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True Blue Royal #2

To Save A King

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A modern-day fairy tale of hope and rescue from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck

After growing up in small-town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone set off to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.

But her ambition turned into a journey of a “thousand” bad decisions and after twelve years of seeking fame and fortune, Gemma returns home with a limp and a dark secret.

Now she runs a rescue ranch and is raising her friends’ orphaned daughter. She’s keenly aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her. She just wants to stay hidden in the safe world she’s created.

HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. As heir to the revered House of Blue and married to the love of his life, he believed his future reign would strengthen the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland. Then tragedy changed everything. Can anything save him from his grief?

When he travels to Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he’s drawn into the local life and cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone during the 4th of July festivities.

While the event has a disastrous result, Prince John and Gemma form a quick friendship—one of two wounded souls finding comfort in one other. However, love is absolutely not an option. John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife, and Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.

Then Prince John is called home for an emergency. How can he leave the woman who lifted him from his sorrows? But can Gemma join him on a royal stage and risk her secret coming to light?

With a touch of divine help, Prince John and Gemma just might find the kind of love that saves and ultimately write their very own fairy tale.

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2021

179 people are currently reading
875 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Hauck

76 books4,539 followers
New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida.

A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie.

The Wedding Dress has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio

She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and is a retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day.

Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

www.rachelhauck.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Profile Image for Darla.
4,891 reviews1,264 followers
January 9, 2023
Five Heart's Bend stars for this second book about the True Blue Royals. I have to say, I loved this one even more than the first. The magical realism included with the angel visits from Emmanuel and Adelaide are just goose-bump inducing in the very best way! And the animals in this one! From five rescue puppies named after the Friends cast to Hercules, the Clydesdale and Briley, the rehabbed thoroughbred-- such a fabulous animal cast. If you have not yet gotten around to reading To Love a Prince, do not worry. This can be read as a standalone if you just really want to read about all the wonderful animals -- and the wedding dresses. I do hope that Hauck has yet another book to come in this series. If not, I can still catch up on some of her back catalog.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,315 reviews43 followers
May 15, 2021
I love stories about royal families and all the ideas of kings, queens, princes, and princesses. When I read them, I always think of the Cinderella story.
Yet, did you really know these “royals” are actually just human and deal with issues the same as we do? Like losing a loved one, health issues, being rejected, and struggling with not feeling loved!
In this wonderful story, written by Rachel Hauck, we get a real feel of what it is to be a “Royal” and still be “Normal.”
We also read about issues common people often struggle with like, self-esteem, feelings of failure, regrets, and mistakes. This story is rich with emotions, and questions of worth, roles in life, and relationships. There is also a beautiful picture of love mixed into this enchanting story.

I truly enjoyed this book! It was the kind of book that held me and wouldn’t let me go. As I read, I wanted to read more and more.
From the cover of the book to the last page of this book, it is packed with colorful images. I was taken to a place of dreams and wishes. The story flows just like the dress!
Rachel Hauck is an author who makes the reader feel like they are right there with the characters. Woven throughout this book there are bits of sweet moments in these two characters’ lives. Even though one of the characters is a royal, we still see things in both their lives that are very relatable to us as readers. The relationships with friends and families are so real. When we can put ourselves in the character’s lives and understand the pains and joys, that is what makes a book great! This author has done that!
I highly recommend you pick this book up and enjoy all the pageantry and sweet romance of this magical book!
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,831 reviews194 followers
May 17, 2021
TO SAVE A KING is a story about two individuals who feel broken and surprisingly find friendship and the chance for more with each other. It's a story about second chances, about blood and found family, about duty versus the heart, and about forgiveness and faith. Readers of the author will love this newest royal romance!

I loved Gemma and John from the start! They're just great characters and I think anyone can relate in some small way to both or either of them. Plus, John is so irresistibly charming that you can't help but fall in love with him. Then there are the puppies! That whole situation was adorable. I also loved all the side characters, including cameos from characters in other books from other series. Hauck adds her usual angel characters who help to steer these two when they need a bit of a push or reassurance. I also love that this story is about second chances and romance, but more than that it's about forgiving oneself and letting the sacrifice of the Savior wipe your sins away. There are some beautiful moments when the characters feel God's love and feel the forgiveness and acceptance they need.

