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ETERNAL ENGAGEMENT, THE
From New York Times bestselling author Mary B. Morrison comes a moving, unforgettable story of lives at a crossroads, love lost and found, and the price of secrets. . .
After her high school sweetheart proposed and joined the military, Mona Lisa Ellington thought she'd never feel love again. So she settled, making a new life for herself with a man who cherished her…and made his living hurting others. Despite her reality, she prayed her fiancé would one day return.
Before becoming a television reporter, Katherine Clinton knew she'd marry her high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. But when he left for the military, she had to make new plans for her and their son. Despite his long absence, Katherine dreamed of the day her fiancé would return and make her family complete.
William Lincoln joined the military to make his grandfather proud. He never imagined he would be gone so long, or that the fiancées he left behind would reignite emotions he thought he'd never feel again. But his selfish proposal to two women is the least of his problems, because all three will face the consequences of too much deception. . .
After her high school sweetheart proposed and joined the military, Mona Lisa Ellington thought she'd never feel love again. So she settled, making a new life for herself with a man who cherished her…and made his living hurting others. Despite her reality, she prayed her fiancé would one day return.
Before becoming a television reporter, Katherine Clinton knew she'd marry her high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. But when he left for the military, she had to make new plans for her and their son. Despite his long absence, Katherine dreamed of the day her fiancé would return and make her family complete.
William Lincoln joined the military to make his grandfather proud. He never imagined he would be gone so long, or that the fiancées he left behind would reignite emotions he thought he'd never feel again. But his selfish proposal to two women is the least of his problems, because all three will face the consequences of too much deception. . .
324 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2011
48 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Mary B. Morrison
55 books956 followersMary B. Morrison, New York Times best-selling author is the up and coming artist with a multiple book-to-film deal. Mary has seventeen published novels including her newest release, If I Can’t Have You.
She writes for Kensington Publishing Corporation as Mary B. Morrison and Grand Central Publishing as HoneyB. In her novels Mary addresses social and sexual issues while empowering her female characters.
“Women Rule,” that’s the way I see it. “Beside every great man there is a powerful woman. The same does not hold true for every successful woman. A lot of us are single because men want to wear the pants, even if they didn’t buy them.”
Jeff Clanagan, CEO of Codeblack Entertainment and filmmaker, Leslie Small, optioned the film rights to Mary B. Morrison’s popular Soulmates Dissipate series (which includes seven novels). Her first book, Soulmates Dissipate, is being developed for feature film in 2013.
Mary is an Executive Producer on her film deal and she was Executive Producer and playwright for her stage play Single Husbands (based on her novel under her pen name HoneyB).
On June 3, 2000, Mary withdrew her retirement to self-publish her debut novel, Soulmates Dissipate. Mary has also sponsored an anthology publishing 33 students entitled Diverse Stories: From the Imaginations of Sixth Graders.
Lift Every Voice and Write is Mary’s non-profit. The organization is established to help increase literacy and support students interested in pursuing writing as a career.
Born in Aurora, Illinois, and reared in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary is the middle child of seven. She’s a graduate of McDonogh #35 High School in New Orleans and Berkeley Community College in Berkeley, California.
Her wonderful son, Jesse Byrd, Jr. is a 2010 graduate of U.C. Santa Barbara and producer on Mary’s film deal. Jesse has recently completed his first novel and owns a clothing business, OiseauChateau.com.
Mary currently resides in Oakland, California.
She writes for Kensington Publishing Corporation as Mary B. Morrison and Grand Central Publishing as HoneyB. In her novels Mary addresses social and sexual issues while empowering her female characters.
“Women Rule,” that’s the way I see it. “Beside every great man there is a powerful woman. The same does not hold true for every successful woman. A lot of us are single because men want to wear the pants, even if they didn’t buy them.”
Jeff Clanagan, CEO of Codeblack Entertainment and filmmaker, Leslie Small, optioned the film rights to Mary B. Morrison’s popular Soulmates Dissipate series (which includes seven novels). Her first book, Soulmates Dissipate, is being developed for feature film in 2013.
Mary is an Executive Producer on her film deal and she was Executive Producer and playwright for her stage play Single Husbands (based on her novel under her pen name HoneyB).
On June 3, 2000, Mary withdrew her retirement to self-publish her debut novel, Soulmates Dissipate. Mary has also sponsored an anthology publishing 33 students entitled Diverse Stories: From the Imaginations of Sixth Graders.
