Table for Two

by Sheryl C.S. Johnson

Being a legal secretary is not exactly Jana Barrowman’s dream job, so when recently widowed Alex Steadman contacts her about the résumé she sent in more than a year ago with a job offer for a creative consultant position, she puts some serious thought into accepting it. The problem is, if she takes the new job, she will have to move to another state and leave her mom and dad behind. But when Jana determines that the move can help her get away from Brad—the overly adoring man in her life who she really doesn’t have any feelings for—she decides to go.

When Jana arrives for her new adventure, both Alex and his young daughter, Elise, are easily enamored with her—as is Jeff, the ward member who becomes Jana’s first date in her new town. However, Jana is not so sure about her feelings for any of them. And as she works side by side with Alex to transform a shabby house into a charming boutique, it becomes clear to her that Alex wants more than a friendship. Though Jana resists, she knows she has to work out her confusion before she loses everything that is becoming so dear to her. Will she be able to come to terms with the fact that Alex’s deceased wife, Vanessa, will always be a big part of his life? Can differing religious convictions and other complications fit at a table for two?

Genres: Romance, Lds Fiction, Lds, Fiction, Adult, Religion, Christian Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2012

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to disclose up front that I do not usually read romances that are just romances. So perhaps this wasn't the book for me right from the get go. I did not particularly like Jana. She was so frustrating that I wanted to shake her and I nearly stood up and shouted when Alex finally dealt his ultimatum. I also felt like the one-year engagement was tidy but unrealistic given the state of their feelings and proximity. I so disliked the Jana-pre-employment-with-Alex and felt it was inconsistent with the Jana of later chapters. I felt Brad was inconsistent with his slick self and the stalker and the broken-Brad. I felt like Jana made everything all about her and I became so tired of it. She was always on the whine. Could she and Alex have any basis for a mutually fulfilling relationship after the whining was gone?

[Kristyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book right from the start because instead of beating around the bush, the main characters (mostly the guy) said exactly what they meant. They had a fun spark and chemistry to their romance.

He's the perfect man, except for one thing. He's not LDS. By the end of the book, it seemed as if the main girl was just constantly looking for more and more excuses and getting whiny, rude and annoying about it. She had legitimate concerns, but to read about it over an over got tiring. And she really didn't treat him that well. This guy has the patience of Job.

Overall, likable characters and a cute story. Very LDS, not a preachy way, but a deeper doctrine way.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really really liked this book. It was such a cute read and perfectly in line with the content. I loved every page and stayed up way too late when I was reading this book. Sheryl Johnson is a new author and did a fantastic job on her first book. This is an LDS based romance and worth every minute of it. Often times the best things in life we have to wait for, and they end up being well worth the wait. Great job Mrs. Johnson!!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Reminded me a lot of Josie Kilpacks " To have and to Hold" which I thoroughly enjoyed! I loved the character of Alex and his ability to love the crazy of Jana. Good for those who are learning more about second marriages when the first spouse has died.

[Ali~may · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book more in the beginning but as the story went on I just felt frustrated. Alex was spoiled, but oh so patient. Jana was… I don’t even know how to describe her. I just felt frustrated that she constantly said “no way” but it was so obvious she was in love with him. AND they totally acted like a couple but she still denied anything would happen.

[Alysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was highly amused by the witty conversations in this book. It made me smile...over and over again. The book is based around The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, so I don't really see other religions truly "getting it". I really enjoyed it!

[Sheryl C.s. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed writing this book. I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was difficult for me to create Jana. I hadn't been reared in the Church and really had to stretch to figure out what she'd be thinking as a life-long member. Over the years the reviews have come in about the harshness of her character and I agree. I kind of want to go back and have her be a softer woman who is easier to cheer for.

But that Alex was really something else. He was a magical mixture of all the wonderful men I've known. He is still very real to me as I see his easy-going, congenial manner in others. He was just endlessly good natured and friendly. My husband is much the same and has earned the sign in our room that says, "You're pretty much my favorite of all time in the history of ever."

I'm always surprised when I hear that Stan, Jana's father, was unrealistic. Part of the joy of writing is introducing people to stellar individuals I've met. I can make this introduction through character traits I write about. I promise fathers can be dear like Stan. I've met many, many Stans over the years. Stans are loyal to their families. Stans believe in the potential of people. Stans are tolerant. Stans are firm foundations in families.

