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Most Wanted
Arley Mowbray is a drop-dead gorgeous 14-year-old, who, with her long, muscular frame and mature, collected manner could easily pass for 18. And pass she does. On a dare from her outspoken best friend, Elena Gutierrez, Arley writes to convict Dillon LeGrande in prison and convinces him she's a college student (though she hasn't made it out of junior high). Therein begins an ill-fated love story that myths are made of and men die for--except that's not what Dillon has in mind. Living in south Texas in a poor Tex-Mex community, Arley dreams of a less provincial life and secretly begins a love affair with Dillon via correspondence, which produces a flurry of poetry and achy-breaky love songs. Against the wishes of family and friends, Arley weds her amour, who promptly fathers her child, breaks out of prison, and mysteriously disappears. Fortunately for Arley, she has found a guardian angel in the form of Annie Singer, a straight-talking public defender from New York. Annie becomes the mother Arley never had, protecting her from Dillon and a love-starved home. Despite the strength of their bond, both underestimate Dillon's determination to get his child, no matter the cost. Jacquelyn Mitchard's first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was the first to receive Oprah's benediction, instantly making it a bestseller and thrusting Mitchard into the halls of literary stardom. Oprah's picks tend to stay within the thematic boundaries of overcoming dysfunction, harping on the nitty-gritty details of abuse. However, The Most Wanted boldly strides away from this and examines the many dimensions of motherhood, realistically depicting the ties that bind women, while supporting beyond debate that, yes, good girls do fall for bad boys. --Rebekah Warren
407 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Jacquelyn Mitchard
66 books1,274 followersJacquelyn Mitchard’s first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was named by USA Today as one of the ten most influential books of the past 25 years – second only to the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (but second by a long shot, it must be said.)
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
The Deep End of the Ocean was chosen as the first novel in the book club made famous by the TV host Oprah Winfrey, and transformed into a feature film produced by and starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Most of Mitchard’s novels have been greater or lesser bestsellers – and include The Most Wanted, A Theory of Relativity, Twelve Times Blessed, The Breakdown Lane, The Good Son, and Cage of Stars. Critics have praised them for their authentic humanity and command of story. Readers identify because they see reflected, in her characters – however extreme their circumstances – emotions they already understand.
Mitchard also has written four novels for young adults.
The first, Now You See Her, from HarperTeen, is the story of a pampered, driven young actress who fakes her own abduction.
All We Know of Heaven told the story of lifetime best friends Bridget and Maureen, who are just sixteen when a fatal crash on an icy road and a poignant case of mistaken identity divide their small Minnesota town forever.
The Midnight Twins was the first in a trilogy of teen mysteries about identical twin sisters born on New Year’s Eve – one a minute before and a minute after midnight – Meredith and Mallory Brynn learn on the night they turn thirteen that their psychic abilities will force them to intervene in dire events, although one twin can see only the future and one can see only the past. The Midnight Twins is in development as a TV series by Kaleidoscope Entertainment.
Mitchard's newest novel for adult, A Very Inconvenient Scandal, out in November 2023 from Mira/HarperCollins, is the story of an acclaimed young underwater photographer whose famed marine biologist father shatters their family by marrying her best friend., a woman 35 years his junior.
At the local coffee shop, Mitchard is best-known as the mother of Rob, Dan, Marty, Francie, Mia, Will and Atticus , as the grandma of Hank and Diana and the wife of handsome Chris Brent.
Her favorite color is periwinkle blue; her favorite holiday is Halloween; her favorite flower is freesia; her favorite word is "smite," and her second favorite is "Massachusetts"; her lucky number is 119 (anyone who can guess where that comes from wins free first editions of her novels for life). She lives in her favorite place on earth, Cape Cod, summering in a villa on the Amalfi Coast. (Guess which part of that sentence is fiction.)
Her essays have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune Magazine and Reader's Digest, and are widely anthologized and used in school curricula. She has taught in MFA programs in Vermont, Ohio, and Massachusetts, and is part of the faculty at the Summer Writers Institute at Yale University. She is a member of the Tall Poppies Writers and has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the Ragdale Foundation.
Her pet peeves are known authors and editors who cannot and will not learn the difference between “lie” and “lay” and family signs pluralized with apostrophes.
She would love to appear on just ONE episode of any incarnation of ‘Law and Order,’ as has everyone else in America. She still is willing to play the role of a murder victim – except one found by earth-moving equipment in a landfill – though she would do that in a pinch.
Mitchard would like to have a swimming pool, because, although she lives near the ocean, she is afraid of the dark water and hates sand. She would love to have a clawfoot tub, or any tub.
