Once upon a prince: Book Review

Once Upon a Prince: Royal Wedding series #1:

By Rachel Hauck

Genre: Contemporary christian romance

Synopsis

Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by best-selling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess—just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simons Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s an ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

It’s the ultimate choice: His kingdom or her heart? God’s will or their own?

My thoughts

The fairy tale theme of this story drew me in immediately. I almost wish she had begun the story with the prince’s POV – but for reasons you wouldn’t understand unless you read it, she chose to begin with Susanna’s POV. It was ever so delightful. I loved the stark differences in the dialogue of Prince Nathaniel and Susana. The author differentiated very well between how people speak in the U.S. and how people speak overseas in England/Britain.

Susanna is southern born, works at a BBQ shack. She’s feisty, bold, imaginative. Loves to have and stick to her plans. Big family, lots of history – both good and bad. Strong in her faith.

Nathaniel is refined, British, and oh gosh his accent shines through in the dialogue. It drew me in immediately. I loved the laid back nature of Nathaniel, but the deep faith and maturity as well that emanated from him.

There are so many fairy tale references in this story it made me laugh. I literally had to stop reading and go post in twitter when I read the line.

“You are free to roam around the house-except the west wing.”

Then there were references to the secret garden. And the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder scenario totally reminds me of Robin Hood and Maid Marian (the robin hood cartoon anyone??? With the foxes?)

There were so many delightful scenes throughout, but one of my favorites was the coronation of Nathaniel, who becomes King. The ending of the book as well was fabulous, but I can’t tell you what it was so you’ll just have to go read it for yourself!

We don’t really see that many contemporary stories in the last few years about princes and princesses. I enjoyed this book and if you’re into sweet romances, you’ll enjoy it too.