The only major issue I had with this story was John's mom, Queen Catherine. This is a slight spoiler, so highlight to read. I could understand her prior choices, but coming forward a generation and still sticking to just marrying for pedigree and trying to force a marriage seemed rather inconsistent. It didn't seem to fit under the circumstances and having raised her two princes with their histories. I think having owned up to her own mistakes she would have been much more open to change or at least not trying to force someone into marriage when they hardly know each other and where there is no love. It took John to pass along a certain man's message for her to be okay with John's choice.

In the end, was it what I wished for?

Content: Some references to past mistakes and innuendo, but would consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,335 reviews74 followers
May 19, 2021
"Forgiveness is free, it's eternal and the most freeing thing a man can do. To ask for, give, and receive forgiveness. On top of that, it costs you nothing, yet gives you everything."

I absolutely adore Rachel Hauck's royalty-fairy tale novels and this second installment in her True Blue Royal series is a fun addition. I loved that this book brought in some key characters from her Royal Wedding series and The Wedding Collection series. Lauchtenland is hauntingly mesmerizing in its rich history, culture, and geography and Hearts Bend, TN is equally beautiful in its loving acceptance and gentle country freedom. The story is told in third person narrative through the eyes of Gemma, Prince John, and the Queen Catherine. Gemma's full story unfolds in bits and pieces but her big tender heart is evident from the beginning despite her brokenness and scars. John's grief, heartbreak and memories are so real and achingly bittersweet yet there are threads of hope in each encounter. Their friendship that quickly becomes more has Rachel Hauck's stamp of heart-stirring and breath-stealing romance all over it. The author's trademark melding of spiritual and supernatural draws Gemma and John together and it was nice to revisit Emmanuel and Adelaide. A fairy tale involving swan feathers also plays a huge role in this sweetly moving tale of second chances, self-discovery, repentance, grace and forgiveness.

Despite my love for Rachel Hauck's stories and all things Lauchtenland (and Brighton Kingdom and Hessenberg), the ending felt somewhat anti-climatic and rushed; there were also loose ends with John's deceased wife Holland and happenings in the kingdom itself. Perhaps the next book will bring closure to these unresolved subplots? This series should definitely be read in order since the first book lays down some important background for this book.

I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments are solely my own.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,411 reviews225 followers
May 9, 2021
Enchanting! A story of people who have suffered. Some from tragedies beyond their control. Some from wrong choices that messed up their lives. Yet each receives a chance to redeem the past and move forward to either romantic love or the love of family.

This beautiful novel reminded me that truly, “God sets the lonely in families.”(Psalm 68:6)

Sympathetic main characters surrounded by lovable family & friends. Charming settings. Lovely writing.

A must-read for romance, inspirational, and fairy-tale-come-true lovers!
Profile Image for Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama.
689 reviews92 followers
May 20, 2021
Once again Rachel Hauck knocks it out of the park! This is the second book in the True Blue Royal series and although you can possibly read it as a stand alone it's so much better if you read the first one. I know for me it was great to visit with the Royal family once again. This time we encounter Prince John and a lot more from his mom the Queen. We also are introduced to Gemma Stone in the town of Hearts Bend which if you have read other books by Rachel Hauck you will definitely recognize this town.. (hint hint... The Wedding Dress).

I loved the story of Prince John. He is the rightful heir of the kingdom and supposed to be the king but nothing can happen until he gets married again. He however is not in a place to do that as he is still grieving the loss of his wife. He tries to get his mom to change the law but she wants to keep it in place not only for tradition but to make sure that the heir of the throne is settled down and taking things seriously. She sends him on a holiday of sorts to Hearts Bend, TN to spend time with friends and also to meet his half sister and be the go-between between her and the queen. I could totally picture the character of Gemma in my head as a no-nonsense southern girl. However she has a past that she's trying to hide and doesn't want to open her heart to anyone, romantically speaking. She is immediately drawn to the prince and vice versa. Their friendship blossomed in such a natural way that it was just dreamy! Goodness that first kiss!! Wowza!!

