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Customer Reviews for Zondervan Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Zondervan Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
When crown prince Nathaniel takes an American holiday to St. Simon's Island, he's not looking for love. Like everything else in his life, the choice of a bride is out of his hands---a matter dictated by his royal position. But when he meets Susanna under the ancient Lover's Oak in southern Georgia, will romance trump responsibility? 320 pages, softcover from Zondervan.
Average Customer Rating:
(19 Reviews) 19
Rating Snapshot (19 reviews)
5 stars
9
4 stars
8
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
17 out of 1989%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Review 1 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
A Commoner, A Prince and A Wonderful Romance
Date:May 24, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rachel Hauck in her new book "Once Upon A Prince" Book One in The Royal Wedding Series published by Zondervan takes us into the life of Susanna Truitt.
From The Back Cover: A Royal Prince. An Ordinary Girl. An Extraordinary Royal Wedding
Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by best-selling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.
Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess--just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn't going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.
The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simons Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family's tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna's aid under the fabled Lover's Oak, he is blindsided by love.
Their lives are worlds apart. He's a royal prince. She's an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel's coronation.
It's the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart? God's will or their own?
This is the way we all want our lives to work out-the girl wants the Prince she always dreamed of and the Prince wants that very special girl. Maybe the guys won't admit it but I think we have all wanted to be the Prince in "Sleeping Beauty" that battled through the forest of thorns and fought the fire-breathing dragon to rescue the woman and have it all work out. Well Prince Nathaniel doesn't have to do all that but he does have his work cut out for him if he wants to wed Susanna. "Once Upon A Prince" is a romance that focuses on social standings and how, in reality, we are all just men and women not royalty and commoners. In addition there is the theme of how we are the bride of Jesus-we are the commoners and He is the royalty and what He has to do to prepare us to be His bride. Ms. Hauck has given us wonderful characters that live and breathe on the pages. "Once Upon A Prince" is a marvelous story filled with great romance and some suspense. This book does not disappoint at all. I enjoyed it and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series.
@RachelHauck's "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and Facebook Chat Party! {5/28}
Rachel Hauck is celebrating the release of Once Upon a Prince with a fun "Royal Wedding" Giveaway and connecting with readers at her May 28th Facebook Party.
One "royal" winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 27th. Winner will be announced at the "Once Upon a Prince" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 28th. Connect with Rachel for an evening of book chat, wedding trivia, laughter, and more! Rachel will also be sharing a sneak peek at the next book in the series and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of Once Upon a Prince and join Rachel on the evening of May 28th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 28th!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. 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."
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Review 2 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
I wanted a fairytale and that is what I got!
Date:May 23, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I'm shamelessly admitting that I read this because of my fascination with Kate and William. I know, I'm an adult but it truly is like a modern fairy tale where the regular girl meets a prince and falls in love.
So, of course this book appealed to the little girl in me that still believes in fairy tales and dashing princes that sweep a fair maiden off her feet.
This book was so cliché--honestly though? Cliché was to be expected and I felt like a little girl again only this time I was reading a fairy tale that was a little more suitable for an adult. I really enjoyed this story and I wouldn't hesitate to read another book by this author.
About the Story
Susanna wanted nothing more than to marry her longtime boyfriend and settle down. The problem is? She didn't realize that she was settling for the idea of love instead of true love. Her heart was broken when she was dumped but part of her was also relieved because deep down she knew that she was looking for true love.
Susanna wanted nothing more than to marry her longtime boyfriend and settle down. The problem is? She didn't realize that she was settling for the idea of love instead of true love. Her heart was broken when she was dumped but part of her was also relieved because deep down she knew that she was looking for true love.
She never expected true love to be a prince that is bound by duty to marry another royal. The truth is, Nathanial never expected to find love at all and now he's torn between duty and his heart. Ultimately, both Susanna and Nathanial learn that placing their trust in God and submitting to his will for our life will always do us good rather than harm. God has us in the palm of his hand and if we submit to his will then he will give us the desires of our heart.
