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Never the Bride
Eleven Bridesmaid Dresses Don’t Lie
Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.
But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.
So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?
Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.
But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.
So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Rene Gutteridge
44 books270 followersRene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
January 2, 2012
Never the bride was a Christmas gift to me from my eldest sister. I come from a huge family and nearly all of my sisters are married, except me. I started reading this book today, while dealing with some drama with a boy friend. Half way through today, he broke up with me, half way through this book I realized what God wants from me. Never have I read a book that struck home. I was in tears for most of the book, because I relate so much to Jessie. This line from the book struck home for me. " you are worth more. You are worth a guy who is willing to stake everything he has on you, not some guy who wants to give you a test run while he picks up the pieces of his life." I sobbed when I read that. That's what my ex was doing with me. It's like God had this author write this book for me. I'm worth more then a measly test run, and I can see what God has in store for me. I can fully surrender my "purple pen" to God for Him to write my story, and it will be an amazing one at that!
July 20, 2011
I loved this book, I read it in one afternoon I loved it so much.
I really wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the premise. A 30 something woman who can’t fall in love embarks on a romance with God – in the flesh – here on earth!
Could the authors pull it off??
Oh. Yeah.
This book is fantastic! So good in fact I want to read it over and over. What I loved so much is the authors never put words in God’s mouth. All the examples of what God did in the story can be found in scripture as relating to the God we serve.
As a young woman who is a hopeless romantic and can sometimes wait most impatiently for Mr. Right, I wanted to fall deeper in love with God. “Never the Bride” pushed me to trust and love deeper with my God, to give my love story writing back to Him.
I wish I could go on and on! The book has humor (I haven’t laughed this much from a book since Janice Thompson’s Bella), it has character, it has charm. And the HERO?? Ladies, take my word for it: this is one awesome hero.
And not only that, it has a message the young (and maybe not so young) hopeless romantics need to read.
Who can’t help but fall in love with a hero as amazing as our Lord and Savior??
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
I really wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the premise. A 30 something woman who can’t fall in love embarks on a romance with God – in the flesh – here on earth!
Could the authors pull it off??
Oh. Yeah.
This book is fantastic! So good in fact I want to read it over and over. What I loved so much is the authors never put words in God’s mouth. All the examples of what God did in the story can be found in scripture as relating to the God we serve.
As a young woman who is a hopeless romantic and can sometimes wait most impatiently for Mr. Right, I wanted to fall deeper in love with God. “Never the Bride” pushed me to trust and love deeper with my God, to give my love story writing back to Him.
I wish I could go on and on! The book has humor (I haven’t laughed this much from a book since Janice Thompson’s Bella), it has character, it has charm. And the HERO?? Ladies, take my word for it: this is one awesome hero.
And not only that, it has a message the young (and maybe not so young) hopeless romantics need to read.
Who can’t help but fall in love with a hero as amazing as our Lord and Savior??
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
September 7, 2009
I have to be honest here. A chapter or so into the book, I was rather disappointed. It was like a shallow chick-lit; all about trying to find a guy. Nothing wrong with chick-lit when I'm in the mood for it, but I was expecting something a little more substantial.
Well, that all changed when God suddenly showed up in the storyline. Literally. And He wasn't who I expected. And that made me think. (Not necessarily agree, but think.) And suddenly all the witty romantic dialogue wasn't so shallow any more.
Oh yeah. When I realized one of the authors was a screenwriter, it made perfect sense that I was visualizing this story on the big screen all the way through. The quirky dialogue and the action. Scenes kept flashing into my mind: Evan Almighty. 27 Dresses. The Wedding Planner. Etc.
So yes, this book has the elements of successful chick lit. Fast-paced, witty, funny, feminine, romantic, with chocolate, purple pens, surprise twists, and a happy ending. If that interests you, you'll enjoy the book. But watch out for that serious God line. And let it challenge your perspective about how God wants to write the intimate details of YOUR life.
Well, that all changed when God suddenly showed up in the storyline. Literally. And He wasn't who I expected. And that made me think. (Not necessarily agree, but think.) And suddenly all the witty romantic dialogue wasn't so shallow any more.
Oh yeah. When I realized one of the authors was a screenwriter, it made perfect sense that I was visualizing this story on the big screen all the way through. The quirky dialogue and the action. Scenes kept flashing into my mind: Evan Almighty. 27 Dresses. The Wedding Planner. Etc.
