I admit to reading the reviews before reading the book, just to get a feeling at what other's were saying, so I read this after people complained that this was the author's first book and did a poor job... Sorry, I don't agree on the poor job part. Her writing style was very simple, and a bit puzzling at times, but it was so necessary because it fit Jennifer so well!!! I LOVED how this book was written! I LOVED the story line! I LOVED Scott, and must say that he is definitely too good to EVER be true!!! If a woman had that much conflict, I'm sure most men would run! I don't have nearly the conflict she has, yet men run from me when they discover the conflict...This is the man that every woman hopes for!!! I wish I could give this a higher rating than five because I would. I loved the way they both loved God, yet were angry at Him for what He had done. I do feel that Jennifer reconciled with God a bit too quickly and suddenly. One minute she was angry, yelling for answers; and the next she was telling God she didn't understand but was willing to accept it...I know it was her first time back in church and all, but with the amount of pent up emotions she had burning inside her, I don't feel singing some songs in church would break all that reserve she spent years filling... And Scott...Poor, desperate Scott...For a man who wanted to badly get married and start a family, well...I don't believe it would have been right for the couple to get married with the issue of children unresolved. I don't feel that their agreeing to 'adopt' an older child would help Jennifer. She still carried a lot of fear and pain. But then I suppose the fire took care of that problem... And the scene at the end of the last chapter...Whoo boy! That's all I'll say. Get ready to be shocked at the scene that is written in this - gets your imagination flowing, and that's for SURE!!! I'm not sure h ow much detail was written in the secular version, but there was enough in the Inspirational version to make me wonder... GREAT BOOK!!! This is a MUST read!!!
I don't normally read a lot of the "Love Inspired" books, but I saw this listed on Paperback Swap and wanted to read it simply because it was Dee Henderson's first book. The dialogue was a bit stilted, she used the characters names way, way too much in dialogue and the story was predictable. What I liked about it was that it shows how far Ms Henderson has developed in her writing. I do not have the same critiques for any of her O'Malley series or newer books. I could see the "Dee Henderson I know and love" in her writings, just not as polished and professional. I'm glad I read this book because it gives me hope that we all mature and develop in life as Dee Henderson has matured and developed as an author.
What do You think about The Marriage Wish (2005)?
Fairly predictable, this book is nonetheless an enjoyable, light read. It's sweet and romantic, with a satisfying resolution. The main flaws I noticed are that the characters (especially the supporting characters) lack depth. Even Scott Williams, the main male character, seems too perfect on many occasions. I would have appreciated it if Dee Henderson took more time to flush out her characters and really explore their character flaws.I would suggest this book as light fluff for a beach trip or perhaps a relaxing weekend read. It can be easily read in a day and will probably bring a few smiles to your face and tears to your eyes.
—Appaloosa05
A box of tissues required. Jennifer n Scott's story is written like her other material. Older people who want family or have been hit by circumstances/experiences that take a long time to recover from. Both families have strong support members. Our God experience taking knocks n being unsure if they/we can recover. (I just feel I missed out or missed the ideal of love from a man who wants to love) what to read next? I wasn't sure about the dialogue Jen was having with her memory of Jerry n Colleen but made the thought process real. Fear n trust big issues to conquer.
—Dianne Sidebottom
I had never read Dee Henderson's earliest work before, just her suspense/thriller/action stuff. This first book of hers was refreshing, adorable, and romantic. Scott seemed to be a blueprint for all the other male main characters Henderson would create later, in other books. Jennifer was a well-thought-out character, an author, like a couple of other women in other books. I noticed also that Henderson recycled some of these names into other books: Ann, Rachel, Blackie, Jennifer. My favorite part was when Scott proposed and Jennifer finally decided to say yes and put on the ring. The climax toward the end, where Jennifer had to face her fear, was a bit predictable. This writing was simple, and it annoyed me a little in parts. However, I loved "attending" their beautiful January wedding, and seeing their happy ending with their dreams coming true. It's a beautiful love story.
—Piepie Beuttel