I truly enjoyed this story. It wasn't just about finding love but also about pleasing God. While it was a bit cliché as I mentioned earlier--it was to be expected and I wouldn't have been pleased with any other outcome to the story. I wanted a fairytale and that is exactly what I got!
I received this book free from the publisher through a fantastic program called Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions I have expressed are my own. This giveaway is being sponsored by Litfuse
as part of a blog tour for Once upon a Prince
as part of a blog tour for Once upon a Prince
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Review 3 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Themes of Surrender, Faith, and Trust
Date:May 21, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Oh! Oh! Oh! Will Avery win Colin's heart next?
Wait. That’s hopeful speculation about the next book, not a review of the first. I just finished reading Rachel Hauck’s new book, "Once Upon a Prince," the first book in "The Royal Wedding Series." I’m ready for Book 2. And since there are only so many actual, factual princes in this world, I think it’s kind of fun that Hauck is making up her own for her characters to marry. (The only time I had trouble suspending disbelief was in the few scenes where Hauck had her pretend people hobnobbing with real royalty. That kind of broke the fairy tale spell for me.)
The strengths of this book were the characters and the settings. St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, where our heroine, Susanna, and her family are from, is a real place—one I’ve enjoyed visiting and loved finding in a story. Prince Nathaniel is from Brighton, a fictional country somewhere near England. Nate and Susannah meet the day her boyfriend of 12 years breaks up with her. On vacation on St. Simon’s Island, Nate comes to Susannah’s rescue when she gets a flat tire. He chooses to keep his royal standing a secret.
Scattered throughout the book are thoughts on trusting God’s plan instead of always clinging to your own and believing that He knows what He’s doing when He places you somewhere you’re not sure you want to be. The dominant theme is total surrender to God’s Will and, perhaps, remaking that choice daily.
Fans of happily ever after will enjoy this story. I thank Zondervan for sending it through BookSneeze for this honest review.
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Review 4 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Exquisite
Date:May 20, 2013
kathae
Location:Front Royal, VA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book was sooo good. I loved it. Lovely. Exceptional! Hard to put down.
Due to family issues when she was a child, Susanna needs to have everything in her life settled & planned out. But she is thrown for a loop when her boyfriend of twelve years deviates from the plan and instead of asking her to marry him, breaks up with her.
Then, as she deals with her sadness and the stress of everyone on the island knowing her ex had "the right ring but not the right girl," crown prince Nate Kenneth comes to her rescue when she has a flat tire, and again when she faces a family medical crisis. The two become friends as Nate starts working at her family's restaurant, and she designs the garden at his family's vacation home on the island. As Susanna leans on the Lord to get through the many changes in her life, she encourages Nate to trust Him as he faces changes and challenges in his life. But because of the physical distance that separates them, and the differences in their stations in life, they don't admit their growing love for each other.
The writing was exquisite in this novel, and more than once, it took my breath away. Here are some more memorable lines:
"Nate jumped up, taking her with him and catching her up in his arms. He whirled her around with a merry laugh."
"With her prayer and her touch, Nathaniel felt certain he'd just experienced a little bit of heaven on earth."
"'Maybe we can't have everything we want in this relationship, Susanna.' He bent his lips to her ears and whispered, 'But we have this ball and tonight, you are my queen.'... She let him lead her to the dance floor and take her into his arms, swirling again through the stardust to the music of their own hearts."