This is my first book by Rachel Hauck that doesn't include a time slip/dual timeline. But it does include characters and elements from her previous books! So it was nice to see some of the characters again. I truly enjoy her writing and she is one of my favorites. I love how she integrates God into her stories, she definitely has a unique way to do so. It was nice to encounter Emmanuel again and how he guides and directs Prince John and Adelaide with Gemma. The scene at the Hand of God where they experience what I would consider God's spirit was beautiful.

My only complaint is that the story did not keep going! Haha! No, seriously I hope Mrs. Hauck writes another story in this series. I would like to know what happens with Scottie! I also felt like there should be a bit more closure with the Holland debacle. So perhaps there will be more to come! One can hope right?!

Overall I absolutely loved this story. It's a story of about healing, second chances, forgiveness and faith. If you enjoy Royal family fiction stories that have the message of God interwoven into it then this is the story for you.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews275 followers
May 3, 2021
'Despite all the internal pep talks about how her past didn't define her, her shame still owned her.'

Rachel Hauck takes us back to Hearts Bend, Tennessee and to the kingdom Lauchtenland in the North Sea in her second offering of her True Blue Royal series. And what a wonderful trip it is! I was enchanted. (pun intended)

This is Crown Prince John's story and Gemma Stone's story. Gemma, who carries her past like a giant pack on her back. Gemma runs a rescue ranch and is raising a foster teenager daughter. The world she has made for herself is safe. Until one day and she is paired in a three legged race with Prince John. Prince John knows heartbreak and cannot let go of grief, finds that Gemma Stone is a breath of air in his life. But is he just dreaming because of his pain?

'No use denying it. God was up to something.'

There are many obstacles to these two having a happily ever after, but if anyone can give them that, it's Rachel Hauck, who has long been a favorite of mine. Her books take up some serious real estate on my shelves. She always delves deep into the hearts of her characters and manages to transfer them to her readers' hearts. That is a gift. And one thing I absolutely love about Hauck's writing is this: she always manages to include a touch of the Divine in her books, something I look forward to and look for, then smile knowingly when it appears.

This story shows us that long held opinions of ourselves don't have to be permanent. What we should be concerned with is God's opinion of ourselves. This book ministered to a situation in my own life and I thank God so much for that. I am a princess to God! I loved every single minute. This book is a keeper shelf treasure and one that begs to be read again and again. Well done! I can highly recommend this one.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and the opinion here is expressly my own.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 67 books1,903 followers
May 2, 2021
The novel was everything I’ve come to expect from Rachel Hauck’s royal fairytales. She took the story in unexpected but wonderful directions. Gemma has a past she can’t escape. The prince is trying to find his way through grief to a new future. Perfect hints to former books. And the romance was wonderful.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,902 reviews208 followers
May 8, 2021
Wow! I loved this story so much. I loved book one, To Love a Prince, yet I think I love To Save a King even more. There was just so much emotion packed into this novel!

When the story began, Prince John was hurting so much from the loss of his wife nearly a year earlier. However, he agreed to head to America on an important errand for his mother and he met Gemma Stone.

These two were such a great match and connected almost instantly. I liked that John could be himself with Gemma. And even though he fought the attraction that was pulling him toward her and away from the sadness of his loss, they began a beautiful friendship that grew to so much more.

I loved that the author had characters from books in other series as friends of both Gemma and John, yet reading those earlier stories is not necessary in order to understand and enjoy this one. But it was so much fun for me to see these characters make appearances!

Just as with many of her other books, the author wove in a beautiful salvation story, full of grace, and left me with the feeling that I had “peeked beyond the veil” a bit and experienced something more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, however, I plan to buy my own print copy for my keeper shelf. All opinions are my own.

This review will post on my blog tomorrow.
Profile Image for Lou Allen.
305 reviews203 followers
October 26, 2021
8.5/10 To Save a King is a contemporary fairytale combining Christian romance with a touch of the supernatural. It follows Prince John, a widower who needs to remarry to legalise his right to the throne. Also, Gemma, an American who loves to care for her foster daughter and rescue animals. However, she has a secret in her past.

I enjoyed this romance. The characters were fun to read about and the supernatural elements added to the spiritual message coming through the story. To Save a King is the second book in the series, and it feels like there should be a third book following on from it. You can read each book separately, but I would recommend starting with the first book.

