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The Accidental Marriage
Love is hard work—something Nina and Elliot didn't anticipate when they rushed into marriage. Thinking their passion would conquer all, they never anticipated that cooking mishaps, laundry disasters, and a tug-of-war with a possessive mother-in-law could push them to the brink of divorce so quickly. If their marriage is going to survive, Nina and Elliot must not let pride stand in the way of their promise.
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2013
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806 people want to read
About the author
Annette Haws
3 books49 followersAnnette Haws’s literary strengths are based upon her experiences in the classroom. She began her teaching career as a junior high teacher in Richmond, Utah and ended it teaching Sophomore English at Murray High School in Salt Lake City. However, her favorite assignment was a five year period at Logan High School teaching English, coaching debate and mock trial, and watching the antics of her own three children who were also students in the same school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 30, 2014
When I read The Accidental Marriage by Annette Haws, a funny moment from the past came to mind:
When I was a newlywed, my neighbor had an unexpected errand to run just as her loaves of bread were ready to bake, and she asked if I would bake them in my oven. When my husband returned from a grueling day of grad school an hour later, he sniffed the fragrant loaves browning beautifully in the oven and closed his eyes in ecstasy. I knew he was thinking: "And she bakes bread, too!" When the truth was revealed, he managed to accept it with grace and humor.
I think many of us can identify with Nina and Elliot in The Accidental Marriage. They meet in Scotland where Elliot is serving the last months of his LDS (Mormon) mission and Nina is enjoying a semester abroad. There is instant chemistry between the two, and when they reconnect later in Utah, it's still there. Marriage with its happy dreams and expectations soon follows. But paradoxically, the very qualities that attracted Nina and Elliot to each other before marriage were not what they expected after the vows were said. Nina's not domestic; she yearns to eventually attend law school. Elliot, who plans to be a dentist, doesn't think his wife needs a "real" career; home and family should be her domain once he's established in his profession. And she should also be a great cook. He expects this in part because his mother is a paragon of domesticity; surely Nina could become one, too.
And what does Nina expect? A lover of music and literature (and tennis), the romantic English major recalls a moment in Scotland when, in her eyes, Elliot momentarily resembled her favorite poet: "Robbie Burns was standing next to me on the top of St. Rule's, so incredibly handsome, and the terra firma just moved beneath my feet." Elliot's response? "He wasn't sure he liked this. He felt like a stand-in for a dead poet."
The two end up in a cramped student apartment in Logan, Utah, where Elliot attends Utah State University and Nina bravely takes a job teaching middle school English. Reality soon sets in and they find themselves in an unhappy partnership. Adding to her stress, Nina is confronted with blatant sexual harassment by the "good old boys" of her faculty, and when she faces it head-on, the results aren't pretty. (Did I mention that this book is set in the seventies?) Elliot's old girlfriend (a sweet paragon of domesticity and adored by Elliot's family) is also standing in the wings, waiting hopefully for him to come to his senses and choose her instead.
There are subplots illustrating the dynamics of the families in which Nina and Elliot were raised, and daily issues including finances, cooking, laundry...all of which become surprisingly important to the struggling couple. When they finally seek help from their LDS bishop, he identifies their painful conflicts in concrete terms and offers wise and compassionate counsel. In the end, of course, it's up to Nina and Elliot to change and grow and work hard toward a resolution if this marriage can survive.
There are some proofing errors and a couple of minor plot threads apparently got lost during the editing process.However, this reflects more on the publisher than the author and didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
In The Accidental Marriage Haws delivers engaging, well-developed and realistic characters as well as a vivid picture of life in the 1970s, immersing the reader in the music, literature, fashions, educational practices and cultural influences of the era. Haws also creates a strong sense of place that almost functions as an additional character in the book. Though the cover art is clever and the unexpected humor within the story is delightful, this is a book that deals with serious issues and addresses them with depth. There are also some unexpected plot twists that make this book hard to put down.
The Accidental Marriage is not your mom's predictable Mormon romance that guarantees a happy ending from page one and contains stereotyped LDS characters. Haws has written a frank, thought-provoking and refreshing novel, a welcome addition to LDS literature.
When I was a newlywed, my neighbor had an unexpected errand to run just as her loaves of bread were ready to bake, and she asked if I would bake them in my oven. When my husband returned from a grueling day of grad school an hour later, he sniffed the fragrant loaves browning beautifully in the oven and closed his eyes in ecstasy. I knew he was thinking: "And she bakes bread, too!" When the truth was revealed, he managed to accept it with grace and humor.
I think many of us can identify with Nina and Elliot in The Accidental Marriage. They meet in Scotland where Elliot is serving the last months of his LDS (Mormon) mission and Nina is enjoying a semester abroad. There is instant chemistry between the two, and when they reconnect later in Utah, it's still there. Marriage with its happy dreams and expectations soon follows. But paradoxically, the very qualities that attracted Nina and Elliot to each other before marriage were not what they expected after the vows were said. Nina's not domestic; she yearns to eventually attend law school. Elliot, who plans to be a dentist, doesn't think his wife needs a "real" career; home and family should be her domain once he's established in his profession. And she should also be a great cook. He expects this in part because his mother is a paragon of domesticity; surely Nina could become one, too.
And what does Nina expect? A lover of music and literature (and tennis), the romantic English major recalls a moment in Scotland when, in her eyes, Elliot momentarily resembled her favorite poet: "Robbie Burns was standing next to me on the top of St. Rule's, so incredibly handsome, and the terra firma just moved beneath my feet." Elliot's response? "He wasn't sure he liked this. He felt like a stand-in for a dead poet."
The two end up in a cramped student apartment in Logan, Utah, where Elliot attends Utah State University and Nina bravely takes a job teaching middle school English. Reality soon sets in and they find themselves in an unhappy partnership. Adding to her stress, Nina is confronted with blatant sexual harassment by the "good old boys" of her faculty, and when she faces it head-on, the results aren't pretty. (Did I mention that this book is set in the seventies?) Elliot's old girlfriend (a sweet paragon of domesticity and adored by Elliot's family) is also standing in the wings, waiting hopefully for him to come to his senses and choose her instead.
There are subplots illustrating the dynamics of the families in which Nina and Elliot were raised, and daily issues including finances, cooking, laundry...all of which become surprisingly important to the struggling couple. When they finally seek help from their LDS bishop, he identifies their painful conflicts in concrete terms and offers wise and compassionate counsel. In the end, of course, it's up to Nina and Elliot to change and grow and work hard toward a resolution if this marriage can survive.
There are some proofing errors and a couple of minor plot threads apparently got lost during the editing process.However, this reflects more on the publisher than the author and didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
In The Accidental Marriage Haws delivers engaging, well-developed and realistic characters as well as a vivid picture of life in the 1970s, immersing the reader in the music, literature, fashions, educational practices and cultural influences of the era. Haws also creates a strong sense of place that almost functions as an additional character in the book. Though the cover art is clever and the unexpected humor within the story is delightful, this is a book that deals with serious issues and addresses them with depth. There are also some unexpected plot twists that make this book hard to put down.