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Review 5 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Date:May 17, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Friday, May 17, 2013
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson publishers just sent me a free copy of Once Upon a Prince to review. With a modern day setting off the coast of Georgia, readers are in for a royal treat. Susanna Truitt has a plan for her life- get married to her boyfriend Adam of 12 years and work as a landscape architect. But God has other plans. First, Adam decides they are better off as friends and makes plans to marry someone else. Then she finds herself without a job and has to work at her parent's diner. Prince Nathaniel, from the small British island of St. Simons, has come to Georgia for vacation time before becoming King. His father is close to death and he is next in line for the crown. Susanna and Nathaniel meet under the fabled Lover's Oak and have an instant connection. Susanna, not realizing he is a prince, accepts his offer to landscape Nathaniel's family vacation home in Georgia. Nathaniel gets a true dose of southern living when he helps out at her family's diner. He loves this chance to be himself before taking on the duties and stress of King. Susanna is the perfect girl for him! Yet Prince Nathaniel's advisors and family have a future queen in mind for the good of their nation and a long ago royal law states that the king can not marry a foreigner. Nathaniel can't think with his heart anymore, he must think of what is best for his country. Susanna knows she isn't queen material and this wasn't part of her "plan". Yet when Susanna travels to St. Simons for Nathaniel's coronation, she feels like she fit into this fairy tale life. But will their love be enough and what is God's plan for their lives? This was a new author for me. Rachel Hauck was recently chosen by Family Fiction readers as one of the top 5 romance authors in CBA. According to her biography, she has already written over 15 novels. Overall, I liked her writing style. At times the story seemed to drag along at too slow of a pace. And so much of it seemed to not be close to real life that I had a harder time getting into the book. But for those that like stories about royal life, life in the south with a touch of British, this story is for you!
Posted by basketballorange301 at 7:45 PM
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
Thomas Nelson publishers just sent me a free copy of Once Upon a Prince to review. With a modern day setting off the coast of Georgia, readers are in for a royal treat. Susanna Truitt has a plan for her life- get married to her boyfriend Adam of 12 years and work as a landscape architect. But God has other plans. First, Adam decides they are better off as friends and makes plans to marry someone else. Then she finds herself without a job and has to work at her parent's diner. Prince Nathaniel, from the small British island of St. Simons, has come to Georgia for vacation time before becoming King. His father is close to death and he is next in line for the crown. Susanna and Nathaniel meet under the fabled Lover's Oak and have an instant connection. Susanna, not realizing he is a prince, accepts his offer to landscape Nathaniel's family vacation home in Georgia. Nathaniel gets a true dose of southern living when he helps out at her family's diner. He loves this chance to be himself before taking on the duties and stress of King. Susanna is the perfect girl for him! Yet Prince Nathaniel's advisors and family have a future queen in mind for the good of their nation and a long ago royal law states that the king can not marry a foreigner. Nathaniel can't think with his heart anymore, he must think of what is best for his country. Susanna knows she isn't queen material and this wasn't part of her "plan". Yet when Susanna travels to St. Simons for Nathaniel's coronation, she feels like she fit into this fairy tale life. But will their love be enough and what is God's plan for their lives? This was a new author for me. Rachel Hauck was recently chosen by Family Fiction readers as one of the top 5 romance authors in CBA. According to her biography, she has already written over 15 novels. Overall, I liked her writing style. At times the story seemed to drag along at too slow of a pace. And so much of it seemed to not be close to real life that I had a harder time getting into the book. But for those that like stories about royal life, life in the south with a touch of British, this story is for you!
Posted by basketballorange301 at 7:45 PM
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Review 6 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
A True Pleasure
Date:May 14, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Every little girl dreams of that perfect fairy tale. As little girls become bigg(er) girls we tend to get a *little* bit more realism, but never truly lose that dream of someday falling in love and riding off into the sunset. “Once Upon a Prince” has taken every little girl’s dream and given us a soul mate in Susanna.
Good thing to love about Susanna: she has a good head on her shoulders. If it were me and I were in love with a prince (literally a PRINCE charming. ;-), I think my hopeless romantic side would start to take dominance. She’s competent, sweet and good, with a bit of sass which makes me to just want to cheer when she says something I would *never* say.
The romance is just about as sweet as you can get. The writing quality is right up there with stories that simply come to life in the mind’s eye. I did get lost in all the political talk. (I think because it basically goes right over my head) and it slowed the rhythm down for me.
Otherwise, the ending completely made me sigh. (I was waiting for like over three hundred pages for that kiss!!). I LOVED how much Nate loved Susanna and took time to really woo her. This is definitely a story for the heart of a hopeless romantic. A true pleasure.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
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Review 7 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Enjoyable though predictable
Date:May 12, 2013
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"Once Upon a Prince" is a Christian romance novel. It reminded me of the movie "The Prince & Me" in some ways. Susanna is a successful career woman whose plans for her future (family and career) have gone up in smoke. She meets a prince. Nathaniel's father is dying, but Nate doesn't want to be king because of the pressure and the restrictions on his life. His island nation is similar to Britain.
