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    The Writing Desk
    The Writing Desk
    The Writing Desk
    Audiobook11 hours

    The Writing Desk

    Written by Rachel Hauck

    Narrated by Windy Lanzl

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    This happily ever after romance tells the captivating story of two women bound together across time by a shared dream and a mysterious writing desk. 

    Tenley Roth’s first book was a runaway bestseller. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who has run out of inspiration?

    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.

    A century earlier, another woman wrote at the same desk with hopes and fears of her own. Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams she doesn’t know how to realize. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has taken extreme measures to manipulate her future, 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, but fate has bound them together in a way time cannot erase. 

    “Rachel Hauck enchants us again! Tenley and Birdie are bound together by the understanding that creativity is a guiding force and that their stories must be told. A tale both bittersweet and redemptive, The Writing Desk is your must-read.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author   

    This sweet, split-time read is a standalone novel, though characters in this story appear in Rachel Hauck’s book, The Fifth Avenue Story Society. Includes discussion questions.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherZondervan
    Release dateJul 11, 2017
    ISBN9780310350798
    The Writing Desk
    Author

    Rachel Hauck

    Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

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    Reviews for The Writing Desk

    4.5/5

    79 ratings13 reviews

    What our readers think

    Readers find this title to be a great read, with engaging characters and a theme of forgiveness and love. The combination of history and modern day adds interest to the story. The book kept the readers' interest throughout and made them laugh out loud at times. Overall, it is a wonderful book that they highly recommend."

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      The Writing Desk is a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. One of my favorite novels by Rachel Hauck. If you enjoyed Tenley's story, check out The Fifth Avenue Story Society where her character returns and more of her story is told. Thank you, Rachel for another beautiful story of God's love and redemption.
    • 5/5
      Kept my interest throughout. An interesting combination of history and modern day. Hard, and humorous,to envision the wearing of the robe to dinner.
    • 5/5
      This year I said I would get into Christian fiction and this was a good one to dive in with! I read the book in literally about 4 days in between working and life, using audiobooks when I was driving. It was just that good! I loved the characters Birdie and Tenley and their differences in life stories. The theme of forgiveness and love strung throughout the book was wonderful. The part that made be gasp the most was the wedding for Birdie and Eli. There were moments I literally laughed out laughed as I sat curled up with this book! Such a great read and I can’t wait to dig into more of her books!
    • 5/5
      Another great book from Rachel Hauck. I couldn't decide which story-line of this split time treat was better. They worked together really well, proving once again, that human nature doesn't change very much.
    • 4/5
      I really like books and movies that float back and forth between different eras. The Writing Desk did not disappoint. I was especially drawn to Birdie’s story. Birdie Shehorn lived a life of privilege during the Gilded Age, a position that usually included arranged marriages that were advantageous to the families of the American elite. Young women were raised to meet society’s standards; Birdie on the other hand had been allowed to attend and graduate from college. She had plans to pursue a writing career, to marry for love, and did not see that either of those excluded the other. Her strong-minded mother had different plans for Birdie. Birdie’s strength of character vs her mother’s strength of will, which woule prevail? Tensley’s story takes place during modern times. Her story is initially less compelling, but becomes more so as tension mounts. I wondered if the author selected Tensley’s name because of it’s similarities of the word tension. That word described her relationships to the mother who abandoned her, to her past, to her own writing, to her fiancé, and to the man she met in Cocoa Beach while caring for her mother who was undergoing chemo therapy. Tensley retreated from the world wrapped in an old robe until she exchanged the robe for the security of the God who sent her a special song, the same song He had sent to Birdie. Do not be dismayed. Do not worry or be afraid. The element that tied Birdie’s story to Tensley’s was a writing desk. The desk originally belonged to Birdie who loved it, and found inspiration to write many successful novels while seated at the desk. Tensley fell in love with the antique desk the moment she saw it in her mother’s home, and was certain it contained the secret to abolishing her writer’s block. The desk indeed held secrets, but not the type Tensley expected or longed for, rather secrets that led to a healing of a different sort. Fans of Christian romantic fiction and fans of the old Hallmark movie The Love Letter will likely love The Writing Desk. I would like to thank Zondervan and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation.
    • 3/5
      I started reading this book with every intention of loving it – but I don’t. It is a book about two aspiring authors, living in two different time periods. I usually love dual-time period books – but couldn’t get into this one. I really liked the historical characters – but find that I really didn’t like the modern character. She came across to me as being rather shallow – and not really likable. She wouldn’t commit to the man she lived with (and explained their living together by saying she bought her condo - and he moved in when she did) to not really wanting to go help her mother when she was going through chemo – I could just never find anything to relate to in this character.
      I thought the book started slow – and never did speed up. I found that I was making myself read it because I felt committed to read it since I had won it through the GoodReads giveaway program. I have read other books by this author – and did like them better. I was tempted to give the book 2 stars – but then decided on 3 because I did like the historical piece. If the author had written a book solely about the historical characters – I would probably have liked it better – and given it 4 stars!
    • 5/5
      Another great book by Rachel Hauck. She always draws me in right from the first page and doesn't let go until I close the book. I have read or listened to other books that go from present day into the past, and have sometimes gotten lost. That was not true with this book. Rachel does such a great job of telling her story about two young writers looking for love. The ladies although 100 years apart are brought together with a writing desk. Hence the name of her novel. I would recommend this book to everyone, you will not be disappointed.
    • 5/5
      Tuesday, August 29, 2017
      The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck, © 2017