I found the ending a little rushed, but overall it was a lovely story.
Profile Image for Teri.
622 reviews
May 17, 2021
I couldn’t possibly be more in love with the True Blue Royals. Prince John and his perfect adoration of Gemma renewed my fascination with fairy tales, and I love how each player in the books gets their own time to shine (and how much fun is it that Scottie will get her own story too!). The slightly mysterious elements of the story, including Adelaide, Emmanuel, the swan feathers, and The Heart of God are enough to give any reader perfect chills. It’s just a beautiful story, filled with romance, royal balls, forgiveness, and puppies!
Profile Image for Jeanne Takenaka.
101 reviews34 followers
April 25, 2021
How do you put words to describing a story that touches you deeply? Rachel Hauck has found a way to surpass even her last amazing book, To Love a Prince. To Save a King is probably her best work yet.

Former actress, Gemma Stone, believes she’s the maker of one thousand bad decisions. Going from wanting to change the world to being changed by it left her with regrets and secrets. Now, she lives in her small town, Hearts Bend, TN, and is caring for her deceased friends’ sixteen-year-old daughter. She runs a rescue farm for a variety of animals. She has a way of making them feel safe and loved. When she is paired in a three-legged race with Prince John from the fictional Lauchtenland, she never dreams that her world will change and she along with it.

The widowed Prince John from the House of Blue heads to the States on his mother’s behalf. He never expects to be wooed into small-town life as he and Gemma become fast friends, and he helps her with her rescues. Who knew that both he and Gemma needed rescuing of their own?

Hauck weaves a beautiful story of friendship, love, and learning how to step outside of what feels safe to embrace a bigger life. Gemma Stone is honest, wounded, but open. Prince John struggles with the grief of loss, stepping into a role he didn’t expect to fill in his family, and learning how to love again.

Hauck has nuanced even her secondary characters with genuine struggles, fears, and dreams. They each add depth and realism to this story. I loved each and every one of them. Well, there was one in Lauchtenland who I really disliked. And even in that, Hauck did a great job of nuancing him.

Each rescued animal had their unique personality. They were so perfect for this story.

The settings of Hearts Bend and Port Fressa, Lauchtenland, were characters as well. Hauck brought these locales to life through the story, to the point, that I wished I could book a flight to go visit.

I loved the themes in the story: the idea of being rescued from the mistakes of our past, of being accepted in spite of said mistakes, and the idea that we are more than the sum of our bad decisions. I loved the redemption Hauck wove into this story. I laughed and I cried, and I found myself nodding to so many things Hauck shared. I couldn’t stop reading, and I was genuinely sad when I came to the end.

If you enjoy stories with romance and with authentic characters who face the heart issues we all deal with, you need to read this book.

*** I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and am reviewing it of my own accord. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Deatrick.
652 reviews28 followers
April 26, 2021
No one does supernatural elements of faith in a Royal romantic fairy tale better than Rachel Hauck. She in in a class of her own.
In this story Gemma is a fallen heroine who cannot forgive herself. She is strong for everyone else but not herself. And John is a Prince who is heartbroken after losing his dearly loved wife who finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Gemma. The story reaches deep into the characters’ situations and emotions, but I will not give it all away.
Rachel does her characters’ emotions so well, they are so relatable. Her characters are lovable, I especially loved Imani. And I adored the animals, what personalities! I loved the dress and the feather and the symbolism. What a unique and fun story!
Through Gemma and John, Rachel truly relates how God’s plans are not ours and accepting and giving forgiveness is the key to a right life in Christ.
I do think it’s best to read her books, The Wedding Dress and To Love a Prince to fully understand enjoy this one. I recommend this to anyone who loves fairy tales with a little supernatural on the side!
"Silence often required more courage than speaking out."
"Forgiveness is free, it's eternal and the most freeing thing a man can do, To ask for, give and receive forgiveness. On top of that, it costs you nothing, yet gives you everything."
"John, darling, love, honey, babe"
I received an ARC from the author, thank you. But the opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Heidi.
Author 50 books527 followers
May 13, 2021
Excellent! I'm a huge fan of Rachel Hauck's books, especially her series featuring royals. Who doesn't love a story about an ordinary girl meeting a future king? On a deeper level, this is a poignant and deeply emotional story about forgiveness, both forgiving ourselves and forgiving one another. Hauck examines what it means to truly break free from the burden of our past mistakes and embrace who we are as children of the King.
To Save a King is beautifully written, with plenty of wit and humor, as well as scenes that will bring you to tears. Fans of royal stories with an inspirational theme will devour this one.
Profile Image for Kim - Inside the Wong Mind.
387 reviews30 followers
April 28, 2021
To Save A King
by Rachel Hauck
Book 2 in the True Blue Royal series
Rating: 4/5

