Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story

O'Malley #0.6

by Dee Henderson

Eagerly Awaited Novella from Dee Henderson

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary, Inspirational

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com

Reviews

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word. Can I give this a thousand stars?

Y'all. THIS is how you write romance!

**Prepare yourselves for a minor rant on romances **

A good romantic relationship is not built on the "feels", the physical aspect - a tingling feeling when he touches your arm, constantly wanting to kiss, swooning over his blue eyes, getting lightheaded when you smell his aftershave . . . (*rolls eyes*) It's built on a solid friendship and a deep mutual respect and reverence for the other person - for their heart, their soul, their personality, not how cute they are.

Henderson nails that perfectly in "Jennifer". Tom and Jennifer's relationship is so pure, so sweet, and so beautiful. I fell in love with these amazing characters from the very start. I loved Jennifer's sweet servant's heart for others, and Tom's respect and support of her. Jennifer's salvation was incredibly realistic and beautiful, and actually had me tearing up. Henderson brings up some tough issues on God's sovereignty, and handles them with great tact, making things clear for the unbeliever, and strengthening the faith of the believer.

While very short, the pacing of this story was slow, peaceful, meandering. But not too slow that I lost interest. Just perfect. This could have been a full-blown novel and I would have loved it even more.

All in all, I very much enjoyed this short novella, and greatly look forward to reading more by this talented author! Highly recommended!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

by Andrea Renee Cox

Content to serve her “kids” in her pediatric practice, Jennifer O’Malley is unprepared for her life to change. So, when surgeon Tom Peterson slips into her life, she’s knocked off guard. Little does she know, she’s getting to know Tom for some pretty special reasons. When life throws her a curve ball, will Jennifer realize she can fully trust Tom AND the God he serves? Or will she face her scary new reality alone?

When I found out JENNIFER was in print, “HaPpY dAnCe!” was the first thing that popped into my mind. I’ve been hoping this novella would one day grace my bookshelves. Dee Henderson’s The O’Malley Chronicles is one of my favorite series, and I always thought the youngest O’Malley deserved her own book. It was well worth the wait.

Reading JENNIFER made me want to read the entire eight book series again (including the prequel and this novella). Dee’s trademark sense of humor brought a smile to my face in the midst of the toughest cry-my-eyes-out scenes. As always, when reading an O’Malley book, my emotions were pulled in and I was swept away by fantastic storytelling. Surprisingly, the lack of suspense and crime-drama qualities (as compared to the other books in the series) was not bothersome to me. Instead, I rather enjoyed being immersed into Jennifer’s world of hospitals and sick kids. Such a sweet personality as Jennifer deserved a sweet story. Dee Henderson delivered.

Dee, thanks for following God’s call when He asked you to write the O’Malley series. You’ve made it so easy to share the love of Christ with any non-believer who loves reading.

Readers, if you’d like to get hooked on a fabulous series of books that will keep you turning pages, I suggest you begin reading JENNIFER by Dee Henderson. The whole O’Malley Chronicles series I highly recommend. There’s a little of everything tossed in the mix, so I’d be surprised if you didn’t enjoy them. For more information about the series and its author, please visit http://deehenderson.com/. (May 20, 2013)

*** (April 27, 2015) Just re-read this one and found it just as lovely as last time, if not more so. Its sweetness reminds me of Joanne Bischof's This Quiet Sky. If you read and enjoy Jennifer, I'm pretty sure you'll love This Quiet Sky as well. Give it a read when you have a chance. ***

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book. I have a month of the Audible romance package, so I'm going to be listening through all the O'Mally books that are available.
This story is sweet and heart pulling all at the same time.

[Deidra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update from re-read:

As someone who has now since found the man she loves and married him, I appreciated this book even more.

My husband had to be very patient with me coming into our relationship. I admired that quality in Tom as he pursued Jennifer and allowed her space to come to her own conclusions on him and his faith. The story covers what I know has a heartbreaking end, but the romance they experience is priceless. There are few couples that I put in such high regard as Jennifer and Tom.