She believes that stories are the ways that human beings make sense of life and that our stories will save us.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
April 28, 2013
Why did the author write a book about a neglected 14 year old who writes to a man in prison, falls in love with him, marries him and has his baby? As the mom of a 14 year old, I found Arley to be most unbelievable. I know all kids are different, but I just can't imagine her as a real person...
And Annie? Why was she compelled to go out on a limb for Arley? I never bought it, their friendship never really developed. I was reading and all of a sudden 160 pages into the book I'm supposed to believe they've become friends when the previous 160 pages was all about each person individually with hardly any interaction between these two characters?
Ugh, and all this talk about great looking men then going on to describe them (Dillon, Charley) as pale blond guys...as far as I'm concerned handsome blond is an oxymoron.
SPOILER ALERT:
The ending...why did Dillon take the baby outside??? It made no sense. His "involvement" with Lang did, he was a loser and would use her to find Arley, but why would he take the baby outside with fires raging and knowing Lang had a gun? I'll tell you why, because the author couldn't find another way to get rid of Dillon and make everything OK for Arley and the baby.
Disappointing.
And Annie? Why was she compelled to go out on a limb for Arley? I never bought it, their friendship never really developed. I was reading and all of a sudden 160 pages into the book I'm supposed to believe they've become friends when the previous 160 pages was all about each person individually with hardly any interaction between these two characters?
Ugh, and all this talk about great looking men then going on to describe them (Dillon, Charley) as pale blond guys...as far as I'm concerned handsome blond is an oxymoron.
SPOILER ALERT:
The ending...why did Dillon take the baby outside??? It made no sense. His "involvement" with Lang did, he was a loser and would use her to find Arley, but why would he take the baby outside with fires raging and knowing Lang had a gun? I'll tell you why, because the author couldn't find another way to get rid of Dillon and make everything OK for Arley and the baby.
Disappointing.
December 24, 2015
I, of course, enjoy books in which I like the characters right from the start. What I really love, is an author who can take me from not really being invested in the characters and, without realizing it, I start to like them and become invested in them as the book progresses. That happened for me in this book. Initially, I didn't believe that I'd care about the two main characters, but after a few chapters that changed and continued to develop throughout the story. Arly and Anne were in places in their lives where they couldn't help but be drawn to each other. Mitchard takes us through their journey in a straightforward, appealing way.
February 20, 2015
In a derelict small Texas town, in the 1990s, an epistolary courtship leads to a travesty of a marriage between an older-than-her-years child bride and a charming, psychopathic outlaw on the run. Dillon Thomas LeGrande is a 25 year old felon who breaks out of prison to reunite with his 15 year old wife and their newborn baby, and ends up on a killing spree. The child bride, Arlington Mowbray LeGrande, one of the two narrators of this tale, is the heart of this story. Her first person narrative of a precocious, small town teenager who wants to be more than a statistic, felt totally genuine. The poems that she creates represent her dreams, while her reality is a nightmare. The writing overall was evocative and compelling. Texas is "the equivalent of Jerusalem for a death row lawyer." Arley's monstrous mother "had a face like a good boot, seamed and browned and yet handsome in its way." Dillon, standing before a Texas brush fire, has his head "all ringed by orange light, as if it were sunrise-in his eyes, two little fires."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2010
A story of a young girl Arley whose childhood history of neglect by her mother leads her to pursue a toxic relationship with an adult prison inmate, Dillon Legrande. She gets married to him at 14 years old. Arley enlists the legal aid of Annie Singer to get her and Dillon a conjugal visit after their wedding. On their honeymoon, during which she has her first sexual experience in a prison trailer, she becomes pregnant.
When Arley's mother kicks her out because of the pregnancy Annie comes to her resuce and a relationship is formed that will change both of them forever. This story shows that blood is not thicker than water and that families do not have to be based on DNA to form.
When Arley's mother kicks her out because of the pregnancy Annie comes to her resuce and a relationship is formed that will change both of them forever. This story shows that blood is not thicker than water and that families do not have to be based on DNA to form.
August 27, 2014
I have a policy that I always finish a book no matter how bad. I think I'm a bit OCD!Thank goodness I had two nights that I couldn't sleep and was able to finish it up quickly. It was very predictable. And the thought of a 14 year old being with grown man, especially one that is a prisoner......makes me wonder about the character of this author. Will not read any more of her books. Glad this one was on the clearance rack and I only paid a few dollars for it.
June 6, 2016
I hate when my job(s) get in the way of reading! That's the only reason it took me so long to read this book. Loved the characters, especially Arley and Anne, and I came to feel very protective of them. Would highly recommend.
September 12, 2024
One word: Superb. This is the first book that I read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It was absorbing and fine storytelling. One thing that does spoil it is her use of taking the Lord's Name in vain! Aaarrggh these authors need their minds cleaned up!