Since it's a "modern prince" novel, I realized that some parts would likely stretch my suspension of disbelief, and it did, but overall it was fun. I really liked the basic plot of the story--how the prince and Susanna spent time together and that the prince had a sticky political situation to deal with. I liked how Susanna and Nathaniel built each other up and supported each other. They were much better together than separately. I liked that they honestly wanted to be available for God to use.
However, the characters didn't seem consistent with the background given to them. Susanna went from supposedly emotionally dependent on having "a plan" to basically not having a plan for the whole story. When her boyfriend told her that she didn't actually love him despite standing by him through ups and downs for twelve years, she simply accepts that he's right. I don't believe that she loved "the plan," not him, but either way she's hardly upset by the breakup. Also, it was odd that Nathaniel seemed to lack leadership ability and political confidence despite his background (growing up a crown prince, being a navel officer and then head of a communications company).
There was a lot of "they prayed" and talking about God's will for the prince's life. Though Nate and Susanna felt the presence of God when at certain locations and Susanna repeatedly surrendered her future to God, I felt like God was held at a distance and was somewhat impersonal. Susanna got some cryptic future-foretelling through a crazy prophet lady, and Nate got a "brush of God's wing on his cheek" for their guidance from God. The Christian elements flowed from the events happening in the book and didn't preach at the reader, but people who don't like "preachy" books may not like this one.
There were no sex scenes. There was a minor amount of fake bad language ("darn") and one text messaging abbreviation for swearing involving "God." Overall, I'd recommend this novel to those who love fairy-tale "prince" romances.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.
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Review 8 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Great for an escapist reader
Date:May 9, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
If there's a girl that has never wished to be a princess or be loved by a handsome prince, I'd worry. Seriously worry about her. I don't think I've waited with as much anticipation for any other book than I did for this one. When it arrived, I pounced. And the family went hungry. But, praise God for fast food restaurants, right? ;)
Fully rounded and relatable characters made this book a great read. From Susanna (a planner who hates surprises) and Nate (a prince longing for personal freedom) to a mother and father who are as real as any could get, to a Queen who understands more than most would think, the great supporting cast makes the lead characters in this book even more lovable.
Nate is about to become King. In Georgia for a last holiday before a life of duty takes over, he meets--and falls for--local gal Susanna. Susanna has her own baggage she's carrying on her shoulders. Raw from a not-too-easy let down, she meets Nate and wonders if he can be someone special, or is he just her rebound guy? Can God do that? Pull the plug on a 12 year relationship and give her someone who is going to matter right away?
In a lighthearted, yet still deep manner, Ms. Hauck gives Christians questions to ask ourselves. Can God do this? Does God even care? What the heck am I supposed to be doing right now? Connecting with her readers on a personal, individual basis, we're forced to wonder "Am I willing to let go and allow God to lead in the way He wants me to go?"
She'll leave you with things to chew over, pray over, and ponder.
"She had to trust God, believing in the largeness, yet abandoning the outcome to him."
"She had to trust God, believing in the largeness, yet abandoning the outcome to him."
I loved this book. And I will be reading the next in the series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun and entertaining romance that manages to bury itself deep within the recesses of your romantic heart.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun and entertaining romance that manages to bury itself deep within the recesses of your romantic heart.
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Review 9 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Goreat story - Great message!
Date:May 8, 2013
TariNoel
Age:35-44
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Just read this yesterday!!! (Yes all in one day) Loved it!!! Rachel has such a gift of not just telling a sweet romance but the biblical truth she weaves in really challenges the reader no matter where they are in their walk. I have been a Christian for many moons and heard a lot of sermons, devotionals, etc. But her image of the garden and what we allow to be planted there... Wow! I hope never forget that. Thank you, Rachel!
