The Ideal Wife

by Jacquelin Thomas

Newlyweds Jana and Lawrence return from their Caribbean honeymoon to Los Angeles, where Lawrence is a partner in a prestigious Beverly Hills law firm. After Jana moves into Lawrence’s home in Hollywood Hills, she undergoes a complete lifestyle change and now spends her time shopping and doing charity work with the wives of the other partners. Her days as a student at Bible College seem like a distant memory now that she’s a full-time wife.. Soon Jana and Lawrence’s values begin to clash, and the marriage falls apart. After a spat over Lawrence’s sexual appetite, he tells Jana he wants a divorce. Confused and heartbroken by the sudden turn of events, she slowly realizes that it was physical attraction that drew Lawrence to her—it was never about love. She was nothing more than a trophy wife. So when three months later she meets Garrett Ransom, a handsome widower, she vows that this time, she’s going to do things right. . In The Ideal Wife , Thomas has written an engaging and inspirational novel featuring ordinary people facing everyday challenges, as they struggle to achieve personal happiness and success while maintaining their faith-based principles..

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 22, 2009

About the author

Jacquelin Thomas is an award-winning, best selling author with 94 titles published. Her books have garnered several awards, including two EMMA awards, the Romance In Color Reviewers Award, Readers Choice Award and the Atlanta Choice Award in the Religious & Spiritual category. Jacquelin was a 2005 honoree at the Houston Black Film Festival for the movie adaptation of her novel, Hidden Blessings. She was the first recipient to receive the Writers Achievement Award at the North Carolina Book Festival in Winston-Salem. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine.

Jacquelin has published in the romance, women's fiction, inspirational and young adult genres. Her second book in the YA series, Divine Confidential was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award.

Jacquelin is happily married to her best friend and is the proud mother of three children. Jacquelin and her family live in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is Fitting

Jana, a modest young woman with a strong relationship with God, lucked out and married Lawrence, a wealthy lawyer, who she truly loves. All she wants is to please her husband. Even if it means leaving her church, growing her hair and putting her schooling on hold, Jana will. While meeting a few of Lawrence's needs, Jana finds herself letting go of her inhibitions and transitioning into a different person.

Lawrence has found the second Mrs. Collins. From her saggy clothing to her short hairdo, Lawrence has already decided that things will change. He prepares to make Jana the woman he wants her to be and there isn't going to be much compromise. He'd already run one wife off and though he's anxious to introduce Jana to his way of living, he's carefully bringing her into his fold. Aware of how this may go, Lawrence is trying to be patient.

As Lawrence and Jana transition into their marriage, things slowly begin to unravel. Lawrence is controlling and uses Jana's inexperience against her. Determined to make her marriage work, Jana continues to lean on God to direct their steps. Lawrence may have money and prestige; however, his character and faith are severely flawed. Can the Collins work things out before it's too late? Or will Jana realize that Lawrence and the world her husband is apart of is too different?

THE IDEAL WIFE by Jacquelin Thomas is inundated in sex, secrets and drama. What I love is that Jacquelin is able to deliver a taboo subject and provide readers with the necessary tools as well as good Christian values. Recommended reading for all.


OOSA Online Book Club BOTM

[OOSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Trophy Wife

Jana has met the man of her dreams. Lawrence is a wealthy, handsome attorney. And he's a Christian. He meets all of her expectations and more. God has truly blessed her with a good husband. The lord has also blessed Lawrence with a good wife. Jana is a Christian, beautiful, intelligent and she loves to cook.

They dated for six months and then he made all of her dreams come true when he provided her with the wedding of her dreams. Now that they are home from their honeymoon, Jana is beginning to see a little change in her husband.

Lawrence begins to make demands about how Jana should dress, wear her hair, spend her time and worship. It causes Jana to wonder why he married her if there was so much about her that he didn`t approve of. This drastic change in Lawrence's attitude has Jana pondering whether he married her because he truly loved her or merely as an asset.

"The Ideal Wife" is an excellent and quick read by Jacquelin Thomas. I highly recommend this book to all.


Reviewed by: Carmen

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first book by Jacquelin Thomas and for me this book was VERY slow! It dragged on and on and I found myself speed reading just to get through it! The subject matter was very interesting and the characters were as well, its just that the book never have ANY climatic moments, it stayed at level ONE all the way through. Even the moments that were meant to be explosive weren't to me! I had no emotional reaction to anything that I read. I felt like there were a LOT of filler pages, information that I grew tired of reading about. Even though the book was based upon a husband being secretly involved in the SWINGING LIFESTYLE, it was a very clean and safe read. Don't expect any drama or excitement from this one. It wasn't as much about the lifestyle as it was about a wife being or not being submissive to the lifestyle of her husband...more about her personal walk and beliefs.