So yes, this book has the elements of successful chick lit. Fast-paced, witty, funny, feminine, romantic, with chocolate, purple pens, surprise twists, and a happy ending. If that interests you, you'll enjoy the book. But watch out for that serious God line. And let it challenge your perspective about how God wants to write the intimate details of YOUR life.
August 19, 2012
Words can not describe how amazing this book is! I laughed so hard I cried in parts, but there were also such TRUTHS about God and His Love for us sprinkled through out. The ending made my head spin it was so unexpected and awesome! I read this book in one night..I can't wait to read more by both of these authors!
June 19, 2009
Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge is a charming novel of romance and faith. Jessie Stone has always lived by the rules; her friends can set their watches by her punctuality, and she's almost OCD in her need for order and control. She's lived all of her 34 years waiting for Mr. Right to sweep her off her feet, filling 109 journals with dreams of the perfect marriage proposal and wedding. Speed dating and online match services aren't working, but when God literally steps in and offers to help, Jessie isn't sure if she's willing to trust Him enough to do it to her standards! This book reminded me of all the reasons I love to read! It was funny and sweet and charming and had a strong message of faith. God's appearance in Jessie's life is beautiful and heart-breaking. Her friends and family think that she needs to be committed when they catch her talking to herself, and when she tries to tell them the truth, they ask her why is she so special that God would choose to step into her life. Their reactions are perfectly rendered, and oh so true of how I think people really would react to Jessie's story. God asks Jessie if she's willing to let Him write her life story, and there's a lesson in her story for readers. Her date with God brought tears to my eyes, as did their confrontation on the beach. The entire book was pitch perfect, just flawless. I laughed, I cried, I learned a lesson about my Savior. It doesn't get any better than that.
August 20, 2020
Hate to say I had to give up on this one about 25% through... it was decently good up to that point, but then just totally lost my interest.
July 9, 2015
“You don’t know me yet, so there is no reason you should care that I’m stuck on a highway with a blowout. But maybe we can relate to each other.” Don’t you just love these first lines of the book? They totally made me want to know what happened next. This story definitely went in a direction I didn’t expect, and I was pleasantly surprised!
This book reminded me of the movie Evan Almighty. Evan realized that strange things were happening in his life. They really got weird when he met God. Then God wanted him to build an ark. Jessie isn’t asked to build an ark but God asks impossible things of her- or so she thinks.
Authors Cheryl and Rene describe the single life and how people are creative about meeting one another. They describe the Valentines rush dating process that is hysterical and sad all at the same time. One friend says,” …you can tell a lot about a guy by what he asks you.” Boy is that so true.
Here’s what Jessie thinks of God, “God has never been in the business of coming to my rescue. Or doing anything for me, for that matter.” So, why should she listen to Him now? It’s probably not Him- she thinks …just the return of her childhood imaginary friend. It could happen. Or she could be going crazy! She was rooting for the imaginary friend.
Jessie argues with God when she says,” Everything I’ve accomplished in my life, I’ve done myself. Me. Alone. Why should I trust you..?”
I loved what she thinks God is saying to her; “You haven’t asked me for help…Of course, you can keep doing things your way. Is that’s working for you.”
I remember this very statement being said to me,” Is what your doing working for you, Nora?” It really stopped me in my tracks. No, it hadn’t been working at all!! I had to surrender my will for His. That’s what God is asking her to do too. Jessie thinks this is the craziest thing on the planet to do..surrender?…never! “I’m a woman. In case you didn’t notice. I don’t have to make sense.” Jessie has all the answers—or so she thinks! Grin!
This story will touch your heart, make you laugh out loud and choke you up and bring happy tears to your eyes. The Lord touched me deeply when I read about Jessie’s struggles in life and how God was trying to get her attention. Oh, Lord if I only listened to you when you told me to do things the first time. The Lord loves us so much if we all could get a hold of that concept the world would be a different place.
God is the ultimate gentleman, patiently waiting for us to run into His arms of Love; where we can feel safe, secure, deeply and utterly loved. I don’t know about you, but I want that. This book reminds me of when I first received God’s love in my heart and realized how much God loves me. It reminded me I’m not alone in the struggle to do what He’s asked me to do….no matter what it is. You’ll want to read this over and over again. This books a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This book reminded me of the movie Evan Almighty. Evan realized that strange things were happening in his life. They really got weird when he met God. Then God wanted him to build an ark. Jessie isn’t asked to build an ark but God asks impossible things of her- or so she thinks.