Their banter in the hospitals and their long walks and not typical dating life was charming. Jennifer's love and adoration for her patients remind me of why I love teaching. It's not just a career. It's a lifestyle. She makes her world all about them. She knows personal things about each one. She's the kind of doctor I want for my kid.

I loved this story more as a re-read than I did before. I can't wait to re-read the rest of the series.

*ATTENTION* If you have not read the O'Malley series, you are not allowed to read this review. Stop. Back away, and go to the nearest library/bookstore and get Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson. Start reading. There are six more books after that for you to consume!

I am so thankful that Dee Henderson decided to give her fans this. Jennifer was probably my favorite character in the O'Malley series. She was all heart and generosity. As a doctor, she is incredibly able to know each of her patients intimately. She takes the time. Seeing her in this book brought that to light even more. I feel like I know Jennifer so much more. And Tom. I just love Dee Henderson's love stories.

The book has Dee Henderson all over it. It was so beautiful with that feeling I only get from her! The relationship that builds between Tom and Jennifer is truly beautiful and unusual for these days. I want that so much. The story really gives you a look into how Jennifer started her belief in God, her love for Tom, and how she begins to deal with her cancer. She is such a fighter.

Considering I always felt like she was the heart of the O'Malley stories, I think this little prequel is so beautiful, and I know that I laughed and cried as I read. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to delve further into the story. Now I just need to make some time to reread the rest of the books!

If you have not read the O'Malley series, I am going to insist that you at least check them out. They are truly incredible and riveting!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent portrayal of Jennifer's conversion, and how real her questions were to begin with. I'd very nearly be able to use this story for a witnessing tool, with such a well-argued presentation of the Gospel!

I hated that Jennifer finds love and faith at the same time she finds out she has cancer. Obviously her story continues in the series, but I am sure am hoping she wins her fight! I love this family...

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short book focused on the love story of Jennifer O'Malley, the youngest of seven siblings in Dee Henderson's series of The O'Malleys.

This was my first book by the author and I am looking forward to diving into the rest of the lives of Jennifer's siblings. I've read nothing but good reviews. I love the combination of Christian Fiction, Romance, and Suspense.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I enjoyed Dee Henderson's writing, and after reading an extremely heavy book, I really needed this 0.6 prequel to the O'Malley series.

Jennifer is a pediatric doctor in Texas, far away from the family of brothers and sisters who adopted each other years ago in Chicago. They tell each other everything and love being in each other’s lives.

Now there are new things in her life she will have to share when she returns home for a 4th of July family reunion. A new love, two decisions she recently made, and one life altering circumstance even she can’t make sense of.

I was so glad I finished this story, reserving my first impressions. I thought, Oh no, another story where a Christian is falling for a non-Christian. But, although Dee Henderson had her characters becoming good friends, they never kissed or expresses love words toward each other until one character made a well thought out acceptance for Christ. Made me happy.

This was a book with no end, concluding most likely with the first of the series, The Negotiator, which I’m delighted is in my library.

Off to go start that now!

[Michelle Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Jennifer
Author: Dee Henderson
Pages: 160
Year: 2013
Publisher: Bethany House

If you have read the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson then you must read Jennifer. It completes the story of the O’Malleys. If you have net read any in this series, I can’t speak highly enough of them.

The O’Malleys are a group of 7 orphans that adopted each other, took the name of O’Malley and became a family. They would do anything for each other. If need be, they would drop everything and take a flight across the country if one of them needs help. Their bond is stronger than the average family because they have learned the hard way how important family is.

This story is the beginning of Jennifer’s love story and how she comes to now Christ. It is beautiful, rich with love, respect and patience. Jennifer is a pediatric doctor who takes care of kids with cancer or other life threatening illnesses. Her love for each patient is like none Tom Peterson, a surgeon in the same hospital, has ever seen.

Tom, a devout Christian, builds a friendship with Jennifer before moving to a romantic level. He introduces her to his church, loans her his Bible patiently stands by, becoming a close friend, as she works her way through her decision about who Christ is and if she believes the Bible is true.
Friendship and love are a strong theme throughout this novel. I especially love the way Jennifer learns about Christ, searches for answers to all of her questions, and Tom helps her along when she asks. It is such a gentle way to lead someone to Christ, and perhaps a more realistic way than I have read in most novels.