May 21, 2018
This is seriously one of my favorite books. I’ve probably read it fifty times and each time it speaks deeply to my soul. I love this book. READ IT!!
May 25, 2020
Kirja missä sekaisin mennyt ja oleva ja tuleva. Ei minun mieleeni sellainen coctail.
January 16, 2013
Only on page 121 after 13 years, the shiny black & gold cover and, especially, the title of Jacquelyn Mitchard’s novel still speaks to me. So to keep the love idea alive, sometimes I’ll set ‘The Most Wanted’ on my nightstand, or beside my reading chair.
Distilled down to its purest essence, the following excerpt from my nonfiction book, ‘The Universal Casting’ studio exemplifies the above. No rehearsals, the story features a cast of real people running down the dream. From Casting to Theatrics midway down a dimly lit corridor, to the Gathering Hall famous for Relationship Seminars facilitated by legend Jim Morrison, the music plays on...
Sudden commotion in the hallway diverts attention, and as Jim returns to the office, so does Anna, making for the darkened corridor. Stopping abruptly in the doorway, she looks, and looks, and looks again at the scary bunch of men tromping past Theatrics! Some wear loaded gun belts, some shoulder hefty burlap sacks, of money, no doubt, and spinning around, she simply blares, “Who are those people?”
Jim stands back, laughing!
O, he knows she’s waiting for an answer so he says, “Some of our best players.”
“Best? Those guys look like outlaws!”
And just as Anna turns toward the door for another look, she collides with some guy carrying a shotgun. As if nearing the hour, he stops, gives her the once over then rumbles, “Jim here?”
“Yes.”
“Pardon me,” he says, edging around her.
In your dreams, Jim thinks, notes the funny look on her face and really wants to laugh. Instead, he greets his old friend. “Hey man, what’s up?”
Langley shoulders the gun. “Been ridin’ all night in search of my dog.”
“Again?”
“Why not?”
Absolutely speechless, Anna just stands there picking some of his gooey pine needles off of the sleeves of her hooded sweatshirt, and he’s got them stuck all over his clothes, hair, too! Backing up, half-in and half-out that door, she hears him mumbling, “So, I finally packed it in, tethered Rip, and crashed against a tree.”
Suddenly aware of the way he defines himself, she only sees the rugged image. Not bad, she muses, eyes him up one side & down the other. Black leather jacket, belts, buckles, chains, filthy black T-shirt, Levis, and old riding boots. And hair! Wild hair hanging over the collar of his jacket. Why, for all she knows, he’s one of those Hell’s Angels!
Sensing scrutiny, he darkens. “I’m going,” he says to Jim.
“See you in a few.”
“Naw, I’m going back out. Joey’s here.”
“Good God! He still rounding up those kids?”
“For the benefit, yeah.”
Still saddened by the news, Jim asks. “How many?”
"119,000, heard it on the radio.”
“Good grief.”
Rising, shotgun in hand, the outlaw stretches an arm toward the ceiling. If he doesn’t watch out, she shudders, he’ll bust a light bulb! And following his every move, she notes that not only are there no light bulbs, there aren’t even any light fixtures!
At the door, he hesitates, takes something out of an inside pocket. It’s a yellow tennis ball. As if playing catch with himself, he tosses it straight up, and it lands smack in the palm of his empty hand.
Once out of earshot, Anna turns to Jim. “Why are these guys here?”
Jim dumps the ashtray, sets it on F. “Same reason you are, unfinished business.”
U...
Cowboy hats, boots & guns. “But I don’t rob banks, or trains!”
“Who said they do?”
“Well, look at them, and who was that gunslinger that just left?”
“Actually,” Jim grins, “he’s a contractor, and a writer, too.”
“Of what? Books on how to become a thief?”
In which hour… “No.”
“Well,” she counters. “One of those creepy guys was carrying a WANTED poster, with snapshots. I saw it.”
Jim loves this part. “Your photo on it?”
“I’m not wanted!”
Startled awake, Anna Lee glances at the clock.
Midnight.
Snuggling back down, she grabs the dream symbol, a Jacquelyn Mitchard paperback which she’s never finished reading. In her mind’s eye she sees the shiny black cover, the title printed in gold, 'The Most Wanted.' Sensing stirrings, her dog jumps down off the bed and retrieves the castoff teddy. Jumping back up, the four-legged jars the sleeper walking down the hall with the gunslinger. And pushing through the swinging doors, Anna marvels at the grandeur of the Gathering Hall.
Distilled down to its purest essence, the following excerpt from my nonfiction book, ‘The Universal Casting’ studio exemplifies the above. No rehearsals, the story features a cast of real people running down the dream. From Casting to Theatrics midway down a dimly lit corridor, to the Gathering Hall famous for Relationship Seminars facilitated by legend Jim Morrison, the music plays on...
Sudden commotion in the hallway diverts attention, and as Jim returns to the office, so does Anna, making for the darkened corridor. Stopping abruptly in the doorway, she looks, and looks, and looks again at the scary bunch of men tromping past Theatrics! Some wear loaded gun belts, some shoulder hefty burlap sacks, of money, no doubt, and spinning around, she simply blares, “Who are those people?”
Jim stands back, laughing!
O, he knows she’s waiting for an answer so he says, “Some of our best players.”
“Best? Those guys look like outlaws!”
And just as Anna turns toward the door for another look, she collides with some guy carrying a shotgun. As if nearing the hour, he stops, gives her the once over then rumbles, “Jim here?”
“Yes.”
“Pardon me,” he says, edging around her.
In your dreams, Jim thinks, notes the funny look on her face and really wants to laugh. Instead, he greets his old friend. “Hey man, what’s up?”
Langley shoulders the gun. “Been ridin’ all night in search of my dog.”
“Again?”
“Why not?”
Absolutely speechless, Anna just stands there picking some of his gooey pine needles off of the sleeves of her hooded sweatshirt, and he’s got them stuck all over his clothes, hair, too! Backing up, half-in and half-out that door, she hears him mumbling, “So, I finally packed it in, tethered Rip, and crashed against a tree.”
Suddenly aware of the way he defines himself, she only sees the rugged image. Not bad, she muses, eyes him up one side & down the other. Black leather jacket, belts, buckles, chains, filthy black T-shirt, Levis, and old riding boots. And hair! Wild hair hanging over the collar of his jacket. Why, for all she knows, he’s one of those Hell’s Angels!
Sensing scrutiny, he darkens. “I’m going,” he says to Jim.
“See you in a few.”
“Naw, I’m going back out. Joey’s here.”
“Good God! He still rounding up those kids?”
“For the benefit, yeah.”
Still saddened by the news, Jim asks. “How many?”
"119,000, heard it on the radio.”
“Good grief.”
Rising, shotgun in hand, the outlaw stretches an arm toward the ceiling. If he doesn’t watch out, she shudders, he’ll bust a light bulb! And following his every move, she notes that not only are there no light bulbs, there aren’t even any light fixtures!
At the door, he hesitates, takes something out of an inside pocket. It’s a yellow tennis ball. As if playing catch with himself, he tosses it straight up, and it lands smack in the palm of his empty hand.
Once out of earshot, Anna turns to Jim. “Why are these guys here?”
Jim dumps the ashtray, sets it on F. “Same reason you are, unfinished business.”
U...
Cowboy hats, boots & guns. “But I don’t rob banks, or trains!”
“Who said they do?”
“Well, look at them, and who was that gunslinger that just left?”
“Actually,” Jim grins, “he’s a contractor, and a writer, too.”
“Of what? Books on how to become a thief?”
In which hour… “No.”
“Well,” she counters. “One of those creepy guys was carrying a WANTED poster, with snapshots. I saw it.”
Jim loves this part. “Your photo on it?”
“I’m not wanted!”
Startled awake, Anna Lee glances at the clock.
Midnight.
Snuggling back down, she grabs the dream symbol, a Jacquelyn Mitchard paperback which she’s never finished reading. In her mind’s eye she sees the shiny black cover, the title printed in gold, 'The Most Wanted.' Sensing stirrings, her dog jumps down off the bed and retrieves the castoff teddy. Jumping back up, the four-legged jars the sleeper walking down the hall with the gunslinger. And pushing through the swinging doors, Anna marvels at the grandeur of the Gathering Hall.
August 11, 2012
It seems like I’ve been pretty hard on my reviews of the books I’ve read lately. I’m going to blame this on my obsession with The Hunger Games series & how I now think that every book needs to be about kids killing kids in a post-Apocalyptic society where a teenage girl must save the world & choose between two (handsome) men…now THAT is real problems.
The Most Wanted had none of that
It did, however, have a teenage girl that befriends & then falls in love with a (much) older man that’s in prison…uhhhhh, almost the same thing.
This is the story of Arley Mowbray (a name that I absolutely love!), a 14 year old Latino (the only reason I mentioned her race is because the author felt it was necessary to bring it up every other page) poor, Texas native. She has no father, a mother who has checked out on her role of being a mother, a playboy brother, & a sister who is (well) on her way of being a star in the porno business (not really, but the way she was sleeping with every guy in this novel it sure seemed that way). Throw in a couple of bad example friends & you have the making of a “good girl turned bad” kind of novel.
Only Arley brought the bad business on herself.