      A slip time Gilded Age/ Contemporary Novel ~ author Rachel Hauck

      My Review:

      Tenley Roth and Birdie Shehorn have a lot in common beyond a shared writing desk. Generations apart, an adventurous heart will appear. But... not right away ~ their stories are exquisite!!

      This is a story of hope and determination, sorrow and J*O*Y discovered, patience and continuing ahead, regardless of detours placed by others who have plans for them.

      I liked the two-generational story and the twists and stops for me to catch my breath! Intriguing and true to their time periods, these two women will find their hidden hearts' desire caught unaware. I loved the intermingling of their stories.

      Lyrical and uncertain, the melody of this writing surpasses unforeseeable conclusions! The Writing Desk will linger and be ready for a second read! Exceptional and smoothly written, gliding from one period to the other. I really liked it!

      ***Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy of Rachel Hauck's newest novel, The Writing Desk, for this book tour. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 4/5
      I loved the idea of a writing desk being the center of a story that tell about two very different women. I must say the description of the desk was exquisite. I though about Birdie long ago writing at that desk dreaming of a best seller. She was a wonderful character who I really liked. Her family of course had other ideas for Birdie. Only the best suitor would do and he must be of the utmost of high society. It was such a hardship for Birdie to always have to do what her mother wanted. Birdie's mother is overbearing at times and I didn't care for her much. At times I wanted to scream at Birdie and say" Girl you are a grown woman. You are a gifted writer. Do what God has planned for you and let God deal with your mother." Will Birdie follow her dream or allow her mother to suffocate it?

      Tenley was a very interesting character. She has just written a book that is sweeping across the U. S. Everyone loves her and now her publisher is ready for her next best seller. There is a slight problem when Tenley just can't find the words to start her book. A phone call changes her plans as her mother as asked her to come to take care of her. There is a lot of hurt that Tenley must face . Tenley's mom is very ill and maybe this will be a time for mother and daughter to rekindle their relationship. Can Tenley let go of the past and forgive her mom? I did find it funny that Tenley's choice of clothing was a raggedy old bathrobe and slippers. It kind of reminded me of the show The Odd Couple. One of the characters was sloppy and just went with the flow.

      The Writing Desk goes back in forth in time as Tenley and Birdie each find the desk comforting and inspiring. There is a bit of romance in the book that is sweet and very lovely as the author slowly has each woman learning to trust a man. The key to the story for me is to to be yourself, trust God and never let go of your dreams. The history of Birdie and Tenley's family is well written and brings the story full circle. Does a writing desk hold the key to a great novel? Can it help two women believe in themselves and allow God to direct their path? It's a beautifully written story that follows two women as they face failure, happiness, love, forgiveness and God's love.

      I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      Not sure how she does it, but Rachel Hauck has written another winner with The Writing Desk. This dual timeline novel with two very different heroines is one wonderful story. I am not the biggest fan of romance novels, but Hauck is a must-read author for me. With endearing characters, beautiful prose, and believable plot lines, this one is a highly recommended read.

      The Writing Desk has two settings — Gilded Age New York and modern day NYC/Cocoa Beach. The two heroines, pampered and sheltered heiress Birdie and award-winning debut novelist Tenley, could not be more different in their upbringing and cultural experiences. Yet both struggle to find independence from family and societal expectations. Birdie’s family expects her to expand their wealth and establish their preeminence in society. Tenley bears the last name of beloved and esteemed authors. They embody the struggle all face — finding a place and a voice of their own. The two women also have difficult relationships with their mothers that shape how they see the world and themselves. The novel is indeed romance fiction at its best with not one, but two, GREAT romances. The heroes have a quiet strength, integrity, and faith that lead Tenley and Birdie to the best they can become. I love how each couple compliments and strengthens each other. The two stories run independently of each other until the writing desk that Tenley finds yields a mystery and a culmination of promise, for both women.

