A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Oh, I loved picking up where the Once Upon a Prince left off. If you haven’t read it, I’d recommend starting there, but you wouldn’t have to in order to get caught up rather quickly. Rachel wrote the story in such a way that you could just launch into A March Bride, if you like. 

Let’s begin with the summary:

A Year of Weddings novellas series from Zondervan.  A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that 

she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own---right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

And now, my review:

First, the dedication made me say, “Aww…” right out loud! :)

There is always so much going on in a Rachel Hauck novel. First of all, the romantic notion of fairy tales brings an escape of itself. But you’ll find depth. And though there is a fairy tale element, the stories aren’t without challenges and tension, nor the characters without flaws.

While we’re reading about this princess-in-training, readers will see themselves. Our princess-to-be had most of her ducks in a row until a slew of doubts crept in. How many times have doubts stolen your joy as a believer?

There is also symbolism in giving up what we’ve always known for the kingdom of God. We give up our identity to fully enter His. We take a new name and a new identity.

What about running back to the familiar? Yeah, I’ve never done that either. ;) To have her happily ever after, Susannah (whose name means Lily, by the way) must choose to be all in. 

Sound familiar?

I loved this novella.

Highly recommended.