Lift Every Voice and Write is Mary’s non-profit. The organization is established to help increase literacy and support students interested in pursuing writing as a career.
Born in Aurora, Illinois, and reared in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary is the middle child of seven. She’s a graduate of McDonogh #35 High School in New Orleans and Berkeley Community College in Berkeley, California.
Her wonderful son, Jesse Byrd, Jr. is a 2010 graduate of U.C. Santa Barbara and producer on Mary’s film deal. Jesse has recently completed his first novel and owns a clothing business, OiseauChateau.com.
Mary currently resides in Oakland, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 28, 2013
First of all, this book gave me a headache. When it first arrived at the library, I was intrigued by the synopsis and since so many people had rave reviews about Mary B. Morrison’s books, I decided that I would read it. This was the first and the last time that I will read one of her books. Normally, when I’m really interested in a book, I can finish it within a day or two, tops. It took me two weeks to read this book. There were way too many things going on at once.
*Spoiler Alert*
I started out hating Lincoln because he proposed to two women on the same day. I felt that it was very selfish of him and I thought that the women were very naïve. I felt that Mona Lisa was wrong for taking the ring because she was no longer in a relationship with Lincoln and she knew that he was still in a relationship with Katherine.
Then, he has sex with both of them and gets both of the women pregnant. Katherine decides to keep the baby and wait for Lincoln to return from the army, while Mona Lisa aborts her baby and ends up marrying Steven, who turns out to be a hit man.
The author never goes into any back story about who Steven is working for and how he ended up doing such a crazy job. We know that he has been madly in love with Mona since the second grade, but she is still so obviously in love with Lincoln, who by the way, NEVER writes homes or keeps in contact with anyone in his family or these two women that he strings along for 10 years. A normal woman would’ve said screw him, but they were dumb enough to continue to wait.
Mona decides to leave Steven and ends up with another man who somehow falls in love with her, named Davis. Steven follows them around and becomes a peeping Tom while his wife sexes this man all over town, in parks and parking lots and then he follows her to this man’s home. He kills Davis and when Mona Lisa sees what he has done, does Steven kill her? NO. He leaves his wife alone with the body so that she can take a bath and clean up. WTF? He even tells her that he will give her some alone time and then come back to help her clean up the mess that HE made.
When Lincoln returns from the war, he still doesn’t contact anyone because he has PTSD, but when he becomes homeless, he decides to call these women, not to say I love you and I missed you, but to ask for money. The dirty dog. And Katherine, the dummy, gives it to him. TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. Then both of these women rush to comfort this man, who hasn’t seemed to give a damn about either one of them. And it gets more confusing from there.
For the sake of not completely giving away the story, I will say that this was one jumbled mess, complete with awkward sex scenes with misplaced intimacy. This could have really been a great book if the author had read through it again and realized that it was not complete and that there were too many holes. I can’t even give it a two star. I’m still so confused. I need my Advil now.
*Spoiler Alert*
I started out hating Lincoln because he proposed to two women on the same day. I felt that it was very selfish of him and I thought that the women were very naïve. I felt that Mona Lisa was wrong for taking the ring because she was no longer in a relationship with Lincoln and she knew that he was still in a relationship with Katherine.
Then, he has sex with both of them and gets both of the women pregnant. Katherine decides to keep the baby and wait for Lincoln to return from the army, while Mona Lisa aborts her baby and ends up marrying Steven, who turns out to be a hit man.
The author never goes into any back story about who Steven is working for and how he ended up doing such a crazy job. We know that he has been madly in love with Mona since the second grade, but she is still so obviously in love with Lincoln, who by the way, NEVER writes homes or keeps in contact with anyone in his family or these two women that he strings along for 10 years. A normal woman would’ve said screw him, but they were dumb enough to continue to wait.
Mona decides to leave Steven and ends up with another man who somehow falls in love with her, named Davis. Steven follows them around and becomes a peeping Tom while his wife sexes this man all over town, in parks and parking lots and then he follows her to this man’s home. He kills Davis and when Mona Lisa sees what he has done, does Steven kill her? NO. He leaves his wife alone with the body so that she can take a bath and clean up. WTF? He even tells her that he will give her some alone time and then come back to help her clean up the mess that HE made.
When Lincoln returns from the war, he still doesn’t contact anyone because he has PTSD, but when he becomes homeless, he decides to call these women, not to say I love you and I missed you, but to ask for money. The dirty dog. And Katherine, the dummy, gives it to him. TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS. Then both of these women rush to comfort this man, who hasn’t seemed to give a damn about either one of them. And it gets more confusing from there.