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Review 10 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Once Upon a Prince
Date:May 7, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck opens with Susanna walking down the beach with Adam. He has been the man in her life for the last 12 years, but the words “I can’t marry you” crush all of Susanna’s dreams of happily ever after. She must begin again!
Next thing you now, Susanna meets Nate, who is visiting St. Simon’s Island. Once she learns that Nate is actually, Prince Nathaniel, the complexity of royalty just rolls in. All the new people to meet and all the rules to follow!
This is an interesting tale as Susanna and Prince Nathaniel learn about each other and learn about trusting God as they walk down the path of falling in love!!!
I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my unbiased review
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Review 11 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Princess Diaries meets Christianity & the South
Date:May 7, 2013
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
After the end of a twelve year engagement, Susanna Truitt's future has never been more uncertain. Nate Kenneth, heir to the throne of Brighton, has never had a more certain future. When a flat tire brings Nate and Susanna together under the fabled Lover's Oak of St. Simon's Island, a friendship forms that could progress into more if it weren't for Brighton law. Before Nate returns to Brighton, his royal status is revealed, but Susanna receives no further communication from him except an invitation to his coronation. Accepting the invitation, she travels to Brighton with her sister. While her external choices are publicly dissected, she finds her internal choices are muddled and confused by this blossoming, but impossible love. Has God brought Nate and Susanna together for a lesson in surrender that will later be told as a tale of unfulfilled love to their grandchildren or is there more for their future than either of them could have planned? Read more in Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck.
Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck is the first novel in the Royal Wedding Series. The book's prominent theme of surrendering one's will and plans for the future to God even if it requires giving up a dream, a love or one's pride was an outstanding choice by the author. Most the characters were enjoyable, though I think the book would have benefited from Lady Genevieve's character having more depth. Her motives are foreshadowed in such a way that her admission later in the story seems surprisingly shallow and lacks the deviousness promised by the foreshadowing.
Regarding the plot of Once Upon a Prince, I was disappointed. To me, the first half dragged and the second half borrowed heavily from The Princess Diaries movies. The storyline was a mesh of The Princess Diaries with Christianity and the American South. It sounds like an appealing combination, but too many of the scenes, relationships and situations were such close replicas to the movie, that I just couldn't enjoy it. Considering that Hauck has also written a book (which I haven't read) that is supposed to play off of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie, I think this lack of originality was actually intentional.
Unfortunately for me, the positive aspects of Once Upon A Prince were overshadowed by the lack of originality. I've no doubt there will be readers that aren't bothered by the lack of originality and are just looking for a sweet read. However, for the aforementioned reasons, I recommend renting from the library before buying.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher via Litfuse Publicity. 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."
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Review 12 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
a wonderful modern (Christian) fairy tale
Date:May 7, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Susanna is not having a good day. The fellow she had been friends with for twelve years, experiencing the ebb and flow of romance, has just told her he cannot marry her. She is stunned. Marriage had been their plan since their sophomore year of college. But on his last tour in Afghanistan, he fell in love – with someone else.
Her day gets even worse when she finds her car has a flat tire. And then some creepy guy starts to bother her as she struggles with the tire iron. Then, out of the sunset, riding his trusty steed – well, actually a black SUV – is the most handsome man... He introduces himself as Nate and is more than happy to help her change her tire.
What Susanna doesn't know is that “Nate” is really Nathaniel, Prince of Brighton. He's having an American vacation on St. Simons Island, and will be the guest at a benefit put on by his distant cousin. Susanna, through quirks of accident, does not find out Nate's true identity for quite a while.
Nate is struck with love the very first time he sees Susanna. But he has a problem. His father is dying of leukemia and Nate may end up being king sooner than he had anticipated. His vacation at the cottage his family has owned for decades may soon have to come to an end. How can he bear to leave Susanna?
Susanna finds out by accident Nate's true identity. She is crushed. Why did he lie to her? Just when it looks like they might work it out Nate gets word his father has died and he must return to Brighton immediately. He must be king.
What a fun and well crafted modern fairy tale. There is the damsel in distress. There is (literally) the prince who comes to her aid. There is even a fairy Godmother, of sorts, in the quirky character of Aurora.
