Elle's living the dream-but is it her dream or his?
Elle loves life in Beaufort, South Carolina-lazy summer days on the sand bar, coastal bon... read full description
reviews
Apr 02, 2009
Margaret
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I do not know if I shall scream or cry or both. Love Starts with Elle is officially one of my favorite books of all time. It is by far my favorite book of contemporary Christian fiction. I enjoyed Sweet Caroline immensely, but it does not fully compare with the power and wonder of Elle. This is a sequel, but does stand alone on a firm foundation of Christ no less.
Elle is an artist, well in her heart. She mets Mr. Wonderful, who I did not like from page one, but he's so right. Until More...
Elle is an artist, well in her heart. She mets Mr. Wonderful, who I did not like from page one, but he's so right. Until More...
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Jun 14, 2009
Crystal Laine
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I read romance manuscripts in my day job, and have read countless published romances. You'd think after awhile they would all be the same. Not so. Rachel Hauck has penned a romance that took my breath away. She starts with the setting in Beaufort, South Carolina (what could be more romantic?) Brings in characters that you are sure you would find there, whom you want to meet and know. Then, she adds surprises and grabs your emotions. Sigh. I didn't want this story to end. If I could write a roman
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Aug 22, 2010
Tina
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Original post at One More Page
A week ago, some colleagues and I were discussing relationships and romance, and how one must go in choosing a mate. Perhaps "choosing a mate" is not the proper phrase to use (frankly it sounds a bit too bestial for me), but the discussion was about how the other person can be qualified as a potential guy or girl or will they be cast off into the friend zone. It was quite an interesting discussion, and I was surprised at how some of the guys to More...
A week ago, some colleagues and I were discussing relationships and romance, and how one must go in choosing a mate. Perhaps "choosing a mate" is not the proper phrase to use (frankly it sounds a bit too bestial for me), but the discussion was about how the other person can be qualified as a potential guy or girl or will they be cast off into the friend zone. It was quite an interesting discussion, and I was surprised at how some of the guys to More...
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Jul 26, 2010
Amelia
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So I'm going to say it right now: this is a Christian/Spiritual novel. So now some of you can run away, but for those of you who remain, do stay and sit awhile.
In a nutshell: "Sleepless in Seattle" meets the Christian faith.
For a Christian novel, this story and the characters really stuck to me. I found this book on Goodreads and started reading it via the Google Preview. I remember really, really liking it but for some reason, I didn't check it out until I r More...
In a nutshell: "Sleepless in Seattle" meets the Christian faith.
For a Christian novel, this story and the characters really stuck to me. I found this book on Goodreads and started reading it via the Google Preview. I remember really, really liking it but for some reason, I didn't check it out until I r More...
Nov 06, 2008
Nora
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I LOVED EVERY MINUTE of this book. From the very first page to the last I delighted in Elle's life and her family, and you will too. Rachel Hauck has captured my heart with Elle's story. It's filled with fun,unforgettable characters, situations that made me laugh out loud, and parts which were thought provoking. Rachel drew me into Elle's life,
and her dilemma. Rachel answers some questions that we may have asked ourselves while reading. Questions such as: "Just because we have More...
and her dilemma. Rachel answers some questions that we may have asked ourselves while reading. Questions such as: "Just because we have More...
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Nov 22, 2011
Dani
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Love Starts with Elle struck me with hard to learn truths in single sentences. The profound lessons God wants to teach us, that we deal with every day, are portrayed beautifully as Elle and Heath try to restart their lives. I found myself writing down quotes about every 20 pages. A great love and life story that truly shows that relying on God will get you further than you think.
Would've been a 4 star BUT...grammatical errors REALLY bother me. And woooooweeee! Does this book have th More...
Would've been a 4 star BUT...grammatical errors REALLY bother me. And woooooweeee! Does this book have th More...
May 03, 2009
Amanda
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I found this to be a touching story of love, faith and second chances. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the author skillfully wove a second love story into the primary one by using excerpts from the hero's novel-in-process. Although I suspect many other readers will not be bothered, I did find the various grammatical errors, starting with one in the first paragraph, distracting.
Feb 18, 2009
Elizabeth
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This was a fast read and quite good. The writing was good about how Elle was grappling with her faith and trying to find true love. The plot kept moving and there were swift twists and turns. Developing a relationship with God was important to several characters in the book but not overdone. The only detraction/distraction was all the typos in this book--yikes!
Oct 31, 2011
Brenda
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Another sweet, likeable, but just okay Christian romance. Elle is an artist-turned-gallery owner trying to put her life back together after a broken engagement. Heath is a lawyer-turned-novelist taking a sabbatical after the tragic death of his wife. They're both endearing and you'll root for them, but I found myself constantly wondering, "Who talks like that?" You'll know what I mean if you read it.