I had never intended on becoming a writer. I simply wanted to share a gospel principle that was dear to my heart with my family. My daughters weren't interested. They didn't even want to read it. My sister-in-law read it and said I needed to submit it for publishing. I'd only want to publish with Covenant Communications so I decided I'd send it in and then put it away after they rejected it. I never did receive the rejection letter. :)

For me, Table For Two was a book about trusting God enough to quiet the turmoil inside of us. It was about resting our souls in the sure knowledge that we are His children and His plans are perfect. He certainly sees much farther than we can.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."—Isaiah 55:8-9

I appreciate all the reviews. I love the positive reviews and I love the negative reviews. I love that people take time out to review my little daydream at all. Never be sad when someone doesn't agree with you about this book. We don't all agree on the same home décor or fashion either. It's enough to say this work engaged you enough to garner an opinion. That it made even one person ponder is a magical thing to me. Thank you for the support and love over the years.—Sheryl C.S. Johnson

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Genre:LDS fiction/romance) A mostly enjoyable story about a young "Utah Mormon" girl (Jana--age 24) who is hired by a man (Alex) who is trying to complete his deceased wife's dream to build and operate a boutique in Washington State. While working on the boutique, Jana begins to be attracted to her widower boss and she really struggles with this. He is not a member of her faith and she still sees him as being married to his first wife. The story got off to a good start, but bogged down a bit during the middle and it's ending. I enjoyed the dialogue between the main characters and found some of their interactions to be quite humorous. I also appreciated the crux of the storyline, which was Jana's hang-ups with being sealed to someone who had another wife. She was really focused on what this would mean to her in the next life. I also appreciated how hard she clung to her goal of an LDS temple marriage. I didn't really appreciate her family and how unsympathetic they seemed to be in regards to her dilemma. I had a hard time with how they all immediately became "team Alex" and gave no apparent thought or concern to his non-member status. I am glad that they all liked him and that her dad saw him as "being a mormon and just not knowing it yet', but it just didn't seem to fit. I would have thought that they would encourage her to be cautious in proceeding with the relationship. And the whole 'Brad' storyline seemed an unnecessary distraction. It made me think that Jana was weak and easily persuaded. And yet, when she shared her personal testimony of her faith with Alex, that was not the action of a weak woman. So it seemed rather conflicting and I wasn't sure what to make of it. That said, it was an enjoyable read and everything works itself out in the end (of course). And I did appreciate the way Jana's dad explained temple sealings and their purpose to her while she was struggling. 3 stars.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This LDS romance is incredible with good morals and lovable characters. I must admit, if the author wasn't my mom, I wouldn't have randomly picked it up off the shelf at the library if I came across it because I like fantasy/adventures most of the time. This kind of stuff (modern romances) is generally not my type. If someone had recommended it to me after reading it, yeah, I would read it then love it. When I give this good of a rating, I am NOT being prejudice for my mom. Half the time, I wanted to run and grab a highlighter to mark certain passages because they had good spiritual meaning to me. When I read the other review where the lady says that the parents are too unrealistic, I have to say: "Maybe not compared to YOUR parents, or your FRIEND'S parents, but very much like MY parents and many of my FRIEND'S parents." I'm only fourteen, but I can definitely see a difference between Alex and Brad (the two main male characters) and the difference is the chemistry. A controlling man with no chemistry is ever so different than one with it. In truth, Alex isn't controlling: He's confident and patient with Jana. It was an incredible book that kept me giggling periodically, made me upset when I had to set it down and even had me breaking out into tears once or twice. It had the most satisfying ending I have ever read as it leaves no room for questions about hardships afterwards. All in all, it's a 5+!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give this book a 2.5 rate. There is very little that I liked about the book. The things I liked were: 1) the witty conversations and bantering that took place between the 2 main characters & 2) the outline of the story. That's it.

There was a ton of things that bothered me.
1) Jana couldn't stop saying "there's no way we will get married because you're not LDS/Mormon". I appreciate her determination to reach her goals, but when she kept on leading Alex on and then throw that in his face it just grated on my nerves.

2) Alex was very patient, charming, good natured, and extremely motivated, but he also acted very spoiled, demanding and neglectful of his 6 year-old daughter. Who just drops everything to follow a girl around, but forgets their child? When he did that he just expected his admin assistant to drop everything and take care of his daughter.