There is the typical romance problem. He is the king of (fictional) Brighton and the country has had a law for two hundred years that the king cannot marry someone not born in Brighton. Hauck really heightens the anxiety as conditions back in Brighton are not helping Nate and Susanna's romance at all.
This was a delightful novel to read. In addition to the traditional issues in a romance novel, Hauck also tackles the concept of being in love with an idea, rather than the person, and whether one marries out of (political) responsibility or love.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.
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Review 13 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Fun contemporary "fairy" tale
Date:May 5, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This was such a fun story in the spirit of Grace Kelley, Kate Middleton and any other “commoner” who falls in love with a real prince.
If you’re in the mood for a contemporary princess tale then this is a good one to pick up. The author does a great job describing the emotions that Susanna experiences when her boyfriend of twelve years (!) breaks up the relationship.
Nathaniel meets her in a moment of crisis and they become friends, but he doesn’t tell her who he really is. Which leads to an awkward moment and confusion later.
The events that occur when and after Susanna goes to the coronation reminded me a lot of the movie Princess Diaries and especially Princess Diaries II. Which I didn’t like so much, but then there are only so many ways for events to transpire and for a conclusion to be reached.
I really liked the interaction between family members. They were funny, they had their flaws, they had character, they tried to live out their Christian faith. It made the story seem more realistic.
And even though the European places and families are all made up, the names are European sounding enough to make one think those places could actually exist.
It’s the beginning of a series! Wonder who the next ones will be about since the prince only has one brother? I do have a guess for one of the books, but shan’t share it since it’s kinda a spoiler. :-)
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 14 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Sweet, funny, but sometimes over the top and silly
Date:April 26, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Susanna Truitt is scrambling to rebuild her life after being dumped by her boyfriend of twelve years. Prince Nathaniel is taking one last holiday as his father is terminally ill and he knows he will be king within a year. Neither expected to fall in love.
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book. It is such a mixture of laugh-out-loud funny, eye-roll silliness, some please-don't-tell-me-you-really-went-there groans and a few sweet moments all rolled together into one book. There are some great characters in this book, and a really lovely story line. I had a real issue with Susanna waiting for twelve years through military training, multiple deployments and all being a military girlfriend entails and then so quickly "realize" that you didn't really love him, it just was a "safe" plan that you got caught up in. Major issues keeping Nate and Susanna apart are magically fixed up with ease with plot "twists" that you see coming a mile away. Like I said, I liked the characters and the idea of the book was nice, it all just gets mucked up by some really over the top plot "twists" that nearly ruined the book for me. If you're looking for a super light read, this might be just what you're looking for.
I received a digital copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley.com for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Review 15 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Can a royal and a commoner find love together?
Date:April 19, 2013
Britt98
Location:Grand Prairie, TX
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
What a wonderful book! It is definitely a new favorite. When I first picked up this book to read, I wondered if it would be a "cute" story that I would enjoy, however, I was curious how "real" it could seem. The author did an amazing job of merging real life with what could be called a fairy tale scenario. The characters are real people with real problems. The story follows a middle class young woman, Susanna, who falls for a prince. Nate, or Prince Nathaniel, is also a very well written character. You realize that he is human with all the normal emotions we all have, however, he also has many added burdens upon his shoulders that only someone in his position would have. Loved reading this book and seeing these two fall in love, even when it appears throughout most of the book that they can never be together. I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for my honest opinion.
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Review 16 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Once Upon A Prince
Date:April 14, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love, love, love this author. She is not afraid to dig deep into a story and take the time and words necessary to fully develop a great book.
Every girl dreams about finding a prince and this book brings that idea to life in a very creative, new, fresh way!
This book is very well-written and I had a hard time putting it down. I also had a hard time not thinking about the story after the book was finished. Such fun to think about how she found a prince... the story seemed very realistic and the writing was believable!
Not to mention that the cover is ADORABLE!
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Review 17 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
A fun modern day fairy tale!
