Pretense

by Lori Wick

All dressed up in a fresh new cover, Pretense, the bestselling novel from Lori Wick is ready for a brand new generation of readers.

Marrell, a happily married army wife, adores her family, but throughout her life she’s felt something missing. When she discovers that the void is spiritual, she is afraid to tell her husband. Will he understand that he cannot meet all of her needs, and that she cannot meet all of his?

Covering the lives of Marrell and her two daughters, Mackenzie and Delancey, from the 1970s to the 1990s, Pretense is a character–rich novel written from Lori’s heart that shows the patient love of God and the promise of His forgiveness for all who seek Him.

This bestselling, character-rich novel--now reissued for a brand-new generation of readers--features the Bishop sisters, whose unexpected difficulties threaten their world. Will their life-changing experiences bring them together or tear them apart?

- Publisher

Meet the Bishop sisters -- Two women at the crossroads of life On the outside, the Bishop girls appear as different as sisters can be. Mackenzie is a mahogany-haired beauty who's inherited the determined nature of her Army officer father. Her infectious sense of humor and rare gift of imagination are often hidden by a reserved manner. Radiant, blond Delancey views the world through an artist's eyes, drawing what she sees with wide sweeps of emotion. Her charming and trusting personality easily wins friends and admirers, but also leaves her sensitive heart vulnerable to hurt. As the girls grow, unexpected difficulties threaten their world. Will their life-changing experiences bring them together or tear them apart? Where will they find the love they seek?

- Publisher

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

708 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yuck.

I confess the characters were memorable. I liked the ones she took time to develop (Marrell, Paul, Jackson, Mackenzie, Delancy).

But the book started SO SLOW and the writing was horrible. I cannot believe I finished all 600 something pages. I probably wouldn't have if the book hadn't been given to me and I felt obligated to 'report back.' I can safely go for several years without the descriptor, "special" as it was so overused. I was mentally wretching within two pages. Another annoying train is that the author obviously LOVES naming people. Whenever new characters we are supposed to like are introduced, "nice names" is sure appear in the dialogue.

Many will claim these flaws are unique to Christian fiction, but I had flashbacks to reading "Sweet Valley High" back in high school. The "Sweet Valley High" series and "Pretense" have a lot in common. All the main characters have beautiful faces, amazing bodies, gorgeous hair, and "special" personalities that are appealing to all around them, especially those who appear at just the right time to fall in love with them. Not to mention these characters easily find spectacular apartments/ homes that are perfect for their needs and live in locations of natural beauty. Of course, their jobs are wonderfully suited to them and allow them tons of flexibility for their relational pursuits. They have completely natural talents that earn them incredible wealth and get them quickly established at a young age. Of course, if this path is taken by a male character, the astonishingly single rich bachelor is sure to fall for one of our female leads - after all, everyone is beautiful and "special" so we know they won't be 'on the market' for long. What a life. Too bad it has nothing to do with reality.

That said, some of the plot points had value. Without giving it away, I liked the development of characters and found most (not all) of the conversion experiences were well developed. I liked how the characters continued to struggle with their personalities/ normal paths of behavior after coming to Christ. The emphasis on family was welcome and reasonably reflected in the characters. I found the challenges of the book, particularly in the early half to be real (sudden death of someone close, adjusting to life changes, moving etc.). And, in general (though not always) I liked the way the author used prayer.

But these positives were lost in the tidal wave of unnecessary length and the authors insistence that her characters contain perfections too numerous for real life while encountering their struggles one at a time as everything else 'falls into place' and is cleanly and positively wrapped up. I haven't dismissed this author entirely... but it might be awhile before I can stomach another go at something "special" that she has written - and named!

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did it! I finally finished this monster of a book! Definitely the longest book I've read in a long, long time, maybe ever.
I really enjoyed this story. Getting to know the Bishop family in the early years and following the girls all the way into adulthood left me feeling like I was a part of the family too. Heartache and trials, great accomplishments and disappointments. It was all very realistic and it made me relate to the characters so easily.
The story of redemption for each character was good too and showed that anyone, no matter where you are in life and no matter what you've done that there is a Savior that loves you and wants you.
There were parts that drug on a bit and were a bit on the boring side, but the realistic characters and overall story made up for those boring sections.
Lori Wick penned a good one and boy do I feel accomplished after reading it!

[Jennifer Lay · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favorite book of Lori Wick's. I like clean books and Christian values.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story followed two young teen sisters from the loss of their military dad, to the remarriage of their mother, and finally to their marriages. The best part of this story was the beautiful faith filled thread that ran throughout the entire novel. The theme was seeing people change from atheist who had no use for God to strong Bible believing people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I would have given it a 5 except for the length-703 pages!!! I think it would have been better if it had been divided into a series.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is has been at the hop of my favorites list since it first came out in the fall of 1998. I remember reading this during the week I turned 18 and was going to my Great Grandma's funeral in Michigan. I have read it countless times since then and I love how Lori takes Mackenzie and Delancy (love their names!) from children to adulthood. This is an amazing story of life, love, loss and the lengths God will go to find us. A must read!