      The faith message that runs throughout the book is a whisper to the heart. Both women hear a song sung only to them throughout their lives, a song that bolsters courage in the face of disappointment, grief, and discouragement. Even when Tenley and Birdie are unaware of God’s presence, His steadfast love surrounds them. And isn’t that the message of 1 John 4:10? This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (NIV).

      If all you are looking for is a romance, then The Writing Desk will give you two for the price of one! But be prepared for more — a story that will sweep you up and touch your heart.

      Highly Recommended.

      Audience: adults.

      (Thanks to TLC Blog Tours and Zondervan for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 3/5
      This book does have its charm. I just wished that I could have found more of it for myself. Of the two women, I liked Birdie more. Right from the beginning, she had spunk and more confidence. Tenley on the other hand lacked confidence. Also, I really didn't understand why she was hung up on her boyfriend. I did not feel the chemistry between them, even if they were in different continents. I mean, if someone proposes to you and you can't give that person an answer right away then maybe that person is not "the one". Whereas, Jonas was kind.

      It was a little depressing regarding Tenley's story. She and her estranged mother really did not have a close relationship. Her mother was constantly picking on Tenley. Although, there was a moment that I did chuckle when Tenley's mother pointed out Tenley and her were "robe and slipper sisters".

      I got half way through this book and it felt like it took a long time to get there as well as fast. The chapters were short and the flow was good but due to the fact that it was taking me a long time to warm up to Tenley and her story, it seemed slow. Yet, the second half of the story is where it improved.
    • 4/5
      The Writing Desk is the latest novel by Rachel Hauck. Tenley Roth has just won the Gordon Phipps Roth Award for Outstanding Debut Novelist. Tenley is the great-great-granddaughter of Gordon Phipps Roth for whom the award is named. She is supposed to be working on her second book, but Tenley is experiencing writers block (and many doubts about her abilities). Tenley’s debut book is a hit, but she wonders if it is for her writing prowess or her heritage (Conrad Roth, her father, was also a famous writer). Her boyfriend, Holt Armstrong is going to France for three months and wants Tenley to join him. But then Tenley gets a call from her estranged mother, Blanche Albright. Blanche is starting chemotherapy and needs someone to assist her. She is asking Tenley to come to Cocoa Beach. Tenley has been yearning for a connection with her mother and decides this might be the perfect opportunity especially since she is her last relative. In the library at Blanche’s house is the perfect desk for Tenley to work on her book. She can tell it has history and it speaks to her. In the early 1900s, Birdie Shehorn has just obtained her degree from Wellesley. She is hoping to spend more time on her writing. Unfortunately, Birdie’s mother is pushing for her to marry Alfonso Van Cliff (a notorious flirt). Birdie has no desire to be married off to someone she does not love, but her mother will not be thwarted. Will Birdie get her chance to write and marry for love? Can Tenley overcome her writing block? Pick up a copy of The Writing Desk to see how the story plays out.

      The Writing Desk is a well-written and engaging novel. The past and future are beautifully woven together for a lovely story. I was more interested in Birdie’s story than Tenley’s. Tenley is a difficult character to like. Her whining and complaining quickly got on my nerves. The Christian element is light but impactful. I am giving The Writing Desk 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I only told you a little bit about the story. There is also Jonas Sullivan and Elijah Percy. The story is told from the perspective of all four main characters (it does not get confusing). In this story, we can see that despite a hundred years difference, people undergo the same struggles (joys, doubts, uncertainties, love, grief). The Writing Desk is Christian, romance novel that can be enjoyed by readers from 13 to 103. It is an inspirational story with a feel-good ending (it has a great epilogue). I am never disappointed when I pick up a novel by Rachel Hauck.
    • 5/5
      When a writer has success with her first novel, and becomes blocked with her second, she begins to doubt herself. And then she is called back to her childhood home to care for an estranged, ailing mother.

      Enter a handsome furniture maker, who has an antique desk. This desk once belonged to another young woman, who seemed fated not to follow through with the desires of being a writer.

      Across the years, the two women become bound to one another. Similar. Yet so different. Each with their fate left up to someone else. Each with a desire to break free of the bondage of being ruled by a parent. And each learning that freedom comes with a price all its own.

      I couldn't put this book down! I read it through in a single setting! Wonderfully written! Hauck is a magnificent story teller!

      I give the book five stars,


      and a big thumbs up!

      You can find this book on Amazon.com $16.50 for the hardcover, a paperback is $10.99, and ebook $6.99.