The Accidental Marriage is not your mom's predictable Mormon romance that guarantees a happy ending from page one and contains stereotyped LDS characters. Haws has written a frank, thought-provoking and refreshing novel, a welcome addition to LDS literature.
May 8, 2014
One of my favorite activities is to dramatically read aloud the short book descriptions in the advertisements for religious fiction. Ok - I know I am not being nice. Forgive me ahead of time - but it is so much fun. For example, beautiful Jesannabellah (has to be a completely romantic and difficult name) falls in love with dashing Zaxtyn (the names are the best part of the ads) but they are cursed from the beginning because of extremely difficult and evil people in their lives. But somehow they overcome and live happily together forever. Ahhhh. The promos make me laugh but needless to say, I'm not a fan of a lot of church fiction. The characters are too one-layered and the story is often unbearably predictable.
This book is completely different and honestly, I loved it. It tells the story of the first year or so of the marriage of Nina and Elliot (see the nice normal names!) and it is so rich and full and deep. Both Nina and Elliot aren't perfect. They are complex and layered and they struggle. The writing is excellent. It felt so real and honest and complicated and I loved that. The words are great. I didn't feel like there were any cliches or corny conversions. Yes, there are some extreme characters in the book, the mom, the coworker, etc. But even these characters had complexity. I felt like every part of the book had purpose and connected to the growth of the story. It is refreshing to read that happily ever after doesn't just happen after that magical courtship and perfect wedding day. Sometimes marriage is complicated and it always takes a lot of work but two people who love each other and hang on tight can succeed.
Very nice book - it might be a fun one to discuss for book club.
This book is completely different and honestly, I loved it. It tells the story of the first year or so of the marriage of Nina and Elliot (see the nice normal names!) and it is so rich and full and deep. Both Nina and Elliot aren't perfect. They are complex and layered and they struggle. The writing is excellent. It felt so real and honest and complicated and I loved that. The words are great. I didn't feel like there were any cliches or corny conversions. Yes, there are some extreme characters in the book, the mom, the coworker, etc. But even these characters had complexity. I felt like every part of the book had purpose and connected to the growth of the story. It is refreshing to read that happily ever after doesn't just happen after that magical courtship and perfect wedding day. Sometimes marriage is complicated and it always takes a lot of work but two people who love each other and hang on tight can succeed.
Very nice book - it might be a fun one to discuss for book club.
January 23, 2014
Elliott and Nina are drawn to each other at the end of his mission in Scotland and he convinces her to come to the airport when he returns home to Utah (she is also from Utah and was finishing up a semester abroad). He doesn't realize what a big deal it will be and that Pam, the ex-girlfriend that he broke up with right before he came home, would be there. It was awkward and Nina leaves before he can talk to her. As soon as he can, he's at her house explaining what happened. They start to date and end up getting married, and that's where the challenges really begin.
Nina is young and free spirited. She doesn't know how to cook or clean. She has a tough year adjusting to married life. She and Elliott are in love but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough. They both hurt each other, thinking they're justified, only later to realize that they behaved badly. My heart broke for them. I also cheered them on and wanted them to find a way to make it work, and I definitely had my doubts.
I liked that the POV switched between them so we had a good feel for what they were each going through. We would sometimes get a glimpse of their parents as well. Both sets of parents were obstacles in their relationship so it was interesting to hear what they were really thinking.
I am grateful that my first year of marriage was much easier than this! This book is set in the '70's and does have some references to the LDS, or Mormon, culture, but isn't preachy so anyone that prefers clean romance will enjoy reading it.
Content: Kissing; Sex is implied but not described.
Mel's Shelves
Nina is young and free spirited. She doesn't know how to cook or clean. She has a tough year adjusting to married life. She and Elliott are in love but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough. They both hurt each other, thinking they're justified, only later to realize that they behaved badly. My heart broke for them. I also cheered them on and wanted them to find a way to make it work, and I definitely had my doubts.
I liked that the POV switched between them so we had a good feel for what they were each going through. We would sometimes get a glimpse of their parents as well. Both sets of parents were obstacles in their relationship so it was interesting to hear what they were really thinking.
I am grateful that my first year of marriage was much easier than this! This book is set in the '70's and does have some references to the LDS, or Mormon, culture, but isn't preachy so anyone that prefers clean romance will enjoy reading it.
Content: Kissing; Sex is implied but not described.
Mel's Shelves
January 25, 2014
While on a study abroad in Scotland, Nina meets a young missionary and falls in love. When Elliot returns to America, he breaks up with the girl who waited for him and pursues Nina relentlessly. Regardless of their differences in background; he is working class and her family is wealthy, they quickly decide to get married. Elliot's domineering mother Rachel isn't happy with the new wife, who doesn't meet her standards and isn't the nice girl she had picked out for her beloved son. But Elliot and Nina are determined to marry and when the realities of life hit them, they discover they don't know each other as well as they thought.
This was not quite the light-hearted comedy romance I expected. I appreciated the exploration of the ups and downs of marriage. Simply being in love seems like it's enough, but good communication is key in a successful marriage and Elliot and Nina were not well equipped in communication skills. Add to that a domineering mother-in-law who refuses to let her son go and demands that life as she knows it stays the same and you have a perfect cauldron of trouble.
Loved the 1970's setting. Such a time of turbulence with Title IX and the ERA and the feminist movement. I loved Nina and her independence. In many ways I could relate to her thought processes. I am fortunate to have grown up before and during that turbulent time in a family that encouraged education and independence along with marriage and motherhood. I married a man who believes in me and my intelligence and abilities more than I believe in myself sometimes. Because of that, it was difficult for me to see Elliot often dismiss his wife's wants and needs and his family's outright cruelty and unacceptance.
I grew frustrated with the lack of character development and how everyone remains fairly one-dimensional. Nina and Elliot never grew as people or as a couple. Their ideals were different and neither one would bend or listen to the other. I understood the growing pains of learning to live together, but I did not always understand their reactions to each other's situations. They kept secrets from each other but confided in friends and family about their troubles instead. And with an interfering family like Elliot's that does not bode well for a newly married couple. But with all that, there was no real growth, although through her school difficulties and resulting lawsuit, Nina began to find herself which was refreshing even as Elliot refused to see that his wife had a mind and needs and thoughts of her own.
The ending was disappointing. We are left with hope, but not the satisfactory resolution I hoped to see.
This is light Christian with characters who happen to be LDS. It's not an overtly religious book though, and faith is almost an afterthought. The story is, however, compelling and thought-provoking and one that I read in an evening. It has stayed with me for several days as I have formulated my thoughts for this review. Because of that, I can recommend it.
