A good part of the drama herein felt rather manufactured - of all the many and definitely staggering changes and difficulties involved in marrying into a foreign royal family, giving up US citizenship? Should neither have been a shock nor, perhaps, such a sticking point - not at the late date of immediately before the wedding, at least.

The persistent conflation - intentional or not - between being American and being Christian and being part of the Kingdom of Brighton (and that definitely threw me off as well, as a name for the original country) and part of the Kingdom of Heaven (in this, mortal world?) was unsteadying and offputting to me.

Meanwhile some of the conflict that I had anticipated seeing after the early setup disappeared; not smoothed away but forgotten in the manufactured and strange drama, and never handled again.

Even the last-minute addition of an obstacle after the main conflict was resolved wasn't really handled, just dropped again immediately after being raised, without even actually saying what the outcome was. Despite it including things like official accusations of treason, which are hardly so easily dropped. ( )

An incredibly sweet story reminding us all that who we are inside is much more important than the titles and labels put on us by society. Also, true love between a man and a woman can withstand huge obstacles if honesty is always foremost. Recommended read ( )

This is a great follow-up story to the book, 'Once upon a Prince' by Rachel Hauck. You could read this as a stand alone story, but I highly recommend you read 'Once Upon a Prince' first, as both stories are wonderfully romantic.

Susanna Truitt has found her true prince, Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. She is weeks away from the big day and finds herself doubting what she is doing. So when Nathaniel tells her in order to get married she must renounce her American citizenship, and then she finds out key people in her life can't make it to the wedding, she gets "cold feet" and flies home to St. Simon's Island to see her family. Nathan fears she won't return, but he finally decides he must devise a plan to win back the love of his life.

What a dreamy romance story! I loved the way these two obviously loved each other and Nathan sure does know how to show his love to Susanna near the end of the book. Susanna also got some very wise counsel from her Pastor and a great reminder of where, as a Christian, our citizenship really is. This is a short book and could be read in one evening. So sit back, curl up on a comfortable sofa and be prepared to fall in love with "A March Bride". ( )

March Bride
Rachel Hauck

Book Summary: In this sweet romance by award-winning author Rachel Hauck, royal wedding plans are in the air, but the bride is being asked to give up so much for her new life that her groom-to-be is worried she may not return from her most recent visit home. A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can't help but wonder if it's a sign that their love is not meant to be. Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She'll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna's heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her. Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own-right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon's Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won't return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

Book Revie: I have not had the privilege of reading Once Upon A Prince yet but this book is enough of a stand alone that it is not necessary to read the other to understand what is going on. Ms. Hauck does a great job of linking this novella to her book. It was woven well into the fabric without sounding like a commercial for the full length novel. I really got into the story line and felt like I was part of the storyline. Royal watching from the public things and a friend for all the turmoil of Susanna giving up her American citizenship. I look forward to many more books by Ms. Hauck.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Zondervan Fiction for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. ( )

Susanna Truitt is about to marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. In the busyness of training to be royalty, learning her duties and the kingdom's business as well as getting to know the people, Susanna begins to have doubts about whether an ordinary Georgian girl has any right to marry a king, especially when things are not going as planned. Nathaniel's attention seems to be on everything else except her. Has he changed his mind? Now Parliament has decreed that Susanna must renounce her US citizenship before the wedding. Nathaniel loves Susanna and would do anything for her. He knows what marrying him means and all she'll be giving up for him. Susanna decides to return home to St. Simon's Island, Georgia to try to work through her niggling doubts. Nathaniel's not sure she'll ever return. After much contemplation he puts together a plan to once again win over the heart of the only woman he's ever loved.

I LOVED this very contemplative yet deeply romantic tale. We first met Susanna in 'Once Upon a Prince' and 'A March Bride' picks up where that left off. I was completely enthralled in the story and just about read it completely in one sitting. It's one of those stories that just draws you in completely and holds you there until the very end. What would it be like to marry a king? What are all the emotions surrounding that situation. It sounds like the stuff dreams are made of but is it really? You could certainly understand Susanna's reservations. What would you do if you were in her shoes? I absolutely loved Nathaniel. He was truly a prince of a king!!! There was some great spiritual wisdom tucked inside this wonderful story. You really have to read it to fully appreciate it. I hated to see it end but I must say, it's one I will definitely read again. I would love to see a story about Nathanial's brother, Colin and Susanna's sister, Avery, hint - hint!!! There was enough background given that you could enjoy this as a stand-alone but for a richer experience I would encourage you to read 'Once Upon a Prince' first. Need a quick romantic get-away? Then grab your latte, a comfortable chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the first-class trip! I know I did!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Zondervan through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Publisher: Zondervan (February 25, 2014)
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
ASIN: B00DL10IH0

For more information about this book or other books by Rachel Hauck, I encourage you to visit her website at http://rachelhauck.com ( )