Reggie is your typical southern girl. She has quit her fancy CPA job at a big accounting firm and joined forces with family friend Al to open a classic car restoration shop. She is living her life and she is happy with how things are going.And then Tanner arrives and turns Reggie's world completely upside down with his announcement that Reggie is actually the princess of Hessenberg. Tanner seems to me like a young, carefree guy who just happened upon his appointment in the Hessenberg government.Soon after Reggie and Tanner meet for the first time we start to think that there could be something much deeper to their relationship than just government business. But both of them are smart enough to realize that getting Reggie to agree to return to Hessenberg and take on her princess duties are the primary focus.One of my favorite parts of this book was the flashbacks to Princess Alice, and the memories that Reggie begins to remember about her great-grandmother. Alice never told Reggie they were part of the royal family, but the more Reggie remembers and learns, the more she realizes what a huge responsibility she has to the people of Hessenberg.Once Reggie arrives in Hessenberg and begins interacting with the people, we all fall in love with her for sure. She is such a regular person trying to connect with everyone - and mostly succeeding.The struggle within the governer's office made for some tense moments in the story, but I was glad that this drama was mostly overshadowed by the growing love between Reggie and Tanner.I was also happy to see Nate and Susanna (from the first book) reappear in this story. Of course Nate is now King Nathaniel, but Susanna plays a major role in Reggie's decision making in this story.This book had the perfect "happily ever after" ending to it, and I am looking forward to the next one. It's coming out soon!! Much like Once Upon a Prince, I adored this novel. Reggie is so down to earth, and I can’t imagine anyone having a much different reaction to finding out that they are a princess.Rachel Hauck’s writing is so unique. The narrative is almost like a stream of conscious coming from the characters and very conversational. I’m pretty sure my husband would have given me funny looks as I would chuckle or smirk while reading. I also loved the way journal entries from Reggie’s grandmother were spread through the novel. They gave a history to this made-up country.Reggie is probably one of my favorite characters that I have come across. She is so spunky and tells it how it is. Not only that, but she has a faith that is tested with the events that are thrown at her. Her tom-boy ways also are a wonderful contrast to the ball gowns, heels and jewels that we would typically associate with a princess. I really enjoyed that she was so different.And what is a fairytale without a love interest? Tanner is also interesting. There were a few things about him that really surprised me as they were revealed. His own life is quite complicated as he tries to help Reggie sort out her own life and deal with her misgivings about becoming a royal.I found this novel to be a fast read. It was fun seeing King Nathaniel and Suzanne show up from Once Upon a Prince. This light-hearted tale would make a wonderful beach read or vacation read, although I enjoyed it during a rainy Michigan day.**I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
What do You think about Princess Ever After (2014)?
Predictable and the characters weren't overly likeable, the first book was way better then this one.
—sirmace
