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Stealing Jenny
After three heartbreaking miscarriages, Tom and Jenny Callahan are happily anticipating the birth of their sixth child. A neighbor, however, is secretly hatching a sinister plot which will find Jenny and her unborn baby fighting for their lives.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
209 people are currently reading
1795 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Gable
36 books147 followersEllen Gable (Hrkach) is an award-winning, bestselling author of thirteen books, contributor to numerous others, ghostwriter of five books, and publisher/editor of 60 other books. Her newest book, Life From the Bottom Shelf, is a humorous look at being short. Her novel, Where Angels Pass, was #1 in New Releases on Amazon.ca. for two days and won first place in Religious Fiction in the 2022 CMA Book Awards. Four of her other books have also won literary awards. She and her husband, James Hrkach, are the parents of five adult sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law, and grandparents to four precious and entertaining grandchildren. Her books are available in several languages and on Audible. When not writing, Ellen enjoys watching classic movies, reading, researching her family tree, and playing board games with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
May 19, 2013
I just thought the whole plot was ridiculous, and the faith aspects didn't seem real...
April 18, 2012
Wow. First "Christian Fiction" book I've ever read, and it is definitely not for me. Not to say this didn't have any redeeming qualities, but the constant pleading to God really irritated me after a while. But there are other reasons why I didn't really like this book:
The transitions were awkward, and sometimes it felt like sentences were missing. There were several times where I found myself pulled out of the story by it. For example (on the second page): "She began to hyperventilate and had to will herself to calm down. I must call Mom. Her mother arrived within minutes and whisked her and Caleb off to the hospital." So...while she's in pain, terrified, she just thinks about calling her mother and then instantly the woman is there? No discussion of how she gets the phone (she's just stepped out of the shower), what she says to her three year old son, who is watching TV and miraculously doesn't pitch a fit when Grandma tears him away from the boob tube to take Mommy to the hospital...it just felt really weird.
The worst thing, though, is the characters -- the "good" characters (and that's debatable; it sounds like Tom might need a little anger management counseling) are all God-fearing, while the "bad" characters are like caricatures: the sociopathic Denise, who chain smokes and doesn't cook healthy meals. Of course the "good" characters (in flashbacks) make a horrible mistake, having sex once before marriage, and are immediately punished for it (unplanned teen pregnancy and then a miscarriage). When they truly repent of their error, and are suitably horrified by the hospital staff calling their miscarried child a "product of conception" and "disposed of," they are given a reprieve - one of the babies (it was twins!) survives. The EEEEEVIL Denise, on the other hand, is a wanton slut as a teen and aborts her unplanned pregnancy, which obviously means God sees her as an unfit parent, so He smites her with infertility and insanity. Seriously?
Three of the four girls in the family are barely discussed at all. I know they have red hair, and two of them are twins, but that's pretty much it. The oldest daughter, who is ten, is apparently terrified to walk her younger sisters home (two blocks) from the bus stop. Why? Oh, and the three year old boy talks more like a two year old. Or else he's seriously developmentally delayed. Maybe it's all that TV time.
The suspense bits were good, and I liked the female cop character, but I would not recommend this book to anyone. The author has some talent, but really needs a good editor to help her work through some of the characterization and "story flow" issues.
The transitions were awkward, and sometimes it felt like sentences were missing. There were several times where I found myself pulled out of the story by it. For example (on the second page): "She began to hyperventilate and had to will herself to calm down. I must call Mom. Her mother arrived within minutes and whisked her and Caleb off to the hospital." So...while she's in pain, terrified, she just thinks about calling her mother and then instantly the woman is there? No discussion of how she gets the phone (she's just stepped out of the shower), what she says to her three year old son, who is watching TV and miraculously doesn't pitch a fit when Grandma tears him away from the boob tube to take Mommy to the hospital...it just felt really weird.
