rays or you could just as easily curl up with it as the nights close in and lose yourself in the story. There are very few books that are ideal for either setting, but this is certainly one of them.

The Wedding Shop is available now on Amazon and from all good bookshops.