This was not quite the light-hearted comedy romance I expected. I appreciated the exploration of the ups and downs of marriage. Simply being in love seems like it's enough, but good communication is key in a successful marriage and Elliot and Nina were not well equipped in communication skills. Add to that a domineering mother-in-law who refuses to let her son go and demands that life as she knows it stays the same and you have a perfect cauldron of trouble.
Loved the 1970's setting. Such a time of turbulence with Title IX and the ERA and the feminist movement. I loved Nina and her independence. In many ways I could relate to her thought processes. I am fortunate to have grown up before and during that turbulent time in a family that encouraged education and independence along with marriage and motherhood. I married a man who believes in me and my intelligence and abilities more than I believe in myself sometimes. Because of that, it was difficult for me to see Elliot often dismiss his wife's wants and needs and his family's outright cruelty and unacceptance.
I grew frustrated with the lack of character development and how everyone remains fairly one-dimensional. Nina and Elliot never grew as people or as a couple. Their ideals were different and neither one would bend or listen to the other. I understood the growing pains of learning to live together, but I did not always understand their reactions to each other's situations. They kept secrets from each other but confided in friends and family about their troubles instead. And with an interfering family like Elliot's that does not bode well for a newly married couple. But with all that, there was no real growth, although through her school difficulties and resulting lawsuit, Nina began to find herself which was refreshing even as Elliot refused to see that his wife had a mind and needs and thoughts of her own.
The ending was disappointing. We are left with hope, but not the satisfactory resolution I hoped to see.
This is light Christian with characters who happen to be LDS. It's not an overtly religious book though, and faith is almost an afterthought. The story is, however, compelling and thought-provoking and one that I read in an evening. It has stayed with me for several days as I have formulated my thoughts for this review. Because of that, I can recommend it.
January 12, 2014
3.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book, for the most part. It kept me interested throughout. A few parts were slow, but the end moved at a good pace.
This was a good story, but I was expecting it to me a bit more light-hearted and fluffy. The Accidental Marriage has a lot of depth and delves into issues that changed the US immensely. Nina and Elliott found themselves in love and married in the 1970s. This was at the height of the equal rights for women (Title IX) and the feminist movement. Nina and Elliott are opposites in so many ways. A few times, I had to stop and remind myself of the era that this story takes place because I was surprised by Elliott’s reaction to what Nina was going through at her teaching job. (I wasn’t surprised by his expectations, or her experiences. I was just surprised by his reaction.) Such different thinking from today. It did make for interesting reading.
I liked Nina and Elliott at different times for different reasons but not consistently. There were times that I didn’t like either of them. And there were other times where I was rooting for one or the other. I liked Nina’s parents. It was surprising how forward-thinking they were, especially her father. That was refreshing and provided an interesting perspective on Nina. I liked Elliott’s father; I felt for him. I wanted to know more about him. Elliott’s mother was not a favorite, but I understood her.
The ending left me a bit disappointed. I know what the author was trying to do. I get it. I appreciate it. BUT . . . *SPOILER – ISH ALERT* I wanted to know the resolution. I wanted to know how the summer went. I wanted to know the future of Nina and Elliott.
Would I recommend it: I would.
Will I read it again: I will not.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/01/bl...
Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book, for the most part. It kept me interested throughout. A few parts were slow, but the end moved at a good pace.
This was a good story, but I was expecting it to me a bit more light-hearted and fluffy. The Accidental Marriage has a lot of depth and delves into issues that changed the US immensely. Nina and Elliott found themselves in love and married in the 1970s. This was at the height of the equal rights for women (Title IX) and the feminist movement. Nina and Elliott are opposites in so many ways. A few times, I had to stop and remind myself of the era that this story takes place because I was surprised by Elliott’s reaction to what Nina was going through at her teaching job. (I wasn’t surprised by his expectations, or her experiences. I was just surprised by his reaction.) Such different thinking from today. It did make for interesting reading.
I liked Nina and Elliott at different times for different reasons but not consistently. There were times that I didn’t like either of them. And there were other times where I was rooting for one or the other. I liked Nina’s parents. It was surprising how forward-thinking they were, especially her father. That was refreshing and provided an interesting perspective on Nina. I liked Elliott’s father; I felt for him. I wanted to know more about him. Elliott’s mother was not a favorite, but I understood her.
The ending left me a bit disappointed. I know what the author was trying to do. I get it. I appreciate it. BUT . . . *SPOILER – ISH ALERT* I wanted to know the resolution. I wanted to know how the summer went. I wanted to know the future of Nina and Elliott.
Would I recommend it: I would.
Will I read it again: I will not.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/01/bl...
January 7, 2014
4.5 Stars
I remember getting married...a long time ago...and having quite a time adjusting. I had dreams of getting married and living life in a fairy tale--happily ever after. Little did I know, there would be a lot of work and comprise to get to the happily ever after (still working on it...). Meshing two people from different backgrounds with different expectations isn't an easy task. I didn't go through nearly the amount of things that Nina did, thank goodness. I thought this was a great book--it was real and raw and really showed the emotion, strain, and ups and downs that newlyweds face. I especially enjoyed the time in history that it was set in--the 70s. Nina was so determined to be who she wanted to be and she didn't want to be set back by some outdated ideas. She was a trailblazer for women in her time. There were struggles that I didn't realize women faced at that time. My parents were newlyweds around the same time and it helped me relate to the place in history that they lived and started building their lives together.
These two were quite stubborn and headstrong, which was good and bad. I loved watching them grow and learn. Reading this book was a very emotional ride, but one that I really enjoyed.
Content: kissing; intimacy between a married couple is eluded to, but in no way descriptive. Clean.
I remember getting married...a long time ago...and having quite a time adjusting. I had dreams of getting married and living life in a fairy tale--happily ever after. Little did I know, there would be a lot of work and comprise to get to the happily ever after (still working on it...). Meshing two people from different backgrounds with different expectations isn't an easy task. I didn't go through nearly the amount of things that Nina did, thank goodness. I thought this was a great book--it was real and raw and really showed the emotion, strain, and ups and downs that newlyweds face. I especially enjoyed the time in history that it was set in--the 70s. Nina was so determined to be who she wanted to be and she didn't want to be set back by some outdated ideas. She was a trailblazer for women in her time. There were struggles that I didn't realize women faced at that time. My parents were newlyweds around the same time and it helped me relate to the place in history that they lived and started building their lives together.
These two were quite stubborn and headstrong, which was good and bad. I loved watching them grow and learn. Reading this book was a very emotional ride, but one that I really enjoyed.
Content: kissing; intimacy between a married couple is eluded to, but in no way descriptive. Clean.