The worst thing, though, is the characters -- the "good" characters (and that's debatable; it sounds like Tom might need a little anger management counseling) are all God-fearing, while the "bad" characters are like caricatures: the sociopathic Denise, who chain smokes and doesn't cook healthy meals. Of course the "good" characters (in flashbacks) make a horrible mistake, having sex once before marriage, and are immediately punished for it (unplanned teen pregnancy and then a miscarriage). When they truly repent of their error, and are suitably horrified by the hospital staff calling their miscarried child a "product of conception" and "disposed of," they are given a reprieve - one of the babies (it was twins!) survives. The EEEEEVIL Denise, on the other hand, is a wanton slut as a teen and aborts her unplanned pregnancy, which obviously means God sees her as an unfit parent, so He smites her with infertility and insanity. Seriously?
Three of the four girls in the family are barely discussed at all. I know they have red hair, and two of them are twins, but that's pretty much it. The oldest daughter, who is ten, is apparently terrified to walk her younger sisters home (two blocks) from the bus stop. Why? Oh, and the three year old boy talks more like a two year old. Or else he's seriously developmentally delayed. Maybe it's all that TV time.
The suspense bits were good, and I liked the female cop character, but I would not recommend this book to anyone. The author has some talent, but really needs a good editor to help her work through some of the characterization and "story flow" issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2011
Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable is a terrifyingly realistic suspense story that could be ripped from the headlines, but it’s also a beautiful life-affirming novel that offers so much more.
Jenny Callahan, a devout Catholic mom overjoyed by the imminent birth of her sixth child after three heartbreaking miscarriages, stands on the bus stop with her young son, waiting for her daughters’ return from school. When she’s approached by a woman offering to share some maternity and baby clothes, she accepts, with no idea of the terrible ordeal she and her family are about to face.
Flawlessly transitioning between Jenny enduring her captivity at the hands of the disturbed woman who means to steal her unborn child and her distraught family trying to hold to their hope she will be rescued, author Ellen Gable offers another amazing portrait of the power and gift of faith in the most horrific of circumstances.
As is the case in all of her novels, in Stealing Jenny the author again excels at smoothly weaving the Catholic understanding of marriage and family – the sanctity of life and the precious gift of children and the sexual relationship – into a moving story of real people facing real world challenges and traumas. The characters of Jenny, her husband, Tom, and their children, as well as those of the unbalanced kidnapper, Denise, and the police officers who search for Jenny, are developed wonderfully. Through the family’s present suffering and glimpses of both the joys and sorrows Jenny and Tom have experienced throughout their relationship, the reader descends into this nightmare with them, but is also lifted up by the Callahan family’s faith and hope in God and by the strength He imparts in the very love which unites them.
Another powerful novel from a favorite author that I highly recommend to all suspense readers, especially those who appreciate not only exceptional storytelling, but the depth and meaning in a novel whose creativity is so perfectly intertwined with its spirituality.
Jenny Callahan, a devout Catholic mom overjoyed by the imminent birth of her sixth child after three heartbreaking miscarriages, stands on the bus stop with her young son, waiting for her daughters’ return from school. When she’s approached by a woman offering to share some maternity and baby clothes, she accepts, with no idea of the terrible ordeal she and her family are about to face.
Flawlessly transitioning between Jenny enduring her captivity at the hands of the disturbed woman who means to steal her unborn child and her distraught family trying to hold to their hope she will be rescued, author Ellen Gable offers another amazing portrait of the power and gift of faith in the most horrific of circumstances.
As is the case in all of her novels, in Stealing Jenny the author again excels at smoothly weaving the Catholic understanding of marriage and family – the sanctity of life and the precious gift of children and the sexual relationship – into a moving story of real people facing real world challenges and traumas. The characters of Jenny, her husband, Tom, and their children, as well as those of the unbalanced kidnapper, Denise, and the police officers who search for Jenny, are developed wonderfully. Through the family’s present suffering and glimpses of both the joys and sorrows Jenny and Tom have experienced throughout their relationship, the reader descends into this nightmare with them, but is also lifted up by the Callahan family’s faith and hope in God and by the strength He imparts in the very love which unites them.
Another powerful novel from a favorite author that I highly recommend to all suspense readers, especially those who appreciate not only exceptional storytelling, but the depth and meaning in a novel whose creativity is so perfectly intertwined with its spirituality.
