The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck

Two women separated by decades. Both set out to help others find their dreams when their own have crumbled.

It's the early 1930s, but Cora Scott is walking in stride as a career woman ​after having inherited her great aunt's wedding shop in Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, where brides come from as far away as Birmingham to experience her famed bridal treatment. Meanwhile, Cora is counting down the days until her own true love returns from the river to make her his bride. But days turn into months and months to years. All the while, Birch Good continues to woo Cora and try to show her that while he is solid and dependable, he can sweep her off her feet.

​More than eighty years later, former ​Air Force Captain Haley Morgan has returned home to Heart's Bend after finishing her commitment to military service. After the devastating death of her best friend, Tammy, and discovering the truth about the man she loved, Haley is searching for her place in life.

When Haley decides to reopen the romantic but abandoned wedding shop where she and Tammy played and dreamed as children, she begins a journey of courage, mystery, and love.

As Cora’s and ​Haley's stories intertwine through time in the shadow of the beloved wedding shop, they both discover the power of their own dreams and the magic of everyday love. (publisher)

My Review: The story is told from the viewpoint of several main characters and across several generations. Yet the stories weave together to create a fascinating connection between all and how some basic emotions remain the same. Haley discovers that she and Cora experienced many of the same things and the knowledge that Cora recovered and moved on helps Haley in her own healing process. I loved the various avenues of life experiences explored, and that you get a sense that Haley and Cora, despite distractions, both found happiness in finding themselves in God's plans for their lives. Admittedly, since it is the only worldview I know, I always prefer books with a Christian worldview. Watching the faith walk of these characters was a great part of the story.

There was a little confusion for me as I tried to remember all of the characters and where they belonged, but not enough to lessen my enjoyment...and I did get them sorted out. And, sometimes the pace was a bit uneven, but that probably had much more to do with my interest level than the author, simply because some characters interested me more than others. But, all-in-all, the book was very well-written and a fascinating read. It was difficult to put down, and I did stay up later than planned a couple of night to read 'just one more chapter'---or 2 (or 3)! I look forward to reading more books by Rachel Hauck.

 I received a copy of this Zondervan book from BookLook Bloggers at no cost to myself for a fair and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

A Christ-Centered Wedding

A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day by Catherine Strode Parks and Linda Strode

Wedding planning has spawned a major industry. The average cost of the occasion now exceeds $25,000, and societal pressure to create the “perfect day” is so strong that even Christian couples forget what God originally intended for the sacred marriage ceremony.

While paying attention to the good fun that follows that special proposal (the dress, the flowers, the cake, the gatherings, etc.), A Christ-Centered Wedding first serves as a guide to believers who want their wedding to portray the relationship of Christ with the church and to reflect the gospel to all in attendance.

From the start, this thoughtful book looks to the Creator of weddings for guidance in planning by emphasizing the sacrificial love of the Savior more than the modern world’s idealistic view of romantic love. There are chapters filled with practical information about everything from pre-marital counseling and choosing a wedding location to other resources like a planning checklist and timeline, music suggestions, guidance on potential issues of conflict, a listing of traditional financial responsibilities, sample vows, and other great ideas from couples who have successfully put together a Christ-centered wedding. (publisher's description)

My Review: If you are looking for a book that covers just about everything you can think of for a wedding, this is the one for you. My favorite part was at the beginning of the book when they went into more detail of Biblical betrothals, marriage contracts, and wedding ceremonies. It brought a greater clarity to some of the metaphors used throughout the Bible, especially with the church being called the Bride of Christ.

The rest of the book is divided up into easy-to-read chapters on various aspects from the engagement to the reception. There were several ideas that I really loved and would suggest to anyone planning a wedding. I did love the way that each focused on having Christ at the center of it all. It brought a deeper meaning to the commitment the couple are making to one another and to their commitments as followers of Jesus.

Honestly, much of it is more overwhelming than anything I would have wanted to do, but I tend to be overly pragmatic. But, I still found it interesting and helpful. There were even things that I wish I had done. All-in-all though, I felt that it covered areas that could handle most budgets. The thought of spending thousands of dollars on a ceremony is absolutely horrifying to me, so if I think something is doable...it is. So, whether you are planning a very low cost wedding or if money is no object, the important thing is to work together with your finances, your personal views, consideration of others, and most of all, sharing and celebrating the love of Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Shelton Interactive, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Shelton Interactive is offering a giveaway copy of this book. Please leave a comment no later than 8/14/14 7pm (CDT) to be entered in a random drawing. US & Canada only.