by Rachel Hauck
Could Don be somewhat of a Christlike character? How so?
Joshua Christian is an interesting character. Who and what did he represent to you?
What did you think of the dog, Beetle Boo, being a symbol for Beck’s soul? Are there good things you hide behind in order not to expose your true self? Do you often end up hiding from God when He wants to bless and heal you?
Bruno’s done well despite his rough upbringing. Does your past have to hold you back?
Beck hears God’s voice saying, “It’s what you said to your father.” The audible voice of God is not common for most people, but how does God speak to you? How has He directed you in the past?
Natalie told Bruno his father had died. Her plan seemed sound and right to her at the time. She wanted to protect her son. What did you think of her lie? Is there ever a good time to lie to your kids? Have you been tempted to do something like Natalie?
Don feels obligated to please his parents. But an encounter with Joshua Christian helps him to accept God’s calling on his life. Is there something or someone holding you back from going all the way for Jesus and His plans for your life?
I always ask the Holy Spirit to fill in the cracks and speak to each reader individually. What was your unique takeaway from the book?
Acknowledgments
Every book is a journey. This one began in my imagination with a house on Memory Lane. Yet it had no inhabitants.
Then while visiting Waco, Texas, with writer friends and learning of the 1953 tornado, the story of Everleigh Callahan came to life. I knew I had to use the devastation of the 1953 tornado as a backdrop.
The name Everleigh was “lent” to me by a reader, Andrea Fuller. When she told me her daughter’s name during a casual FB chat, I knew immediately, “I have to use it for a character.” So, thank you, Fuller family!
However, Beck Holiday moved into this story from another book idea that was caput and brought her NYPD persona with her.
From the beginning the story was to be about memories. I just wasn’t sure how. As I worked on the characters and plotted out ideas with the Story Equation, the loss of memories became the cornerstone.
I’ve never had memory loss, but I imagine it can be frightening and life altering. I treasure my memories of growing up, especially of my late father. I can’t imagine how I’d feel if I couldn’t remember him.
Memories, or the loss of them, is what connects Beck and Everleigh and preserves a treasured part of each woman’s past.
Special thanks, as always, to my husband for listening, brainstorming, praying, and encouraging me on this writing journey. I am blessed.
To Jesus who inspires me and leads me, dropping story ideas and plot threads into my head in the middle of prayer. Who reminds me over and over, on the hard days, He’s called me and anchored me.
Thanks and love to my writing partner, Susan May Warren, who walked me through almost every chapter during the first draft. I can’t imagine doing this without her. Also for lending me her character Jacob Marshall.
Also, to writing buddies Beth Vogt, Melissa Tagg, Lisa Jordan, and Alena Tauriainen, who answered my deadline pleas for help.
Big thanks to my line editor Erin Healy for catching a few fatal flaws. While her “I don’t buy it,” was hard to read, the fix was simple and made the book so much stronger.
Also much appreciation to my editor at HCCP, Kimberly Carlton. She got stuck reading the rough first submission and found the diamonds. Her insight brought Beck and Bruno, Everleigh and Don to life.
I’m also very appreciative to everyone at HCCP. Thank you for all you do for me and your authors!
Of course I cannot leave out my kind friend and agent, Chip MacGregor. We’re going on ten years together and I am thankful.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Andrew Columbo, a retired NYPD officer, who gave me insights to life “on the job.” Any mistakes are mine.
Also, big shout out to Jack Bechta, sports agent extraordinaire, who offered insight and keen story ideas for the life of Bruno Endicott. Again, mistakes are mine.
Lots of love to my extended Hauck, Hayes, and Fausnaugh family. “We have good memories together!”
To all the readers who take the time to sit for a spell with one of my stories. I am extremely grateful.
God be glorified!
About the Author
Photo by Emilie of E.A. Hendryx Creative
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower.
* * *
Visit her online at RachelHauck.com
Facebook: RachelHauck
Twitter: @RachelHauck
Instagram: @rachelhauck
Acclaim for Rachel Hauck
The Love Letter
“Enjoyable inspirational romance . . . Jesse and Chloe rewrite Hamilton and Esther’s history on screen and their relationship strengthens as reenacting the story helps them reconsider their ideas about a perfect ending. Hauck cleverly uses the play to bring historical flourishes to a strong story about overcoming mistakes through faith and commitment.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A Civil War love letter is the centerpiece of this delightful read by Hauck as forgiveness, dependence upon God, and second chances are intricately woven together . . . A captivating story line, historical research, and God’s truth equal a recommended read for all.”
—CBA Market
“From its epic opening to its unexpected and wholly satisfying conclusion, The Love Letter serves up the perfect blend of modern and historical romance infused with exquisite vulnerability. It sweeps readers into the centuries-old drama of South Carolina and the flash of contemporary Hollywood and delightfully explores layers of social and emotional duality.”
—Booklist
“Hauck’s latest is a gorgeous melding of two timelines into an unforgettable story. She does an incredible job balancing the two, and the pacing works perfectly . . . What makes this story shine is that it isn’t what readers will be expecting, but it will be what readers need. Themes of redemption, love, sacrifice, and loyalty resonate throughout.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
The Writing Desk
“Rachel Hauck enchants us again! Tenley and Birdie are bound together by the understanding that creativity is a guiding force and that their stories must be told. A tale both bittersweet and redemptive, The Writing Desk is your must-read.”