Authors Cheryl and Rene describe the single life and how people are creative about meeting one another. They describe the Valentines rush dating process that is hysterical and sad all at the same time. One friend says,” …you can tell a lot about a guy by what he asks you.” Boy is that so true.
Here’s what Jessie thinks of God, “God has never been in the business of coming to my rescue. Or doing anything for me, for that matter.” So, why should she listen to Him now? It’s probably not Him- she thinks …just the return of her childhood imaginary friend. It could happen. Or she could be going crazy! She was rooting for the imaginary friend.
Jessie argues with God when she says,” Everything I’ve accomplished in my life, I’ve done myself. Me. Alone. Why should I trust you..?”
I loved what she thinks God is saying to her; “You haven’t asked me for help…Of course, you can keep doing things your way. Is that’s working for you.”
I remember this very statement being said to me,” Is what your doing working for you, Nora?” It really stopped me in my tracks. No, it hadn’t been working at all!! I had to surrender my will for His. That’s what God is asking her to do too. Jessie thinks this is the craziest thing on the planet to do..surrender?…never! “I’m a woman. In case you didn’t notice. I don’t have to make sense.” Jessie has all the answers—or so she thinks! Grin!
This story will touch your heart, make you laugh out loud and choke you up and bring happy tears to your eyes. The Lord touched me deeply when I read about Jessie’s struggles in life and how God was trying to get her attention. Oh, Lord if I only listened to you when you told me to do things the first time. The Lord loves us so much if we all could get a hold of that concept the world would be a different place.
God is the ultimate gentleman, patiently waiting for us to run into His arms of Love; where we can feel safe, secure, deeply and utterly loved. I don’t know about you, but I want that. This book reminds me of when I first received God’s love in my heart and realized how much God loves me. It reminded me I’m not alone in the struggle to do what He’s asked me to do….no matter what it is. You’ll want to read this over and over again. This books a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
February 27, 2014
Really 2.5 stars
I admit I expected this book to be in the same line like Joan Brady´s "God on a Harley" but I was wrong. The main character of this book, Jessie Stone, was a role model for a TSTL-heroine, pathetic and continuously complaining about her fate not to be married. Her main goal in life was to have a family and someone who loves her - what is per se a valid goal for (almost) everyone. This plot alone to find Mr. Right could fill a book and the author had the nice idea to add God into the mix too. One day (he seems to have had enough about her complaining and decided to help her - just to be rid of her whining, I assume) God appears – invisible for everyone but Jessie – to help her to achieve her goal. Of course Jessie doesn´t first believe it´s really God (who would) and of course she doesn´t follow his advices or requests to go to certain places or do certain things, no she´s too self-absorbed in her own greatness and husband obsession and clearly her failings to find her special someone are based on her inability to make compromises. I think this book is labeled to be comedy but I didn´t find it particularly funny, no giggling on my part as some others reviewers mentioned.
I just found the heroine annoying and her lack of faith tiresome but eventually after suffering some harsh setbacks at the husband-hunting-front she finally relents to God´s will and her happy end is within reach...
I have to confess that although this book wasn´t bad it just wasn´t my cup of tea and I was disappointed with the heroine who was too obsessed with her husband hunting for my taste.
Note: This book is written in first person!
I admit I expected this book to be in the same line like Joan Brady´s "God on a Harley" but I was wrong. The main character of this book, Jessie Stone, was a role model for a TSTL-heroine, pathetic and continuously complaining about her fate not to be married. Her main goal in life was to have a family and someone who loves her - what is per se a valid goal for (almost) everyone. This plot alone to find Mr. Right could fill a book and the author had the nice idea to add God into the mix too. One day (he seems to have had enough about her complaining and decided to help her - just to be rid of her whining, I assume) God appears – invisible for everyone but Jessie – to help her to achieve her goal. Of course Jessie doesn´t first believe it´s really God (who would) and of course she doesn´t follow his advices or requests to go to certain places or do certain things, no she´s too self-absorbed in her own greatness and husband obsession and clearly her failings to find her special someone are based on her inability to make compromises. I think this book is labeled to be comedy but I didn´t find it particularly funny, no giggling on my part as some others reviewers mentioned.
I just found the heroine annoying and her lack of faith tiresome but eventually after suffering some harsh setbacks at the husband-hunting-front she finally relents to God´s will and her happy end is within reach...
