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The Desire: A Novel
She longs for a baby.
He longs to change the world.
A journey that could either pull them apart forever… or restore the love they’ve begun to lose.
Michele and Allan thought the hardest part of marriage might be learning to live together. They never imagined it would be learning how to survive disappointment. After two painful years of infertility, Michele is determined to do whatever it takes to have a baby. But Allan’s heart has become consumed by the suffering he's witnessed serving orphans in Ethiopia. Every spare dollar and vacation day now goes toward these mission trips, leaving Michele feeling abandoned, frustrated, and increasingly alone.
As tension grows between them, Michele finds herself surrounded by painful reminders of everything she doesn’t have. Including Christina, a pregnant teenager with a troubled past who unexpectedly enters their lives. But through Christina’s story, the wisdom of a young pastor, and a life-changing trip to Africa, Michele begins to discover that God may be working through these seemingly unanswered prayers in ways she never could have imagined.
Filled with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a powerful message about faith, surrender, and restoration, The Desire is a deeply moving story about marriage, sacrifice, adoption, and learning to trust God with the deepest desires of our hearts.
He longs to change the world.
A journey that could either pull them apart forever… or restore the love they’ve begun to lose.
Michele and Allan thought the hardest part of marriage might be learning to live together. They never imagined it would be learning how to survive disappointment. After two painful years of infertility, Michele is determined to do whatever it takes to have a baby. But Allan’s heart has become consumed by the suffering he's witnessed serving orphans in Ethiopia. Every spare dollar and vacation day now goes toward these mission trips, leaving Michele feeling abandoned, frustrated, and increasingly alone.
As tension grows between them, Michele finds herself surrounded by painful reminders of everything she doesn’t have. Including Christina, a pregnant teenager with a troubled past who unexpectedly enters their lives. But through Christina’s story, the wisdom of a young pastor, and a life-changing trip to Africa, Michele begins to discover that God may be working through these seemingly unanswered prayers in ways she never could have imagined.
Filled with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a powerful message about faith, surrender, and restoration, The Desire is a deeply moving story about marriage, sacrifice, adoption, and learning to trust God with the deepest desires of our hearts.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 4, 2026
The Desire by Dan Walsh
I loved this third book in the series. It's the story of Michelle and Allan and the struggles they go through wanting a child. So many moving, heartfelt moments. It is, also, a story of God's ability to always provide even when all seems impossible. The ending is incredibly beautiful and perhaps not what one would think would happen. Looking forward to reading the fourth book in The Restoration Series,
I loved this third book in the series. It's the story of Michelle and Allan and the struggles they go through wanting a child. So many moving, heartfelt moments. It is, also, a story of God's ability to always provide even when all seems impossible. The ending is incredibly beautiful and perhaps not what one would think would happen. Looking forward to reading the fourth book in The Restoration Series,
July 1, 2026
Best story I’ve read lately!
Allen and Michelle’s story was so touching! They were so far apart in their heart’s desires, although they loved each other deeply. It gave me joy to follow God’s plans for them. My own heart was softened with theirs, as the story showed us what humility really looks like.
Allen and Michelle’s story was so touching! They were so far apart in their heart’s desires, although they loved each other deeply. It gave me joy to follow God’s plans for them. My own heart was softened with theirs, as the story showed us what humility really looks like.
August 1, 2026
In the summer I enjoy reading a series. This one has been excellent. I love reading about each of the characters and have enjoyed how it carries on into another book. I've already started book four and I'm sure I'll be sad when it concludes. Dan Walsh is a very good writer including faith-based living in each book.
June 26, 2026
Exceeding …Abundantly
Dealing with infertility and her husband’s repeated missions trips to Ethiopia, Michelle Anders finds herself really struggling. When she is given the opportunity to adopt the baby of an unwed mother, she wonders if this is this answer. Or does God have something better. Walsh and Smalley demonstrate through this riveting story that God is always on time, seldom early, and never late. He can be trusted.
Dealing with infertility and her husband’s repeated missions trips to Ethiopia, Michelle Anders finds herself really struggling. When she is given the opportunity to adopt the baby of an unwed mother, she wonders if this is this answer. Or does God have something better. Walsh and Smalley demonstrate through this riveting story that God is always on time, seldom early, and never late. He can be trusted.
June 28, 2026
Wonderful story
I wouldn't expect anything else but excellence in story telling. The characters are so real and make you laugh and cry . Another faith based story with love,sacrifice and steadfastness.
I highly recommend this book and the series .
I wouldn't expect anything else but excellence in story telling. The characters are so real and make you laugh and cry . Another faith based story with love,sacrifice and steadfastness.
I highly recommend this book and the series .
June 26, 2026
A beautiful story
I couldn’t put this book down! God did amazing things in everyone’s lives! Happy tears from me at the end of the book!
I couldn’t put this book down! God did amazing things in everyone’s lives! Happy tears from me at the end of the book!
July 3, 2026
A story about a couple with infertility issues well done. Another enjoyable novel by Dan Walsh.
July 5, 2026
The Desire
The storyline of this book was very unexpected. I enjoyed reading it. God answered this young couple’s prayers in a very unique way. I recommend reading this series.
The storyline of this book was very unexpected. I enjoyed reading it. God answered this young couple’s prayers in a very unique way. I recommend reading this series.
July 6, 2026
What a beautiful touching story!
This precious story is just beautiful! The tears will flow but they will be tears of joy that will not soon be forgotten.
This precious story is just beautiful! The tears will flow but they will be tears of joy that will not soon be forgotten.
July 14, 2026
Wonderful story about dreams, disappointments & miracles!
Loved it!
Loved it!
July 21, 2026
Great series
This has been a great feel-good, easy read series, full of Christian and family values. I definitely recommend the series.
This has been a great feel-good, easy read series, full of Christian and family values. I definitely recommend the series.
July 25, 2026
can’t wait for the next book!
I couldn’t put this book down. All of the ups and downs in life made the book so relatable. It’s so refreshing to read a Christian book!
I couldn’t put this book down. All of the ups and downs in life made the book so relatable. It’s so refreshing to read a Christian book!
July 15, 2026
As I said the last time, they keep getting better and better. I loved this one. Unfortunately company kept getting in the way of my reading so it took me longer to finish the book. But I read it, many parts over again because I had to read them again to catch myself up with what I'd read before. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews