Review of "Princess Ever After"

Rating: 4 Stars

~  ~  ~

Review: Rachel Hauck treats readers to modern fairy tales in her Royal Wedding Series. In "Princess Ever After," fantasy becomes real-life for Regina Beswick when she learns that she is a long-lost princess with the responsibility of a nation's independence on her shoulders. Life as a princess is not all fancy dresses and balls for Regina; she must cope with paparazzi and an influential political opponent.  Hauck sketches Regina as an everyday American girl with her own dreams.  It is easy to relate to her hesitancy in accepting a monumental change and the challenges it brings, both large and small.  Details like riding in the front seat with her chauffeur and asking household staff to address her by first name, reinforce Regina's image as an average person. 

"Princess Ever After" is a fairy tale, but with more believable elements.  Regina's transformation into a princess refreshingly veers from a mere physical change.  Her journey focuses more on emotion, faith, and family. Politics also plays an important role in Regina's path to the throne, and the political climate of Hauck's fictitious Hessenberg is a prominent part of the plot.  Although not complex, the details did not hold my interest, except for in a few tense moments.  

Tanner Burkhardt is a current version of a "Prince Charming."  He has led a far from perfect life, resulting in a failed marriage and broken family bonds.  The relationship between Tanner and Regina is easy and understated, but I would have enjoyed more complexity. Like other parts of the plot, their relationship tied up easily despite difficulties.  "Princess Ever After" is an overall light read with a happily ever after to satisfy readers.  

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.

Summary from Zondervan: Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.

But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future---and his own.

Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever.
Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together---with a little divine intervention---Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.