The Wedding Dress By Rachel Hauck

Book Description from Booksneeze.com

Four brides. One dress.

A tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it? Who welded the lock shut and tucked the dog tags in that little sachet? Who left it in the basement for a ten-year-old girl? And what about the mysterious man in the purple vest who insists the dress had been “redeemed”?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with her own story of promise, pain, and destiny. And each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

My Comments:

I have read the author, Rachel Hauck, work before and like her writing style very much. 

After finishing The Wedding Dress I felt that she had exceeded what she had done so far in the previous work. 

I like the way the author stacked the odds against Charlotte and Tim's relationship.

In the beginning when I was reading the story of Charlotte and Tim, I did not give much chance between the two of them. 

After all, it was a whirlwind romance in which after the proposal, Tim seemed to have cool down a lot on the idea of getting married. Charlotte was also hounded by Tim brother's wife, Kathrine, who is a know-it-all type and over bearing. Then, in came the ex-girlfriend. Well, lets just say it's juicy enough to  keep the pages turning.

I love the way how she switch the story from Charlotte who is the latest recipient of "The Dress" and Emily who was the first owner of "The Dress". The switches were adequately spaced out. I did not loose track of what I was reading and of who is who in the story. 

Only one down side which I can comment about this book is that I felt that the other two recipients of "The Dress", Hillary and Mary Grace,  should have been given more space too. 

I like the way the book is written. Although there were many mention of Lord God, but it was inserted with such grace that it become part of the natural flow of the story without making the book  too preachy. I like the mysterious man in purple that kept making appearance in the story.

This is not just another romance fiction. It give a mysterious feel and there is an unexpected twist in the end of the story.

And to the author, Rachel Hauck, if you are reading this review, I what I would like to say is keep up the good work and I am looking forward to reading more books of yours.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher through the BookSneezeThe 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.”

The Adventures in Booga Booga Land: Squid Sushi Loses His Marble (DVD) by Richard Milne

When I saw this DVD being offered for review by Booksneeze.com, I can't help myself but to request this for my son. The DVD is provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson Publishing to me with the understanding that it will give it an unbiased review.

The stories are based on the parables of Jesus "acted" by Marty the cheeky Monkey and Gerard the cute giraffe. I don't know why but my son kept calling Gerard as horsey. He certainly love Marty the Monkey. Marty can't help getting himself into trouble.

There are 3 stories in this DVD

- Squid Sushi Loses His Marbles (The Valuable Pearl - Matt 13:45-46)
- Wally the Waitor (The Weeds - Matt 13:24-30)
- The Flaming Monkey (The Wedding Banquet - Matt 22:2-14)

I think the stories is suitable for my son's age(3 years old). It's simple and fun. Each story is about 15minutes. Not too long for him to grow bored with it.

Although the graphic is nothing fancy but there are some laughter to be had by Marty's acts alone.


Overall it give it 4 stars

Precious Moments Storybook Bible

 I saw this lovely book available in Booksneeze.com. Can't help myself and requested it.

It's a 179 pages of hardcover book.


The first part of the book was a page where you can fill in the book belongs to who, by whom, on what occasion and date. Followed by pages for you to fill in the Family Tree, Church Record, My Favourite Things.

Page 2 to Page 62 consists of "Favourite Bible Classic" like Creation. Garden of Eden, Noah, Moses, David and of course Jesus.

Page 64 to page 101 are "words of Praise and Wisdom". I love this part. It's like a prayer.

Then it was followed by "More Stories of The Faith" which consist of stories like Jonah, parables and the stories that Jesus told to teach people to be good and kind.

Last but not least comes "Songs and Prayers". I don't really know the songs except from Amazing Grace. The prayers part are great. It's simple and easy to read.

I think this is a good book for keep sake or as a gift for kids. Suitable for kids from age 5 to 10.

My son is going to be 3 soon and he loves the pretty illustration in the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the publisher through the BookSneezeThe 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.”

"Big Red" Holy Bible - Contemporary 3-D Art

I am not a baptised Christian but I have a Bible of my own given to me by a cousin sister. And I can say that I enjoy reading it very much though some words are too hard for me to understand, let alone explain it to my son.

When I saw this full-text of the International Children's Bible being offer for review, I took to opportunity to request a copy for my son.

I can't tell you my delight when I received this Bible. Love the 3D cover and the colorful pictures that accompany some of the stories inside.


The writing is simple and easy to understand for a child. At the end of the Old and New Testament there is an extensive dictionary. There is also a "Where do I find it?" section which list down the alphabetical listing of people and events and where to find them in the scriptures. Apart from that, there is also a section of God's promises, memory verses and some maps.

The only that I don't like about this Bible is that it is not hardcover. I feel that since it's intended for the Children, they should should make it hardcover so that it would be more durable.

I gave this 4 stars .

For your information, this complimentary copy was provided by the publisher, Tommy Nelson(a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers) through their Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”

Really Woolly Bible Stories By DaySpring

I just received this really cute book titled "Really Woolly Bible Stories" from Thomas Nelson, the publisher as part of their Bloggers review programme. I am not required to give a glowing review on this book. All opinion express herein is mine.

This is a padded board book with lovely illustration.

In it there are several favourite all time Bible stories. It's being told in simple way. Some are in the form of a few lines that rhymed.

My two year old boy love this books. He would point to the illustration and say "Stars", "Baby Jesus" and surprisingly he even recognised the word Lions.

I think it's a good way for him to start learning about the Bible and at the same time have fun doing it.

This book is suitable for toddlers and young readers.

I give it 5 stars.