December 15, 2013
This book was much more than a romantic comedy! Set in the early 1970s with Mormonism as a cultural backdrop, this book tackles social/economic issues and gender issues, including sexual assault. Annette Haws deftly takes the reader into the homes and minds of her main characters. She cared about each one. I could relate to both husband and wife as well as each in-law, even when they were making blunders and mistakes. I mostly identified with the young heroine as she tired to hang on to her self identity while sacrificing many of her aspirations. I was brought into her world whether it was the dishes clanking in the kitchen sink or the grungy jr. high where she taught. Poignantly and beautifully tackling the pitfalls of newlyweds, Annette Haws gives insight, wisdom and hope for even the most miss matched couple. This book will be under the Christmas tree for my newlywed daughters.
December 11, 2013
My favorite line of this book is, "Two different scripts were etched in their brains of what normal ought to be. Like it or not they each brought those scripts--that they didn't know they had--to this drama called marriage. Standing next to each other on the stage he was reading lines from 'Barefoot in the Park' and Nina was performing 'As You Like It', so of course the dialogue made no sense." What great insight Haws' has into the complexities of love and marriage. Through this book we see that in order for love to "overcome it all" sometimes we need to overcome ourselves, our past, and our expectations. I wanted to rush to the end of this book to see what would become of these star-crossed lovers, but found myself instead savoring each chapter. This is a must read!
June 14, 2014
3.5 stars
I had a hard time liking the main characters when I started this book...I kept putting it away and reading other things....but once I got into it I couldn't seem to put it down. I found myself pulling for the two of them (though throughout the story I wanted to knock them both on the side of the head almost the entire time!) It made me,once again, extremely grateful for the man I married!!! I ended up glad I read it...but I don't think I'd read it again. It was almost exhausting trying to get them to their happily ever after....and still at the end leaves you hoping that they figure things out.
I had a hard time liking the main characters when I started this book...I kept putting it away and reading other things....but once I got into it I couldn't seem to put it down. I found myself pulling for the two of them (though throughout the story I wanted to knock them both on the side of the head almost the entire time!) It made me,once again, extremely grateful for the man I married!!! I ended up glad I read it...but I don't think I'd read it again. It was almost exhausting trying to get them to their happily ever after....and still at the end leaves you hoping that they figure things out.
December 17, 2013
For anyone who has ever been in love, or struggled in a relationship. This is one of my favorite books of all time. Haws has a keen insight into the various 'scripts' each one of us follows, and when those scripts are very different and expectations aren't met, asks the question "Can love survive?" This charming story is filled with joy, heartache, mistakes, forgiveness, and of course...the in-laws.
May 19, 2014
I loved this book. Entertaining and thought provoking. Something I need to remember as I become the mother in law. Also something I want my kids to read to realize the difference between romance and reality. And the other good message, once you have married, don't give up without a fight. I got it at the library, but I will buy a copy. Desperately wanting my bookclub to read it, so we can talk about it.
August 5, 2020
I must admit it's been a long time since I read a novel and can honestly say I really did not like it. It's been even longer since I felt that it dragged and dragged and I couldn't wait until I got to the end. Not because I couldn't wait for the happy ending, but because I couldn't wait to be done and move on to something better. Annette is a good writer. I don't want to take that away from her. But this book felt like something ugly from her personal past that reared it's angry head in this story over and over again. From marriage issues to abuse issues to money issues and so on. There was so much tension from beginning to end that I could only read a page or two at a time and had to put it down just so I could center myself and not carry the ugly feelings around with me for too long. I am sure this is simply due to my preference in novel reading. I love a good story, with laughter, light-heartedness, quick wit and good old fashioned happy endings. You never know for sure how this one ends. While it may be realistic - or even real to life - this book was just no fun for me to read except maybe for the first couple of chapters. And while real has it's place - and may even be REAL - I must admit that life is real enough and a good novel for me is one that helps me escape and find a bit of the more happy real that I want life to hold.
January 13, 2020
I thought about giving this a 5. It was surprisingly good- not just a brain candy read like I thought it would be, but really got into the issue of women's rights in the 70's and showed really what a man's world it has been.
October 30, 2022
I wasn't sure about this one but decided to press ahead to see if I liked it more. My favorite part of it was remembering how things used to be between men and women compared to how they are now with gender roles and expectations.
April 24, 2025
Nina and Elliott
The writing is compelling. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next. But each next chapter was something else and I never found out what happened next. I was frustrated. The characters eventually worked things out. But I didn’t see any real growth in any of the characters. I enjoyed reading this, but I didn’t because I wanted more.
The writing is compelling. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next. But each next chapter was something else and I never found out what happened next. I was frustrated. The characters eventually worked things out. But I didn’t see any real growth in any of the characters. I enjoyed reading this, but I didn’t because I wanted more.
January 5, 2015
I don't know what I expected, but this wasn't it. I do think that this needs to be 2.5 stars. I do like the basic story, but the characters drove me nuts! The sub plots, was just unbelievable, but at the same time believable. Haws, took fiction, and non-fiction and woven this story. It was heart breaking. I really didn't see anything that was "funny."
This book is set in the very late sixties to the seventies. Women were paving the way to be doctors, lawyers, CEO's, and etc. During then sexual harassment was an everyday thing, from everybody. Sexual assault....well sorry ladies, but in the sixties, seventies their was a real chance that you didn't get justice, and it was your fault. Disgusting, I know, but feel blessed that you live in today's world. Today, you have a real chance that you will get justice....but then again, people are glorifying the rape culture more and more. As in we are going backwards in time. Disgusting
Elliot's character disappointed me, Ninna also. She wasn't with out blame in this story. I hated Elliot's family, they were nasty bullies, his dad excluded. He tried his best to support his son, his wife (Elliot's mom) just wore the "iron pants" in that family. Her family also gave them a hard time, but for some reason I thought that her family wasn't as bad, and her dad did come around, but her mother did kind of a flip flop also.
I'm glad that I am done with this "coming of age" book. It was long, and in some parts it was very hard for me to read. I don't know, maybe because I've never been married, so yeah I do have that same "fantasy" as every other mormon girl....We'll always work as a team!" The reality is that two different people who had very different growing up experiences, and life experiences, adjusting together will be messy. This book made it seam down right horrible, ugly as sin horrifying!
Like I said: I had no idea what I had expected, but it wasn't this.
This book is set in the very late sixties to the seventies. Women were paving the way to be doctors, lawyers, CEO's, and etc. During then sexual harassment was an everyday thing, from everybody. Sexual assault....well sorry ladies, but in the sixties, seventies their was a real chance that you didn't get justice, and it was your fault. Disgusting, I know, but feel blessed that you live in today's world. Today, you have a real chance that you will get justice....but then again, people are glorifying the rape culture more and more. As in we are going backwards in time. Disgusting
Elliot's character disappointed me, Ninna also. She wasn't with out blame in this story. I hated Elliot's family, they were nasty bullies, his dad excluded. He tried his best to support his son, his wife (Elliot's mom) just wore the "iron pants" in that family. Her family also gave them a hard time, but for some reason I thought that her family wasn't as bad, and her dad did come around, but her mother did kind of a flip flop also.
I'm glad that I am done with this "coming of age" book. It was long, and in some parts it was very hard for me to read. I don't know, maybe because I've never been married, so yeah I do have that same "fantasy" as every other mormon girl....We'll always work as a team!" The reality is that two different people who had very different growing up experiences, and life experiences, adjusting together will be messy. This book made it seam down right horrible, ugly as sin horrifying!
Like I said: I had no idea what I had expected, but it wasn't this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2016
I found this book in the Romance section posing as a frou frou chick lit book. The cover reminded me of a Jennifer Cruisie novel. I didn't even notice the list of accolades on the cover until after I finished the book gave the cover a satisfied smirk and noticed how it won all of these awards. No wonder!!! No wonder it was wonderful. Not what I thought it was at all, but in a good way.
Nina comes from a wealthy Mormon family who have sent her off to see the world before she goes on to grad school or work. They send her off to Scotland. This is not how it begins though. It begins with Nina waiting for her husband. She hasn't seen him for two weeks and doesn't know what to do about it. Then we find her Scotland, roaming the countryside with a poet that reminds her of Robert Burns. Elliot is out and about in his second year doing Missions work before he goes back home to finish his bachelor's and then enroll into professional school. It is the seventies and times are definitely changing from the predictable fifties where roles and stereotypes have a firm place. Although she is dating some one else and he is supposed to be "missioning" they fall in love.
Elliot is the oldest from a boatload of children in a working class family. His mother is the rudder in the family, guiding the family from her expectations. Nina is the opposite. She is the only girl, the baby in a family of boys, her favorite brother exiled for being different. She has been raised to compete with the boys, not serve them dinner. They fall madly in love and despite the opinions of their family, they marry. She is to work in this sexist school supporting them while Elliot works part time and goes to school full time. He loves Nina but when it comes to the household, he is expecting a woman like his mother with very traditional values. I find it interesting that Rachel, his mother, would like to relegate Nina to a subservient position when her mother-in-law is the matriarch of the family overshadowing his father. Nina was not raised to be the type of wife Elliot is expecting. She never even had to wash dishes. Her father was expecting her to go to law school. She is exhausted mentally and physically after working all day to support them and he comes home upset that the house is a mess and that there is no dinner on the table. Almost immediately, you see the issues that are still being discussed even today. Haw is not writing a romance, she is asking questions about the role of women in the home and the expectations that make us feel like we are failures. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
Nina comes from a wealthy Mormon family who have sent her off to see the world before she goes on to grad school or work. They send her off to Scotland. This is not how it begins though. It begins with Nina waiting for her husband. She hasn't seen him for two weeks and doesn't know what to do about it. Then we find her Scotland, roaming the countryside with a poet that reminds her of Robert Burns. Elliot is out and about in his second year doing Missions work before he goes back home to finish his bachelor's and then enroll into professional school. It is the seventies and times are definitely changing from the predictable fifties where roles and stereotypes have a firm place. Although she is dating some one else and he is supposed to be "missioning" they fall in love.
Elliot is the oldest from a boatload of children in a working class family. His mother is the rudder in the family, guiding the family from her expectations. Nina is the opposite. She is the only girl, the baby in a family of boys, her favorite brother exiled for being different. She has been raised to compete with the boys, not serve them dinner. They fall madly in love and despite the opinions of their family, they marry. She is to work in this sexist school supporting them while Elliot works part time and goes to school full time. He loves Nina but when it comes to the household, he is expecting a woman like his mother with very traditional values. I find it interesting that Rachel, his mother, would like to relegate Nina to a subservient position when her mother-in-law is the matriarch of the family overshadowing his father. Nina was not raised to be the type of wife Elliot is expecting. She never even had to wash dishes. Her father was expecting her to go to law school. She is exhausted mentally and physically after working all day to support them and he comes home upset that the house is a mess and that there is no dinner on the table. Almost immediately, you see the issues that are still being discussed even today. Haw is not writing a romance, she is asking questions about the role of women in the home and the expectations that make us feel like we are failures. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book.
September 25, 2016
If ever I get the urge to interfere with my children's marriages, all I have to do is remember reading this story. Acceptance of each other and their faults overplays the love Nina and Elliot feel. Can't live with, and can't live without each other--The inlaws aren't helping either.
December 27, 2013
A first year of marriage can be a roller coaster for anyone, let alone if you just barely met the person and come from two very different families.
Elliot is serving an LDS church mission when he meets a girl in Scotland who will forever change his life. He stays true to the mission rules and they meet up again in the states after his mission; where the trouble immediately begins as Elliot's mother has another plan for her oldest son.
Despite multiple objections they marry and then have to figure out married life together.
While this plot could sound quite similar to many other plots out there; there was a twist and something new for me as this book was set in the early 70's at a time when legislation for equal rights was making it's way through the courts. Nina is right at the front of this movement and sometimes wonders how her views and the fact that she is married at a young age, to a man who grow up in a very traditional family, can work together.
It was quite interesting to me to think about how much progress has been made over the years in regards to women's rights and to think about what it would be like to be a woman at that time. The book switches at times between Elliot and Nina's perspectives and thoughts but is done in a great way that helps keep the story flowing. I liked the characters in the book and while I could put it down at times, I kept quickly coming back to it as I wanted to find out what happened next.
The book works through and addresses if the new ideas of the time and a marriage can coincide and work.
This is what I call a clean-book, while content/subject matter is more of a PG-13 level, it is free from language or any explicit sexual scenes. This is definitely geared more towards an LDS audience, with a lot of cultural aspects throughout the whole story.
Elliot is serving an LDS church mission when he meets a girl in Scotland who will forever change his life. He stays true to the mission rules and they meet up again in the states after his mission; where the trouble immediately begins as Elliot's mother has another plan for her oldest son.
Despite multiple objections they marry and then have to figure out married life together.
While this plot could sound quite similar to many other plots out there; there was a twist and something new for me as this book was set in the early 70's at a time when legislation for equal rights was making it's way through the courts. Nina is right at the front of this movement and sometimes wonders how her views and the fact that she is married at a young age, to a man who grow up in a very traditional family, can work together.
It was quite interesting to me to think about how much progress has been made over the years in regards to women's rights and to think about what it would be like to be a woman at that time. The book switches at times between Elliot and Nina's perspectives and thoughts but is done in a great way that helps keep the story flowing. I liked the characters in the book and while I could put it down at times, I kept quickly coming back to it as I wanted to find out what happened next.
The book works through and addresses if the new ideas of the time and a marriage can coincide and work.
This is what I call a clean-book, while content/subject matter is more of a PG-13 level, it is free from language or any explicit sexual scenes. This is definitely geared more towards an LDS audience, with a lot of cultural aspects throughout the whole story.