For the sake of not completely giving away the story, I will say that this was one jumbled mess, complete with awkward sex scenes with misplaced intimacy. This could have really been a great book if the author had read through it again and realized that it was not complete and that there were too many holes. I can’t even give it a two star. I’m still so confused. I need my Advil now.
September 10, 2019
Not a fan...
I found both the characters and the plot of the book to be extremely confusing and all over the place.
No character development, not enough backstory and the chronological timeline jumps years sometimes in the span of two or three pages.
Also, with the chapters being so short...no one truly had enough spotlight on them ata specific time for the reader to gain knowledge of the reasoning behind an action. I feel like if this story was given a little more time, it could have been written better.
I found both the characters and the plot of the book to be extremely confusing and all over the place.
No character development, not enough backstory and the chronological timeline jumps years sometimes in the span of two or three pages.
Also, with the chapters being so short...no one truly had enough spotlight on them ata specific time for the reader to gain knowledge of the reasoning behind an action. I feel like if this story was given a little more time, it could have been written better.
May 30, 2013
It's hard for me to say I like this book when I absolutely HATED the characters! Two STUPID women waiting around 10 years for a man who don't even bother to contact them while in the military. Then when he does he's asking for help! And they both drop everything and go running! HELL naw! This story line was ridiculous. The only reason I kept reading was because I wanted to know what would happen to Steven. The rest I couldn't wait to finish reading so I could move on.
October 22, 2012
**Spoilers**
This book was OK for me. The cast of characters are not too far fetched to me. I see some reviews on here and on Amazon that can not believe that two college educated women would wait for ten years. I dont think that education has anything to do with it. I think this book focused on the commitment of two women for one man. One (Mona) knew in her heart that she would not wait for Lincoln to come back and this is why she did not answer his, "will you marry me question". Where as Katherine was eager to accept his proposal and had more invested by having his child. Again to some it may seem weird that Katherine waited all this time but this used to happen a lot during the other wars. Men used to go off with the promise of marriage upon their return. I do like how Mary B. Morrison addresses the PTSD in Lincoln and shows real struggle to get it under control.
Lincoln Wood- he thought he was the shit and that every woman would want him. Does the feeling of him being wanted fulfill the loss that he felt by his parents not wanting anything to do with him? I did not like that he went away and did not even bother to write to Katherine and Mona Lisa. But then there was a part where he said that he preferred not to know that there was someone waiting for him. The someone he refers to is his son Jeremiah. I felt sorry for him because in a way its true why would he want his focus to be on surviving for his family rather than surviving on his own. I feel that at the end he choose Mona only because it seemed like the choice that made more since. His relationship with Katherine after his shooting was ruined yet even more due to her selfishness towards their son. I commend Lincoln for telling Katherine that he wanting to meet his son was about he and Jeremiah and did not have anything to do with her. That was so true.
Katherine Clinton- Successful and a great single mother yet she never left behind the idea that one day she would be with Lincoln. Yet at the end of the day it was like really? After all this time she still harboured feelings for Lincoln and they were strong. In a way it seemed that the feelings she felt for him were due to their having a child together. I am not sure if she realized that she was there only out of habit and not because she truly loved him. I mean when she goes to meet him in Seattle I feel as though she left right away and did not make an effort to help him at all. I mean she kept complaining that she had no money so there may no means for her to help. She was not even there emotionally there for him yet Mona was. Katherine had to deal with her mom being her mirror of her life. Mom also raised Katherine on her own but was not able to get to the career level that Katherine got to. Yet despite her education level she managed to let 10 years pass by and the first opportunity she gets...she goes and messes with Stephen who she knows is already attached. The ending really sucked for me because it did not say whether or not she was going to keep the baby, relinquish rights to the parents or abort it. In my opinion she kept the baby and gave it to his parents but how old are the parents and will they live long enough to even raise their child. I will discuss this more in my end synopsis.
Mona Lisa Covington- She was the one woman who seem to know what she wanted. She was attracted the life of living in luxury. I don't think that she ever loved Stephen if it were not for his wallet. She was with him only for the money and for the sex. In the end she realized that she made a mistake which her mother had proclaimed so many times. Mona had several opportunities to get out and not have to deal with the guilt of knowing Stephen was a murderer. Yet she decides to stay with him and make a life with no children since she would only make one with Lincoln. It was unbelievable how she finally left Stephen. She left him and literally found a replacement lover with in a day. This leads me to question if she would be able to survive on her own? Did she need a constant companion since she did not want to be alone? In the end she is convicted at least to have allegedly killing Davis Singleton( which Stephen did) and of killing the other people that Stephen killed. Now she would have to prove her innocence with the help of their old neighbor from California Mrs. V. It will be a long trial for her I am sure but I do not think that she will fall scott free since she did have some involvement by not telling anyone about it. We will never know what will happen.
