Though they've known each other all their lives, Elizabeth Herriman and Howard Pierce move in separate worlds . . . then Liz' car breaks down and Howard comes to her aid. Starting with a simple invitation to dinner, Liz renews a friendship, launches a rescue effort, and learns she can't judge a book by its cover. Meanwhile, Howard embarks on a soul-searching journey that includes a second chance at love.
It's a sweet LDS story. Very predictable, bad boy becomes good and takes the girl of his dream to the temple. The main characters, Elizabeth and Howard are in their mid 40s. They grew up together in a small town in Utah. Howard left the church when he was a teen while Elizabeth stayed strong. Elizabeth never married while Howard became a widow. As you can guess, Elizabeth teaches Howards about Christ and the plan of salvation and Howard teaches Elizabeth about love. I like Howard as a character but I was annoyed at how Elizabeth acted more like a hormonal teenager rather than the educated woman that she was. Her actions were driven by emotions rather than logic. Yes women tend to be emotional but in the real world women are capable to balance logic and emotion especially in their forties. I am just saying. The book has a good message about missionary work and forgiveness of oneself and others. I recommend this book if you like cheesy and predictable LDS romance.
Don Searle's second novel is light and entertaining LDS fiction. It has a more or less standard plot line - less-active LDS man meets active LDS woman (why isn't it ever reversed?). She helps him return to activity, with the help of a kind and inspired Bishop who also happens to be the local LEO. Man and woman fall in love. After some "whitewater rapids" in their budding relationship, they overcome hurt feelings and misunderstandings and presumably live happily ever after. Some other secondary characters and plot lines are present also - sort of a boy and girl version of the man and woman. It gets a little strained toward the end - the female protagonist takes offense in a way that seems out of character for her given the sort of character development set-up earlier in the book. Nonetheless, Searle has a comfortable and relaxed writing style, and it makes for an undemanding read - good for a cold Sunday evening with some hot cocoa and a fire in the fireplace.
A novel, which I read a few years ago. It is a definite Mormon novel that takes place in a small town in southern Utah. This is not a syrupy novel, as most Mormon novels are. Two middle aged people discover each other after many years going their own way. A love story, change, trust, mistrust, listening, integrity are all parts of the book. I am not sure why I liked it, but I did. I will probably read it again in a few years. I would recommend it, if you can find it.
It was alright. I enjoyed about 3/4ths of the book but the main female character drove me nuts at the end. I completely disconnected with her and could not disagree with her actions and thoughts more. It was absolutely ridiculous. The thought of there being actual people so self-righteous and judgmental like that makes me mad/sad.
The heroine really got on my nerves towards the end of the book. She totally over-reacted and misjudged someone and refused to change her opinion. I found that to be really really annoying, but I finally finished the book anyway. Not bad, except for the annoying heroine.
Um.... not as cheesy as I suspected it would be... but I didn't think it was great. The plot was boring and simple, but I did like the message about giving people a second chance and not judging a book by its cover. Not a waste of time, I suppose, but not a book worth seeking out to read.