[Sherry McFarland · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book dealt with deception, lies and betrayal. It also shows how people can take the bible and twist the word/meaning to fit thier purpose. The plot of this book kept repeating itself to the point where it became annoying. I have enjoyed other books by this author this just was not one of my favorites.

[Shawntay F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could have gone a lifetime and not read this book. It was not what I expected at all. As a Christian I felt this novel gave a strict close-minded view of Christian values. While I agree 100% with the intent of the book I just feel Jana came off as a bit too June Cleaverish. She just seemed a bit unrealistic for today's society. I get the message but I just wished it was delivered better.

[Helen C · Rating 5 out of 5]

After marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in his luxurious Hollywood Hills mansion and trying to be the perfect wife. Found the price she had to pay to much her husband wanted her to be something she was not. The man she thought she knew was changing her values and her faith. Decided to put her trust in God and follow his guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.

[Cicely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book in my collection for a few years & decided to give it a try. It was a interesting read, although, I figured out the plot before it really got good. I will be reading more from this author.

[Joi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very predictable. I enjoyed it for what it was though.

[Pat Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Ideal

The storyline was good but I felt the book dragged on unnecessarily. It took a while to get to the crux of what would be the major problem in the marriage, even though it had already been quite evident. I finished the book only because I wanted to know if they would work out their issues or dissolve the marriage. I'm on the fence as far as a recommendation. The editing wasn't very good and for some reason words that ended in 'rn' became an 'm' instead, like 'pom' instead of 'porn' and 'leam' instead of 'learn'.

[Sonjuan Burch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ideal Wife

This was just an ok read the problem is that it was drawn out, there was potential for a very good book had they added a little action. Also the main character was not realistic in her knowledge of sex. Thinking about it a lot of how things happened was not realistic which took away from the book, but it was a good theme.

[De Anna Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This novel was very eye opening in the aspect of the unknown that others face. You never know someone's story and why they have chosen to minister to others. God's word stands true and Jana showed that you do not have to waver it for anyone or anything. I think this is a perfect book for any woman married or not to read. Loved it!!

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Hot theme

My word, this was preaching and teaching! Also, enlightening and entertaining ✍🏾 writing and the message. I have enjoyed other books from this author however, she led and conveyed bible scripture truth with this book! Hold on be strong in your messages and ministry.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent read, Lawrence and Jana were unequally yoked. I believe Lawrence loved Jana, but his lifestyle was more important. Graciela was my favorite character in this book. I recommend this book.

[Nicki Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't stop reading

This was a great book. I loved it. It would be 5 stars if it weren't for the spelling errors. And it's papi not poppy. I had high hopes for Lawrence despite him being a jerk. Overall. Great read with a solid Christian foundation.

[Elane M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

I’m glad Jana stood strong with her belief about the whole swinger lifestyle and didn’t let Lawrence break her all the way where she couldn’t come back to her own beliefs. His friend Ron was a total devil.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It goes to show you that we better read the Bible and get to know God for yourself.

[Terri Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book

This book provided a sexual every day plot along with a biblical story. It kept my attention throughout the entire book

[Diana Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book!

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picture Lifetime Movie Network meets BET meets Bravo. The story-telling is over the top and exaggerated, but that's why I enjoy this trashy novel.

Jana drops out of Bible College to marry Lawrence, a wealthy lawyer. Lawrence gives her an allowance and asks her to dress better. Slowly, he undermines her confidence, criticizing the little things until Jana believes she's not being a good wife. And when Lawrence invites her to participate in an orgy with his best friend and his wife, he slips Jana ecstasy so she won't mind the orgy. The X causes her to have a miscarriage. Jana doesn't immediately divorce him, because Lawrence files divorce paper when she won't participate. All Jana does is pray about it.

Apparently - an open marriage is called "the lifestyle" and you're either into the lifestyle or not.

Jana lets Lawrence file for divorce and starts a support group for women who want to leave the lifestyle but are scared of divorcing their husbands. Lawrence buys Jana a house and gives her one million dollars. Wha wha?

[Latiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author. I thought the book was okay. I did not find it to be a remarkable story. I can't remember what drew me to this story, I just know that it has been on my to-read shelf for a while now.