I have to confess that although this book wasn´t bad it just wasn´t my cup of tea and I was disappointed with the heroine who was too obsessed with her husband hunting for my taste.
Note: This book is written in first person!
January 10, 2010
When God appears in the form of a hot guy it is time to run away.
June 8, 2021
Very funny but at the end with a good message. Took one star cause the main character can be very annoying.
August 5, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Not only was it a fun read, but it had some spiritual depth to it, with a surprising "twist". Great story!
August 20, 2011
I know you don’t know me, but I’ll admit it –I’m a drama queen. Hopefully, I am not a drama queen in the negative sort or connotation that this label elicits, but in the very fact that I’m in charge of the drama program at my church. Why do I tell you this? It’s because of the advice that my pastor always gives me- he says, “Please pick the comedy skits, because you get to people’s hearts through the back door with them, not hitting them over the head with the heavy stuff, it just sort of gently comes to them through their own laughter.” And so I comply with his requests- you will find this concept brilliantly executed with Cheryl McKay’s and Rene Gutteridge’s novel Never the Bride. There is no hitting you over the head, but lots of laughter and great insight, if you pay attention.
We meet Jessie Stone broken down on the side of Pacific Coast Highway with a flat tire bemoaning the fact that there is no guy in her life to take care of these frustrations for her. Yes, the title of the book Never the Bride sums up her attitude on life in spades. After failed online dating services, failed speed dating, and just plain old failed relationships, Jessie Stone is at the end of her “forever single” rope. And then enters a tall, dark, and handsome man with gorgeous blue eyes. Hmmm the answer to her dreams (?) - Oh yeah, but maybe not as she thought. It’s God Almighty in the flesh trying to get Jessie to see things His way, that He might have a few ideas on how to handle her love life. Does she listen to Him? Well, sort of, but with a few detours of her own.
This story is told with a wonderful sense of humor, a brilliant fresh writing voice and is a plain, absolute joy to read. As this was written as a screenplay first (Cheryl McKay) and adapted to a novelization later (Rene Gutteridge), it is easy to see how it would make a great movie, but trust me it works as a great novel as well. The scenes are very easy to visualize, especially the scenes where God shows up in various times and places and completely un-nerves our heroine Jessie Stone. His timing is always off according to Jessie and right on time according to God. He manages to get her completely outside of her comfort zone with regards to her ideas on her profession, her beliefs with regards to Him, as well as, of course, her love life. But isn’t God like that- His ways are always better than ours, if we will just listen.
So from this drama queen to you I say” Bravo” on “Never the Bride” and I will be rushing to the Movie theaters if this is made into a movie. It was darling, winsome and full of great spiritual messages. I can think of quite a few friends to recommend this book to and I truly hope to see Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge team up again- they are a formidable force. 5 stars.
We meet Jessie Stone broken down on the side of Pacific Coast Highway with a flat tire bemoaning the fact that there is no guy in her life to take care of these frustrations for her. Yes, the title of the book Never the Bride sums up her attitude on life in spades. After failed online dating services, failed speed dating, and just plain old failed relationships, Jessie Stone is at the end of her “forever single” rope. And then enters a tall, dark, and handsome man with gorgeous blue eyes. Hmmm the answer to her dreams (?) - Oh yeah, but maybe not as she thought. It’s God Almighty in the flesh trying to get Jessie to see things His way, that He might have a few ideas on how to handle her love life. Does she listen to Him? Well, sort of, but with a few detours of her own.
This story is told with a wonderful sense of humor, a brilliant fresh writing voice and is a plain, absolute joy to read. As this was written as a screenplay first (Cheryl McKay) and adapted to a novelization later (Rene Gutteridge), it is easy to see how it would make a great movie, but trust me it works as a great novel as well. The scenes are very easy to visualize, especially the scenes where God shows up in various times and places and completely un-nerves our heroine Jessie Stone. His timing is always off according to Jessie and right on time according to God. He manages to get her completely outside of her comfort zone with regards to her ideas on her profession, her beliefs with regards to Him, as well as, of course, her love life. But isn’t God like that- His ways are always better than ours, if we will just listen.
So from this drama queen to you I say” Bravo” on “Never the Bride” and I will be rushing to the Movie theaters if this is made into a movie. It was darling, winsome and full of great spiritual messages. I can think of quite a few friends to recommend this book to and I truly hope to see Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge team up again- they are a formidable force. 5 stars.