Date:April 5, 2013
Prince Nathaniel comes to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia for a holiday. His father is sick which means he’ll be taking over as King of Brighton sooner than expected. The last thing he’s looking for on this holiday is love but then Susanna Truitt enters his life in a most unexpected way. Susanna is a planner and likes everything laid out nice and neat. So when her boyfriend of 12 years breaks it off, she’s understandably hurt and angry. She ends up being hassled by a vagrant and the Prince comes to her rescue. She doesn’t know he’s a prince. Her spit and fire attracts him but he also sees an honest, compassionate woman. She is drawn to Nathaniel because of his kindness and integrity. But what will happen when she finds out he’s really a prince? And how can they have a future together if the Brighton law requires him to marry someone else?
This was a fun modern day fairy tale and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I loved getting to know Susanna and Nathaniel. Both were interesting, loveable characters loaded with personality! I also loved the setting of St. Simon’s Island. I have family that live in Brunswick so the area was familiar to me which made it even better. The story moved along at a steady pace, although a few parts got a little tied up with the political background of Brighton, but other than that you want to keep reading to find out how it all turns out. The message of totally turning everything over, including yourself, to the Lord was very well done. It’s something that’s easier said than done, especially for someone like Susanna. But, God’s way and timing are always best. The ending was great although I did have a few questions I would have liked answered. However, this is the first in a series so I’m guessing those may be bought out in the next installment, which I'm looking forward to. If you're looking for a fun, take-me-away type story then I recommend Once Upon a Prince. Don’t you just love the cover?
*This complimentary copy was provided by Zondervan through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 7, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0310315476
ISBN-13: 978-0310315476
Publisher: Zondervan (May 7, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0310315476
ISBN-13: 978-0310315476
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Review 18 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
Look no further for a great modern-day romance
Date:April 22, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Is you need a sweet fairy tale to curl up with I recommend this book. It is a classic tale of boy meets girl and he happens to be a prince of a small country. I loved the mix of a royal and a landscape architect. This book really addresses surrendering your whole life to God and hanging on for the ride. There may be bumps but God is always there. I loved the situations that took place throughout this book on the beach in Georgia & in Brighton. You wanted to laugh & cry with the heroine and cheer on her courage.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Review 19 for Once Upon a Prince, Royal Wedding Series #1
Overall Rating:
A New Fairy Tale
Date:February 25, 2013
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"Once Upon a Prince" takes readers into a modern fairy tale, complete with royalty, castles, balls, and romance. Hauck offers the feel-good elements of a fairy tale while layering them with realistic issues. While their feelings are mutual, the path to love is neither smooth nor direct for the two main characters, Susanna and Nathaniel. Though a happily-ever-after ending is expected, the question that drives the plot is how can such an ending be achieved. Susanna carries baggage from a past relationship, and Nathaniel faces political pressures.
"Once Upon a Prince" was a quick and overall pleasing read, but the political details slowed the plot in some areas. The political situation is a major hindrance to a future relationship between Nathaniel and Susanna, and it adds tension to the plot. Nathaniel's character is developed as he struggles to find a balance between duty to his country and the desires of his heart. The political background became dull for me midway through the novel, but it was balanced by more interesting scenes.
I always enjoy Hauck's southern settings, and Susanna's hometown of St. Simon's Island is no exception. Hauck portrays the charm and tranquility that is synonymous with southern seaside towns. Nathaniel's home in the kingdom of Brighton is a stark contrast to St. Simon's. Hauck's descriptions bring the fictional nation to life, from the festive streets of the capital, to the large castle, and the glittering balls. I enjoyed watching Susanna take in the grandeur of Brighton and meet Nathaniel's royal family. She is just an average girl, like most readers; so her reactions, emotions, and doubts are very relatable. Some of my favorite scenes of the novel took place in beautiful county of Brighton, but I was also intrigued by the scenes set in St. Simon's.
"Once Upon a Prince" is built around the classic scenario of an ordinary girl falling in love with a dashing prince. Rachel Hauck gives the fairy tale a fresh spin with interesting new elements. I am definitely looking forward to reading the future books in the Royal Wedding series and revisiting some of the characters introduced in this novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”
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