January 9, 2014
Nina and Elliot are young and deeply in love. Their whirlwind romance and wedding was magical. Usually this is where a story would end, but for Nina and Elliot it was only the beginning.
The setting was early 1970's. Society was experiencing a revolution. Women wanted a chance to work and learn. Many men felt that a woman place was in the home. It was a transition from a traditional family to a modern family.
Nina and Elliot were caught in the crossfire. They came from homes with different economical backgrounds. Nina was raised to think for herself and believe in herself and her capabilities. Elliot was raised in a home where women raised their children.
What I really liked about the story was the characters of Elliot and Nina. They were very strong in their convictions and desires. They loved each other completely. They both tried to remain true to their convictions and to each other.
What I didn't like in the story is that they remained too true to their convictions and didn't know how to compromise. I didn't like their judgmental parents who tried to sway their children to their personal agenda's.
The story is well written and tells a story of two young people who are trying to find their way in a confusing world with too many people in the picture. It is true to the time period. I liked that Annette Haws was able to add cultural and political events. She was able to capture the struggle and conflict of women making their way into the work force.
This book has many references to the LDS religion. The romance is rocky, but realistic. This isn't a romance book that you sit down to read that is full of fluff. The book has substance and grit. It portrays that you don't automatically get a happily ever after, it's something that you have to work for.
The setting was early 1970's. Society was experiencing a revolution. Women wanted a chance to work and learn. Many men felt that a woman place was in the home. It was a transition from a traditional family to a modern family.
Nina and Elliot were caught in the crossfire. They came from homes with different economical backgrounds. Nina was raised to think for herself and believe in herself and her capabilities. Elliot was raised in a home where women raised their children.
What I really liked about the story was the characters of Elliot and Nina. They were very strong in their convictions and desires. They loved each other completely. They both tried to remain true to their convictions and to each other.
What I didn't like in the story is that they remained too true to their convictions and didn't know how to compromise. I didn't like their judgmental parents who tried to sway their children to their personal agenda's.
The story is well written and tells a story of two young people who are trying to find their way in a confusing world with too many people in the picture. It is true to the time period. I liked that Annette Haws was able to add cultural and political events. She was able to capture the struggle and conflict of women making their way into the work force.
This book has many references to the LDS religion. The romance is rocky, but realistic. This isn't a romance book that you sit down to read that is full of fluff. The book has substance and grit. It portrays that you don't automatically get a happily ever after, it's something that you have to work for.
December 19, 2013
I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the time period of the 70's that the book is set in. It was such a turbulent time and I thought the author did a great job of capturing the social changes happening during that time.
Nina and Elliot fall in love. They get married. They are young and idealistic as most of us are when we get married. Then real life sets in and well, attraction can only take you so far. There were many newly married instances in this book that I could relate to in some way or another. There is always an adjustment period, some rough patches and compromise. I think because Nina and Elliot were from such different backgrounds and had such different expectations, this made the hard things even harder.
The in-law's certainly didn't help the situation at all and actually pushed the relationship to the breaking point. It was a good reminder of how judging others can hurt. If Nina and Elliott had received support and love from parents I believe their journey would have been much different.
I felt for both Nina and Elliot at different times. There was a lot of emotion throughout the book. I guess my only real complaint (if you can really even call it that) was that the book seemed to go on and on. It felt like the epic saga of Nina and Elliot. There were just so many problems and issues that at times it felt like overload. I did mostly enjoy the book though and like I said, the 70's setting was my favorite part of the book.
The characters in this book are LDS and there are religious things mentioned though nothing preachy that I can remember.
3.5 stars
Nina and Elliot fall in love. They get married. They are young and idealistic as most of us are when we get married. Then real life sets in and well, attraction can only take you so far. There were many newly married instances in this book that I could relate to in some way or another. There is always an adjustment period, some rough patches and compromise. I think because Nina and Elliot were from such different backgrounds and had such different expectations, this made the hard things even harder.
The in-law's certainly didn't help the situation at all and actually pushed the relationship to the breaking point. It was a good reminder of how judging others can hurt. If Nina and Elliott had received support and love from parents I believe their journey would have been much different.
I felt for both Nina and Elliot at different times. There was a lot of emotion throughout the book. I guess my only real complaint (if you can really even call it that) was that the book seemed to go on and on. It felt like the epic saga of Nina and Elliot. There were just so many problems and issues that at times it felt like overload. I did mostly enjoy the book though and like I said, the 70's setting was my favorite part of the book.
The characters in this book are LDS and there are religious things mentioned though nothing preachy that I can remember.
3.5 stars
October 13, 2014
A gripping, honest, somewhat brutally realistic portrayal of the realities of beginning a marriage, made even more complicated by the political and social climate of the 1970s.
This book was nothing like what I expected. When I picked it up, I was anticipating a fun, light-hearted jaunt through the slightly troubling, yet somewhat humorous minefields that frequent the life of newlywed. As a newlywed myself, I was expecting to be thoroughly charmed. I was, but for completely different reasons.
The book definitely has its humorous moments, mostly delivered through the sense of humor of the main female protagonist, Nina, but it is far more pragmatic and direct than most other LDS Fiction portrayals of the trials of newlywed-dom. I found myself completely sympathizing with and relating to Nina’s struggles with her professional aspirations and the pressure to be the “perfect wife.” When she and her new husband, Elliot, argued, her fury and indignance was mine.
The characters are vivid and real, and I became attached to them very quickly, particularly Nina. This story pulls you in almost immediately and doesn’t let you go until the last page. The emotionally and politically charged climate of the 1970s significantly enhances the drama and adds an extra element of depth to an already compelling story. In summary, I felt the book was difficult to read at times, almost exhausting, due to its honesty, but also full of hope and optimism that kept me charging forward, breathless to know the final outcome. Overall, a fantastic read.
This book was nothing like what I expected. When I picked it up, I was anticipating a fun, light-hearted jaunt through the slightly troubling, yet somewhat humorous minefields that frequent the life of newlywed. As a newlywed myself, I was expecting to be thoroughly charmed. I was, but for completely different reasons.
The book definitely has its humorous moments, mostly delivered through the sense of humor of the main female protagonist, Nina, but it is far more pragmatic and direct than most other LDS Fiction portrayals of the trials of newlywed-dom. I found myself completely sympathizing with and relating to Nina’s struggles with her professional aspirations and the pressure to be the “perfect wife.” When she and her new husband, Elliot, argued, her fury and indignance was mine.
The characters are vivid and real, and I became attached to them very quickly, particularly Nina. This story pulls you in almost immediately and doesn’t let you go until the last page. The emotionally and politically charged climate of the 1970s significantly enhances the drama and adds an extra element of depth to an already compelling story. In summary, I felt the book was difficult to read at times, almost exhausting, due to its honesty, but also full of hope and optimism that kept me charging forward, breathless to know the final outcome. Overall, a fantastic read.