Feb 06, 2011
Denise
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i loved Elle! What a great character, imperfection,struggles, identity crisis, struggling artist all wrapped up into one. There were a couple of corny parts but they didn't ruin the story!Of course the story in the story i also liked...it wasn't the driving force to my love of this book but i do love a story in a story.
Mar 07, 2009
Kimberly
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Too ridiculous, too predictable, stupid characters, and who actually calls someone else a "cell phone whore?" (This is what Elle calls Jeremiah at one point). I just couldn't bring myself to care about the characters and their problems. There is good inspirational, Christian fiction out there; this is not it.
Dec 11, 2008
Heidi
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This book was a little slow and all of the typos didn't help. I enjoyed the love triangle story line, but the book was beleaguered by all of her preaching. I can appreciate someone wanting to share a message, but it was just a little too much.
Jan 18, 2010
Katie
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I had no idea this was "Christian Literature" Not at all my cup of tea. The story is okay, all the religious stuff seems like an after thought, added on top of the story not an integral part of the story. This may be the first book I don't finish.. but I like the characters
I wish I could give no stars.. this wa not well written.. very predictable and preachy! YUCK!
I wish I could give no stars.. this wa not well written.. very predictable and preachy! YUCK!
Dec 19, 2008
Erin
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When we first met Elle in "Sweet Caroline", she was running her own Operation Wedding Day. Now she's been swept off her feet and has packed up her South Carolina life in order to move to Texas to marry her man. Her business is sold, her house is rented, the invitations are in the mail. When the wedding doesn't happen, Elle must rethink her life with only a few of the former pieces in place. As she turns to the Lord, He visits her in very real ways and gives her new dreams, new friends,
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Jul 11, 2011
Renee
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Again, once I got to a certain spot in the book, I couldn't put it down. A nice light romantic read that ties in characters from Sweet Caroline. Who can resist a widowed man with a 4 year old little girl he is taking care of by himself?
Jul 05, 2009
Jenny
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Loved this book. Passed it on two two "reluctant reader" friends who also devoured it. I don't typically read Christian fiction romance, but this exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended!!!
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Sep 15, 2009
Carla
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Fairly typical Christian love story. The story took awhile to hold my interst, but once Elle breaks up with the self-absorbed preacher/ex-football hero, I enjoyed the rest of the story.
Apr 03, 2009
Jennifer
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I like her books alot. The first one in the series was okay (although parts of the spiritual "experiences" I don't necessarily agree with), but I like this one much better than the first.
Apr 04, 2009
Glynis
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This is the fourth Rachel Hauck book I've read and my favorite so far! The dialogue was fun, the characters were compelling and the love of Jesus was on every page. Keep writing, Rachel!
May 30, 2011
Allison
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Right from the start Rachel Hauck's characters jump of the page. They are funny and honest, sometimes to a fault. They are the close friends that stick around no matter what life may bring.
In this novel the reader goes through the ups and downs of life with Elle. Her heartbreak and disappointments hit close to home; her insecurities about her artistic talents echo the feelings of insecurity we as human's carry around with us, especially for women who weigh themselves down with though More...
In this novel the reader goes through the ups and downs of life with Elle. Her heartbreak and disappointments hit close to home; her insecurities about her artistic talents echo the feelings of insecurity we as human's carry around with us, especially for women who weigh themselves down with though More...
Feb 26, 2010
Renee
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I'm being lazy but here's a review by a friend of mine: http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com/2008/07...
Jun 10, 2011
Lee
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This has easily moved into the elite category of favorites. I loved this book. I bought it, being a new pastor's wife, books about such women always capture my attention. However, this one had a curveball or three that kept the story fresh. It had some quotes that I will keep forever. I left this book laughing, crying, clapping, all at the same time I left convicted, repentant, hopeful, and challenged. Hard to do I would say!
Jan 26, 2009
So very good! I'm learning about prayer and trusting God when things have fallen apart.
Jun 29, 2010
Katie
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What a wonderful book! Rachel Hauck has written a delightful story. Loved it from start to finish.
May 19, 2011
Tiffany
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This was the first book I have read from this series and there was at least one predecessor to this book. I think because I didn't read the previous books in the series I was missing out on some of the personality of the people. The people were likable but you didn't adore them.
The book was entertaining enough and I enjoyed some aspects of the book.
The book was entertaining enough and I enjoyed some aspects of the book.
Jun 10, 2009
Lauren
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Very well written! As an artist, I appreciated the struggle depicted as Elle tries to figure out what the Lord wants her to use her life toward and how she can still make it in the real world. Great depiction of relationships and also very open about the Lord's involvement in the main character's life. By far one of the best "chick lits" I've read to date.