3) Jana is supposed to be a 24 year-old returned missionary but she didn't realize that a widower can get sealed to for eternity to his deceased wife and a second wife? She just wouldn't marry him because she didn't want to be in a polygamist marriage. Vanessa is dead Jana. He's not committing polygamy. Both wives have to be alive to be considered polygamy.

4) Jana's father coddled her and treated her like a child. Oh that just bugged me.

There's more but I just don't want to think about it anymore.

[Crystal Memmott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this LDS values based romance! LDS member, Jana Barrowman accepts a job offer from non-LDS, celebrity chef, Alex Steadman. The creative consultant job transplants Jana from Salt Lake City, UT to Seattle, WA. Jana works to renovate an old house and transform it into the dream boutique of Alex's deceased wife, Vanessa. Jana begins to love Alex and his young daughter, Elise. Jana is steadfast to her goals and is set on finding an LDS man to marry in an LDS Temple. Her stubborness escalates as she realizes that she does not want to share Alex with Vanessa. The bulk of the story centers around Jana's other marriage prospects and Alex's attempts to persuade Jana that he is the right man.

I loved the good morals expressed in the book and the gospel principles that were taught. I was caught up in the restaurant and celebrity moments of the story. Sheryl developed some great characters. I was rooting for Alex to win Jana over! I was pulled into the story and couldn't wait to pick up the book again whenever I had a few minutes to read. I was disappointed when the story was over because I wanted more!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a hard time putting this one down. I just wanted to see how it ended so badly. In the end, I was so frustrated with Jana and her stubbornness and misunderstanding of an important gospel principle. I loved Alex. The author was spot on with how many members misunderstand their own faith at times. For goodness sake, the guy changed and became what she needed, but she still held off for the sake of 'forever', even after all the good advice she got. Ugh! She would have had it anyway. I was disappointed in the ending. I really wanted to tell Alex to just give it up. The rollercoaster ride for his emotions was a bit much. poor guy. Such a shame too. I really like how the author writes. Too bad the main character drove me crazy. I still gave it a 4, it could have been a 5 if I wasn't so annoyed with Jana.

[Renae Rockwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, and the premise, but I felt like the author incorporated so many potentially excellent plot points that fell short for me.

In the end, I felt Alex's conversion was overly simplified, and the heroine treated him poorly for the sole reason that he wasn't a member of the church.

Why is Jeffrey even part of the plot?

Why is Brad the stalker not a lesson on even if a guy is a member of the church, it doesn't mean he's a good guy!? I wish this had been the WHOLE plot and that the moving trunk in the attic and Jeffrey were completely cut out because I didn't see their strength at all.

I appreciated that the heroine grew and overcame her prejudices, but I wish that it had been a more interesting study of how interfaith marriage is possible, and that members of the church are not always the "good" guys.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember seeing the cover for this book a few months ago and I'm so glad it's finally out on Kindle. I read a lot and I can honestly say this is one of the best novels I have read this year. It's beautifully written, the character development is fantastic and the story is inspiring and simply appealing. I loved reading about Alex and Jana and the way their relationship develops, with its bumps and frustrations along with the sweet moments as well. Their story is so romantic and so full of chemistry! A job very well done in crafting such a heavy chemistry-laden connection while keeping it clean and sweet. This is one that I totally recommend to fans of romantic Christian novels. I'll be looking forward for more from this author.

[Kenya Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! That's all I can really say!! I want to cry, and scream every time I talk about, read or even see this book!! This book is a religious romance, and being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it proves so many things that I want others to know about! This brings tears of joy, love and happiness each time I turn a page! I have borrowed it from a friend, countlessly, and am seeking a copy for myself! This young woman is given a job in a far away state where is working for the most famous chef, and widowed man, doing what she used to do. She loves doing what she does with him, but isn't sure if it is right. Read to find out what paths she takes in the journey of marriage!