January 18, 2014
At first I only kind of liked this book, but by the end I really liked it. I think this was partially because I was kind of expecting something somewhat light and fluffy and it was not. And I felt weighed down for part of the book by all the trials they were going through, ones of their own creation and ones from external sources. Honestly, what kept me reading were Elliot and Nina. They drew me in from the beginning, despite their imperfections.
One aspect of the book that I found intriguing was the issues of sexual harassment and women’s rights at a time when the laws and norms I take for granted today were only ideas and hopes. I also think there is some good marriage advice and lessons to be learned from this book.
I would consider this book clean. The physical intimacy as well as sexual harassment are tactfully portrayed. However, I do think it is meant for a more mature audience. I probably wouldn’t give it to a middle schooler.
The end of the book really drew me in and even made me tear up a couple times. I did feel like the story wasn’t quite complete when I finished it. I expected an epilogue or something more, but perhaps there will be a sequel. Overall I enjoyed reading this book.
Rating: 4.5 stars – Highly Recommend
Content: Clean - physical intimacy and sexual harassment tactfully portrayed
Source: Review Copy
My review can be seen at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/01/boo...
One aspect of the book that I found intriguing was the issues of sexual harassment and women’s rights at a time when the laws and norms I take for granted today were only ideas and hopes. I also think there is some good marriage advice and lessons to be learned from this book.
I would consider this book clean. The physical intimacy as well as sexual harassment are tactfully portrayed. However, I do think it is meant for a more mature audience. I probably wouldn’t give it to a middle schooler.
The end of the book really drew me in and even made me tear up a couple times. I did feel like the story wasn’t quite complete when I finished it. I expected an epilogue or something more, but perhaps there will be a sequel. Overall I enjoyed reading this book.
Rating: 4.5 stars – Highly Recommend
Content: Clean - physical intimacy and sexual harassment tactfully portrayed
Source: Review Copy
My review can be seen at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/01/boo...
July 24, 2014
I read Haws's Waiting for the Light to Change and eagerly awaited this book. It held me in the same spell, and boy, did it bring back memories of those early marriage days!
Elliott marries a strong, smart woman in the 1970s and thinks she will turn into the domestic queen he wants her to be. Nina marries a future dentist and hopes he will become a man who will support her career ambitions--or at least not stand in the way of them. Throw in some equally strong-willed in-laws, and voila! You have a post-honeymoon disaster. But I couldn't stop hoping they'd work it out, because their love for each other was obvious and real.
Haws's writing is so beautiful, it's a joy to read. The story is all too realistic. It deals with some pretty grown-up themes: sexual harassment, assault, and the heartbreaking scenes that are sure to play out when people are determined to change each other.
I am a fan of this author and always will be, but I was disappointed in how one issue felt unresolved at the end. Nina and Elliot failed to really process the ugliness of the school environment she had been working in, and the resulting assault. I kept waiting for Nina to talk to him honestly, for Elliot to have an "aha" moment. Perhaps the ending dragged for me because these things did not happen.
The writing carries the book, though. I'll be waiting for the next one with the same anticipation!
Elliott marries a strong, smart woman in the 1970s and thinks she will turn into the domestic queen he wants her to be. Nina marries a future dentist and hopes he will become a man who will support her career ambitions--or at least not stand in the way of them. Throw in some equally strong-willed in-laws, and voila! You have a post-honeymoon disaster. But I couldn't stop hoping they'd work it out, because their love for each other was obvious and real.
Haws's writing is so beautiful, it's a joy to read. The story is all too realistic. It deals with some pretty grown-up themes: sexual harassment, assault, and the heartbreaking scenes that are sure to play out when people are determined to change each other.
I am a fan of this author and always will be, but I was disappointed in how one issue felt unresolved at the end. Nina and Elliot failed to really process the ugliness of the school environment she had been working in, and the resulting assault. I kept waiting for Nina to talk to him honestly, for Elliot to have an "aha" moment. Perhaps the ending dragged for me because these things did not happen.
The writing carries the book, though. I'll be waiting for the next one with the same anticipation!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2016
On the one hand, I liked the realism of marriage in this book. (No, it isn't easy! Who told you it would be easy?? What were they thinking?!) I like Nina & Elliot (except when I want to smack them). I appreciated the look at semi-recent history. Spoiler alert--I liked that Nina & Elliot decided to give themselves another chance--end spoiler.
On the other hand, the book had too much emotional distance. (I'd like to care, I ought to care, but somehow, I just don't. I never really got into either main character's emotions.) Both sets of in-laws drive me insane. And if I were Elliott, Pam's post-break-up behavior would have turned me off a lot sooner. (If Pam had any integrity or self-worth, she wouldn't be making moves on a still-married man!) Some of the teachers (you'll be able to tell who) are over the top, even for the story. Please notice that most of these are minor points, not major writing flaws (I'd love to have the emotional distance fixed, though).
All in all, I did enjoy the book. I'd love to discuss it with my spouse. Three stars from me is a decent score (it really does mean I liked the book).
I got the book in a Goodreads giveaway, but I have not been compensated for my review. My opinions, as always, are my own.
On the other hand, the book had too much emotional distance. (I'd like to care, I ought to care, but somehow, I just don't. I never really got into either main character's emotions.) Both sets of in-laws drive me insane. And if I were Elliott, Pam's post-break-up behavior would have turned me off a lot sooner. (If Pam had any integrity or self-worth, she wouldn't be making moves on a still-married man!) Some of the teachers (you'll be able to tell who) are over the top, even for the story. Please notice that most of these are minor points, not major writing flaws (I'd love to have the emotional distance fixed, though).
All in all, I did enjoy the book. I'd love to discuss it with my spouse. Three stars from me is a decent score (it really does mean I liked the book).
I got the book in a Goodreads giveaway, but I have not been compensated for my review. My opinions, as always, are my own.
July 23, 2016
After reading a review of this "must read" book I requested it at the library and waited for months. My perspective on this book might be a bit tainted because the last several books have been such stand-out reads. But then again, maybe not.
The one emotion I felt about this book: sadness. This book just made me sad. Sad for Nina. Sad for Elliott. Disgustedly sad at the stereotypical controlling mother-in-law, the mostly perfect parents of the bride (everyone on the bride's side is always mostly perfect, right?), the scheming former girlfriend, the lecherous school teachers...
I felt like I was reading something that had been charted, diagrammed and plotted down to the last word. Even the setting, the 1970's, seemed deliberate so as to include certain plot points. While the writing was better than expected, the result was less so.
I'm a bit befuddled at the glowing reviews this book has received. It just didn't do it for me.
Am I glad I read this one? Hmmm, that would be a tough call. Maybe to the extent that now when people talk about this author I'm somewhat informed. Will I recommend it? Doubtful.
I do commend Ms. Haws for writing squeaky clean books. That isn't always the case, even with LDS authors. I applaud her for this.
