Thursday, March 5, 2015

Review: How to Catch a Prince + GIVEAWAY


How to Catch a Prince
By Rachel Hauck
The Royal Wedding Series, #3
Zondervan, 2015


Summary

An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever?

American heiress Corina Del Rey caught her prince once. But the tragedy of war kept her too long in a fog of grief. Now she's shifting her life forward, reigniting her career as a journalist. Still, nothing can relieve her of the secret and the love she carries in her soul.

Prince Stephen of Brighton is one of the world's most eligible bachelors and a star rugby player, trying to make sense of his life. But his days in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Command have marked him forever. And he can't seem to shake their dark shadow.

But when his brother, King Nathaniel, confronts him with a document the prince thought long buried and forgotten, Stephen is forced to face the pain of his past and the love he left behind.

With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?


My thoughts

How To Catch a Prince is the stuff of which dreams are made - the whole series, really. All the fairytale-like ingredients are present in this world where a commoner can suddenly become royal:  the enchanting Brighton Kingdom in the North Sea, King Nathaniel and Prince Stephen, cathedral bells that ring in chorus, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. But if you think this story is all fluff, you would be very wrong, for spiritual truths and the emotional pull of Stephen and Corina's story are surprisingly strong .

Rich depth also comes from topics such as war, survivor's guilt, grief, unworthiness, deception, and unforgiveness. But great depth also comes from the overarching theme of "love well" - and not just romantic, but love for family, friends, those we work and serve with, and above all, God.

"With each passing day, she remembered she had a secret." Corina's opening thoughts introduce a major theme - secrets that refuse to stay hidden, that have to be brought into the light so healing can begin. While Stephen and Corina have all the trappings of royalty and wealth, they come across as real people, flawed, and are so easy to relate to. Stephen felt like he was a fraud and escaped his demons by throwing himself into the game of rugby. Corina, an heiress who seemingly had it all at one time, lost that which was most valuable while being denied understanding. Yet the chemistry between them is vividly real . . . Stephen "wanted to push Pause and simply stare at her for a moment, refilling his cup with the light of her hazel eyes."

Rachel has done an outstanding job at seamlessly weaving important spiritual truths throughout a story that is meaningful in itself. One of the most moving scenes takes place toward the end of the book in Archbishop Caldwell's seaside cottage - a joyous scene of repentance and redemption, and the archbishop's words that speak to us all, "No man is worthy until Christ makes him worthy."

The ending is deeply satisfying, not at all rushed. I love the message that encompasses the whole series - that we are all royalty, sons and daughters of the King of kings. And the true meaning of love well as expressed in Corina's words:  "If we want to be royals and have all the benefits and authority, to be respected, then we must be willing . . . to serve the common man. Be like Jesus. Lead through serving."

How to Catch a Prince is a lovely story, moving conclusion to a lovely and meaningful series. Recommended.

Click on the title to see my review of book #2, Princess Ever After.



Rachel Hauck

RITA Finalist and Carol Award winner Rachel Hauck, named by Family Fiction readers as one of the top five romance authors in CBA, is the author of more than seventeen novels, including the acclaimed Songbird novels with multi-platinum country singer Sara Evans and the EPCA/CBA best-selling novel The Wedding Dress.

Find Rachel online at rachelhauck.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Also, be sure to visit the Litfuse Blog Tour page.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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GIVEAWAY

I am very thankful to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of How to Catch a Prince for one of our readers. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment pertaining to this book/series . . . For instance, have you read either of the two previous books? Do you enjoy royal themes? New to Rachel's writing?

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. It's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter if you can.

"Likes" on my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, are greatly appreciated, as are followers on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and this blog.

Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, March 16. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.

Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

44 comments:

  1. I haven't read this series yet - It is on my TBR list. I really like the fairy-tale idea so this sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway! momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. If you haven't read any of these books yet, then you've got a reading experience to look forward to! Good luck in the drawing, Loraine!

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  2. I am new to Rachel's writings. I really enjoy royal themed books and this book looks good!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Beth, I haven't read the first book yet, but loved the others. Reading from the beginning would give a better sense of setting and characters, but each book stands alone. I think you'll enjoy Rachel's writing.

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  3. With a little heavenly help.. I'd enjoy seeing how this story ends up. The summary certainly has me wanting to read this book!
    dkstevensneAToutlookD OtCo M

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    1. Reading the series in order would be best, although each story can stand alone, Deanna. I especially liked this one. Best wishes in the drawing!

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  4. I haven't read anything by Rachel but the theme sounds fun! I've read great reviews on this book so it would be one I'd love to read. Thanks for the chance to own this!
    Always imagined what life would be like if I was part of a royal family :-)
    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Trixi, I don't think I'd want to be part of a royal family in reality, but it sure is fun to read about. I especially enjoyed this third book, but the whole series is excellent. Good luck in the drawing!

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  5. I've read the other two books in this series and liked them very much. Rachel is a great writer. I'm really looking forward to reading How to Catch a Prince to finish this series, so it would be terrific to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Pam, if you've read the first two, then you'll really enjoy this book. Romance and spiritual themes are wonderful, and it brings back characters from the first book. Thanks for visiting - and best wishes in the drawing!

