The Wedding Chapel

"I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not harm you," says the Lord, "plans for a hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

In Rachel Hauck's latest novel, The Wedding Chapel, this scripture is extremely important for the characters in this novel. Each of them are interconnected by a series of events from the pasts and secrets that were kept out of spite and jealous but ultimately would be used for good. Jimmy Westbrook, or "Coach" as he is known by his students is one hard working man. He is a man of integrity and faith believing in the commitment he made one night just before he shipped off to the war. To love the only woman there would ever be for him, a girl he first fell in love with just by seeing her picture as she was slated to arrive to live with her cousin Clem, Jimmie's best friend, along with her sister Peg. They left behind a war that claimed the life of their parents and were looking to start over again someplace where war didn't seem so real.

Taylor Branson, an up and coming photographer, living in New York along with her newly married husband Jack are struggling to find their way forward in their new life together as husband and wife. Their whirlwind romance coupled feelings from their childhood living in Hearts Bend, Tennessee and fate brought them together on the streets of New York for a second chance. They both believed it could work, but also figured if it didn't there would be no real loss if they simply chose to walk away. But now that they are back at work, they are spending less and less time together and fail to communicate their true feelings to one another and instead let actions dictate their words. Taylor and Jack begin to wonder to themselves if they have made a big mistake in getting married. They are both trapped by feelings from their past that neither of them want to confront.

Yet when a photo shoot takes Taylor back to Heart's Bend to photograph an old wedding chapel on the land owned by Jimmie Westbrook, Taylor is brought full circle into a life she never dreamed would be possible. Besides taking the photos for work, she can't help but feel pulled by the feelings that this wedding chapel carries a life and spirit of its own and one she can't help but feel pulled into. But God has a bigger plan in mind as he brings the past, present and future together and those involved that desperately need the healing power of forgiveness and acceptance to become all that He imagined they could be. It's never too late for a second chance at life and at love.

I received The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. I've been a huge fan of Rachel's novels since picking up my first and now I simply need to see her name on the cover for me to pick it up. I've never been disappointed. I love the story between Jimmie and Colette the best, to see someone work so hard to show someone how much he truly loves them and holds on to his faith that one day God will restore to him what believes is truly meant to be. I found myself walking around the dusty walls of the old wedding chapel as Rachel describes it and feeling a sense of holiness and promise there and was thrilled at how it all came to a conclusion. For me this one was worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars as the book toggles between present day and the past to convey the stories of the characters lives. A Discussion Guide is included at the conclusion of this book that is perfect for book clubs.

For more information about The Wedding Chapel, Rachel Hauck or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

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