The one emotion I felt about this book: sadness. This book just made me sad. Sad for Nina. Sad for Elliott. Disgustedly sad at the stereotypical controlling mother-in-law, the mostly perfect parents of the bride (everyone on the bride's side is always mostly perfect, right?), the scheming former girlfriend, the lecherous school teachers...
I felt like I was reading something that had been charted, diagrammed and plotted down to the last word. Even the setting, the 1970's, seemed deliberate so as to include certain plot points. While the writing was better than expected, the result was less so.
I'm a bit befuddled at the glowing reviews this book has received. It just didn't do it for me.
Am I glad I read this one? Hmmm, that would be a tough call. Maybe to the extent that now when people talk about this author I'm somewhat informed. Will I recommend it? Doubtful.
I do commend Ms. Haws for writing squeaky clean books. That isn't always the case, even with LDS authors. I applaud her for this.
May 20, 2014
Great book - It's been so long since I've cheerd this hard for a couple to make it. The author did a fabulous job writing this book. It was so easy, so natural to relate to the characters. It didn't matter that the story was set the year I was born, or that they were Mormon and I'm Catholic - it was a brutally honest story about falling in love and a perfect demonstration of how easy it is to fall into the person people expect us to be. How easy it is to lose yourself in the pursuit of someone else. The questions posed in this book seem to be the main issues in marriages that fail, the questions of Where did the person I fall in love with go? Was it them that changed or yourself? We're you so blinded by love that you missed the shortcomings that are now blaring before you? I would've given this 4 1/2 stars - a minor deduction of 1/2 star because I simply wish to know if they made it. Thank you, Annette Haws for this masterpiece, I will certainly be thinking of Nina and Elliot when I'm lying in bed with my husband tonight and whisper a prayer that just as my husband and I have managed to hold onto the memory of our young love even in some pretty bumpy 22 years - perhaps Nina and Elliot were able to hold onto theirs and a promise made in Scotland.
July 24, 2014
The Accidental Marriage
Elliot and Nina fell in love in a whirl of romance—atop the ancient stones of St. Rule’s Tower with the North Sea below and the poetry of Robert Burns echoing around them. “He’d never seen anything so beautiful—grass, sea, stones, and the girl. He didn’t know her name, but he knew whenever he thought of Scotland for the rest of his life, he’d treasure this one perfect moment.”
Back in the States, in Utah, they get married. Elliot heads to dental school and Nina sets aside her hopes of law school. Their first year of marriage has challenges: Nina’s father, Bill, Elliot’s mother, and Nina's lack of housekeeping. But the biggest challenge Nina faces is her job teaching in the Junior High.
I loved that it was set in 1972-74. A time when women claimed their rights as intelligent individuals and the nation went into shock over Nixon resigning. Court cases offered an exciting challenge for a law student wanna be. Nina is pulled between choices until she begins to “disappear.”
Accidental Marriage has beautiful prose, clever dialogue (especially Nina’s family), heart-wrenching choices and characters that become real. It has witty scenes, cruel ones, and warm ones.
I definitely recommend this book.
Elliot and Nina fell in love in a whirl of romance—atop the ancient stones of St. Rule’s Tower with the North Sea below and the poetry of Robert Burns echoing around them. “He’d never seen anything so beautiful—grass, sea, stones, and the girl. He didn’t know her name, but he knew whenever he thought of Scotland for the rest of his life, he’d treasure this one perfect moment.”
Back in the States, in Utah, they get married. Elliot heads to dental school and Nina sets aside her hopes of law school. Their first year of marriage has challenges: Nina’s father, Bill, Elliot’s mother, and Nina's lack of housekeeping. But the biggest challenge Nina faces is her job teaching in the Junior High.
I loved that it was set in 1972-74. A time when women claimed their rights as intelligent individuals and the nation went into shock over Nixon resigning. Court cases offered an exciting challenge for a law student wanna be. Nina is pulled between choices until she begins to “disappear.”
Accidental Marriage has beautiful prose, clever dialogue (especially Nina’s family), heart-wrenching choices and characters that become real. It has witty scenes, cruel ones, and warm ones.
I definitely recommend this book.
March 27, 2014
Finally, an LDS romance for the thinking woman. The Accidental Marriage has it all; a relatable plot, witty dialogue, young love, and comical circumstances, but it also contains a serious exploration about what it takes to keep love going once the honeymoon is over. The characters are multifaceted and I found myself simultaneously cheering them on while also wanting to shake some sense into them.
The great thing about this book, other than Haws's highly entertaining writing, is that even though it is set during the social movements of the 1970s, the theme of trying to find your place in the world is universal, especially for women. Nina, like most women, is expected to be domestic and career savvy, accommodating and independent, wholesome and worldly all at the same time. I appreciated that Haws was willing to address these issues, but also that she does so in a way that makes us laugh at ourselves and the impossible oxymorons required of our culture.
If you are looking for a clean romance with bouts of laughter, introspection and characters that feel like long-time friends, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
The great thing about this book, other than Haws's highly entertaining writing, is that even though it is set during the social movements of the 1970s, the theme of trying to find your place in the world is universal, especially for women. Nina, like most women, is expected to be domestic and career savvy, accommodating and independent, wholesome and worldly all at the same time. I appreciated that Haws was willing to address these issues, but also that she does so in a way that makes us laugh at ourselves and the impossible oxymorons required of our culture.
If you are looking for a clean romance with bouts of laughter, introspection and characters that feel like long-time friends, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
January 14, 2014
The Accidental Marriage is an interesting book. Being married, I was able to relate to parts of the newlywed couple's situation, and I think any married person could relate in some ways.
My attention was kept throughout the book, but this isn't really the type of book I usually enjoy. It was mostly a downer with all of the arguments and harsh words (between the couple and from their families). It felt like the only positive part of Nina and Elliot's relationship was physical, and there isn't much time spent on that (which I applaud-I don't want to be in the bedroom with them).
Not only was the day-to-day home life rough, but Nina's situation at work was horrible! I really felt for her. There is no question that she was at fault for some of the issues in her marriage, but it was hard not to take her side.
On the whole the story flows well, but on several occasions I felt a little lost, and wondered if I had skipped something.
I did appreciate the ending. More would have been nice, but it was hopeful.
My attention was kept throughout the book, but this isn't really the type of book I usually enjoy. It was mostly a downer with all of the arguments and harsh words (between the couple and from their families). It felt like the only positive part of Nina and Elliot's relationship was physical, and there isn't much time spent on that (which I applaud-I don't want to be in the bedroom with them).
Not only was the day-to-day home life rough, but Nina's situation at work was horrible! I really felt for her. There is no question that she was at fault for some of the issues in her marriage, but it was hard not to take her side.
On the whole the story flows well, but on several occasions I felt a little lost, and wondered if I had skipped something.
I did appreciate the ending. More would have been nice, but it was hopeful.
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