[Patina Malinalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a little bit to get into the plot - so don't stop! One thing does lead to another, and this is an enjoyable read. I love how she quote Scripture throughout the book and the content of their devotionals is often included (at least in part). I also appreciate how it is used to address specific struggles.

Four stars!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this countless times. Like that they are sisters and authors. Christianity presented in a more realistic way.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad to be finished with this book. I gave it 3 stars because while the characters are pleasant and the book is full of examples of Christian values, it was very long and drawn out. The story is extremely predictable as was the ending. At one point, I quit reading this book, because I had become so bored with it. After a couple of months, I decided I would give it another go. The story does get better after awhile. Yet, sadly, I can't honestly say I would recommend this to anyone.

[Tunde daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

on page 439. so far the main xters mic and delancy are well potrayed.painful they lost their parent but r yet to see God's love in their lives

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the book!!!! I will definitely be reading this book again sometime.

[Cyber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book!

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this book, but I can't say for sure why. There isn't any suspense and not a lot of romance, just the story of a family getting to know Christ and what that means for them. I do read it every few years though.

"Pretense" is filled with Christian views and at times gets a bit preachy, and not enjoying that as much as the story I either skim or skip those parts. However, it was this book that first put the idea into my head that worry is a sin. A few years later a talk by Elder Holland (I think it was him) confirmed that when Christ told his followers to let their hearts be not troubled, neither let them be afraid it wasn't a suggestion, but a commandment.

Although I don't totally agree with all of the modern Christian ways of thinking, sometimes their examples of faith and prayer teach me things that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

[Margo Berendsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a really long multi-generational saga like this in a while, not since Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers, and I really love a book that can afford to take its time and get ridicuously long. It did take me a while to get into the characters, but this book came strongly recommneded so I kept reading and eventually the Bishop family began to grow on me. I loved experiencing each of their journeys to faith and I loved how after they'd become followers of Jesus, they talked to him through their struggles.

Here's what got me to engage: when the father, Paul comes back from a year away in the Army, he discovers that his two teenage daughters have started to the rule the roost, and have developed very self-centered attitudes. I love how he handled it. With patience and persistence, he taught the girls to ask questions about their parents' work and how to engage in other people's lives so their own lives wouldn't be so self-centered. I was really impressed by that, especially since I have a teenage daughter and another one getting close.

MacKenzie really grew on me. She had a knack for saying unexpected things; I'm not sure if I've ever run into a character quite like her where you could relate to her but at the same time had such a unique perspective, a blend of naievty and insight and something else that I couldn't quite pinpoint but intrigued me.

Read this book for the characters and their journeys of faith; don't let the old-fashioned wordiness and head-hopping deter you.

[Irish Sweetheart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that I am being generous in giving this book three stars. I enjoyed this book and felt very a strong empathy with several of the characters. The story is deep, generally well-developed; the characters are strongly built and appealing with real problems and frailties though unrealistic and unbelievable with their perfections. The plot was fetching and captivating and gave the impression that it "ran away" with its author. I read it through several times and enjoyed the different truths and facts that I could see.
With that being said, I should like to explain why I only gave the book a three if I enjoyed it. Although the story has a magical pull to it that allures it readers, there are many fatal flaws that cause it to be laughable, improbable, and slightly sicky-sweet. The first thing I noticed with this book and all Lori Wick books is the abundance of trite expressions and major grammar errors. There is an overuse of certain adjectives and far too many cute "slogans". Her descriptions especially of her people use many of the obvious favorites of the past century. The grammar has some basic and some technical errors that are trying to the patience of readers who actually know the difference between proper grammar and American middle-class expressionism.
Another problem is the unbelievability of the characters. They are too beautiful, too successful, too lucky, too connected, too talented, and far too special to be real. They do have real problems and struggles and difficulties that ease this but it does not alleviate the issues.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book than I generally read, as I’m reading it in 2015, but it was published in 1998, so the style of writing is a bit looser. It took me a while to get into this novel. I usually only give a book 30 pages, but decided I’d give it up to 100. There are 702 pages in this edition. I’m so glad I stuck with it, as I enjoyed it immensely.

Pretense is quite a complex story—not exactly a family saga, since it only covers 2 generations, but a story of family relationships, especially the relationship of two sisters. It is also a story of friendship, romance, and personal growth. The book begins in 1976 and goes through the early 1990’s. I would say this is an unusual and compelling story. The spiritual thread takes center stage throughout this book, so if you prefer not to delve deeply into spiritual growth, I doubt that you would enjoy this book.

I am only giving this book 4 stars, because it was hard to get into, but otherwise, I loved it and will long remember the characters and their story.

[Daylet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Wick is one of my favorite authors. I have just about read every single thing she has written, so it was natural for me to get this book and read it. I did not expect how amazing it would be. I learned so much and experienced so much from this characters that I felt I had said goodbye to a friend when it ended. This book made me laugh, cry, get angry, cry, laugh, ponder, cry and laugh and ponder again.
The book mainly centers around the lives of 2 sisters from the ages of 7 and 8 years old. It follows the life of a loving non- Christian family. The trials that life brings them through, is nothing short of realistic of what you or your next door neighbor would face. The reader can relate so much to these characters and their challenges. I do not want to give anything away, but God really gets a hold of this family, especially these sisters, but all in His timing.
I strongly recommend this book. Even though it is 708pgs it has taught me much. It's a really great read.