Through her girlfriend’s sister, she got introduced to Dillon LeGrande, a prisoner incarcerated for robbery & murder. They began a pen pal relationship (where she first told him she was a college student)…fell in love…and then married & conceived a child…all while he was still in prison (which, apparently, is perfectly legal in the state of Texas with parents consent). This is also the story of Annie Singer, the lawyer that Arley hires when the prison Warden will not allow Dillon & his teenage bride to consummate their relationship in the “honeymoon” trailer that is awarded to prisoners & their wives. Obviously, given that she conceives & then has a baby, Annie is a very good attorney.
Annie is currently in a relationship with another attorney, Stuart, but wants marriage/kids & he does not (I don’t have to tell you that she finds love outside that relationship, gets pregnant…blah blah blah…if you’ve read my other reviews you’ll realize how much I hate to read adultery in my novels). Annie “adopts” Arley & her baby & ultimately puts them on the right course for a semi-stable future.
That’s the short summary of a 400 page novel.
Now while, I do have some small sympathy for Arley, & I can totally understand how one lie can steamroll into something beyond your control…her character bugged the bejeebees out of me. I know the author wrote her dialect & tone to sound like a 14 year old girl…but for crying out loud…the whole novel focused on how “mature” & “responsible” Arley was…what 14 year old girl falls in love with a prison inmate, has his baby, & everybody’s fine with it???? Huh??? And you must be a damn good attorney, Annie, to get a roomful of juror’s & a judge to sign off on a 30year old man having sex with a 14 year old child (even if it was his legal wife) & reading the courtroom dialogue, I didn’t think she was all that great! I thought Arley was vindictive, manipulative, rude, & arrogant (exactly what 14 year old girls are!), & Annie wanted to be a mom so badly that she overlooked her best judgment.
The big climax at the end of the novel, in which Dillon broke out of jail, murdered & arsoned his way back into Arley’s life wasn’t all that great. 400 pages foreshadowed (as the prologue started off with Arley talking about this horrendous “fire”) & I didn’t even realize that was the big climax of the novel while reading it…that’s how un-climactic it was.
I’m just frustrated with the books I’m reading lately…there just not good. And I’m all for a (little) bit of romance in my novels, but enough with the cheating on partners. Any suggestions on decent books???
The Most Wanted had none of that
It did, however, have a teenage girl that befriends & then falls in love with a (much) older man that’s in prison…uhhhhh, almost the same thing.
This is the story of Arley Mowbray (a name that I absolutely love!), a 14 year old Latino (the only reason I mentioned her race is because the author felt it was necessary to bring it up every other page) poor, Texas native. She has no father, a mother who has checked out on her role of being a mother, a playboy brother, & a sister who is (well) on her way of being a star in the porno business (not really, but the way she was sleeping with every guy in this novel it sure seemed that way). Throw in a couple of bad example friends & you have the making of a “good girl turned bad” kind of novel.
Only Arley brought the bad business on herself.
Through her girlfriend’s sister, she got introduced to Dillon LeGrande, a prisoner incarcerated for robbery & murder. They began a pen pal relationship (where she first told him she was a college student)…fell in love…and then married & conceived a child…all while he was still in prison (which, apparently, is perfectly legal in the state of Texas with parents consent). This is also the story of Annie Singer, the lawyer that Arley hires when the prison Warden will not allow Dillon & his teenage bride to consummate their relationship in the “honeymoon” trailer that is awarded to prisoners & their wives. Obviously, given that she conceives & then has a baby, Annie is a very good attorney.
Annie is currently in a relationship with another attorney, Stuart, but wants marriage/kids & he does not (I don’t have to tell you that she finds love outside that relationship, gets pregnant…blah blah blah…if you’ve read my other reviews you’ll realize how much I hate to read adultery in my novels). Annie “adopts” Arley & her baby & ultimately puts them on the right course for a semi-stable future.
That’s the short summary of a 400 page novel.
Now while, I do have some small sympathy for Arley, & I can totally understand how one lie can steamroll into something beyond your control…her character bugged the bejeebees out of me. I know the author wrote her dialect & tone to sound like a 14 year old girl…but for crying out loud…the whole novel focused on how “mature” & “responsible” Arley was…what 14 year old girl falls in love with a prison inmate, has his baby, & everybody’s fine with it???? Huh??? And you must be a damn good attorney, Annie, to get a roomful of juror’s & a judge to sign off on a 30year old man having sex with a 14 year old child (even if it was his legal wife) & reading the courtroom dialogue, I didn’t think she was all that great! I thought Arley was vindictive, manipulative, rude, & arrogant (exactly what 14 year old girls are!), & Annie wanted to be a mom so badly that she overlooked her best judgment.
