What I think you should know:

To Save a King is the second book in the True Blue Royal series. The series is also part of Hauck’s universe that has many interconnecting storylines. I recommend that you read To Love a Prince and The Wedding Dress Christmas prior to the start of this book as both of those storylines and the characters from them are integral to the story. The book is partly set in Hearts Bend, the setting for several of Hauck’s stories.

What you might need to know:

John lost his beloved newlywed wife less than a year prior to the start of the book, his country has decided that it is time for him to move on.

Gemma made choices in her past that makes her feel unworthy.

Hauck uses angels with physical presence to help characters in her book.

What I think about this book:

I adored this story. John is faced with a future different from what he expected, and doesn’t want to let go of the past. Gemma is haunted by the shame of her past and doesn’t feel worthy of love. It was interesting to see John step away from being a Prince and find how he wanted to face his future. I appreciate how Hauck allowed the story to progress slowly and naturally. I love the rescue animals and especially enjoyed the Friends crew. With a fairy tale, friendship, love, forgiveness and grace it has everything that it needs to make a wonderful story that keeps you captivated from the first page to the last. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

The second book in the True Royal Series by Rachel Hauck, this modern-day fairy tale captured my imagination. A royal prince who finds genuine love once, but loses her to death, faces the need to find a wife to take his place as king. However, his mother possesses the power to change the law. Gemma, an American girl from Tennessee, sought her fortune in Hollywood but came home with nothing glamorous to show for it.

But when John and Gemma meet, a fairytale told to John by his mother comes to life. But secrets from her past prevent her from rushing into the relationship. So if you want to find out how the story ends, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Part fairy tale, part parable, all wonderful — that’s my impression of Rachel Hauck’s newest novel, To Save A King. For those like me who are big fans of Hauck, you will recognize many favorite characters as she brings together the Wedding Shop and True Blue Royal series. Prince John is reeling from the loss of his wife of only 4 months. Sent off to America by the Queen, he meets a woman destined to heal his wounded heart. Gemma has wounds of her own that she covers with false smiles and hard work. I really liked these two characters. Flawed as they were, they were relatable. Grief, betrayal, shame, and guilt all are obstacles they face. I especially connected with Gemma. She refuses to deal with past mistakes, instead hiding them away so that they gnaw on her soul. I think many Christians resist God making them clean again. As always Hauck infuses a supernatural spiritual element that gives the books a fairy tale quality, yet are spot on in the realities of a faith journey. I loved the tough love of Emmanuel and the princess-prep of Adelaide. In fact Adelaide was a great reminder that all believers are daughters (or sons) of a King. And for fans of romance — this book is filled with swoony moments!

I loved my return visit to Hearts Bend and Lauchtenland, and look forward to many more. You don’t have to read any of the previous novels to enjoy To Save A King, but why miss out? Several books await your reading pleasure!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

In the second book of the True Blue Royal series, Rachel Hauck lets readers visit two of her beloved fictional settings—Hearts Bend, Tennessee and Lauchtenland.

But the true beauty of To Save a King is in Prince John and Gemma Stone. These two people come from different worlds but become fast friends while John visits Tennessee. It’s easy for John to open up to Gemma, perhaps because he sees the same shadows in her that reside in him.

Gemma carries a heavy weight of shame on her shoulders—a secret she guards with utmost care. Yet secrets have a way of coming to light, and that’s when you learn how special true friendships are—people to lean on when things get tough and those same people who speak truth into your life even when it’s not what you want to hear.

To Save a King is a novel about forgiving yourself for past mistakes, finding healing with those you love and who love you, and letting God show you how He sees you.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Oh my what a wonderful story this has been. I love the feel of a fairy tale mixed with realism. It is hard not to swoon over the Prince and his dashing good looks and proper manner. He is quite the catch I think but Gemma isn’t quite agreeable yet. I adored learning about the Royal Family and its protocol. It did remind me a bit of a certain royal couple who has been in the news lately. I couldn’t help thinking what it would be like to live a lifestyle that was constantly ordained by rules.

Gemma stole my heart as she starts a rescue for animals. Her past is slowly catching up with her and I knew she was in for a hard road ahead. So many of us have made mistakes in our past that we can’t let go of. Gemma allows her past to keep secrets and fear that she is not good enough for anyone, As the author began to reveal Genma’s past, I began to know her inner struggles more. Oh Gemma how I want you to find happiness.

Prince John is a very determined man. He is insisting that rules be changed but I don’t think the queen is going to agree. John is still grieving the loss of his bride and holds her memory very close to his heart. Now I won’t say how Gemma and the Prince met because I want to focus on the faith element in the story. The author takes two seemly different people and places them at a place and time that only God could have ordained. They each have an emotional journey to forgiveness and I loved how they each opened their heart to God.

The story has some other characters that really enhance the story and play a vital role in Gemma and John’s lives. I absolutely laughed out loud when the puppies that Gemma and John were taking care of were named. I’ll let that be a surprise for the readers.

The journey takes us across to another country where gossips are ready to pounce on the Royal Family. The author does show a strong family that stood in the face of ridicule and never once turned on each other. I loved their family values and how important their faith is. The ending is wonderful and I am happy the author illustrated how forgiveness leads to freedom.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )