The Wedding Shop

THE. WEDDING. SHOP. by Rachel. Hauck Dreams that Haley had when she was young with her friend Tammy. Life changed when she learned that Tammy was dying. Filed papers and got out of the service,,got on her Harley and took off. Being the youngest, and having 4 brothers, all achievers .The dreams she had with Tammy, when they were young, seemed liked the best idea. Decides to open the wedding shop, in Hearts Bend, TN again, been closed for over 90 years. Story covers the 30's, 49's to present. Giving us that there is power in dreams. This was another delightful, book for all to read. Given book by.Thomas Nelson for my honest opinion of which I have given.

Let me start by saying that Inspirational fiction is not a ‘go-to’ reading option for me – I don’t tend to see the need for a quote from scripture or a reliance on a higher power (any higher power) to find resolution. That’s my own personal thoughts, and in no way affected my reading or enjoyment of this title. In fact, in some ways, the overriding message of forgiveness did fit the story and the progression of the characters. Already you know this is a story told in dual timeline, with elements that are wholly of their own time, and several that crossover in ways that prove humanity and emotions are eternal and common to us all. From the 1930’s era Cora who struggles to find her own moments of hope all while she gives hope and wings to the dreams of the brides who arrive at her shop hoping for magic to the moments of present-day Haley struggling with her own distrust of love and lasting and her promise to a friend lost in combat as she struggles to give the shop a new lease on life. Gentle reveals of both character’s stories and pasts, heartbreaks and their gradual healing to move on a new path coincide: not for the similarities of situations but more for the feelings and questions each confronted and answered, sometimes repeatedly, as they moved forward in their own process. With grace, hope and a gradual maturing of both people and memories, this story brings a wonderful sense of completion to both women’s lives. I received an eArc copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck tells the story of Haley Morgan and Cora Beth Scott. Haley Morgan has returned to Heart’s Bend, Tennessee where she grew up. Haley has resigned from the Air Force and needs to decide what to do next. When Haley finds out that The Wedding Shop is going to be torn down for a parking lot, Haley decides it is time to make an old dream come true. When Haley was younger, she dreamed of reopening this shop with her friend, Tammy. Tammy, unfortunately, passed away recently. Haley decides this is a way to save the building and honor her friend. Cole Danner was Tammy’s fiancé (she died before their wedding). Cole runs Danner Construction and is just the right person to help Haley. Haley has to convince the city to let her have the building (instead of selling it to the developers). But that is just the beginning! Cora Beth Scott ran The Wedding Shop after the death of her Aunt Jane. Cora was in her element at the shop. But Cora had a weak spot named Rufus St. Claire, a riverboat captain. Cora was convinced he loved her and was waiting for Rufus to earn enough money so they could settle down. Birch Good was in love with Cora, and he was waiting for her to realize the Rufus was a no good scoundrel. What will it take to open Cora’s eyes? Join Haley as she remodels The Wedding Shop, discovers the shops history as well as Cora’s, and starts a new chapter in her life. The Wedding Shop was a very good book. It is well-written and captured my attention right away. I liked how the author tied everything together. It is such a charming story that is easy to read. The Wedding Shop had a nice small town setting (Heart’s Bend, Tennessee), good characters that a reader can relate too, and an interesting tale. I enjoyed the descriptions of the shop and the beautiful clothes (especially the vintage wedding dresses). Rachel Hauck put some great lessons or messages into The Wedding Shop. The importance of listening to God, the power of prayer, and knowing that God has a plan for your life (it may not be what you have in mind). I give The Wedding Shop 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I did find Cora to be a little too naïve (very gullible). Cora seemed to view Rufus through rose colored glasses, but it did fit into the storyline. I like Rachel Hauck’s writing, and I will definitely read her novels in the future. I received a complimentary copy of The Wedding Shop in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.