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  6. I've not yet read this series. I love Royal themes, the mix of romance with responsibility to those beyond yourself makes them so interesting. Thanks for the giveaway.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. You described this book well, Merry - the whole series, in fact. Rachel does such a good job at combining a fascinating story, romance, and spiritual nuggets that touch readers. Thanks for entering!

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  7. I have read this book and I am truly thankful for Litfuse for a free copy. My review is coming out 3/21/15. You got a lovely blog. I am a new follower of your blog and hope you can follow mine back. It Nighttime Reading Center: You can find it in the Litfuse Facebook group (under the files). You mind taking a look at My Reading for Autism (sign up Post) there a link for sign up on the page "Reading 4 Autism".

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting here, Lindsay - and I followed your blog. I really like your ministry outreach for autism; that's a great need in our world today. I'll enjoy seeing you in these various places online. Thanks again for becoming a follower, Lindsay.

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  8. I am new to Rachel's writing. I have only seen positive things said about this book. It really looks great and I'd love to read Rachel's books starting with this one. I enjoy books about princesses and royal themes. It really sounds like a fun read !

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    1. From what you said, I think you will really enjoy this book, Deanne. If you can manage to read the whole series in order, that would be best, although each book can stand alone. Best wishes in the drawing, Deanne!

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  9. I absolutely love royal themes! I have not yet read any of Rachel's books, but it looks like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Email- ellihl1@students.fscj.edu

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    1. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to be a royal, but royal themes sure are fascinating, Hope. Read the whole series if you can, and good luck in the drawing. Thanks for visiting my blog, Hope.

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  10. One of my favorite authors and have enjoyed seeing her books in the bookstores. Looking forward to this one!
    Email- ellig4@students.fscj.edu

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    1. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did, Glory. Thanks so much for dropping by - and best wishes in the drawing!

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  11. I have read the first two books in this series and really enjoyed them. Rachel is such a great author and I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by her. I can't wait to read the conclusion to this series although finishing the series will be bittersweet.

    My email is jennybug52 (at) hotmail dot com

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    1. "Bittersweet" is right, Jennifer! It's so easy to become attached to characters throughout a series and I always want more. But that's a sign of great writing, isn't it?! I'm pulling for - and thanks for visiting!

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  12. I really want to read this series. I have read one other book by Rachel and loved it. I would love to win! Thank you Carole and Litefuse for the giveaway.

    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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    1. Amy, I do think you would enjoy this series. Not only is it fun to follow the royal family theme, but Rachel does a great job at conveying spiritual truth at the same time - and the romances are great, of course! Best wishes in the drawing, Amy!

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  13. Thanks for the lovely post and all the great comments!! Rachel

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    1. Thanks for allowing God to use you by writing stories that entertain and convey His truth. You touch a lot of people, Rachel.

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  14. I love royal themed books, and this one sounds great! I haven't read any of Rachel's books but I will check them out.
    myfacebookemail23 at yahoo dot com

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    1. I believe you will enjoy anything Rachel writes, Kim, but especially this series. Thanks for visiting, and good luck in the drawing.

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  15. This sounds like a cute book! I haven't read her books but would love to read this one! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. I think I can guarantee that you will enjoy this book, as well as the whole series, Sonja. Thanks for visiting - and good luck in the drawing!

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  16. I personally haven't had a chance to read these books yet. But I have all of then except the latest. I would love to win this for my daughter. She has read then and raves about the books! I have got to get them read! She has been so excited about this book being released! Nancycooks4u[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I have piles of books waiting on me too, Nancy! So glad your daughter is enjoying the series. You two will have a lot to talk about when you get them read also. Best wishes in the drawing, Nancy!

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  17. I have not read any of her books but think my daughter and I both would enjoy them. Fun sounding!

    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. Diane, it would be great for both you and your daughter to read them and share thoughts afterward. Some important spiritual lessons are creatively conveyed throughout this series. Best wishes in the drawing, Diane.

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  18. I have not read any of Rachel's books! I would love to win & try this series! I love the royal theme! I have read lots & still have all of my Barbara Cartland's books! grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I have not read the first two in this series....YET! It is on my list to buy. I love royal themes. thanks for the chance to win. truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

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  20. I've read Once Upon a Prince and loved it; I'm so looking forward to reading more from Rachel!
    taralynee[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. I have read all of Rachel's books and haven't read one I didn't love!!! Looking forward to this new one!
    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. Oh, I just found this....hope it is not too late to enter! I have read all of the books in this series so far....LOVED them...and am so anxious to read this one! Rachel is a wonderful writer. I don't think I would like to be royal, but really enjoy books of that type! THANKS for the giveaway.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  23. I have read one other of Rache's Royal books and surprisingly loved it! Always thought I was just stuck in the historical realm.

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  24. I heaRd about this book from another blogger too and it sounds fun. Thanks for the chance to win.

    momssmallvictories(at) Gmail (dot) com

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  25. I read and really enjoyed the first book in this series, would love to win another part of the series!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. Rachel is a new-to-me author. I've been reading great things about her books. I would love to read HOW TO CATCH A PRINCE!

    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

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  27. I haven't read any books in this series. Looks like my TBR list is going to be getting longer.
    Lori P
    jlipayer(at)charter(dot)net

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