I loved this book. It is not a suspense as much as Dee Henderson’s other books are. But it is great none the less. I love Dee Henderson’s work. She is such an inspiration. I hope you have a chance to read her work and fall in love with her stories as I have.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really wanted to read this one for awhile after I heard about it when I finished the O'Malley series. It's a short read, but it was great to dive into Jennifer's world and see how her conversion came about.

It wasn't until around page 60 or so that Christianity was mentioned. After that there was a lot more and I appreciated how much spiritual things were brought into the story.

I felt the romance moved much too fast without you really seeing what Tom and Jen liked about each other.

I sooo wanted to see more of Jennifer's family. They were just mentioned in passing and although there are other books focusing on them, I would have loved to see them more in this book before the news of Jennifer's condition came to light.

I think I would give this little lower stars if I hadn't read the O'Malley series. Personally, although this book is supposed to come before the series, I felt like readers might not enjoy it as much if they hadn't read the O'Malley series. I know I wouldn't have. Because I already knew Jennifer and what she went through, I really liked her, but if I hadn't I would have had a harder time enjoying the book.

All that being said, I really felt the emotions when Jennifer found out the bad news at the end. The books ends in the middle of it, making you want to find out more (which is why you must read the O'Malley series).

[Angie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice little prequel, but it makes me want to read the O'Malley series all over again. Loved that series!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for hard life events and some romance

Best for Ages: 15 and up

It has been too long since I have read a Dee Henderson book. I had forgotten how she keeps you turning pages and tugs at your heart strings.

This book is small (only 160 pages) but it lives up to Dee Henderson’s well deserved acclaim. Jennifer pulls at your heart strings, makes you laugh, makes you cry, and renews your faith.
I think that one thing that I liked about this book more than anything else was the strong faith message. So many Christian books are working so hard at not sounding preachy, or beating people over the head with Biblical truths that they don’t put any real message in this book. Dee Henderson seems proud to share her faith, even if others may not like it. She does an amazing job of weaving it into the story and fitting into the characters.

I really love the whole concept of the O’Malley series. It probably has to do with the fact that I am one of seven kids as well. I can’t wait for my youngest sister to read this story, she will empathize with Jennifer being the youngest of so many.

There is romance, but I must say it was some of the best I have read in a while. The guy and the girl spend a lot of time together doing things before they even so much as hold hands. There are some kisses, but they only happen after the relationship has progressed. *spoiler alert* after finding out some really hard news the guy does spend the night at her house. However, it makes it very clear that the girls slept in her bed on the second story and he spent the night on the couch on the first floor. The scene didn’t make my uncomfortable, and I squirm easily. *End spoiler alert*

If you like page turners, heart tugging stories, clean romance, and strong faith messages, get a copy of Jennifer today!

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

[Sandra Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finding God and falling in love, life is good for Dr. Jennifer O'Malley. But can her faith--and her family--survive the challenges ahead?

A sweet, short prequel to the O'Malley series. I really enjoyed this book. It was so nice to get Jennifer and Tom's back story that is only touched on in the other books. Jennifer is a lovely girl, a doctor working with the sickest kids who really puts herself and her heart out there with her kids. I appreciated that Jennifer as a new christian didn't take the bad news well with lots of trust in God initially. You see her hurt that the God she just trusted in is allowing this terrible thing to happen to her.

Tom is a wonderful man who gently witnesses to Jennifer, falls in love with her and determines to stand beside her no matter what--even when Jennifer tries to push him away.

This is a lovely story that makes me want to re-read the O'Malley books again to finish her story.

One caveat I have is at Jennifer's baptism where Tom clearly says in part that the baptism is for the forgiveness of her sins. The Bible clearly teaches that it's repentance (which is not mentioned) that saves us, not baptism. I realize there are many that don't agree with me, but I provide an honest opinion--not always a popular one--and that is the reason this dropped to four stars out of five.

