Groomed for Marriage: Christian/Catholic Novel with Romance, Mystery and a Twist of Apologetics

Ryan Mallardi Private Investigations #1

by R. Shannon

Colleen is married to handsome and successful Jacob Kessler. Things are wonderful for about nine months and then she detects changes in her husband, most of which her mom explains away as her husband's normal work ambitions, but are they? Colleen walks on eggshells as Jacob's moods and demeanor change very subtly day by day. Are her marital expectations too high or is something else going on?

Ryan Mallardi is a young private investigator trying to get his relationship with Angelica on track for marriage,
but things keep going awry. The truth begins to seep out during his counseling sessions with Fr. Liam, but will Ryan
be able to salvage things? Or will the exposure of truth finally end things?

The Hand of Fate sets up a quest for true love but will require all to face their own truths.

Genres: Romance, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Religion, Fiction, Ebooks, Mystery

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2020

About the author

R. Shannon’s novels are Catholic and Christian friendly and feature an ensemble of interesting characters. The stories are written in a slice of life style with light humor, biblical morality and heart.

She was born and raised in New Jersey and has lived over 20 years in Florida.

When not writing, she is coding web design and contributing to a “new author” blog. Be sure to sign up at www.readfirstchapter.com to get notice of new and/or early releases.

She loves to interact with readers, so if you enjoyed the book, please feel free to email her at rshannon@readfirstchapter.com

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A book that reminded me a lot of the old Mary Worth comic strip.

A young bride is starting to worry her husband doesn't love her anymore. Meanwhile, a PI is having problems with his girlfriend. A Catholic priest is having the usual church problems, while his brother, the father of the young bride is trying to convince his wife to move closer to the priest.

Very Catholic. I imagine the priest looks like a middle aged Bing Crosby.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written romantic suspense that has an ensamble cast facing real life challenges. The interactions between the characters makes for very interesting reading and the faith based foundation adds grounding to the story. I am not Catholic but found the perspectives of Fr Liam to be powerful and inspiring.

The characters...you care about. There is suspense and a storyline that just draws you in (thanks for the lost sleep). Well written and great editing.

[juanita dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Groomed for Marriage

Judge not that you be not judged. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory including the Catholic. We are all imperfect beings in an imperfect world trying to get back to our heavenly home by God - Father, Son, Holy Spirit - grace and mercy. You are strongly against divorce possibly endangering someone's life but lenient in other areas. God gives us all the ability to choose. He does not demand or dictate our choices. We alone must stand in judgment to give an account for our actions. I pray every believer is aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and purpose in our lives. He is to lead us into all righteousness. We give in to the voice that is greatest in our lives, the one we feed the most. Study to show thyself approved, a workman who need not be ashamed of rightly dividing the word of truth. Continue being blessed and growing in the Lord.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I really enjoyed. Not much of a plot but so much good advice. The characters seemed like friends to me; the travails seemed realistic; the pacing was right on. The star of the story was Fr. Liam and his insight and recommendations made me want to high-five him. Hope to see him again sometime.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Get on with it!

Oh my gosh! Get on with it! The first 50% of the book was tiresome. However, the author did a good job of character development (although it was VERY long). About half way through the book things started to happen and the story did get better. I wish the first half of the book could be condensed.

[Sheyenne Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This story has a little bit of everything. The characters are intriguing and the storyline has faith, mystery, and self-reflection. It's a quick read and left me interested in the following books of the series.

[claudette davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family is everything

This book was very nicely written. Describing marriage of a child and good family support. Not everything is as it seems in life and the support of family and God is import ant

[Lawrence Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters that draw you in!

Nice read that brings out the humanity of the characters and makes you want to find out what happens next. I will probably purchase book two.

[Barb Nifong · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great book with a moral ending. Father Liam has good insight on matters of the heart, and on the actions of people. It helps that his own family is involved in the latest crisis. I look forward to reading more about his insight.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my interest from the first page to the last

[Marilyn Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

That priest had great education and even more wisdom. He befriends his new Parish. He also wisely handles the odd members of his parish. Love and grace and a lot of common sense too

[Eliana]

Olds

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, fun read. Interesting plot and characters. I am now reading Book 2!