Stephen Cunningham- He decided to buy love in the whole novel. I thought he was a good guy for Mona. Yet he turned out to be a killer for hire. I don't think that he felt Mona "cared" for him the same after finding out how he earned his money. At the end he asked if he would die not knowing what it would be to be loved by a woman that he didn't buy. The will for him to die and not want to be seen as "perfect" from his parents was a cowardly way to go out.
What I think would happen.........
Mona-
I think it would be years before she got set free. I mean is this not revenge for her not saying anything and having the other woman in jail for murdering her husband. Ms. V would testify on her behalf but Mona is not as innocent as she would like people to appear. She asks Lincoln to "wait for me don't break our engagement" yet when it was she that was asked 10 years earlier, she had no problem slipping the ring off and doing her own thing. I think she will come out but I don't know if she would have her money since the government cease it or she would have to use it to pay a top notch law office.
Katherine-
Knowing her she would carry out her pregnancy and keep the baby for herself. Just like Stephen said that he got everything but did not know when he went on the bad side. I don't think Stephen's child would necessarily come out like his dad. I don't think she would abort it because she is not a believer in that...if not she would have done so with Lincoln's baby. I don't think that she will get back with Lincoln. Lincoln is too damaged for her. In the end no matter how hard she will try Lincoln has PTSD and requires a strong supportive woman (more like mona) than her. Katherine will surely end up dating someone else and seeing Lincoln just as Jermiah's dad.
Lincoln-
I think he will go back to Seattle. He may stand by Mona's side but upon hearing all her crimes he will go away. I don't think that he will stand by her side because its almost as he had to convince himself to be with Mona. He will go back and take advantage of the 11 more sessions that Mona had prepaid for. I am not sure if Lincoln will ever be well enough to date. He may just be a loner like he has perceived himself all his life. I do think that he will form a bond with Jeremiah but there will be limits to it.
Overall the end pretty much sucked for me. I wanted more since the book is lengthy and one expect the end to be clear. I do not like the hanging detail of Katherine being pregnant and not knowing what she will do. I know that Mary B. Morrison says she writes in series so maybe there will be a sequel?!?! If not then boo. I will look for another book from her but it all depends on the audio book availability.
This book was OK for me. The cast of characters are not too far fetched to me. I see some reviews on here and on Amazon that can not believe that two college educated women would wait for ten years. I dont think that education has anything to do with it. I think this book focused on the commitment of two women for one man. One (Mona) knew in her heart that she would not wait for Lincoln to come back and this is why she did not answer his, "will you marry me question". Where as Katherine was eager to accept his proposal and had more invested by having his child. Again to some it may seem weird that Katherine waited all this time but this used to happen a lot during the other wars. Men used to go off with the promise of marriage upon their return. I do like how Mary B. Morrison addresses the PTSD in Lincoln and shows real struggle to get it under control.
Lincoln Wood- he thought he was the shit and that every woman would want him. Does the feeling of him being wanted fulfill the loss that he felt by his parents not wanting anything to do with him? I did not like that he went away and did not even bother to write to Katherine and Mona Lisa. But then there was a part where he said that he preferred not to know that there was someone waiting for him. The someone he refers to is his son Jeremiah. I felt sorry for him because in a way its true why would he want his focus to be on surviving for his family rather than surviving on his own. I feel that at the end he choose Mona only because it seemed like the choice that made more since. His relationship with Katherine after his shooting was ruined yet even more due to her selfishness towards their son. I commend Lincoln for telling Katherine that he wanting to meet his son was about he and Jeremiah and did not have anything to do with her. That was so true.