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone that has lost a spouse or is thinking about marrying someone that has... The main part of the story is about a man that has lost his wife and is left with a young daughter. He engages a woman, Jana to finish up a project his wife had started. He is very much taken with her but she is a member of the LDS church and he is not. When he finds out about eternal marriages he becomes very interested. He has great memories of his wife and Jana doesn't know if she wants her to always be a part of his life. A good book for anyone that has wondered some of the same things.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. I would read a lot more from this author. Clean, fun, thought provoking, and romantic. I loved the gospel principles focused on. It really made me think. Great for a teen. Jana gets a job in another state, away from Utah and her family. She takes it to avoid the boy who won't leave her alone. Alex, her employer keeps telling her she can't live without him, He is breaking down her defenses but he is not LDS and she won't date or marry outside of her religion. She is focused on a temple marriage.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. I couldn't put it down! All of the characters were so real and it was beautifully written. I fell in love with the characters and I felt what they were going through. Jana and Alex could have been real people, I was so caught up in what was going on with them and their budding romance. I loved their friendship and how it blossomed into more. It was simply amazing. I totally recommend this book. I can't seem to put it all into words. Sheryl C.S. Johnson has real talent. :)

[mary Ethington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am actually very surprised this book doesn't have a higher rating. I thought it was darling! I stayed up until 4:30am to finish it and I sure don't do that very often. I loved the interaction between the characters. I thought it was fun to read and there were parts I reread just to delight in it all over again. I would recommend this book.
It is based on the LDS religion and that might be hard for some people to understand or like. It is my life so I loved it. For those people that don't like that part I would say just enjoy the love story.

[Dennilynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is a low 3. I liked the book but found it very predictable and I didn't like how the author made the main female character so simple minded (not in her feelings towards the deceased wife but in her feelings towards people that do not believe the way she does, including someone that she loved). If you're hunting for a book to read then it may be a good grab but definitely not a first choice.

[Camille Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say more like 3.75. When I first started reading this, I thought it was going to be prudish and stupid, and then it got a lot better and then at the end it got prudish again. Jana made me really mad. It was a kind of fun and easy read. There are a few tender moments and I did see the inner turmoil that Jana puts herself through. I can see how people would like this book, for me it was just okay.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few typos but the story captured my attention. A girl who falls for a boy whose wife died and who is not a member of the LDS church. As he investigates the church, she realizes that he will want to be sealed to his wife and daughter and deals with the thought of having to share him. They have a cute relationship with a lot of friendship preceding anything else. The book deals with many different issues including post-partem depression, family history, conversion, and polygamy.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really slow. Protagonist isn't appealing and both the boyfriend she dumps and the one she falls for are too much alike. They're both controlling, don't listen to her,don't respect her privacy, can't take no for an answer, and make all of her choices for her. Her parents are unrealistic. There is some great dialog in a few scenes.

[Becky Zabriskie · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first I really didn't like the main character, she seemed to self-righteous. I also thought it was odd that an LDS family would encourage their daughter/sister to date a non-LDS man when she had such convictions against it. I did keep reading (even though it took me 2x's as long to read) and it wasn't too bad but I wouldn't encourage anyone to read it or buy the book myself.

[Christine Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a 3.5 star read, so I really wish we could add a half star option here in Goodreads. I did enjoy reading it. The storyline works alright.It is a cute romance, but a little unrealistic in parts (in my opinion). If you are looking for a fun, sweet LDS romance, this is a good choice. Definitely enjoyable and worth picking up!

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of each character, but I just feel like they didn't go anywhere. I kept waiting for this girl to grow a back bone, but she didn't stand up to anybody. She didn't stand up to the stalker, she kept getting dozered by her family, she didn't even break it off with the Jeff guy. It was a long book that was fine, but I was almost relieved to turn the last page.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 maybe....just because Jana could be a real stick in the mud. I loved Alex and I really enjoyed that the characters were honest about their feelings and good conversationalists.
I like that this was a sweet story with a fun romance. It also brought up common lds problems, but didn't try to fix them in an overly creepy, gooey, sickening way.

[Winona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! At 260 pages it wouldn't usually take this long to read it but I stretched my reading moments over a week. I'm glad I did as the story would have gone too quickly and it turned out to be a perfect pace for me and the book.
Jana & Alex kept my attention throughout their challenged encounter and were true to the situation. Worth a read!

[Barbara Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book for this author and I thought she did a great job. Sheryl is a friend of my daughter and based part of the main character on her. It is an LDS themed book about love, decisions and having morals. Very clean and enjoyable.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute a read. I love that it ended well, but not everything went the way it was expected. There got to be a point in the book that I wanted to reach into the book and smack the main character and say "stop fighting it so hard" but otherwise it was a great read!