The big climax at the end of the novel, in which Dillon broke out of jail, murdered & arsoned his way back into Arley’s life wasn’t all that great. 400 pages foreshadowed (as the prologue started off with Arley talking about this horrendous “fire”) & I didn’t even realize that was the big climax of the novel while reading it…that’s how un-climactic it was.
I’m just frustrated with the books I’m reading lately…there just not good. And I’m all for a (little) bit of romance in my novels, but enough with the cheating on partners. Any suggestions on decent books???
July 9, 2022
Ate this up!! Hadn’t read anything by Mitchard for years. Great story with tremendous writing. This has some some note-worthy lines in it with memorable characters. Just one of those chocolate reads!!
July 25, 2014
4.5 STARS
"Arley Mowbray is a drop-dead gorgeous 14-year-old, who, with her long, muscular frame and mature, collected manner could easily pass for 18. And pass she does. On a dare from her outspoken best friend, Elena Gutierrez, Arley writes to convict Dillon LeGrande in prison and convinces him she's a college student (though she hasn't made it out of junior high). Therein begins an ill-fated love story that myths are made of and men die for--except that's not what Dillon has in mind. Living in south Texas in a poor Tex-Mex community, Arley dreams of a less provincial life and secretly begins a love affair with Dillon via correspondence, which produces a flurry of poetry and achy-breaky love songs. Against the wishes of family and friends, Arley weds her amour, who promptly fathers her child, breaks out of prison, and mysteriously disappears. Fortunately for Arley, she has found a guardian angel in the form of Annie Singer, a straight-talking public defender from New York. Annie becomes the mother Arley never had, protecting her from Dillon and a love-starved home. Despite the strength of their bond, both underestimate Dillon's determination to get his child, no matter the cost." (From Amazon)
Loved this novel! This was my second book by Mitchard and is still my favourite. I reread it a few times when I bought it. I can't say why I loved it so much but it is so well-written, an interesting and realistic story and good suspense.
"Arley Mowbray is a drop-dead gorgeous 14-year-old, who, with her long, muscular frame and mature, collected manner could easily pass for 18. And pass she does. On a dare from her outspoken best friend, Elena Gutierrez, Arley writes to convict Dillon LeGrande in prison and convinces him she's a college student (though she hasn't made it out of junior high). Therein begins an ill-fated love story that myths are made of and men die for--except that's not what Dillon has in mind. Living in south Texas in a poor Tex-Mex community, Arley dreams of a less provincial life and secretly begins a love affair with Dillon via correspondence, which produces a flurry of poetry and achy-breaky love songs. Against the wishes of family and friends, Arley weds her amour, who promptly fathers her child, breaks out of prison, and mysteriously disappears. Fortunately for Arley, she has found a guardian angel in the form of Annie Singer, a straight-talking public defender from New York. Annie becomes the mother Arley never had, protecting her from Dillon and a love-starved home. Despite the strength of their bond, both underestimate Dillon's determination to get his child, no matter the cost." (From Amazon)
Loved this novel! This was my second book by Mitchard and is still my favourite. I reread it a few times when I bought it. I can't say why I loved it so much but it is so well-written, an interesting and realistic story and good suspense.
May 15, 2013
This is my favorite book of all time. If I were sent to a deserted island, this is what I would take! Having been in a relationship with someone seemingly opposite of myself, I identified very strongly with Arley. While society does not agree with her choices, she has remained resolute, if a bit naive. I also identified with Anne, the so-called voice of experience who ends up learning from Arley. Mitchard excels at writing strong female characters and this novel does not disappoint. I try to re-read this book once a year and each time I do, I find something new to take away.
January 18, 2008
The book is written in two different voices, that of a female attorney and that of her client, a teenager pregnant by her jailed murderer husband. Both voices are compelling and I couldn't put it down, had to see what would happen next. Beautiful, striking use of language, shocking plot, and very real characters.
December 30, 2015
I've read this book several times before, and I enjoyed it just as much this time. That's how good it is. The characters are luminous, the writing is lovely, the story is captivating. And who doesn't want to read a book about a 14 year old girl who marries a guy who's twice her age...and is in prison? :) But really. It's so good.
October 16, 2007
Sad but beautiful tale about love, painful to read but very rewarding.
Read
July 27, 2011Pretty interesting story, but a little hard to get into.
