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maeilis's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
thedamwife's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
karisommers's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
thackerleah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beyondevak's review against another edition
4.0
Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck was a sweet and whimsical story about a young woman and her fantastical journey toward becoming a princess. A true rags-to-riches kind of tale, this book painted the picture of a modern day fairy tale.
Positives and Not So Positives (but not quite negative):
- I appreciated that this book offered heartwarming lessons on faith, family, and love.
- I loved how the author weaved in direct and indirect messages on facing your fears and finding freedom in the extraordinary.
- The characters were likable and down-to-earth. They had grit and distinguishable voices.
- The primary conflict was realistic. Pride, power, prestige and the spoils of this life can definitely lead one down a path not meant for good.
- The inclusion of faith-based teachings was light but consistently evident throughout. The author did a good job of placing simple biblical lessons in the writing.
- Reggie's character was strong and fearless initially, but as the story continued, she seemed fearful. One moment she was praying and standing firm on her life choices and in the next, I found myself wondering if she was going to run from the immediate challenge. Still, once she finally grabbed hold of her destiny and believed the truth regarding her inheritance and who she was as a person, her strength was full on again.
- I loved that Reggie was a great encourager to others. Regarding self, this seemed not to apply in several instances.
- Tanner was an odd mix. He was steady and sure but he was also... Plagued with guilt and shame associated with a past mistake, he was clearly very burdened. It was interesting how he went from a course directed toward God to a life of "existing" just outside of Him. In the end, I really liked how the author allowed him to have his own divine encounter, as well as his moments of reconciliation.
- The relationships that Reggie had with her dad, her stepmother, her business partner, and her male friend were noteworthy. I loved the dynamics of each.
- This book had a contemporary feel but a touch of the historical could be observed. I adored the diary entries, the past-to-present shifts, and the surprise that awaited Reggie in the barn (where the past met the present).
- At certain points, I caught glimpses of Austenesque language as well as Twilighty talk. There were even occasions where Reggie's language shifted from a southern belle to that of an old English maiden.
- The book starts a little slow, but picks up speed as you go along.
- The romance between Regina (Reggie) and Tanner was a nice whirlwind. (I'll leave it there.)
Overall, I found this book to be quite charming. It was extremely cute, unusually corny and surprisingly funny. It made me curious. It made me shake my head. It made me smile. It gave me the happily ever after aha that I so dearly love.
Rating: 3.75
Recommend: Yes
A complimentary ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for it.
Positives and Not So Positives (but not quite negative):
- I appreciated that this book offered heartwarming lessons on faith, family, and love.
- I loved how the author weaved in direct and indirect messages on facing your fears and finding freedom in the extraordinary.
- The characters were likable and down-to-earth. They had grit and distinguishable voices.
- The primary conflict was realistic. Pride, power, prestige and the spoils of this life can definitely lead one down a path not meant for good.
- The inclusion of faith-based teachings was light but consistently evident throughout. The author did a good job of placing simple biblical lessons in the writing.
- Reggie's character was strong and fearless initially, but as the story continued, she seemed fearful. One moment she was praying and standing firm on her life choices and in the next, I found myself wondering if she was going to run from the immediate challenge. Still, once she finally grabbed hold of her destiny and believed the truth regarding her inheritance and who she was as a person, her strength was full on again.
- I loved that Reggie was a great encourager to others. Regarding self, this seemed not to apply in several instances.
- Tanner was an odd mix. He was steady and sure but he was also... Plagued with guilt and shame associated with a past mistake, he was clearly very burdened. It was interesting how he went from a course directed toward God to a life of "existing" just outside of Him. In the end, I really liked how the author allowed him to have his own divine encounter, as well as his moments of reconciliation.
- The relationships that Reggie had with her dad, her stepmother, her business partner, and her male friend were noteworthy. I loved the dynamics of each.
- This book had a contemporary feel but a touch of the historical could be observed. I adored the diary entries, the past-to-present shifts, and the surprise that awaited Reggie in the barn (where the past met the present).
- At certain points, I caught glimpses of Austenesque language as well as Twilighty talk. There were even occasions where Reggie's language shifted from a southern belle to that of an old English maiden.
- The book starts a little slow, but picks up speed as you go along.
- The romance between Regina (Reggie) and Tanner was a nice whirlwind. (I'll leave it there.)
Overall, I found this book to be quite charming. It was extremely cute, unusually corny and surprisingly funny. It made me curious. It made me shake my head. It made me smile. It gave me the happily ever after aha that I so dearly love.
Rating: 3.75
Recommend: Yes
A complimentary ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for it.
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
Sigh. I want to be a princess! ;) Definitely enjoyed this one. Not quite as much as Once Upon a Prince, but oh my. It was delightful! :)
erincataldi's review against another edition
2.0
Rachel Hauck brings every girls dream to life in this funny, charming, and romantic novel insisting that fairy tales can come true. Regina Beswick is just your average girl next door (that is, if your girl next door was a super beautiful accountant turned car shop owner, who has never been kissed) until one day she finds out that she is heir to a throne and destined to be a princess. She has to find out if she can handle what God has in store for her, because she would be perfectly happy restoring classic cars for the rest of her life. Does she have the courage to become a princess, to rule people, and leave her family behind?
The beginning was a tad long, but I suspect that was because the author was trying to paint a believable picture and make the whole thing seem more realistic. It's not every day someone finds out they are heir to a throne thousands of miles away. The romance between Regina and the Minister of Culture, Tanner, is cute but happens a little fast for my taste. Let's just say I wish that I found my true love and confessed my feelings for that person in less than a week.
Overall, the story was cute, the cover artwork adorable, and this book will have christian romance fans clamoring for more in the royal wedding series (this is the second).
I received this book for free from LitFuse Publicity in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
The beginning was a tad long, but I suspect that was because the author was trying to paint a believable picture and make the whole thing seem more realistic. It's not every day someone finds out they are heir to a throne thousands of miles away. The romance between Regina and the Minister of Culture, Tanner, is cute but happens a little fast for my taste. Let's just say I wish that I found my true love and confessed my feelings for that person in less than a week.
Overall, the story was cute, the cover artwork adorable, and this book will have christian romance fans clamoring for more in the royal wedding series (this is the second).
I received this book for free from LitFuse Publicity in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.