November 12, 2011
Stealing Jenny is a gripping novel filled with engaging characters, a compelling mystery and a message which underscored the precious dignity of life. I literally couldn't put it down. As the other reviewers have shared, the pace of this novel will keep you turning the pages until the end and wishing for more. Ellen Gable's storytelling gifts shine, but another part of the value of Stealing Jenny is the tremendously positive message of the book. I give Stealing Jenny my highest recommendation and join those clamoring for a sequel!
September 13, 2011
Stealing Jenny will keep you on the edge of your seat and probably destroy your sleep pattern as you stay up to find out what happens. But beyond being a great suspense, it’s also an excellent example of morals in action and family life redeemed. As a fan of Ellen Gable’s work already, I’m now officially getting a t-shirt!
July 23, 2012
Too Lifetime Television Movies For Women for me.
I don't get the four and five star ratings, to be honest.
I don't get the four and five star ratings, to be honest.
November 15, 2011
I loved Stealing Jenny! Ellen's books are wonderful. Each is unique. If you love moral fiction read this book. Highly recommended!
October 27, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book. This story shows how love and faith can pull you through even the toughest situation.
October 13, 2011
When Ellen Gable asked me if I would like a review copy of this novel, I made sure she had read my reviews of her earlier books: Emily's Hope and In Name Only. I had read gushing reviews of those books from other Catholic bloggers and, to put it simply, I didn't share those gushing opinions, and wanted to make sure she knew it before she sent me a review copy.
So, what about this one? Well, for one thing, I don't read many thrillers, and that's what this is. When I do read thrillers, they tend to be of the Christian variety, and for them, the ending is usually a forgone conclusion. This shares that characteristic--I never really doubted that it would end the way it did.
The basic story line was good and the book was hard to put down. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
It is clearly faith-based fiction. The couple in the story are devout Catholics who have a large family. The parish priest visits and mentions that the parish ladies are holding adoration to pray for Jenny. We learn that the couple engaged in pre-marital sex, and headed to confession thereafter. That encounter lead to pregnancy, and of course abortion was never considered. Jenny talks to the priest about forgiving the one who hurt her, and in the end, is able to do so.
I wouldn't call it an overly religious book but there were clearly things Gable wanted to work into the story even though, in my opinion, they had little to nothing to do with the story. We learn that two of their pregnancies were so close together because they weren't doing a good job with NFP observations--something that really didn't have anything to do with this story. When the police search her room, they find Jenny's NFP charts. We learn that even though she has a large family, Jenny mourns the loss of her fertility.
I liked the contrasting flashbacks. We learn about Jenny's courtship, pregnancy and marriage, as well as about her nemesis' early sexual activity and first pregnancy. Clearly, history had a lot to do with why things were the way they were today. I found the way Jenny met her husband to be somewhat unrealistic, but I guess it could have happened.
My bottom line? Gable is getting better as a writer; each of her stories has gotten better than the one before it. She is too clearly trying to teach about Catholic sexual morality and other Catholic topics. The writing style in general is more in line with low-priced self-published books I've read on Amazon than with books put out by major publishers, but the bottom line is that this was an enjoyable read. If I had ordered the paperback from Amazon for $12.99, I would have been disappointed; had I downloaded the Kindle version for $2.99, I would not have been. Grade: B-
So, what about this one? Well, for one thing, I don't read many thrillers, and that's what this is. When I do read thrillers, they tend to be of the Christian variety, and for them, the ending is usually a forgone conclusion. This shares that characteristic--I never really doubted that it would end the way it did.
The basic story line was good and the book was hard to put down. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
It is clearly faith-based fiction. The couple in the story are devout Catholics who have a large family. The parish priest visits and mentions that the parish ladies are holding adoration to pray for Jenny. We learn that the couple engaged in pre-marital sex, and headed to confession thereafter. That encounter lead to pregnancy, and of course abortion was never considered. Jenny talks to the priest about forgiving the one who hurt her, and in the end, is able to do so.
I wouldn't call it an overly religious book but there were clearly things Gable wanted to work into the story even though, in my opinion, they had little to nothing to do with the story. We learn that two of their pregnancies were so close together because they weren't doing a good job with NFP observations--something that really didn't have anything to do with this story. When the police search her room, they find Jenny's NFP charts. We learn that even though she has a large family, Jenny mourns the loss of her fertility.