As expected, I gobbled up this next release from Rachel Hauck. LOL. I always enjoy reading her stories about royal families and the supernatural aspects that move in their lives. This book was no different, and you get to visit with characters from her other books, which was fun to read. You do not need to have read her other books, but I enjoyed them so much and highly recommend them.

"All he had was a collection of broken pieces. A man still in love with his dead wife, chained by memories and what should've been."

HRH Crown Prince John of the House of Blue still mourns the loss of his late wife after only being married for a few months. Now, the law states he cannot be king unless he is married. The queen, his mother, has the power to change the law but thinks it will show favoritism. Although the country, Lauchtenland, sees a mourning prince, they still question what will happen if the prince does not remarry and is not officially named the next-in-line - will their entire government system come crashing down if something happens to the queen? There are others who also question the need for a royal family anymore. When John makes a deal with his mother, he ends up in Heart's Bend, Tennessee, to connect with the half-sister, Scottie, who his mother kept hidden and secret for so many years. In exchange for going on this visit, the queen promises to discuss changing the law.

While in Heart's Bend, John finds a peace and calm that he hasn't been able to find since his wife's passing. Staying with his friends is relaxing, but when he's partnered with the lovely Gemma Stone in a three-legged race, things start to get interesting.

Gemma Stone has returned to Heart's Bend in need of healing and restoration. Taking in a newly orphaned teenager and starting a farm for rescue animals while also managing a bridal shop is a lot of work but she's determined to escape her shameful past. Life in Hollywood and Vegas as an actress was not what she thought it would be. She wanted to make a difference but fell horribly short. Meeting Prince John is special but their relationship can never go beyond friendship due to the humiliating choices in her past.

Can these two hearts find a way to be together despite their heartache and responsibilities?

Seriously, Rachel Hauck knows how to weave a tale that is both humorous and beautiful and heartwarming. Though the main characters are hurting and struggling, they so effortlessly find each other and start to fall in love. I especially loved the relationship that Gemma had with her animal rescues and how the puppies helped bring the two together. I love that Hauck uses certain supernatural characters in the story to help the main characters find their way. Though the story ends happily, I still felt there were some unresolved issues, which I hope will be addressed in the third book. I anxiously await the next book.

Highly recommend this clean royal romance with heart and hope.

My thanks to the author and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Profile Image for Emily P.
428 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2021
Hauck has done it again! This charming contemporary romance draws the reader in and holds your attention to the very last page. It does help, though, if you've read the first entry in the True Blue Series, "To Love a Prince." (That one was a great book, too!) These titles are perfect if you enjoy fairy tale romances or love to read about the Royals.

Following the loss of his beloved wife, Prince John must find a way to move forward. He heads to the States (specifically the charming town of Heart's Bend, TN) at his mother's urging and crosses paths with the charming Gemma, who is facing a life rebuild of her own.

Both John and Gemma have struggles that are relatable. While they can't change the past, they can certainly change their future...or can they? Can their fragile new friendship develop into more?

Gemma runs an animal rescue while helping to raise her friend's 16 year old. She finds the value in loving those most consider unlovable, but she's has a hard time forgiving herself for her past mistakes. John sees the value in what Gemma's doing and slowly falls for her huge heart while helping her on her farm.

As their friendship evolves into something more, how does John break the news to Gemma that falling for him includes a new life of royalty? He thought he'd found his forever with his wife, but since that dream died, he's hesitant to move on. But there's something about Gemma that lets John believe that maybe, just maybe, he could let his broken heart love again.

Don't miss this encouraging, romantic, faith filled read. Hauck leaves the reader wishing they could escape to the fictional Lauchtenland for a visit with these amazing characters. I admire the way Hauck has an element of faith in her books without sounding preachy.