August 20, 2016
This book was great! I've always loved Rene Gutteridge, and this book was no exception. I literally laughed out loud MANY times--so funny! I also found myself very much relating to the main character. We have a lot in common.
I do, however, have one complaint about the book. I feel that God is portrayed a little irreverently. I get the idea behind it and the reason for it as far as the book is concerned. However, though I firmly believe that God is interested in every detail of our lives, and is walking with us as Christians each step of the way, I take issue with how He is represented here. I just think we always need to remember that God is holy and is to be reverenced--even as our Best Friend. He is, after all, the Creator of the universe.
Anyway, that being said, I loved the story itself, and just the reminder that God has a plan for our lives, and His plan is the perfect one--we just need to give Him the pen. All in all, good book!!!
I do, however, have one complaint about the book. I feel that God is portrayed a little irreverently. I get the idea behind it and the reason for it as far as the book is concerned. However, though I firmly believe that God is interested in every detail of our lives, and is walking with us as Christians each step of the way, I take issue with how He is represented here. I just think we always need to remember that God is holy and is to be reverenced--even as our Best Friend. He is, after all, the Creator of the universe.
Anyway, that being said, I loved the story itself, and just the reminder that God has a plan for our lives, and His plan is the perfect one--we just need to give Him the pen. All in all, good book!!!
June 20, 2025
Other reviews said God comes along in the form of a hot guy. This sounds so ridiculous as to be unbelievable. I had to read it for myself. Yes, God is a character in the story. I was reminded of the 1970s "Oh,God" movie starring John Denver and George Burns. Nowhere in the book is Jesus mentioned, so this is not Christian fiction. It really is a feminine version of the "Oh, God" movies. Toward the end of the novel, the author makes an apparent nod to George Burns.
The author's style of prose is chatty and funny, although some of the plot points are beaten half to death such as the protagonist's obsession with blondes and her dating failures. If you can get past the silliness, there are a few good messages in this book without being overly preachy. Jessie does what many people would like to do when their lives aren't going as planned. She gives God a piece of her mind.
Not as bad as I feared.
The author's style of prose is chatty and funny, although some of the plot points are beaten half to death such as the protagonist's obsession with blondes and her dating failures. If you can get past the silliness, there are a few good messages in this book without being overly preachy. Jessie does what many people would like to do when their lives aren't going as planned. She gives God a piece of her mind.
Not as bad as I feared.
September 13, 2009
This book was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had in awhile. I would call it chick lit with depth. Just Saturday I posted reviews of some of my favorite non-fiction authors, Eric and Leslie Ludy, and their book "When God Writes Your Love Story" was one of them. This book is such a compliment to the concepts the Ludys talk about. I loved watching the way it might play out if you actually gave God the pen to your life and let Him write your love story. Only in a very humorous fashion. Not only is the story wonderful and funny, but it will make you think. I have been recommending it to my single friends already because I think it will really impact their lives. But I will be recommending it to all my married friends as well just because it is one of the most entertaining and moving books I've read.
July 9, 2011
At its base level, the purpose of this book is a message about a loving God knowing each of us, and us learning to overcome our own faults and trusting Him enough to do what he asks us to do. I found the premise of the book, however, actually absurd and irreverent. I know the authors didn't intend for it to be thus, and though I read the book very quickly and it was entertaining, it was very far fetched. I just couldn't get over my uncomfortableness with their "modern and creative" handling of our personal relationships with deity. I don't really recommend this book to anybody.
May 26, 2010
This book was amazing. I would love to have this book on my shelf at home. The book talks about how this girl stopped believing in God and she is on the hunt for a husband. She has never been married, but has always been the bridesmaid and she is lonely. She is trying everything possible to be a wife and to find a husband. It goes through how God wants our everything. God knows what he has planned for us and he will bring a guy into our life when it is meant to be. We can't rush God's plan!
July 31, 2012
Amusing and sometimes laugh out loud funny, Never the Bride is more than just a comedy. What really got me about this book was the way the authors depicted God--as a suitor. Handsome, kind, often mysterious, always polite, and filled with love. Even now, a week after I finished it, I think about that. I highly recommend this book.
August 25, 2011
How did I end up with THIS book?? I read the back... the chick's been a bridesmaid a bunch of times and can't find Mr. Right... sounded up my alley.
Then God showed up. In the form of a hot guy.
Holy Hell.
Then God showed up. In the form of a hot guy.
Holy Hell.
