Counting Raindrops through a Stained Glass Window

by Cherlyn Michaels

In her debut novel, Cherlyn Michaels boldly turns the tables in challenging the institution of modern day marriage. Instead of the male character, it is the female main character that has a fear of commitment in marriage and wants to avoid it at all costs. Vanella Morris believes in and follows her self subscribed The surest way to ruin a relationship is to marry the man you love. So when her man proposes, she is heartbroken that she cannot convince a pro-marriage Alton to skip the wedding and just live together. As she struggles to salvage her relationship, an unveiled family secret destroys the foundation of her fear, and she again comes face to face with the question of marriage. However, this time it’s from an unexpected source. Even so, the question remains of whether or not she can get beyond her O-theory to marry the man that she loves.

Genres: Audiobook

Paperback

First published November 28, 2003

Reviews

[Racquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author and I was not dissapointed. I bought it for a $1 at my local library. It has some great values and lessons. At first I disagreed with the main character's reasoning for her decision but once I read more, I realized why she thought the way she did about certain things. I guess you can say that it teaches you to open your eyes to things that you may think you know all about. Everything is not what it seems.

[Stasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives me an idea of a fear of marriage, which I have had some conflict with and what it really means. However, having read the book, I definitely have a change of heart.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book narrated by Karen Chilton. The story touched on several points, such as do not base your relationships or decisions on other peoples experiences, take chances often and do not ruin your happiness because of fear.

I will admit that Vanella irritated me with her "O" theory, but i also saw so much of my self in the character. I have been doing the same thing basing my fear of marriage on other people's experiences. I am happy that she had a friend that explained this to her and that she met Jameel who further showed her the error of her ways. I had a sad moment initially but things turned out better.

[TR]

Beating Phi Beating snickering

[Essence Cropper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump and this helped. Not the ending I was expecting, got a little wordy but it was an enjoyable read.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. Hits on lots of aspects about relationships: dating, commitment, lies & truths. Van can't bring herself to commit after seeing all of the marriages around her fail. But do you really ever know the whole story behind anyone's bad relationship? She believes in the "O-theory", Oprah & Stedman are in a long lasting relationship, right? Van finds out that every man is not with that.

[AprylJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vanilla Morris is a beautiful educated General Manager/Engineer. She has been with her boyfriend Alton for 6 years and is afraid he is going to propose. Her greatest fear is to end up in divorce like most of her “girlfriends and stuck in a loveless marriage like her parents.” A must read to find out how Vanilla manage her way through her hopes and fears…

Bonus: Her hometown is St. Louis

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading this book!! I love that the women in the book were older and VERY MATURE. I especially loved how much she talked about SAINT LOUIS!!!! :) I could picture all the places that she was writing about. I can't wait to read it again!

[CGF · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was very good book. the main character Van really got non my nerves with her O theory. my heart broke for Alton. and I feel like they were a little hard on the mom at the end. I find define recommend this book!!

[Dacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanella and her O theory were getting on my nerves. I was actually rooting for Alton to leave her, but then I was happy in the end. Her family had some drama. This book had me interested from the start to the finish. Never a dull moment. Very well written.

[Luane]

This is my first time to read an African-American literature. And the first thing that I noticed is the womanly energy that comes with it. I haven't read a lot of African-American lit so

[Vernetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read good story - centered on relationships and trust

[Kiela Joseph]

in life we are never 100% sure of what we need but sometimes all it take is a leap of faith once we know what we stand for and what we believe.......