[Trish · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read several of Lori Wick's books and was excited to tear into this one. I started reading, and kept plugging along, thinking it would get better -- it didn't. I love the idea of what she was trying to do, but the dialogue was goofy, girls' success was very unrealistic, and their eventual conversion rang hollow... After all their anger at God which was so strongly built up after the dramatic situations with their parents, the conversion sequence was sadly lacking in details. (It seemed the author wanted to tell the backstory and was eager to get on to the "Christian" part, so after one minor issue and a chat with a nice person, miraculously Mac is suddenly involved in a Bible study?) Too much time spent on frivolous details such as lists of Christmas gifts, and the detailed descriptions about clothing only made it feel outdated.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engrossing story about a family and how the Spirit takes hold of each one of them and how they all eventually come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 708 pgs. long but never got boring. I read some other reviews, and it is true what that reader said: every body in this book has flawless skin, great jobs, no financial worries...I didn't even realize that before. So, in that their problems were not about their looks or financial state, there was sickness and death and other nasty things life just throws at you.
This is the 2nd book I have read of Lori Wick, the other being "Sophie's Heart, an absolute gem of a book!! And I will look for more from this Christian author! Very enjoyable reading!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though the size of the book can be daunting, the content is well worth the effort. I read this book for the first time as a high schooler and it is so memorable and life-applying that I have read it multiple times since. The characters are gripping and easy to relate to, the plot is every-day life circumstances, and the religiosity is well-placed and encouraging without pounded it into the reader's head. I highly recommend the book and other works by this author. About the book: Sisters Mackenzie and Delancy, their lives from the time they are in grade school up to adulthood. Life tragedies, successes and eventual faith in the Lord, (in a nutshell). You'll just have to read it yourself for all the details.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Christian read but Lori wick never shoves God down your throat. It's a story about two young girls that were brought up by two very loving Christian parents. Their father Mr. Bishop is in the military and ends up in a horrific accident. Mrs bishop or the girls don't think they will ever move on with their life. Mrs bishop ends up having to get a job to support the girls and she prays all the time that the girls will finally follow the Lord. Does Mrs bishop find.love again? Do the girls grow up eventually following the Lord and living the Christian life? Do the girls find the love of their life or does everything just end up blowing up in their face? Great read. Lori wick is a fantastic author.

[Rebecca Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about two girls and their family. There father is in the army and their mother is at home with them. At fist there parents want nothing to do with the Lord, but things take a drastic change when there father is sent over seas. As her parents are kept apart they both find the need for Christ, but this take yet another turn as their father is killed.
The girls still want nothing to do with God. As their lives are rebuilt their mother falls in love with a man and he adores both girls. They spend years together and the girls went off to college when they both get a call saying their mother has cancer and wont last long.
Both girls run from God, and turn to there passions writing and drawing, only to have their needs not filled. How will they servive.

[Sola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book on a whim at the library after reading the synopsis and once I began it took me about a week to finish. It started off very slowly and the writing is very simple (which isnt necessarily a bad thing I suppose). However, Wick's strength in my opinion lies in the great messages on morality and faith, as well as the wonderful characters!I have to admit that I felt amazing compassion for them as they endured their various trials. Delancey and Mackenzie, the two main characters,are very complex and most importantly REAL.
This is the first book I have ever read by Lori Wick but based on it, I would definitely consider reading another one of her novels!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a long book and took me 4 days to read, this isn't a suspense/mystery. But a beautiful story of romance, a family saga throughout the years, while learning the lessons of God through Christ in life, love, death and the obstacles in its past, as a Christian fiction/romance novel. This is my third Christian author so far this year, and takes top notch over Linda Nichols and Jane Kirkpatrick. This makes me want to reconnect to God and ask for peace and to find true love. It even brought tears to my eyes.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I think I related most to Mckenzie. But I loved watching this family come to Christ. In the begining I could relate to Marrell as her girls did not share her faith. I laughed and cried with these girls on their journey through life. I loved the closeness between McKenzie and Delancy. I felt bad for Jack when Marrell and died and the girls would not have anything to do with him; but I loved that they renewed their relationship with him.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Lori Wick book I ever read, and from then on I was a fan. I love the "army brats" background...I felt really connected to the characters :) When the end came...I definitely didn't want to put it down.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really long, longer than most of Wick's books. It says it's about the two daughters, but the story doesn't focus on them until the 2nd half of the book. It was good, not one I would reread soon, just because it is so involved.

July 1, 2009
Feb. 9, 2017

[Amy Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book of all times. For so many reasons. There is so much story there and also character development but I really enjoyed reading how characters changed throughout the book.To be honest, there are not many Lori Wick books I don't like!!

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, but in my opinion is way too long. The book is pushing 700 pages and I think the same story could have been told in 400. I liked it, but I think it should have been pared down.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites by her!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a bit long, but overall was a great book!