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly (The_CozyBookworm).
130 reviews31 followers
May 3, 2021
Rachel Hauck has given her readers another enchanting glimpse into the lives of the Royal Blue Family in the fictional country, Lauchtenland. What a fun story! This book has everything - a lovable albeit broken heroine with a humiliating secret, a brokenhearted soon-to-be king, scandal, politics, a robust gospel message written with just enough of the ethereal touches I've come to expect from Rachel's writing. Oh, I can't forget the rescue animals - PUPPIES, people! Family dynamics told from our hero, John's royal perspective, but because our heroine, Gemma hails from the fictional town of Hearts Bend, Tennessee, readers are also treated to a spot-on Southern perspective as well. It's such a fun blend. Rachel nailed the Southern culture for all our admittedly quirky ways. That scene when a certain family moves in with a certain heroine briefly had me giggling. I love when an author really, truly knows the place she writes about - the richness and authenticity is refreshing. Know what you write and write what you know.

To Save A King was such a great addition to the True Blue Royal Series and left me hankering for Scottie's story. So many layers there, my fingers are practically itching to peel them back. I want to know more.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,270 reviews32 followers
May 7, 2021
Oh my. What a sweet, sweet story! I just love these royal romances from Rachel Hauck! This one is a lovely sequel to the first book. It is also a continuation from some of her earlier series, and includes that fabulously delightful wedding dress shop in Hearts Bend, TN.

The main character in this book is Gemma. She's delightful. It's fairly obvious right from the get-go that she's hiding something. Something big, that she's done in the past, and that she is not proud of. But what will it take for her to let it go?
Then she meets Prince John. Both of them know that anything more than friendship is not only impossible, it is also preposterous. But, in spite of it all, their friendship grows. As they care for newborn orphaned pups, watch outdoor movies, and much more.
This is also the ongoing saga of the royal family of Lauchtenland. And seeing more of what happens to .... I hate spoilers, and, well, for the sake of the people who haven't read the first book in the series, I'll just stop there.
I loved seeing this play out. I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change. This story addresses heartache, loss, grief, and more. Well written, and a delight to read, this novel is an all-around enchanting romance.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Joan.
4,383 reviews125 followers
May 7, 2021
We are never too old for a fairy tale and Hauck has given us an entertaining one. The characters are engaging. We root for Prince John, hoping he will take a chance on love again after the tragic loss of the wife he loved so dearly. We root for Gemma, hoping she will find love when she feels one mistake too many has forever ruined her chance for future happiness.

Hauck has included a few life lessons in the story. One is the distinction between our identity and our essence. Another is that God can use even our most terrible decisions for good. And there are some fun fairy tale characters included, like Emmanuel, so much like Jesus, and a quirky angel of princesses.

Yes, there are lots of loose ends and unanswered questions at the end of this novel. But then, this is a fairy tale and we believe everyone will live happily ever after, even when that seems to go against any reasonable future.

This is a good novel for readers who enjoy a modern day fairy tale of forgiveness, restoration, and unlikely love.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Marguerite Gray.
Author 26 books639 followers
May 5, 2021
This is one I couldn’t put down. What a creative series with real, hurting, far from perfect characters. God can, and does, use flawed humans to fulfill His purpose—even princes, queens, and commoners.

As a southerner (Louisiana) I gravitate to the author’s heroine and the way of life in Hearts Bend. I imagine what it would entail to have a royal visit in my hometown. Hauck presents the scenario as if it is something that could happen to anyone.

Letting go of the past, whether the death of a loved one, an abusive relationship, abandonment, divorce, or something else, gives way to possible healing and a renewed commitment to living the best life possible with a true positive level of contentment.

The author has created a wonderful world if loveable, real, human, imperfect characters. I’m hoping she’ll give us another installment of their journeys soon.
Profile Image for Kate.
1,947 reviews77 followers
April 30, 2022
I love it when authors world-build! In this book, you have the marriage (and pardon the pun!) of 'The Wedding Dress' series, as well as the 'royals' books (I'm including the 'Once Upon a Prince' series in with the 'True Blue Royal' series because they both take place in the same realm.
I loved seeing Prince John really shine in this book, whereas we only had brief glimpses of him in Gus and Daffy's story. I loved how he softened his heart, not only to love again, but to find forgiveness and redemption and *hope*, especially in his encounter with Emmanuel.
Gemma was such a lovely heroine. I loved how she was trying to figure out how to redeem herself after 'a thousand bad choices' (her words, not mine!), but that it wasn't until she surrendered her heart and her life to Jesus that she became who she was always meant to be.
4.5 stars
Profile Image for Andrea.
43 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2021
“I don’t understand it all, but when heaven decides to invade earth, who are we to argue?”