I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley.com for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Deborha Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book with a big story.

For those who have read the O’Malley series, this is the prequel to them all. You are going to see all that Jennifer, the youngest O’Malley, went through before the first book in the series, The Negotiator. This was a well made book, short but it answered a lot of questions concerning Jennifer. Warning to those who have yet to read The Negotiator, this book ends where that book begins, so I highly recommend you have The Negotiator handy to pick up and read after reading Jennifer. This book is a love story, yet it is filled with heart wrenching moments that will have your emotions on edge. I admire Jennifer and the career that she chose….not everyone can handle it. God’s presence is felt strongly through Jennifer’s love interest, Tom. His faith helps Jennifer to face certain circumstances and eventually draws her close to God.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the O'Malley series, even though there wasn't an O'Malley in the first book. This was a great short story that I read in two days, because I couldn't put this book down. This book was especially impressive to me, because of the cover. I happen to know a girl (I will not mention her name) that looks exactly like the one on the cover. There are other qualities and character that appear identical to both girls. Jennifer in the book is a doctor and the girl I know is a nurse. Both of these girls have a genuine love for children and for other people around them. Jennifer gets saved in the story, and the girl I know is a wonderful Christian. I was in tears at the end of the book because of what happens to Jennifer, knowing the same thing could happen to any Christian.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a bittersweet story. I loved hearing more of Jennifer's perspective. And the romance was really, really good.
I loved all the times she talks about being the youngest. Being the youngest of seven myself, I can relate.

2020>>After reading the series twice, this book was a little hard to read, but I still loved it. Tom was such a good guy and their relationship was great.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet story about a doctor falling in love with another doctor.
It's really well written and heartwarming. It does have some small sad parts, especially at the end, but they're not too overwhelming.
This is a very clean and easy read. Very light and enjoyable.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer O'Malley loved her job as a pediatrician. It got even better when she meets a fellow doctor on her rounds, Tom Peterson who is a surgeon. He brings her to church and gives her a Bible to read. It doesn't take long for her to believe that Jesus is real. Then Jennifer finds out that she had cancer. It is her faith in Jesus and her love for Tom that helps her through this harrowing ordeal. Now she needs to find the courage to tell her family.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Loved this prequel novella to one of my favorite Christian fiction series! It made me want to read about the O'MALLEY'S again. My one gripe is that it was too short!

[Cheryl Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so fun to re-visit an old haunt of yours, a blast from the past so to speak. It’s fun because it was a favorite from the past and it still has a sweet spot in your heart- it’s familiar and it is just plain nice and comfortable. These are the feelings that Jennifer, an O’Malley Love story elicited in me while reading this bittersweet novella. Why, you ask? Because it is a return to the O’Malleys of course. For those of you that have read the wonderfully popular O’Malley series from Dee Henderson, you are in for a treat. A wonderful prequel where we dive into the Love story of Jennifer O’Malley and return ever so briefly remember what makes this series special. The bonds of a self-made family- a group of people with no family who bonded together to create one. If you have not read the O’Malleys, here is a wonderful place to start.

We meet Jennifer O’Malley, a very special Dr. who works with young children in wellness care for kids who were chronically or terminally ill. She helps them to feel better. She bumps into Tom Peterson, a surgeon one night in the ER and they form a friendship of sorts. Jennifer is not looking for a relationship, but as these things always go, a relationship starts to develop. They have a problem though, He is a man with a heartfelt faith , while Jennifer does not and doesn’t see the need for God in her life. However with patience and care Tom woos her to himself and doesn’t push her but just invites her to check out a relationship with Jesus out for herself.

This novel does a good job of introducing us to Jennifer and her struggles with understanding who God is. The things I loved about the O’Malley series are that it truly tackles different objections and obstacles that people have with regards to a relationship with God based on what they have experienced in their respective lives. This novel is no different and I enjoyed seeing Jennifer progress, and learn and gain understanding, even when faced with insurmountable odds. As I mentioned earlier, this is a prequel type of story. So once you are done reading this one, you’ll want to read or re-read the O’Malleys series all over again!