I liked the contrasting flashbacks. We learn about Jenny's courtship, pregnancy and marriage, as well as about her nemesis' early sexual activity and first pregnancy. Clearly, history had a lot to do with why things were the way they were today. I found the way Jenny met her husband to be somewhat unrealistic, but I guess it could have happened.
My bottom line? Gable is getting better as a writer; each of her stories has gotten better than the one before it. She is too clearly trying to teach about Catholic sexual morality and other Catholic topics. The writing style in general is more in line with low-priced self-published books I've read on Amazon than with books put out by major publishers, but the bottom line is that this was an enjoyable read. If I had ordered the paperback from Amazon for $12.99, I would have been disappointed; had I downloaded the Kindle version for $2.99, I would not have been. Grade: B-
December 5, 2011
All Jenny Callahan wants is one more baby to hold in her arms. And now, after suffering three miscarriages, Jenny and her husband, Tom, are expecting their sixth child.
Denise Kramer, their neighbor, wants a child herself. Since she's unable to conceive and the adoption agency won't allow her to adopt a child, Denise devises a plan to finally get a child - putting Jenny and her unborn baby in danger and fighting for their lives.
The main characters in 'Stealing Jenny' are Catholics, and since I'm not a Catholic, some of the things they do I don't agree with. I knew this before reading 'Stealing Jenny' and it doesn't affect my view of the book.
The story was really good and very easy to read. It reminded me of a movie I saw on Lifetime, but only slightly. The characters were intriguing and I particularly liked how throughout the story there were flashbacks that showed events from the characters' pasts - this helped me understand the story better.
The few things I didn't like was when Tom said 'oh my ***' after learning that Jenny, his wife, had been taken (I think this was said other times as well) and when obscenities were said including the D word.
Overall, I really enjoyed 'Stealing Jenny', but only recommend it to mature audiences.
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done.*
Denise Kramer, their neighbor, wants a child herself. Since she's unable to conceive and the adoption agency won't allow her to adopt a child, Denise devises a plan to finally get a child - putting Jenny and her unborn baby in danger and fighting for their lives.
The main characters in 'Stealing Jenny' are Catholics, and since I'm not a Catholic, some of the things they do I don't agree with. I knew this before reading 'Stealing Jenny' and it doesn't affect my view of the book.
The story was really good and very easy to read. It reminded me of a movie I saw on Lifetime, but only slightly. The characters were intriguing and I particularly liked how throughout the story there were flashbacks that showed events from the characters' pasts - this helped me understand the story better.
The few things I didn't like was when Tom said 'oh my ***' after learning that Jenny, his wife, had been taken (I think this was said other times as well) and when obscenities were said including the D word.
Overall, I really enjoyed 'Stealing Jenny', but only recommend it to mature audiences.
*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done.*
October 21, 2011
I received a free Kindle copy of "Stealing Jenny" from Goodreads Giveaway author Ellen Gable. Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable is a terrifyingly realistic suspense story,but it’s also a beautiful life-affirming novel that offers so much more.I couldn't put this book down.
Jenny Callahan, a devout Catholic mom overjoyed by the imminent birth of her sixth child after three heartbreaking miscarriages, stands on the bus stop with her young son, waiting for her daughters’ return from school. When she’s approached by a woman offering to share some maternity and baby clothes, she accepts, with no idea of the terrible ordeal she and her family are about to face.
Flawlessly transitioning between Jenny enduring her captivity at the hands of the disturbed woman who means to steal her unborn child and her distraught family trying to hold to their hope she will be rescued, author Ellen Gable offers another amazing portrait of the power and gift of faith in the most horrific of circumstances. A most enjoyable read.
Jenny Callahan, a devout Catholic mom overjoyed by the imminent birth of her sixth child after three heartbreaking miscarriages, stands on the bus stop with her young son, waiting for her daughters’ return from school. When she’s approached by a woman offering to share some maternity and baby clothes, she accepts, with no idea of the terrible ordeal she and her family are about to face.
Flawlessly transitioning between Jenny enduring her captivity at the hands of the disturbed woman who means to steal her unborn child and her distraught family trying to hold to their hope she will be rescued, author Ellen Gable offers another amazing portrait of the power and gift of faith in the most horrific of circumstances. A most enjoyable read.