Once again, Rachel Hauck has provided me with everything I love about her books: a gripping story, a protagonist you’d want as a friend, descriptive writing that engages all of the senses, and a small town that will make you long to re-locate there. (I want to live in Hearts Bend!) Above all, Rachel Hauck always brings the sacred. Not only do we get to see a joyful friendship and love develop between John and Gemma, but we also see a spiritual awakening in both of them. I did not want this book to end, and now I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next story. Highly recommend this book and always this author!
83 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
An amazingly magical yet realistic second chance romance where the reader is transformed so easily into Gemma and Prince John's lives. Rachel Hauck is a favorite author because her writing is exceptional in keeping the reader engaged and entertained while allowing the story experience to transcend in the reader's soul. This story is written brilliantly!
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3,662 reviews
August 24, 2021
Another captivating story from Rachael Hauck. Enjoyed Gemma and John and their storyline. Fun read and listen!
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74 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2021
This second book in the True Blue series was truly an enjoyable read. Once I got about halfway through the book, I could not stop reading. I thought this installment was better than the first in the series and I liked the main characters a lot more. I loved the callbacks and tie-ins to characters and settings from RH's previous books, too, although there were a lot and I got confused a couple of times. Not so much that it took away from the story at all. I just felt like I needed a chart. :) If you are a fan of Rachel Hauck's books, this is definitely worth reading!

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Mandy Boerma.
Author 9 books56 followers
June 7, 2021
Beautiful

A beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption and moving forward. Love, light and laughter all wove intricately through these pages creating a fantastic tale.
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94 reviews
April 20, 2021
An absolutely STUNNING story! Sometimes sequels aren’t as good as the original but “To Save a King” was just as good or maybe even a little better then the first installment in the series! Gemma and John’s story, their struggles and the opposition they face are perfect for this season of life. It just goes to show that second chances are possible and God is even better then we could think or imagine. This story came to life and I loved all the cameos from past characters! Rachel Hauck outdid herself! Definitely become a favorite read for me!
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,100 reviews134 followers
May 12, 2021
Oh my what a wonderful story this has been. I love the feel of a fairy tale mixed with realism. It is hard not to swoon over the Prince and his dashing good looks and proper manner. He is quite the catch I think but Gemma isn’t quite agreeable yet. I adored learning about the Royal Family and its protocol. It did remind me a bit of a certain royal couple who has been in the news lately. I couldn’t help thinking what it would be like to live a lifestyle that was constantly ordained by rules.

Gemma stole my heart as she starts a rescue for animals. Her past is slowly catching up with her and I knew she was in for a hard road ahead. So many of us have made mistakes in our past that we can’t let go of. Gemma allows her past to keep secrets and fear that she is not good enough for anyone, As the author began to reveal Genma’s past, I began to know her inner struggles more. Oh Gemma how I want you to find happiness.

Prince John is a very determined man. He is insisting that rules be changed but I don’t think the queen is going to agree. John is still grieving the loss of his bride and holds her memory very close to his heart. Now I won’t say how Gemma and the Prince met because I want to focus on the faith element in the story. The author takes two seemly different people and places them at a place and time that only God could have ordained. They each have an emotional journey to forgiveness and I loved how they each opened their heart to God.

The story has some other characters that really enhance the story and play a vital role in Gemma and John’s lives. I absolutely laughed out loud when the puppies that Gemma and John were taking care of were named. I’ll let that be a surprise for the readers.

The journey takes us across to another country where gossips are ready to pounce on the Royal Family. The author does show a strong family that stood in the face of ridicule and never once turned on each other. I loved their family values and how important their faith is. The ending is wonderful and I am happy the author illustrated how forgiveness leads to freedom.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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