Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck
4/5 stars
Zondervan, 2013
343 pages
Adult Christian Contemporary Romance
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise for this book was right up my alley: ordinary young woman falls unwittingly for a prince mixed in with some inspirational words. Overall I was pretty pleased with how this romance unfolded.
Susanna has spent twelve years clinging to her relationship with a military man who eventually breaks up with her saying he found the right ring but not the right girl. Living on a small island, the news quickly spreads and Susanna is the object of pity. Except for the dashingly charming Nate Kenneth whose humble attitude speaks to her soul. As it turns out, Nate is Prince Nathaniel soon to be crowned king upon the death of his father and caught up in a complicated web of politics. Can these two go the distance?
Right off the bat, I am impressed with Susanna's caution. If I discovered I was seeing a prince, I think I'd end up jumping in feet first before looking. But due to coming off her previous relationship, she is much more caution and leans on God instead, waiting to get to know Nate inside and out. Meanwhile Nate is so mature and honorable as he struggles against seemingly insurmountable odds that would prevent a marriage between the two.
For me, the part I didn't really like was the political angle. I'm not going to get into all the details but I found it on the dull side and kind of tuned out, waiting to get back to the heart of the story. Lest you think it's all about romance, you should know that family plays an important role too as both Susanna and Nate have interfering but well-meaning family members with a lot of opinions.
Overall: A bit on the fantastical side with Nate coming from the kingdom of Brighton but it does hit that sweet spot of romance that I was anticipating.
This sounds like a sweet romance. I know there are a lot of holds on it at my library. I'm glad to know that you enjoyed it. Lori Wick wrote a story about a prince from a fictional country and an ordinary girl and I didn't like it very much (but then I'm not a fan of Lori Wick). I have a feeling I'd like this book though.
ReplyDeleteI thought the premise sounded a bit familiar-I bet I've seen the Wick around although I've never read any of her books. Maybe I will check out how she handled this whole prince thing.
Deletesounds like a nice book to break up the monotony of exams! i think i might give this a try. :) great review. x
ReplyDeleteI think it's a very relaxing light novel-good idea to read it amidst exam time!
DeleteSuch a beautiful cover on this book! And who doesn't love a story about a normal girl falling for a prince? I can't get enough of those, and like you, I would probably jump in feet first if it every happened to me. Throw caution to the wind and all that, but it's probably better to be more like Susanna:)
ReplyDeleteYay for us moving without caution but I'm glad we have the example of Susanna :)
DeleteThis one does sound really interesting! I tend to hesitate over Christian fiction but sometimes I do really love them as long as the religious aspects are light. Glad you enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteI feel like this one is pretty Christian but it could probably be read around.
DeleteThis was a total over the top fantasy, but I loved it. I wouldn't have been able to wait for a prince either, both feet, both arms, both ears...I'd have definitely jumped in and asked questions later.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad there are others out who'd jump first for a prince-especially one who looked like Nate :)
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