October 1, 2011
I usually don't read this genre, but I am so glad I picked up Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable! The main characters, Jenny and Tom, are so real. It was easy to become immediately drawn into their lives. Ellen Gable does a good job of painting a portrait of a devout Catholic family,warts and all. These are average people who struggle with their faith...sometimes they lose and sometimes they win. I enjoyed the fact that the story incorporated Church teaching on fertility in a way that was natural and not preachy. The story itself was riveting. Because we had guests when I was reading this book, I had to put it down...but I didn't want to! Authentic characters and a suspenseful plot are the rewards for reading this novel. I highly recommend it.
September 17, 2011
Yes, Gable's 'Stealing Jenny' is certainly a work of suspense...but it is so much more than that. It is an edge-of-your-seat story of perseverance, faith and a love that withstands the test of the unthinkable. Ellen has created believable characters and a plot that is sure to captivate readers by pulling at heart strings all while testing a tolerance for some thrilling suspense.
At the heart of Ellen's characters lies a depth that is sure to be understood by any Christian who has been tested with struggles... and anyone who has loved.
Read it.
CAUTION: Once starting this work, one may be unable to put it down.
At the heart of Ellen's characters lies a depth that is sure to be understood by any Christian who has been tested with struggles... and anyone who has loved.
Read it.
CAUTION: Once starting this work, one may be unable to put it down.
September 30, 2011
Was one of the best reading books I have read in a long time! It was difficult putting it down. A book packed full of suspence, faith and heartache. If I could rate it higher then 5 I would give it a 9!
Received this as a winner here on Goodreads and now I must read more of Ellen Gable's books.
Received this as a winner here on Goodreads and now I must read more of Ellen Gable's books.
October 11, 2011
Was a very good book. I did not want to put it down.
February 6, 2019
This was a quick read but I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't hate the book, but I didn't really like it either. Just can't put my finger on it. Seemed to be lacking something. Felt unbelievable to me and the ending too rushed.
May 20, 2020
Stealing Jenny is a relatively quick read that starts out fast and keeps you engaged the entire book. I've enjoyed all of the books I've read by Ellen Gable. This book is one of her earlier ones, she's been honing her craft through the years. If you like suspense stories, you'll enjoy this!
February 26, 2019
Ellen Gable is such a talented writer. Stealing Jenny is extremely gripping and hard to put down.
October 17, 2011
3.5 Stars.
More @ Breaking Bookshelves
Ellen Gable’s Stealing Jenny was incredibly hard to put down. It was a quick read once you really settled into it. I don’t know what it is, but there’s no words that come to mind right now about this book. I like the novel, but I don’t have much to say about it. I don’t know if that’s a bad thing, or a good thing. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer screen trying somehow to put my thoughts in order (albeit not very well) and figure out how I should word this.
There are a few things I like and dislike about his book. Certain things I’m uncomfortable with as well, but let’s start with a little summary first.
Stealing Jenny is about Jenny Callahan, her baby, her family, and the struggle that they unexpectedly are caught in. We are told; from the very beginning, that Jenny has had three miscarriages. She and her husband are heartbroken each time. Unbeknownst to them is the fact that their seemingly innocent and quiet neighbour, Denise, is stalking Jenny, ready to put into action a plan that will change their lives forever.
I don’t read much Christian literature and fiction, and so I’m not an expert in the genre, however I can still tell you what I think about this novel because I enjoy reading, and I enjoy reading almost anything. There are always thoughts and ideas that come to mind when one is reading, no matter if they’re an expert or not in the genre.
Therefore, this is what I have to say:
Stealing Jenny is a gripping novel that grabs you and does not let go.
This statement is true. It doesn’t let you go once you start reading it. The words grab you and pull you in, opening a hole to watch the lives of these characters. Ellen Gable makes the words easy to read and comprehend, and somehow, along the way you realize you’ve almost reached the end. Although, I enjoy this aspect, I wasn’t as impressed with her writing as I thought I would be. Gable writes well, but I didn’t like how some of the dialogues seemed somewhat unnatural and forced, or choppy. I got used to it after a while, but it just seemed weird to me. Her writing isn’t horrible – because god knows I write much worse – but it didn’t scream “wonderful author” either. However, even though she writes rather plainly, Gable is able to tell a story – and she tells that story well.
