‘HOW TO CATCH A PRINCE,’ BY RACHEL HAUCK
On my list of most-anticipated 2015 releases, the arrival of this book is all kinds of exciting. It’s the final in a series of books that may appear to be no more than fluffy romances. I’m here to deflate that mindset or at least to give it a go. These are really much more than just a happily-ever-after.
BOOK REVIEW | ‘THE DREAM DRESS,’ BY JANICE THOMPSON
‘HOW TO CATCH A PRINCE,’ BY RACHEL HAUCK #bookarchives Share on XSTORY: Corina Del Ray is grieving. Her twin brother’s death shattered her family and now they are a shell of what they used to be. She’s trying to move on after a move to Florida and pursuing her journalism career, but everything about her past comes right back to the surface when Prince Stephen finds her. Married in secret to the prince once upon a time, Corina is shocked to learn that they are still married. The marriage was never annulled. In America at the order of his brother, Stephen is not completely over events of the past either. Stumbling in his rugby career, Stephen feels lost while recovering from an injury. The weight of a secret he still carries and coupled with seeing the woman who still owns his heart isn’t helping.
How to Catch a Prince, by Rachel Hauck | Book Review
I can still remember when this series made it debut and some readers feeling skeptical about its premise. Fairytale lover I am, likely I just had stars in my eyes as I consumed that first book. Disappointment is not a word I associate with this series. The final book follows that same path. Beautiful covers translate to an exquisite story, waiting inside. The resounding theme in How to Catch a Prince is Corina’s conviction to not give up in the stoic face of defeat but instead to love well. Any of the falling-in-love after marriage stories that I’ve read have been favorites. This one is no different. Beautifully told, this book is easily one of my very favorite contemporaries. The romance is so much richer because of the past these character’s share.
Secrets do play a pivotal part in the story, however in spite of what the normal clichés would have us believe, the eventual reveal doesn’t end the same way most do. Naturally there is separation, yet it’s not because of an I-don’t-ever-want-to-see-you-again meltdown. The amount of books that play this card is exhausting. Instead, Hauck has a classier solution and it makes the eventual reunion all the more rewarding and emotionally healthy. If you’ve read about this book and recognize Stephen, you’d be right. He’s the brother of King Nathanial from book one. Because of this, we get to hang out with our favorite King and wife, Susannah, which is lovely. Stephen and Corina have their own love story, and how it evolves, grows and changes doesn’t let the past define it, but rather the present.
All that’s left to say is, go forth and read How to Catch a Prince.
Bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to this world, these books are not ones I’ll easily give up. They’re enchanting, romantic and each couple’s love story is poignant and purposeful. Stephen had to learn how to forgive himself before he could love his wife without regrets. The challenge for Corina was moving on and healing so that she could love well.
Each vignette is beautiful, and if ever there’s a story that “comes off the pages,” I do believe this is it.
About the Book:
Author: Rachel Hauck
Publisher: Zondervan
Source: Publisher Provided ARC
Publication Date: 2015
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads ǀ Novel Crossing ǀ WordPress
Add the Book: Goodreads
Series: Royal Weddings, book 3
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary, Christian
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
It sounds cute! I should be getting it to review any time now. :) I've really enjoyed this series so far, and I think I liked the second one even more than the first. I'm looking forward to this one because though it's not a situation I'd want to be in, I'm a sucker for stories where the characters fall in love after they're married. :) Also, thanks for pointing out the connection with the first book. Usually I'm reading a series spread out over time and sometimes I can't remember how the current characters are connected to those in previous books, so I'm always glad when reviewers clarify. Some books will obviously show the connection, but with others, I'll think that a name sounds familiar but not be able to remember exactly who's who. :)
It certainly is, Kristin! I've loved this series. I agree. The situations these stories give us aren't normal to our daily lives, but I think Rachel somehow manages to "ground" the stories in reality even though they're fairytales albeit modern ones. I hope you enjoy this third book.
I hear you. I forget all the time the earlier connections. In fact I was just talking about that with someone as regards a TV show. I watch The Flash purely for entertainment, so I do tend to forget what happened early on in the show vs. what's going on now and how it all connects. It's fun that the last book brings the stories full circle. :)
I JUST reviewed this one too. I'm not normally a fan of this genre, but I thought this series was pretty cute :)
It was indeed, Hayden! I'll have to be off to read your lovely review now. :)
I'm reading this one now and can't wait to review it. I just can't decide which of Hauck's princess books has been my favorite–you're absolutely right, they delve so much deeper than the fairy tale surface. Great review as always, Rissi!
I look forward to YOUR review, Rachelle. I think the first book is still my favorite… but I don't know, this one may have edged it out. I did so enjoy Corina's background, her past and the emotional fallout that Rachel was able to dig into because of that. Plus, like Kristin said (I forgot to say this in my comment), I'm a fan of romances that have a couple falling in love after marriage. Or in this case, falling in love a second time. Thanks as always for reading, Rachelle. :)
Looking forward to reading this.
It's really a great read, Charlyn. Hope you enjoy.
Like you, I'm a fairytale lover (as you probably already know *wink*) so this series really appeals to me! I really can't believe I haven't already read the first one. Thanks for this awesome review, Rissi, you really convinced me to get this series ASAP! :D
Yay! I hope you enjoy these if/when you have a chance to read them, Bekah. I love that there is more depth to the books in spite of what people might assume of them. Hope to get your thoughts if you do read the books. :)
That last paragraph really said it all and I love how you can use words so well! I still struggle with finding the right ones sometimes in my reviews. So glad you loved this one. As I've already said in chatting with you, I'd love Hauch to write another series (or two) branching off of this one.
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
It was funny because when I was getting this review ready for publication, I had to tell myself that I sort of shared more about this book than I normally do in my reviewing. I took out a couple lines because I didn't want to give the whole story away… my rambling was worse because of how good this one was. ;) Thank you kindly for your kind words, Tressa. Your reviews are always lovely, friend – love visiting Wishful Endings and reading the reviews. It's fun to try and figure out ways to write about the things we loved most. :)
Rachel could totally write more in this same line. I'd totally read them. :)
I agree with everything in this review. I finished the book yesterday after only getting it in on Tuesday.
That's fabulous, Dawn. It was totally worth binge-reading and I'll definitely enjoy re-reading this one. :)
I like how these books are much deeper than they appear.
Well said, Heidi. That's one of the reasons I adore these so much. They do have more depth than most people probably expect and that's wonderful. :)
Hugs and kisses! Thanks for this… sorry it took me so long to get over here! XO
Thank you for dropping by, Rachel. Always a pleasure to chat with you – and read one of your amazing stories. :) Hugs.