—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author
The Wedding Shop
“Hauck seamlessly switches back and forth in this redeeming tale of a shop with healing powers for the soul. As Cora and Haley search for solace and love, they find peace in the community of the charming shop. Hauck succeeds at blending similar themes across the time periods, grounding the plot twists in the main characters’ search for redemption and a reinvigoration of their wavering faith. In the third of her winsome wedding-themed standalone novels, Hauck focuses on the power of community to heal a broken heart.”
—Publishers Weekly
“I adored The Wedding Shop! Rachel Hauck has created a tender, nostalgic story, weaving together two pairs of star-crossed lovers from the present and the past with the magical space that connects them. So full of heart and heartache and redemption, this book is one you’ll read long into the night, until the characters become your friends, and Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, your second hometown.”
—Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author
“The Wedding Shop is the kind of book I love, complete with flawed yet realistic characters, dual timelines that intersect unexpectedly, a touch of magic, and a large dose of faith. Two breathtaking romances are the perfect bookends for this novel about love, forgiveness, and following your dreams. And a stunning, antique wedding dress
with a secret of its own. This is more than just a good read—it’s a book to savor.”
—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author
“In The Wedding Shop, the storyline alternates between past and present, engrossing the reader in both timelines . . . and the ways that God’s provision is shown is heartwarming and can even increase the reader’s faith. The weaving in of characters and plot points from The Wedding Dress and The Wedding Chapel adds depth and meaning to the gorgeously rendered tale.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
The Wedding Chapel
“Hauck’s engaging novel about love, forgiveness, and new beginnings adeptly ties together multiple oscillating storylines of several generations of families. Interesting plot interweaves romance, real-life issues, and a dash of mystery . . . Recommend for mature fans of well-done historical fiction.”
—CBA Retailers and Resources
“Hauck tells another gorgeously rendered story. The raw, hidden emotions of Taylor and Jack are incredibly realistic and will resonate with readers. The way the entire tale comes together with the image of the chapel as holding the heartbeat of God is breathtaking and complements the romance of the story.”
—RT Book Reviews, 41/2 stars and a TOP PICK!
The Wedding Dress
“Hauck weaves an intricately beautiful story centering around a wedding dress passed down through the years. Taken at face value, the tale is superlative, but considering the spiritual message both on the surface and between the lines, this novel is incredible. Readers will laugh, cry, and treasure this book.”
—RT Book Reviews, TOP PICK!
“The Wedding Dress is a thought-provoking read and one of the best books I have read. Look forward to more . . .”
—Michelle Johnman, Gold Coast, Australia
“I thank God for your talent and that you wrote The Wedding Dress. I will definitely come back to this book and read it again. And now I cannot wait to read Once Upon a Prince.”
—Agata from Poland
The Royal Wedding Series
“Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Hauck’s latest inspirational romance offers an uplifting and emotionally rewarding tale that will delight her growing fan base.”
—Library Journal, starred review
“Hauck writes a feel-good novel that explores the trauma and love of the human heart . . . an example of patience and sacrifice that readers will adore.”
—Romantic Times, 4 stars
“A stirring modern-day fairy tale about the power of true love.”
—Cindy Kirk, author of Love at Mistletoe Inn
“How to Catch a Prince is an enchanting story told with bold flavor and tender insight. Engaging characters come alive as romance blooms between a prince and his one true love. Hauck’s own brand of royal-style romance shines in this third installment of the Royal Wedding series.”
—Denise Hunter, bestselling author of the Chapel Springs Romance and Blue Ridge Romance series
“How to Catch a Prince contains all the elements I’ve come to love in Rachel Hauck’s Royal Wedding series: an ‘it don’t come easy’ happily ever after, a contemporary romance woven through with royal history, and a strong spiritual thread with an unexpected touch of the divine. Hauck’s smooth writing—and the way she wove life truths throughout the novel—made for a couldn’t-put-it-down read.”
—Beth K. Vogt, author of Somebody Like You, one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2014
“Rachel Hauck’s inspiring Royal Wedding series is one for which you should reserve space on your keeper shelf!”
—USA TODAY
“Hauck spins a surprisingly believable royal-meets-commoner love story. This is a modern and engaging tale with well-developed secondary characters that are entertaining and add a quirky touch. Hauck fans will find a gem of a tale.”
—Publishers Weekly starred review of Once Upon a Prince
Also by Rachel Hauck
The Love Letter
The Writing Desk
The Wedding Dress
The Wedding Chapel
The Wedding Shop
Novellas found in A Year of Weddings
A March Bride (e-book only)
A Brush with Love: A January Wedding Story (e-book only)
The Royal Wedding Series
Once Upon a Prince
Princess Ever After
How to Catch a Prince
A Royal Christmas Wedding
Lowcountry Romance Novels
Sweet Caroline
Love Starts with Elle
Dining with Joy
Nashville Novels
Nashville Sweetheart (e-book only)
Nashville Dreams (e-book only)
With Sara Evans
Sweet By and By
Softly and Tenderly
Love Lifted Me
Copyright
The Memory House
Copyright © 2019 by Rachel Hauck
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Lyrics for “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard. Public domain.
Lyrics for “Good, Good Father,” performed by Chris Tomlin, written by Anthony Brown and Pat Barrett.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email [email protected].
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Hauck, Rachel, 1960- author.
Title: The memory house / Rachel Hauck.
Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2019]
Identifiers: LCCN 2018049926| ISBN 9780785216643 (library edition) | ISBN
9780310350965 (paperback) | ISBN 9780310350972 (epub)
Subjects: | GSAFD: Love stories.
Classification: LCC PS3608.A866 M46 2019 | DDC 813/.6--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018049926
Printed in the United States of America
19 20 21 22 23 24 LSC 6 5 4 3 2 1