April 30, 2020
This book was unfortunately quite disappointing to me. The storyline itself is really really good. I believe the basis of this book has so much potential which makes it so unfortunate that the quality of the writing is truly lacking. There is minimal detail throughout the book, a lack of description that leaves me wanting more. I was unable to feel the emotions throughout this book and I didn’t see the scenery in my head like I do with other books. I believe that this could be executed differently that would help the reader to relate easier with the characters of the book. I’m also left confused about Dillon’s character in general. This is where the lack of description becomes a problem for example. Is Dillon a hardened criminal as some parts seem? Or is he just a young man who lacks the understanding of life? Is he as sensitive as Arlie has him come across? Or is he evil and manipulative as Annie would make it seem? After finishing this book I’m left with plenty of questions and that to me signals this book is not truly finished. There is more that could be added and I would revisit this book to alter it a bit and add more to the story.
March 1, 2018
I read this book nearly 18 years ago. I remembered loving it so much that I wanted to reread. I couldn't really remember what it was about, but just that I loved it. It definitely held up. I wasn't as in love with Annie's story (in fact Annie quite annoyed me at times), but I loved and identified so much with Arley (for some reason I kept thinking of her as Aubrey; I don't know why.) I just feel like Arley's story is one of the best I have ever read in life. I've heard that Jacquelyn Mitchard feels she can't take credit for writing this novel because she had so much help. I'm curious as to who may have helped her and wondering if it was Jane Hamilton, because the tone is very much like "Book of Ruth," another one of my favorites. So glad I took the time to reread this book. I always have so many on my "want to read" list that I'm hesitant to ever reread, but it's usually so worth it. Now I'm thinking of other books I'd like to reread. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to get sucked into a great novel. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
December 29, 2023
The Most Wanted is a story of a fourteen year old girl Arley, who 'falls in love' with a convicted criminal (Dillion) and hires a lawyer, Annie, to allow her to wed her incarcerated beloved. A compelling premise, and I love stories about lawyers and courtrooms, so I picked up this Signet book from 1999 and indulged. The story proved to be compelling.
Jacquelyn Mitchard is a NYTimes Bestselling author of a book called The Deep End of the Ocean, so I knew she could tell a story well. The book alternates between the voices of each character, Annie and Arley. The author captures the teen angst, the young voice of a young woman who is older than her years, but still doing recognizable things you'd expect a teen to do. Dillion, who is considerably older than his teen bride comes into clear focus and the controversy around the obvious ick factor of the situation is handled well from all sides.
Rich with detail and local color, the novel absorbed me during my bicycling at the gym - and then I left it there on Boxing Day with only the last chapter to read in a suspenseful story!
Jacquelyn Mitchard is a NYTimes Bestselling author of a book called The Deep End of the Ocean, so I knew she could tell a story well. The book alternates between the voices of each character, Annie and Arley. The author captures the teen angst, the young voice of a young woman who is older than her years, but still doing recognizable things you'd expect a teen to do. Dillion, who is considerably older than his teen bride comes into clear focus and the controversy around the obvious ick factor of the situation is handled well from all sides.
Rich with detail and local color, the novel absorbed me during my bicycling at the gym - and then I left it there on Boxing Day with only the last chapter to read in a suspenseful story!
April 3, 2023
Let me preface this review by saying that I knew when I picked this one up that it probably wouldn't be to my taste. But the premise of a young girl writing to a convict and marrying him intrigued enough that I decided it would be good to take a break from my usual genres and read something different.
This book definitely captured my interest enough that I read it fairly quickly. The voice, especially Arley's, was powerful and strong. Other than that, it was filled with the sensational kind of plot that I dislike in women's fiction. We had the classic women's fiction parallel of Annie, the older woman who longs for a child but is afraid she's too old, and Arley, the pregnant teenager she takes in. We have the men who are either antagonists or wishy washy, feeble presences in the women's lives. I did like the poetry aspect, but overall this book (and much of this genre) just isn't for me.
This book definitely captured my interest enough that I read it fairly quickly. The voice, especially Arley's, was powerful and strong. Other than that, it was filled with the sensational kind of plot that I dislike in women's fiction. We had the classic women's fiction parallel of Annie, the older woman who longs for a child but is afraid she's too old, and Arley, the pregnant teenager she takes in. We have the men who are either antagonists or wishy washy, feeble presences in the women's lives. I did like the poetry aspect, but overall this book (and much of this genre) just isn't for me.
February 22, 2021
Overall I enjoyed the writing style and plot until I remembered Arleys age... and then it started to feel like some messed up sexual fantasy (especially the honeymoon chapter 😐). Her age was vital to the story but the vivid details were not.
Also, it was very difficult to understand how Dillon could be such a terrible person and still have such a hold on Arley by the end. She had hidden from him for months but still was heartbroken when he was killed? Arley’s character grew and progressed so much through the book but seemed to jump back to her original characteristics by the end. Disappointing.
Also, it was very difficult to understand how Dillon could be such a terrible person and still have such a hold on Arley by the end. She had hidden from him for months but still was heartbroken when he was killed? Arley’s character grew and progressed so much through the book but seemed to jump back to her original characteristics by the end. Disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
This was a good book, but I don't know if I totally buy into the story......