One thing that stands out to me that I particularly wasn’t fond of was the fact that there are certain situations (most of which were of religious principles) in the novel that made me cringe. Maybe, it’s because I’m personally not very religious and have my own ideals, but these things bugged me. I mean, I know this is a book about faith, but there seemed to be so many unnecessary scenes and thoughts that had nothing at all to do with the story. I understand praying, but it is mentioned so many times that I almost rolled my eyes. I also didn’t see what NFP had to do with anything in the story. I probably would not have been bothered so much by this small little fact of mentioning praying and other religious traditions if one of the main characters was a Minister or Priest or Nun, but they were not, and so in this case, these things had nothing to do with the story. I see here that Gable is trying to fit many things in the novel, little plots, messages and lessons. Unfortunately, I was just uncomfortable with them, and they just took away from the great story.
One thing that surprised me though, one thing I particularly did like and felt was interesting, was how Gable dealt with premarital sex. I’m thinking this is definitely a different spin on the subject than most traditional Christian novels. I first assumed that the book had a message to tell about pre-marital sex when it explained things about Denise and how her life went to hell. However, I was a little wrong since Jenny practically experienced the same thing and she turned out okay. This, I was happy with. Gable shows the reader two sides of the same coin, one who let all the things that happened to her bog her down, and the other who let life takes its course.
The characters are somewhat interesting, a little bland or unbelievable at times, but interesting. The plot is predictable, but at the same time, suspenseful. It is a very...well, Christian thriller.
In short, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed certain aspects, while I disliked others. I would recommend this to people who are comfortable reading about religion. Those who are not should keep away from this unless you can completely ignore those parts and just focus on the good suspense, drama and action.
Thank you Ellen and Goodreads for the copy to review!
More @ Breaking Bookshelves
Ellen Gable’s Stealing Jenny was incredibly hard to put down. It was a quick read once you really settled into it. I don’t know what it is, but there’s no words that come to mind right now about this book. I like the novel, but I don’t have much to say about it. I don’t know if that’s a bad thing, or a good thing. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer screen trying somehow to put my thoughts in order (albeit not very well) and figure out how I should word this.
There are a few things I like and dislike about his book. Certain things I’m uncomfortable with as well, but let’s start with a little summary first.
Stealing Jenny is about Jenny Callahan, her baby, her family, and the struggle that they unexpectedly are caught in. We are told; from the very beginning, that Jenny has had three miscarriages. She and her husband are heartbroken each time. Unbeknownst to them is the fact that their seemingly innocent and quiet neighbour, Denise, is stalking Jenny, ready to put into action a plan that will change their lives forever.
I don’t read much Christian literature and fiction, and so I’m not an expert in the genre, however I can still tell you what I think about this novel because I enjoy reading, and I enjoy reading almost anything. There are always thoughts and ideas that come to mind when one is reading, no matter if they’re an expert or not in the genre.
Therefore, this is what I have to say:
Stealing Jenny is a gripping novel that grabs you and does not let go.
This statement is true. It doesn’t let you go once you start reading it. The words grab you and pull you in, opening a hole to watch the lives of these characters. Ellen Gable makes the words easy to read and comprehend, and somehow, along the way you realize you’ve almost reached the end. Although, I enjoy this aspect, I wasn’t as impressed with her writing as I thought I would be. Gable writes well, but I didn’t like how some of the dialogues seemed somewhat unnatural and forced, or choppy. I got used to it after a while, but it just seemed weird to me. Her writing isn’t horrible – because god knows I write much worse – but it didn’t scream “wonderful author” either. However, even though she writes rather plainly, Gable is able to tell a story – and she tells that story well.
One thing that stands out to me that I particularly wasn’t fond of was the fact that there are certain situations (most of which were of religious principles) in the novel that made me cringe. Maybe, it’s because I’m personally not very religious and have my own ideals, but these things bugged me. I mean, I know this is a book about faith, but there seemed to be so many unnecessary scenes and thoughts that had nothing at all to do with the story. I understand praying, but it is mentioned so many times that I almost rolled my eyes. I also didn’t see what NFP had to do with anything in the story. I probably would not have been bothered so much by this small little fact of mentioning praying and other religious traditions if one of the main characters was a Minister or Priest or Nun, but they were not, and so in this case, these things had nothing to do with the story. I see here that Gable is trying to fit many things in the novel, little plots, messages and lessons. Unfortunately, I was just uncomfortable with them, and they just took away from the great story.
