Monday, April 29, 2019

THE MEMORY HOUSE by Rachel Hauck, Reviewed by Nicole Cook

Rachel Hauck is a master at writing time-slip (dual timeline) novels that seamlessly weave together the historical and contemporary storylines with twists and turns along the way that the readers do not expect. In her latest novel The Memory House, Rachel Hauck does not disappoint. 


 
In the contemporary storyline, readers are introduced to New York City cop Beck Holiday, who is still dealing with her father’s death on 9/11 and her resulting loss of memories of him. Beck discovers that she has inherited a house known as The Memory House in Florida from Everleigh Callahan, a woman she doesn’t remember. While visiting Florida, she reconnects with childhood friend Bruno Endicott, who has been in love with Beck since they were teenagers. About fifty years earlier, newly married Everleigh Applegate suddenly becomes a widow after a deadly tornado strikes. Can her old friend Don Callahan give her a second chance at love and help her find a purpose in her life?



Rachel Hauck handles difficult topics in both storylines with grace and understanding, such as infidelity, pregnancy outside of marriage, adoption, and the unexpected death of loved ones. Even though they grew up in two very different decades, Beck and Everleigh have many similarities throughout their lives. Much like in real life, the characters deal with their mistakes and grief in different ways. Many readers will be able to relate to the struggles that these women faced and the uncertainty about their futures. Readers who have never experienced situations like those in the novel and even readers who may not agree with some of the characters’ decisions will still be rooting for the characters to get their happy ending. This is a story of family, faith, enduring love, and forgiveness. The Memory House is highly recommended for fans of contemporary and historical fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels by authors such as Melanie Dobson, Heidi Chiavaroli, and Sarah Monzon.

*I received the book from the publisher but I was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Back Cover Blurb:
Embracing the future means remembering the past . . .

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. 


Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy The Memory House on Amazon
Buy The Memory House on Christianbook.com
 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest