Maybe love can come home after generations in a way not even Hollywood could imagine. Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte–in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career. When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an … hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted–something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times.
- Full length clean romance
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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I enjoy reading duel time line stories, multiple POVs, and Rachel Hauck’s writing, but I toiled with the choppiness of The Love Letter from time to time. A letter written by Hamilton Lightfoot to Ester Longfellow in 1802, but never mailed, brings the two generations together. Jesse Gates, Hamilton’s 6 times great grandson, writes a screenplay for a movie based on the letter which stars Chloe Daschle as Ester. There is much to tell about Chloe and Ester, however, my lips are sealed, as not to give away the ending. You will have to read this stirring story for yourself and trust me you will not be disheartened.
What drew me to this story was the historical side as little is written about the southern states involvement in the War of Independence. Here Rachel did not disappoint with her research and attention to detail. Picking the Cowpens battle a turning point in the American reconquest of South Carolina from the British was genius. I felt the animosity and conflict between Hamilton Lightfoot, Ester Longfellow’s father, Sir Michael Longfellow, and Lieutenant Twimball at each and every meeting, and Ester’s dilemma loving both Hamilton and her father who were on opposite sides of more than just the war.
Rachel Hauck’s stories are always filled with messages of wisdom. One such message in The Love Letter is: “Marriage is the only place where two lovers can exist in a world all their own”. This is such a divine sentiment and one every couple should always remember.
I received a complimentary ARC ebook of The Lost Letter from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing via NetGalley as part of the Celebrate Lit book tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
History
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild, I was not required to give a favorable review. Rachel writes a book with so much heart in it. This love story start with a young man using a little written from his 6 times great grandfather that was never mailed to whom they thought was his sweetheart. He decided to walk away from his Engineering degree he had after the death of his girlfriend. Well 8 years later his story is being made into a movie. Chloe’s family in Hollywood legends and she has been stuck in roles where she always dies. But she goes to the director of the moving “Bound by Love” she wants the part of Esther. The screenwriter/Jessie will be part of the movie but not playing his ancestors part. The books goes between what they thought happened to Hamilton & Esther to the filing of the movie. You get to a point in this story that you want everything to work out for everyone, both in the past and now. I won’t give away anything else. Thank you Rachel for another wonderful novel.
This is a true love story, but not a real mushy one. It’s the kind of love story that settles deep in your soul. It”s interesting how Rachel keeps the reader in the time period of the Revolutionary War and the present. Both time periods are clearly defined and not confusing at all. The formatting for the Kindle made it hard to know who was talking at times. But it did not deter from the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book tells a beautiful story about two couples whose lives are connected by a love letter that was written on a battlefield during the Revolutionary War in 1781. If that doesn’t grab your attention, let me tell you a little more. The first couple are childhood friends who become sweethearts and plan to be married very soon but are tragically separated by circumstances they never could have imagined. The second couple are a modern day actress and a screenwriter who meet by chance only to meet again while working together on a movie loosely based on the first couple’s story. I think it’s an absolutely brilliant idea! I enjoyed the story so much that I read this book a second time and enjoyed it even more. If you’re looking for a book you can really get lost in I highly recommend you read this one, whether you’re a romance fan, a history buff or just someone who appreciates a finely woven tale with characters who will truly touch your heart. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Rachel Hauck does such an excellent job of plotting two timelines. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by her and this one was no exception. She kept my interest in both timelines and I loved how she ties them together.
Loved the past/present format and found I cared as equally about both sets of characters. This authors books always keep me reading and I look forward to every one she writes.
Favorite Quotes:
Chloe never understood how one could simply fall out of love. Was it an open window, a trap door?
Hollywood is getting tired of me. I’m fifty-seven going on a hundred. I refuse to have plastic surgery and… I refuse to play one of those horny old cougars who makes a fool of herself by falling for some hot thirty-something who only has one thing on his mind.
My Review:
While the premise sounded interesting, I struggled to remain engaged with this book, it wasn’t my cup of tea. Written with two timelines that were 240 years apart, both storylines involved a young couple of ancestral heritage bucking authority and yearning to establish a romantic relationship during a turbulent period. Both timelines were overflowing with heartbreak, grueling disappointments, angst, stress, despair, and conflicts of every sort – which again, not my favorite tropes. As such, my frustration and dissatisfaction were entirely self-inflicted – I chose poorly. There was considerably more religious spirituality than I was expecting and I couldn’t seem to invest or connect to but a few of the characters as I found most of them rather shallow and tedious. Several storylines seemed to lack cohesion – or maybe I just got lost. I probably should have stopped with a DNF but was ultimately glad I continued as despite my disappointment and frustrations with the author’s choices, I needed closure and in due course, I did enjoy the ending, although I doubt it would be an easy read for anyone, nor was it an HEA all the way around.
“Remember me as Before. When my Deeds, if not my Words, proved my Heart.”
Actress Chloe Daschle has finally gotten the opportunity to live . . . . . on screen, that is. Up until now, her best roles have been ones where Chloe’s characters have met their demise, but playing the part of Esther Longfellow in “Bound by Love” will give her the opportunity to erase that stereotype, once and for all, won’t it?
Writing a screenplay based on a curious love letter penned by his ancestor Hamilton Lightfoot, who fought in the Revolutionary War, Jesse Gates is optimistic that his future might in fact, heal his past. When he meets the leading lady, Chloe Daschle, at a mutual friend’s wedding, his intuition goes into overdrive. All of a sudden, life is getting complicated again, for “Chloe was Esther in so many ways”.
“The House of Hobart. Warriors. Lovers. Followers of Christ.” Perhaps there are many more love letters to be written.
Just finished this and was impressed as always with how Ms. Hauck weaves two time periods together and ties them up with a red bow to present them to you as a gift. My favorite character is Hamilton and the sacrifices he makes for love of country and the woman he loves. His greatest strength is when he learns to follow……I love that the love letter is preserved through the ages and is woven into both plots to make for an interesting read. I was more invested in the historical side, as I’m not a fan of Hollywood, but it worked. These characters all faced real struggles with feelings of inadequacy and learning to move on to the path God has planned. I needed tissues a few times over Hamilton and Esther’s story. Another home run for this author.
I won a copy of this book and was blessed. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Rachel Hauck is an amazing storyteller. This dual time inspirational romance is brilliantly tied together in an ending that I am still trying to wrap my head around. She surprised me with the way The Love Letter ties the American Revolution story and Modern Day together. There are subtle winks to previous books that are fun for Hauck funs to come across while reading. I truly can’t wait to see what wonderful journey Hauck has in story for readers with each new tale.
This religious historical fiction novel takes place in two time periods. One is Revolutionary War America and the other is present day in Hollywood. There is a connection between the two time periods that is known throughout the book but it is solidified with a surprise ending. I enjoyed the stories from both time periods but preferred the Revolutionary War couple because their relationship seemed more real. The current day Hollywood couple were both living with extreme guilt from situations that had happened earlier in their lives and continued to adversely affect their day to day lives.
Hamilton and Esther grew up on neighboring farms and their relationship deepened as they got older. But when it came time to choose sides for American’s fight for freedom from England, their love became more difficult. Hamilton fought with the Americans and Esther’s father continued to support the King and would not allow her to see Hamilton. She was forced to choose between her love for Hamilton and her love and respect for her father.
Chloe and Jesse live in Hollywood where she is an actress and he has just sold his first screenplay to a studio. The movie is about a letter that his great great…grandfather (Hamilton) wrote to his love Esther. Chloe gets the role of Esther and she and Hamilton begin a tentative relationship. She is looking for ‘happily ever after’ and he is consumed with guilt over something in his past. They must decide whether they will move forward or let their pasts affect their future happiness.
The characters in the two time periods are connected by a love letter and both have decisions to make about life and love and finding happiness.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
I pre-ordered this book and my confidence that it would be great paid off. Loved the book and can’t wait for the next one…okay, I HAVE to wait and will because I know good things cannot be rushed.
Rachel has penned another swoon-worthy dual time line romance. Chloe and Jessie’s story take place in present day Hollywood, where Chloe is an actress and Jessie is a screenwriter/actor. Chloe comes from Hollywood royalty and has been acting since she was a child. Jessie is new to the “business” and has written a killer screenplay based on a letter his ancestor wrote during the Revolutionary War. Chloe has been cast as the female lead and Jessie has a small part in the movie as well his writing the story of Hamilton and Esther. Woven in Jesse and Chloe’s story is the tale of Hamilton and Esther.
This story was fun to read. I enjoyed the characters, Chloe being my favorite. It had several twists and turns along the way with a couple cool surprises at the end. All in all, a fun story and another great book by Rachel.
I received this book from NetGalley and wasn’t required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
You will love this author. She is wonderful. This book is just another of her great reads.
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors. She weaves past and present in a seamless and cohesive story that leaves you absolutely breathless.
I’m going to be honest, the direction that The Love Letter took in the past tense, it’s one that makes logical sense. But…I really struggled with accepting things. The romantic in me wanted a happy ending for everyone. This isn’t in any way a knock on the book as it is beautifully written. I just fell in love with the characters so much that I wanted a happy ending for EVERYONE and it wouldn’t have made much sense for that to happen.
That’s not to say that this book ends with sadness. The author does give us a happy ending. I couldn’t have asked for any better for a feel good-redemption and hope story than this one.
