Book Description
Tenley Roth’s first book was a literary and commercial success. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who merely found a bit of luck?
With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.
Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Yet her life is not her own. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams of her own. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has literally destroyed her dreams, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.
Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds. Yet when Tenley discovers Birdie’s manuscript, their lives intersect. Birdie’s words help Tenley find a way home. Tenley brings Birdie’s writing to the world.
Can two women separated by time help fulfill each other’s destiny?
With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.
Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Yet her life is not her own. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams of her own. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has literally destroyed her dreams, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.
Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds. Yet when Tenley discovers Birdie’s manuscript, their lives intersect. Birdie’s words help Tenley find a way home. Tenley brings Birdie’s writing to the world.
Can two women separated by time help fulfill each other’s destiny?
Review
I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.
Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors and her newest book did not disappoint. The Writing Desk follows modern day Tenley Roth as well as Gilded Age heiress Birdie Shehorn. While the book jumps between their points-of-view, it wasn't difficult to keep track of the time period or their perspective. There was a third character's (Eli, Birdie's love interest) point of view thrown in but not as consistently; while this didn't make it hard to follow along, it did seem slightly random.
Tenley comes from a line of authors who have achieved great critical and commercial success. She has one best seller and is facing a looming deadline for her second book with a severe case of writer's block, which is fueled by her lack of confidence in her abilities and ultimately, her purpose in life. Birdie is a privileged young lady of means whose father sent her to Wellesley but upon her graduation is expected to make a good marriage match based on money and social power. She has submitted a novel to a publisher who declined her manuscript which has gone missing. As the story progresses, we learn that Birdie continues to write yet never receives recognition for her work. In addition to this, both women have strained relationships with their mothers; and both must determine the importance of love in a marriage. Hauck did an incredible job exploring these issues. As always, her books have an element of faith and Birdie and Tenley both come to know Jesus in a more personal and real way. Sometimes this can feel very forced in a book. Hauck weaves the women's relationship with God and their growing faith into the storyline in a natural way.
I loved The Writing Desk! The parallels between Tenley and Birdie are so strong despite the fact that their story is not exactly the same. While I was given the opportunity to review this book by the publisher, I intend to add this to my permanent collection.
I gave this book: ★★★★★
★ = I did not like it ★★ = It was okay ★★★ = I liked it
★★★★ = I really liked it ★★★★★ = I loved it
Want to Know More?
Visit Rachel's website for more information on her books or follow her on Instagram where she posts many inspirational quotes.
I first discovered Rachel Hauck with Once Upon a Prince which is the first book in The Royal Wedding Series. Read this book too - and then the rest of the series. The heroines are spunky and strong and the heroes are true throwback gentlemen.
I first discovered Rachel Hauck with Once Upon a Prince which is the first book in The Royal Wedding Series. Read this book too - and then the rest of the series. The heroines are spunky and strong and the heroes are true throwback gentlemen.
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