May 25, 2022
While I started out really not liking the main character, this book redeemed itself in the end. Sometimes I would still cringe at her antics, but I found that to be a charm of hers. I really loved the way God is depicted in this book. It makes me want to read more of these authors.
November 19, 2009
Interesting (though controversial) premise, and I have no doubt there will be those who welcome the approach. I, however, cannot suspend disbelief to this degree.
November 27, 2019
MY FAVORITE BOOK EVER! Reminds me that God can write my love story better than I can! God is in control of the purple pen!
June 3, 2019
Amazing
Amazing book, loved every minute of it. Reminds you of how God wants to be there even in what we may think are the big small life moments.
Amazing book, loved every minute of it. Reminds you of how God wants to be there even in what we may think are the big small life moments.
May 27, 2017
Maybe not my type of book. The opening line was good :-) Just two far fetched for me
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
The main character of this book, Jessie Stone, was a role model for a TSTL-heroine, pathetic and continuously complaining about her fate not to be married. Her main goal in life was to have a family and someone who loves her - what is per se a valid goal for (almost) everyone. This plot alone to find Mr. Right could fill a book and the author had the nice idea to add God into the mix too. One day (he seems to have had enough about her complaining and decided to help her - just to be rid of her whining, I assume) God appears – invisible for everyone but Jessie – to help her to achieve her goal. Of course Jessie doesn´t first believe it´s really God (who would) and of course she doesn´t follow his advices or requests to go to certain places or do certain things, no she´s too self-absorbed in her own greatness and husband obsession and clearly her failings to find her special someone are based on her inability to make compromises. I think this book is labeled to be comedy but I didn´t find it particularly funny, no giggling on my part as some others reviewers mentioned.
**
Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.
But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.
So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
The main character of this book, Jessie Stone, was a role model for a TSTL-heroine, pathetic and continuously complaining about her fate not to be married. Her main goal in life was to have a family and someone who loves her - what is per se a valid goal for (almost) everyone. This plot alone to find Mr. Right could fill a book and the author had the nice idea to add God into the mix too. One day (he seems to have had enough about her complaining and decided to help her - just to be rid of her whining, I assume) God appears – invisible for everyone but Jessie – to help her to achieve her goal. Of course Jessie doesn´t first believe it´s really God (who would) and of course she doesn´t follow his advices or requests to go to certain places or do certain things, no she´s too self-absorbed in her own greatness and husband obsession and clearly her failings to find her special someone are based on her inability to make compromises. I think this book is labeled to be comedy but I didn´t find it particularly funny, no giggling on my part as some others reviewers mentioned.
**
Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.
But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.
So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?
December 23, 2017
...I almost have no words for this...
The earthly romance in this story feels more incidental than anything because it's really about how we should trust in Him and love Him and frankly a little too much for me. I didn't read all the reviews, but I should have, because the very last one on the first page talks about how this book shows how powerful God's plan is for us. Nope. Nope, nope, nope.
First of all, I had no clue this was going to be so religious and devotional. Seriously...I was expecting a lighthearted beach read rom-com whatever. And then it turns out to be this weird, weird, weeeeeirrrrdddddd book. It makes more sense when I view it through the lens of a believer, but as a non-believer, boy did this book get weird. As an atheist, I didn't even realize how sincere this book was about its God message until about 60% of the way through the book and then I felt really stupid for not having realized earlier. I thought God was a gimmick character or something, but nope. And then how can I hate a book that is so sincere about such a topic?
But still, I don't really know how to feel about this book. I felt like I got suckered into reading it almost, but I didn't hate it. Mostly I just feel tricked. In a good way (?) if that's possible, because it's not like a dirty trick, but more like admiring-- as in, wow somehow I ended up reading a religious romance novel. Is that possible? Amazing.
Also, I hated the main character. Seriously hated her. And no wonder. Without her, we wouldn't understand how great God's love is. So this is definitely not a traditional sort of chick-lit book. If only I had read the genre descriptions first. Christian Fiction. First genre suggested. I'm an idiot. At any rate, definitely an interesting book out of my comfort zone. Cute, except for the terrible main character and religious overtone.
The earthly romance in this story feels more incidental than anything because it's really about how we should trust in Him and love Him and frankly a little too much for me. I didn't read all the reviews, but I should have, because the very last one on the first page talks about how this book shows how powerful God's plan is for us. Nope. Nope, nope, nope.