I didn't love any of the characters (I'm starting to miss that feeling-insert sad face). Even though, Jana's husband tried to take her in a questionable direction during their marriage, I did find her to be a bit prudish. I too am a Christian, but didn't agree that everything that the main character found sinful actually was.

The only thing that really caught my attention was the subject of forgiveness. Jana decides at one point to forgive her husband and work on their relationship, yet when it came to her friend she wasn't as easily forgiving. It reminded me of how women can be so forgiving of men, but harsher on other women. Both Jana's husband and friend were guilty of the same crime, but Jana was much harder on her friend.

Other than that, I didn't find anything else about this story interesting.

[Brenda Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew from the start that this book would be predictable. What I didn't know was it was a slow drag read. So much was added to fill out the story and try to keep it going as much as possible. Does money change you and make you see things differently? Absolutely. Does a handsome man who is all you ever wanted change your perception of life? Absolutely. Then the dream becomes a reality and you are straddling the fence, trying to decide which life to choose. A lot is given about Jana and her religious background, which she compromises for love and the ideal life. After the honeymoon she is slowly changed into a person that she does like. She goes along with her husband because she loves him....but is it worth it? Be the person that you want to be and not the person someone else wants you to be.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE IDEAL WIFE by Jacquelin Thomas is a Christian Contemporary Fiction/Women’s Fiction. Is is written with the scripture tale of Queen Vasti. It is the story of newlywed Jana Collins and her husband Lawrence Collins,an attorney with dark secrets that jeopardize his marriage. A christian wife marries a man with different views on religious beliefs,including the “swinging” life style. Lawrence wants to show off his beautiful wife. “His Ideal Wife” but he goes further by wanting her to do thinks against her will and her beliefs. An interesting,compelling, and complex tale of a modern marriage. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Pocket Books,a division of Simon & Schuster,the author’s website,and My Book Addiction and More.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jana was swept off her feet by attorney Lawrence Collins. After the honeymoon the strange differences started showing up until Jana couldn't take it anymore. Being secure in her relationship with God, she steps out on faith and changes her life. Lawrence will hopefully realize the errors of his ways before he catches something he can’t get rid of. The supporting characters add to the story while helping to provide a clear example of the Christian way of life. Thomas clearly illustrates the biblical story of Queen Vashti. Thank you Mrs. Thomas for sharing the Word of God.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read books by this author in the past. This was not one of her better books. Jana meets Lawrence and after 6 months of dating, they get married. I figured out the story line right away. Jan's husband is a swinger and in my opinion only married her because she was inexperienced and naive. I wanted to slap Jana. No one can possibly be this naive and clueless. There were red flags from the beginning. I'm glad Jana got some courage and left her husband and found herself. Overall fans of Jacquelin Thomas can skip this book and read her other books.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!! This book proves that you should stand for what you believe in regardless of someone trying to sway you, esp. If you are a Christian. God and His word don't change. Satan and the world will spin things and do. Jana was my girl in this book. She literally gave up her marriage rather than compromise her beliefs. How many of us would go that far? Single and married women should read this book. Rated 10+++ by me!

[Angela Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love...Commitment...Betrayal...Compassion

To stay or not to stay...to submit or not submit. You laugh, you cry, you rejoice all in the same novel.
Change is good but at what cost? When and where do you draw the line for your peace of mind? Is true love worth loosing oneself in the process. Great read for new and old Jacquelin Thomas fans. You will enjoy this emotional but interesting love story.

[Akilam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did Lovvvve this book. I liked the flow and boy was it refreshing to not see errors. Whoever edited this book did a fantastic job.
Jana got on my nerves at times, and that doggone Lawrence, I was trippin. I loved the spice Graciela added. Their friendship made me laugh. Pleased with Lela's choice as well.
I wanted to see them come to a happy place, and along came Cindy.
This book was my at work read... since we can't have phones/tablets.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not realize this was a Christian romance novel when I requested it for review. I'm not really into romance novels (unless they're extraordinary and subtle, like Memoirs of a Geisha), and I'm definitely not into Christian fiction. I tried not to hold those things against the book, though. If it's your thing, the writing holds up well enough.

[cassandra Shackelford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I truly enjoyed the story. We all know someone who can take the word of God and turn to fit their lifestyle. This book shows just how we can get caught up in thinking and believing the wrong things. This was an awesome story about marriage and how it can be used the wrong way.

[Damika · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character come across as a little self-righteous and naive, almost to the point that it was sickening. I like happily ever afters, and this just didn't do it for me. Plus, it was kind of predictable.