Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck has a knack for writing stories that burrow their way into your heart, make themselves at home, and nestle up for a long, long time. Her work is fragranced with hope, laced with humor, and filled with the grace of God.

I adored "Sweet Caroline" and laughed my way through that story. This one, however, had me chuckling at spots, but most of the time I could barely read for the tears. Elle's story touches the most tender spot of a woman's heart.

"Love Starts With Elle" tells the story of Elle Garvey. We met her in "Sweet Caroline", with her "Operation Wedding Day" project...date until she met her 'Mr. Okay', then marry him! When local pastor Jeremiah Franklin pops the question, he's more than just okay...he's perfect for Elle!

Or is he?

Unbeknownst to Elle (don't you just LOVE that word??!!), Dr. Jeremiah Franklin has accepted the call to pastor a megachurch in Dallas...several hundred miles from Elle's beloved lowcountry life in Beaufort, South Carolina. Can she uproot her life and follow Jeremiah's call?

What will happen to her work at the gallery, her cottage, and her family and friends? Can Elle give up her semi-bohemian lifestyle to become a PW? Should she stay or should she go?

Enter Heath McCord and his daughter, four-year-old Tracey-Love. Recently widowed, Heath needs support and friendship in his new cottage home--Elle's old residence. When he and Elle strike up a friendship, will this put a damper on her plans with Dr. Franklin?

It's always so much fun to watch an author grow in her craft, and Rachel just keeps getting better and better at what she does! You can almost feel the pluff mud squish between your toes, taste one of Bubba's Buttery Biscuits, and smell the clean, fresh air.

Ironically, the very gift she bestows on budding artist Elle Garvey...well, that's what Rachel's writing does for me! But you'll have to read it for yourself to know what I mean!

I'm giving "Love Starts With Elle" five out of five bookmarks, with a white feather as a charm. I'm hoping for more lowcountry living to come soon...I'm falling in love with Beaufort!

Happy Reading!

Deena