First of all, I had no clue this was going to be so religious and devotional. Seriously...I was expecting a lighthearted beach read rom-com whatever. And then it turns out to be this weird, weird, weeeeeirrrrdddddd book. It makes more sense when I view it through the lens of a believer, but as a non-believer, boy did this book get weird. As an atheist, I didn't even realize how sincere this book was about its God message until about 60% of the way through the book and then I felt really stupid for not having realized earlier. I thought God was a gimmick character or something, but nope. And then how can I hate a book that is so sincere about such a topic?
But still, I don't really know how to feel about this book. I felt like I got suckered into reading it almost, but I didn't hate it. Mostly I just feel tricked. In a good way (?) if that's possible, because it's not like a dirty trick, but more like admiring-- as in, wow somehow I ended up reading a religious romance novel. Is that possible? Amazing.
Also, I hated the main character. Seriously hated her. And no wonder. Without her, we wouldn't understand how great God's love is. So this is definitely not a traditional sort of chick-lit book. If only I had read the genre descriptions first. Christian Fiction. First genre suggested. I'm an idiot. At any rate, definitely an interesting book out of my comfort zone. Cute, except for the terrible main character and religious overtone.
February 9, 2025
This book is probably the most relatable book I have EVER read in my life.
And no, I’m exaggerating just because it’s a good book or I loved it. It just is. I feel like this book wasn’t just written FOR me, but some ways, about me.
Like Jessie, the MC, I’ve dreamed of getting married. I’ve seen a lot of reviews where people say that she’s too annoying, which I get. But if you were waiting as long as she was to finally get her chance at love and marriage, then trust me, you’d probably be just like her. The desperation is real.
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved how God was portrayed, though thought it odd that He wasn’t called Jesus at any point since His human form is typically associated with Jesus. But since They ARE the same Person, I wasn’t too bothered by it.
So much of what Jessie goes through is so relatable, because I’ve been through it. The heartbreaks, the disappointments, the screaming inside of your car because just when you thought it was going to FINALLY work out with that guy, it didn’t. The arguments with God were all too real, the sobbing and crying out. It spoke to a place deep within me that I’ve had to walk through in process and breakthrough.
The ending seemed too good to be true, like the proverbial rug was about to pulled out from under her, again! But it wasn’t. God didn’t disappoint her, He wasn’t cruel like that.
I’ve yet to have my love story, but at the very least have gone through a lot of the process God took Jessie through. I’m just so grateful He lead me to this book at this time in my life…
Thank you Cheryl and Rene for such a wonderful, funny, and deeply meaningful story.
And no, I’m exaggerating just because it’s a good book or I loved it. It just is. I feel like this book wasn’t just written FOR me, but some ways, about me.
Like Jessie, the MC, I’ve dreamed of getting married. I’ve seen a lot of reviews where people say that she’s too annoying, which I get. But if you were waiting as long as she was to finally get her chance at love and marriage, then trust me, you’d probably be just like her. The desperation is real.
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved how God was portrayed, though thought it odd that He wasn’t called Jesus at any point since His human form is typically associated with Jesus. But since They ARE the same Person, I wasn’t too bothered by it.
So much of what Jessie goes through is so relatable, because I’ve been through it. The heartbreaks, the disappointments, the screaming inside of your car because just when you thought it was going to FINALLY work out with that guy, it didn’t. The arguments with God were all too real, the sobbing and crying out. It spoke to a place deep within me that I’ve had to walk through in process and breakthrough.
The ending seemed too good to be true, like the proverbial rug was about to pulled out from under her, again! But it wasn’t. God didn’t disappoint her, He wasn’t cruel like that.
I’ve yet to have my love story, but at the very least have gone through a lot of the process God took Jessie through. I’m just so grateful He lead me to this book at this time in my life…
Thank you Cheryl and Rene for such a wonderful, funny, and deeply meaningful story.
April 21, 2019
A clever book about being single when you really want to be married and have dreamed of it--and about trusting God and waiting on his timing.
I can relate to the main character Jessie Stone who wants to be married. I don't have all the creative proposals etc. that she wrote out but I can relate to watching friends and others find the love of their life, get married, etc. when you don't have that. (Gosh, some people even seem to find a second love of their life!)
The idea of God coming down and appearing to her brought to mind the song "What if God was One of Us" that was popular a few years ago. Though I don't think the whole song applies to this novel, the idea of God coming down to converse face-to-face with a human is an interesting one--and it's thought-provoking to consider what He might say to us, or how we'd react to Him.