Rachel Hauck proves time and time again that she’s a master at crafting emotionally gripping stories with characters you cannot help but love. I honestly wasn’t sure if I could enjoy a book more than I had enjoyed The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck last year but The Love Letter is every bit as good.
If you love historical and contemporary love stories, then you definitely should check out The Love Letter.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Christian
ASEL Rating: no profanity, violence, bedroom scenes, or other content that could otherwise be considered disturbing.
Themes: Romance, Trust, Love
Note for parents: This book mentions a couple that lives together without being married. There’s a mention of cursing. However, nothing in the book is inappropriate for the genre.
Suggested Age: 15+
This book was provided to me by The Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
True love, war, forgiveness, commitment, salvation… big themes in an amazing book by Rachel Hauck. I’ve really enjoyed previous books I’ve read by Hauck, but The Love Letter really grabbed me. I had a very hard time putting it down when it was time to go to bed! Her split-time romances have all been good, but I think this one is the best yet. An added plus for those who have read other of her books is the appearance of characters from some of those.
Although the stories are different, The Love Letter has the same “flavor” to me as Davis Bunn’s My Soul to Keep (published in 2007).
I highly recommend The Love Letter!
This is a beautiful love story that reaches into the depths of your soul. It lingers there as you feel the emotions and become one with the characters. I loved the transition from present day with Jesse and Chloe to the past with Esther and Hamilton. The author does an amazing job of transporting readers to the Revolutionary War where we find two people deeply in love. I wanted Chloe to have her forever soul mate so bad I cried though each scene. Have you ever loved someone so much it hurt to be away from them? That is what Esther felt each time she was apart from Hamilton. Their story is powerful and I loved how the author captured their feelings with words, looks and a special letter. Do you know what it is like to want to be with someone you love, but obstacles get in the way? The author makes Esther and Hamilton come alive with her compassionate writing style.
Jesse and Chloe are in the present and their story is just as fierce as Esther and Hamilton’s. Chloe has had a hard time as an actress and finally finds a part in a film that could boost her career. This is where the story for me really made an impact. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost at love and had my heart broken. When Jesse and Chloe share intimate moments from their past, their vulnerability was the meat of the story. To trust someone so completely with pain from your past, is the start of a true relationship. I loved how their story ran parallel with Esther and Hamilton’s.
The story is emotional and one that captures you with a quiet peace. The author explores what happens when pride overtakes you and forgiveness is hard to accept. I loved how the characters were easy to connect with. This is in my opinion the best book the author has ever written. There are so many lessons to be learned throughout the story and shows how love is one of the most treasured feelings we can have and receive.
“When a man loves a woman, nothing can hold him back. The same is true of women. When she is in love, there is no force more powerful.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Love Letter by author Rachel Hauck is the interweaving of past and present. The theme of a community torn by the Revolutionary War. A love letter, which has survived from the 1780’s to present day is the basis for a screenplay which has been written by Jesse Gates. His grandfather six times removed had written this letter to Esther, a childhood friend, and love. The letter had never been delivered to Esther…why?
Present day Chloe and Jesse meet as the screenplay is being filmed. Their lives are drawn together by more than the part Chloe is set to play, as Esther.
The past and present story is filled with all the elements people have faced for generations. Faith proves to be stronger than war, community strife, old prejudices, feuds between neighbors, and misunderstanding in the communication of love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved how the author’s mind worked as she wrote this story, a love story that spans centuries, and six times greats. We are spending time in the fight for America’s Independence the 1700’s and then we are in modern day Hollywood and making movies. We are shown that love can have its problems, especially if is a one-way affair, but we are also shown God’s hand in the lives of these individuals and forgiveness. Wait until you see how it is possible for a love of 1780 to come to a conclusion in 2018, Rachel Hauk has successfully melded these two-time periods into a tale that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck is a wonderful dual time story–a tale of two couples in love, generations apart. The author has expertly woven their stories together and had this reader enchanted by both. From present time to the Revolutionary War and from Hollywood to South Carolina, readers are taken on two journeys of faith and love that are each stymied by a number of circumstances, war, family, guilt, the past. The author has realistically brought growth and maturity to the characters and enabled them to go forward with their lives despite the difficulties. The characters are strong and vibrant, arousing a variety of emotions as the story unfolds. The scenes capture the imagination and the author has done a fantastic job of portraying the historical aspect of the book. There are a few twists and turns to the story and a couple ‘wow, I didn’t see that coming’ moments that keep interest high. The Love Letter is a poignant story of faith and forgiveness and the legacy of love throughout the ages. “Truth is, we never know the how or why of our ancestors’ decisions. We only know our present reality.”Another excellent historical romance from a talented author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.