One thing that surprised me though, one thing I particularly did like and felt was interesting, was how Gable dealt with premarital sex. I’m thinking this is definitely a different spin on the subject than most traditional Christian novels. I first assumed that the book had a message to tell about pre-marital sex when it explained things about Denise and how her life went to hell. However, I was a little wrong since Jenny practically experienced the same thing and she turned out okay. This, I was happy with. Gable shows the reader two sides of the same coin, one who let all the things that happened to her bog her down, and the other who let life takes its course.
The characters are somewhat interesting, a little bland or unbelievable at times, but interesting. The plot is predictable, but at the same time, suspenseful. It is a very...well, Christian thriller.
In short, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. I enjoyed certain aspects, while I disliked others. I would recommend this to people who are comfortable reading about religion. Those who are not should keep away from this unless you can completely ignore those parts and just focus on the good suspense, drama and action.
Thank you Ellen and Goodreads for the copy to review!
November 28, 2011
I can't remember what online contest I entered but I won a free copy of Stealing Jenny and am ever so glad I did. It's an excellent book and one I couldn't put down on this cold dreary afternoon. Ellen Gable's writing has improved since her last book Emily's Hope
Stealing Jenny is the story of two women - Jenny, a pregnant woman, happily married with children and Denise, a divorced woman, unable to have children due to scarred fallopian tubes. The book is a crime drama/thriller and it kept my attention from start to finish. There is no doubt this is Catholic fiction as there is talk of Confession, NFP and going to Mass but most of the time it's just a part of the story and not the in your face forced verbiage.
Looking forward to more works by Ellen Gable and thanks to Regina Doman (a favorite of my daughters) for the editorial assistance; a good editor can make such a difference in fictional works.
http://reneesuz.blogspot.com/2011/11/...
Stealing Jenny is the story of two women - Jenny, a pregnant woman, happily married with children and Denise, a divorced woman, unable to have children due to scarred fallopian tubes. The book is a crime drama/thriller and it kept my attention from start to finish. There is no doubt this is Catholic fiction as there is talk of Confession, NFP and going to Mass but most of the time it's just a part of the story and not the in your face forced verbiage.
Looking forward to more works by Ellen Gable and thanks to Regina Doman (a favorite of my daughters) for the editorial assistance; a good editor can make such a difference in fictional works.
http://reneesuz.blogspot.com/2011/11/...
March 6, 2012
I have to admit that when I first started reading this book I was not sure I would like it. I have a very soft spot kids and especially babies. The thought of something bad happening was not appealing to me. But I found that once I had started reading I could not put It down.
The book was well written, and the characters we all very real. One thing that I have noticed about many “Christian” books the Christian aspects over whelm the story. This is not the case with Stealing Jenny, the the Christian aspects are definitely there but they enhanced rather than took away from the story.
The well balanced mix between story and Catholic teachings was honestly a breath of fresh air.
After a slightly slow start this turned to be an incredible book, and certainly worth your time to read it
In the interest of full disclosure I did get this book as part of a contest on twitter. However, I have of my free will recommended it to several other people as I am recommending it to you now.
The book was well written, and the characters we all very real. One thing that I have noticed about many “Christian” books the Christian aspects over whelm the story. This is not the case with Stealing Jenny, the the Christian aspects are definitely there but they enhanced rather than took away from the story.
The well balanced mix between story and Catholic teachings was honestly a breath of fresh air.
After a slightly slow start this turned to be an incredible book, and certainly worth your time to read it
In the interest of full disclosure I did get this book as part of a contest on twitter. However, I have of my free will recommended it to several other people as I am recommending it to you now.