I figured out that the human face God was using also belonged to someone else (a real human) before the authors confirmed it.
I also agree that Jessie needed to learn some compromise before she was ready to enter into marriage. As we get older and develop our own lives, it's easy to fall into our own routines--and to not want to disrupt them for just anybody--I've said, I'll know he's the one when I'm willing to give up the perks of the single life (yes, there are a few) for him.
But underneath the romance story, is a story of trusting God. Trusting that he has the best in mind for you and trusting his timing--not rushing into something else just to have something.
I can relate to the main character Jessie Stone who wants to be married. I don't have all the creative proposals etc. that she wrote out but I can relate to watching friends and others find the love of their life, get married, etc. when you don't have that. (Gosh, some people even seem to find a second love of their life!)
The idea of God coming down and appearing to her brought to mind the song "What if God was One of Us" that was popular a few years ago. Though I don't think the whole song applies to this novel, the idea of God coming down to converse face-to-face with a human is an interesting one--and it's thought-provoking to consider what He might say to us, or how we'd react to Him.
I figured out that the human face God was using also belonged to someone else (a real human) before the authors confirmed it.
I also agree that Jessie needed to learn some compromise before she was ready to enter into marriage. As we get older and develop our own lives, it's easy to fall into our own routines--and to not want to disrupt them for just anybody--I've said, I'll know he's the one when I'm willing to give up the perks of the single life (yes, there are a few) for him.
But underneath the romance story, is a story of trusting God. Trusting that he has the best in mind for you and trusting his timing--not rushing into something else just to have something.
November 28, 2022
It took me a while to get into this story, but when I finally did, I actually found it more relatable than I was expecting. It starts out with a female character who is so desperate to get married that she’s practically chasing men around. I was almost ready to DNF the book because the main character, Jessie, seemed so superficial from the beginning. At some point the book switched gears a bit and started sounding more like a Hallmark TV movie. This is still not usually my style, but Jessie was showing some growth and the pace was fast so I was willing to give it a chance.
Ultimately, Jessie faces a great deal of disappointment, incorrect assumptions, and heartache before finding happiness. It did still play out like a Hallmark channel movie with a Christian theme, but I liked the message. I also liked the realism of Jessie’s bad decisions intertwined with the classic Hallmark style of storytelling. It has a feel-good approach that I don’t normally gravitate toward, but I appreciated in this book.
While there is some genuine heartache, the book as a whole is lighthearted and often silly. If you are in the mood for a story like that, or if you are generally a big Hallmark movie fan, you’ll probably enjoy this.
Ultimately, Jessie faces a great deal of disappointment, incorrect assumptions, and heartache before finding happiness. It did still play out like a Hallmark channel movie with a Christian theme, but I liked the message. I also liked the realism of Jessie’s bad decisions intertwined with the classic Hallmark style of storytelling. It has a feel-good approach that I don’t normally gravitate toward, but I appreciated in this book.
While there is some genuine heartache, the book as a whole is lighthearted and often silly. If you are in the mood for a story like that, or if you are generally a big Hallmark movie fan, you’ll probably enjoy this.
February 5, 2020
This book was recommended by a friend and I very much enjoyed it! I love how the authors humanized God's love by fashioning Him into a man that walked and talked with the main character, using her desires and interests to establish a relationship. I am very much a type-A control freak and hopeless romantic like Jessie, the main character, so I was able to relate to several of her experiences and frustrations! The novel explored the depth of His grace and how He's truly happiest when we're happy. Even though we have free will, we don't always obey His wishes or make the right choices. Yet, He loves us so much that He finds ways to make our crooked paths straight and gives us the desires of our hearts when we refocus our hearts on what's important. He's awesome :) we often talk about the omnipotence of God, but even as a Christian, it's still nice to be reminded that God comes down, literally, to meet us where we are.
Now that I've finished the book, I'm working on diminishing my inner "type-A control freak" ;) but I'll forever be a hopeless romantic!
Now that I've finished the book, I'm working on diminishing my inner "type-A control freak" ;) but I'll forever be a hopeless romantic!
August 18, 2021
The premise was cute and yes, cheesy. It was hard to get behind a girl that was so obsessed with getting married. As you get to know her you start to understand why - but still. The story is about Jessie's journey as a singleton - her wonderful support group, and the help she gets from above. Not a 'it could happen to you' story but funny and fun.
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