A good girl, who has good grades, and is a track star, lives in horrible conditions with a mother who could care less about her, decides to write a man in prison, falls in love with him, marries him, has one conjugal visit with him in prison and has his baby. He escapes from prison, runs off with her sister, tries to kidnap his infant daughter and gets shot to death.
Too good to be true and to be so bad at the same time?
I'm glad Arly found support from Anne and was able to graduate from high school and keep her baby despite so many bad things happening to her.
A good girl, who has good grades, and is a track star, lives in horrible conditions with a mother who could care less about her, decides to write a man in prison, falls in love with him, marries him, has one conjugal visit with him in prison and has his baby. He escapes from prison, runs off with her sister, tries to kidnap his infant daughter and gets shot to death.
Too good to be true and to be so bad at the same time?
I'm glad Arly found support from Anne and was able to graduate from high school and keep her baby despite so many bad things happening to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
Solid 3.5+
I was consumed by this story of 14-year-old Arlington, who falls in love with an older prisoner in a small Texas town, and the 40-year-old lawyer who becomes a surrogate mother to her.
I didn't love some of the way it was written, where the author would gloss over things that were integral to the plot and then refer to them later as gospel as if we readers were involved. But I don't think it fundamentally took away from my enjoyment of the book.
There are some really beautiful pieces of writing in here.
I really sort of got lost in this one, which is exactly what I was looking for.
I was consumed by this story of 14-year-old Arlington, who falls in love with an older prisoner in a small Texas town, and the 40-year-old lawyer who becomes a surrogate mother to her.
I didn't love some of the way it was written, where the author would gloss over things that were integral to the plot and then refer to them later as gospel as if we readers were involved. But I don't think it fundamentally took away from my enjoyment of the book.
There are some really beautiful pieces of writing in here.
I really sort of got lost in this one, which is exactly what I was looking for.
January 7, 2019
This book was sitting there in my dad's shelf for quite a long time and being a book lover like him, I took it and began to read it. My only regret is that I couldn't read it at the right time as I was under a lot of study pressure. But the ending did really create an impact on me and everything from the beginning was flashing through my head. It was only after finishing the book that I actually began to feel it. I don't think anyone would be able to understand what I am saying but all I am trying to say is that this book was amazing and I am going to read this book again
March 17, 2026
This book surprised me with how good it was. The author really tapped into the different characters. The subject matter may be a little cringe for some. It was a solid 5 star for me up until about the last 6 chapters where it kind of went off the rails. I’m not sure if the author knew how to end it, as it seemed rushed in comparison to the rest of the novel. Why would the sister shoot Dillion knowing he was going in to get the baby. The sister piece did not fit well. All together though I really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2026
2 Hungry Hearts began Pen Pals. Dillon a prisoner and Arley, a 13 yr old student. Both have been bereft of love. Years ahead of herself Arley finds a best friend in Dillon. He believes he is corresponding with a much older woman. When the gig is up Both Arley, who never had a mother’s love and was raised likening a servant and Dillon, thru a bad mistakenly day, form an undeniable bond with each other. Jacquelyn Mitchard paperback has crafted a wonderful novel, poetry romance and danger. I recommend thoroughly.
April 10, 2022
How to make a family
I will not soon forget the people in this book. Arley and Annie, Stuart and Charley, Dillon, Lang, Desi, and everyone else. Gradually, they move around and against each other, and some of them come together to build a unique family. The events are believable, both the sad ones and the happy ones, and the characters are strongly drawn. I don't want to talk about the plot. Read the book. It's very, very good.
I will not soon forget the people in this book. Arley and Annie, Stuart and Charley, Dillon, Lang, Desi, and everyone else. Gradually, they move around and against each other, and some of them come together to build a unique family. The events are believable, both the sad ones and the happy ones, and the characters are strongly drawn. I don't want to talk about the plot. Read the book. It's very, very good.
February 2, 2026
I found this to be an unusual book.
The book describes Arley as really smart, yet she makes really not smart decisions?
Anne is also a mixed bag, claiming to love Stuart so much, yet not always behaving in a loving way.
The story felt a little disjointed for me.
The ending especially felt abrupt and I didn't fully understand it.
It was a fairly easy to read book, but the romances along the way made me a bit uncomfortable.
The book describes Arley as really smart, yet she makes really not smart decisions?
Anne is also a mixed bag, claiming to love Stuart so much, yet not always behaving in a loving way.
The story felt a little disjointed for me.
The ending especially felt abrupt and I didn't fully understand it.
It was a fairly easy to read book, but the romances along the way made me a bit uncomfortable.
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