May 23, 2012
Stealing Jenny is an interesting novel that hit close to home for me in some ways. Jenny Callahan is nearly due to give birth to her sixth child after suffering three consecutive miscarriages, when a mentally unstable woman--Denise Kramer--kidnaps her with plans to steal the baby and leave Jenny for dead. You have to feel a little sorry for Denise because of her infertility and troubled past. Despite that, her character gave me the creeps as she showed no remorse in what she did to Jenny.
I thought the writing was a little weak in places, and I would have liked to learn just a bit more about Denise's past, but the suspense held the entire time and kept me engaged. Four stars!
I thought the writing was a little weak in places, and I would have liked to learn just a bit more about Denise's past, but the suspense held the entire time and kept me engaged. Four stars!
September 8, 2012
Stealing Jenny, a compelling suspense novel, skillfully explores the challenge of facing horrific circumstances while hanging on to faith and hope. Author Ellen Gable draws us deeper and deeper into the drama of a loving family from a quiet neighborhood whose peaceful lives are shattered when a menace hits close to home. As events escalate, the characters struggle to cope while hanging on to faith. Gable has a knack for unveiling true-to-life human reactions when surreal threat meets ordinary life. This exciting story is also a testimony to the endurance of faith. A must read for anyone looking for gripping entertainment with a message!
November 11, 2012
Stealing Jenny had an awesome concept, the story itself was riveting and somewhat scary in a scenario that could actually happen in the real world. However delivery was a nightmare, the transitions were awkward, the story moved way too fast to truly develop any character depth, the dialog was stilted and the writing lacked rhythm, or how do I say that feeling that eases you into a story and guides the reader into the authors world?
It could have been an unbelievable story had the book gone through major editing, sentence and dialog restructure and a reworking presenting the Catholic faith aspects.
It could have been an unbelievable story had the book gone through major editing, sentence and dialog restructure and a reworking presenting the Catholic faith aspects.
June 5, 2020
Yikes! What a gripping story. Jenny is a happy mother who is expecting her sixth baby. After three miscarriages she is excited about the new little one. Unfortunately she has a medical condition that if she gives birth naturally she and the baby could die. A week before her scheduled C-section she is kidnapped by another woman is mentally deranged. Denise is unable to have children and is determined to take Jenny's baby as her own. What follows is an intense story of the search for Jenny and the fight for her life as she gives birth in undesirable circumstances. The story is of answered prayer and of forgiveness.
August 12, 2012
The story and plot were good; but I didn't find the characters likeable. At all. I actually felt most connected to the "bad guy" -- Denise. To me, Jenny and Tom were extremely whiny (Jenny more so than Tom) and by the end, I was rooting for Denise (sad but true). I have a hard time with families with tons of kids, but I decided to see if maybe she had a good reason for wanting another child. In my opinion, (like Denise) I thought her reasoning was lame and not well laid out.
Other than that and some writing/grammatical errors, this book was a quick, entertaining read.
Other than that and some writing/grammatical errors, this book was a quick, entertaining read.
April 9, 2013
Ellen Gable pursues a distinct market of already committed Catholics interested in the family life of Catholics. In that pursuit, she does a fine job, and "Stealing Jenny" is an example. I found the book warm and loving, especially Jenny's relationship with her husband, Tom, who respects his wife first as a woman, and then in her role as a mother. There is a strong contrast in the book between Jenny and her female kidnapper, one that Gable plays up. The book also has a nicely paced element of suspense that spurs the reader on. Ellen Gable's readers will be happy with this one.
November 17, 2011
This was a wonderful story. The author has well developed characters with an interesting plot. II know this is a fiction book but I wonder how many times a crime like this has happened in real-life? This book is a nice, clean, no bad language, no sex book. This book was so great that I was sitting at work last night reading it. The author Ms. Ellen Gable sent me a free copy. Thanks for a wonderful read Ms Gable.
December 13, 2011
Quick read but enjoyable. The story could have been expanded by another 50 pages or so to add more detail. The investigation didn't mention really checking with neighbors or anything which seemed like a pretty critical step. I'm glad even though it was "Christian fiction" it was not overly religious.
January 5, 2015
A suspenseful story of the kidnapping of a pregnant woman about to give birth. The victim is a married Catholic Canadian with five children who becomes the object of envy for a woman unable to have a child. There's an interesting connection between the two, as well as between the victim and one of the law enforcement authorities in the story.
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