4 Stars.

I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read one of Dee Henderson's books previously (The Negotiator, book one in her O'Malley series) But I really liked what I saw of Jennifer in that one and when I got the chance to review her story, I jumped on it! I wasn't disappointed! While there is no heart pounding suspense in this one, it is written perfectly! This is a very sweet love story, I felt more different emotions while reading it than I think I have ever felt from a book! I particularly loved getting inside Jennifer's head and watching her come to Christ! I loved getting to see her journey rather than just hearing about it. I must say, while this is a novella, it is the perfect length, not too short and not too long! I really loved this story, and I don't think Dee Henderson could have done anything better! I don't really know what else to say for fear of giving away too much, but in closing, I highly recommend this book! I have no doubts that Dee Henderson's many fans as well as new readers will devour this new novella! I now can't wait to read the rest of the O'Malley series.



I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only reason I went looking for more Dee Henderson is that I read a couple of novella's by her in the last year, and I like her slow but not missing a beat kind of writing. I like this kind of calm and relaxed writing style. I had no qualms that I would be lead to a good and kind ending. I haven't read any of the O'Malley books, but I wanted something short, and Jennifer seemed to fit the bill very well. Jennifer is a doctor and while it doesn't delve deeply into her backstory, it's enough that I kept reading wanting to find out more. She alludes to her family many times thinking of the upcoming Fourth of the July when she would be reunited with them. She speaks of how untypical of a family that they came to be. She's the youngest of the O'Malley's and there's a sense (portrayed) that they're protective of their youngest sibling. The ending of the novella really struck me as interesting, and I say that because it wasn't your typical HEA ending but it left me extremely satisfied with how it finished.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness such a bittersweet story. I loved getting to read this background story of Jennifer and Tom falling in love and how Jennifer found the Lord. I did things backwards and read the O'Malley series first because a friend let me borrow them and she didn't have this one. But I do wish I had read this one first so that is what I recommend. Now I want to go back and read the others again, especially The Negotiator so I can see again the family meeting Tom. If you have read and loved The O'Malley series and haven't read this one yet, I highly recommend it.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it should have been the last book of the series, but otherwise, it was great! The romance was sweet and gentle. I love Tom and Jennifer. I cried when she cried and laughed when she laughed. A great short read.

[Melissa (Vacation Mode) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't realize until I finished that this is a prequel to the O'Malley series. It's a short, sweet novella, 3.5 stars.

[Cayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The O'Malley series is near and dear to my heart, so I was excited to finally read Jennifer's story, even though it was just a glimpse. It was nice to revisit the family (even if it was just Jennifer and Tom), but I probably would have enjoyed this more had I read it closer to when I read the others. Some of the issues I've had in the past with Dee's books crept up here, i.e.- more telling then showing; the overly-confident male character; the stiltedness of it all. It can make it hard to relate/feel for the characters since you don't really get to know them too well. However, this can also be a symptom of the short length.

But, I'm giving it a 4 because I love the O'Malleys and it was nice to finally read Jen's story.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the O’Malley series 💗 They are quite the family! This book was written 8 years after the others as a back story to the youngest- Jennifer. She ends up dying in one of the last books so I knew this one would be a tear jerker & guess what...it was! It was beautifully written, tho, and I’m glad I finally bit the bullet and read it 💝

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to get closure to the OMalley family. To "see" her story and how she started the chain reaction for all the others. Even though we got to see little pieces of her through out the series this book just made me love her even more.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klein kort boekje. Opbouw naar de O'Malley-serie. Frustrerend kort, al nodigt het wel uit om snel het volgende boek van de serie erbij te pakken! Had wat mij betreft iets meer uitgewerkt mogen worden, want het voelt echt niet af. Het verhaal is verder wel boeiend dus toch 4 sterren.

[Emily Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so bittersweet😭 I’m so glad Henderson gave Jennifer her own book, even though it was short. It was good to get to know Jennifer and Tom more. I wish I had read this before the first book so I could’ve had a better understanding of Jennifer’s story.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious love story filled with obstacles and heart breaking news. I can't wait to read others in this series!