Katherine Clinton- Successful and a great single mother yet she never left behind the idea that one day she would be with Lincoln. Yet at the end of the day it was like really? After all this time she still harboured feelings for Lincoln and they were strong. In a way it seemed that the feelings she felt for him were due to their having a child together. I am not sure if she realized that she was there only out of habit and not because she truly loved him. I mean when she goes to meet him in Seattle I feel as though she left right away and did not make an effort to help him at all. I mean she kept complaining that she had no money so there may no means for her to help. She was not even there emotionally there for him yet Mona was. Katherine had to deal with her mom being her mirror of her life. Mom also raised Katherine on her own but was not able to get to the career level that Katherine got to. Yet despite her education level she managed to let 10 years pass by and the first opportunity she gets...she goes and messes with Stephen who she knows is already attached. The ending really sucked for me because it did not say whether or not she was going to keep the baby, relinquish rights to the parents or abort it. In my opinion she kept the baby and gave it to his parents but how old are the parents and will they live long enough to even raise their child. I will discuss this more in my end synopsis.
Mona Lisa Covington- She was the one woman who seem to know what she wanted. She was attracted the life of living in luxury. I don't think that she ever loved Stephen if it were not for his wallet. She was with him only for the money and for the sex. In the end she realized that she made a mistake which her mother had proclaimed so many times. Mona had several opportunities to get out and not have to deal with the guilt of knowing Stephen was a murderer. Yet she decides to stay with him and make a life with no children since she would only make one with Lincoln. It was unbelievable how she finally left Stephen. She left him and literally found a replacement lover with in a day. This leads me to question if she would be able to survive on her own? Did she need a constant companion since she did not want to be alone? In the end she is convicted at least to have allegedly killing Davis Singleton( which Stephen did) and of killing the other people that Stephen killed. Now she would have to prove her innocence with the help of their old neighbor from California Mrs. V. It will be a long trial for her I am sure but I do not think that she will fall scott free since she did have some involvement by not telling anyone about it. We will never know what will happen.
Stephen Cunningham- He decided to buy love in the whole novel. I thought he was a good guy for Mona. Yet he turned out to be a killer for hire. I don't think that he felt Mona "cared" for him the same after finding out how he earned his money. At the end he asked if he would die not knowing what it would be to be loved by a woman that he didn't buy. The will for him to die and not want to be seen as "perfect" from his parents was a cowardly way to go out.
What I think would happen.........
Mona-
I think it would be years before she got set free. I mean is this not revenge for her not saying anything and having the other woman in jail for murdering her husband. Ms. V would testify on her behalf but Mona is not as innocent as she would like people to appear. She asks Lincoln to "wait for me don't break our engagement" yet when it was she that was asked 10 years earlier, she had no problem slipping the ring off and doing her own thing. I think she will come out but I don't know if she would have her money since the government cease it or she would have to use it to pay a top notch law office.
Katherine-
Knowing her she would carry out her pregnancy and keep the baby for herself. Just like Stephen said that he got everything but did not know when he went on the bad side. I don't think Stephen's child would necessarily come out like his dad. I don't think she would abort it because she is not a believer in that...if not she would have done so with Lincoln's baby. I don't think that she will get back with Lincoln. Lincoln is too damaged for her. In the end no matter how hard she will try Lincoln has PTSD and requires a strong supportive woman (more like mona) than her. Katherine will surely end up dating someone else and seeing Lincoln just as Jermiah's dad.
Lincoln-
I think he will go back to Seattle. He may stand by Mona's side but upon hearing all her crimes he will go away. I don't think that he will stand by her side because its almost as he had to convince himself to be with Mona. He will go back and take advantage of the 11 more sessions that Mona had prepaid for. I am not sure if Lincoln will ever be well enough to date. He may just be a loner like he has perceived himself all his life. I do think that he will form a bond with Jeremiah but there will be limits to it.
Overall the end pretty much sucked for me. I wanted more since the book is lengthy and one expect the end to be clear. I do not like the hanging detail of Katherine being pregnant and not knowing what she will do. I know that Mary B. Morrison says she writes in series so maybe there will be a sequel?!?! If not then boo. I will look for another book from her but it all depends on the audio book availability.
April 14, 2014
I usually love all of Mary B. Morrison's books but this one was just plain stupid. Two women waiting 10 years for some man that never contacted them and then when he does, they spend all their money to support him. The story line was garbage and I'm so mad I wasted my money on this book. Disappointed in Mary B. Morrison.
October 15, 2011
This book was not what I thought it was going to be and I was not happy about it.. Maybe a re-write is in order with further clarification of the characters but Morrison was all over the place with her characters, times and settings.
August 22, 2011
This wasn't like any of her other books. This was just an okay read to me
June 15, 2013
I did not care too much for this book. From the beginning of the book I could not wait for this story to end. I thought the characters were underdeveloped with the exception of Lincoln. Lincoln's character should have had a bigger role in the book. The book left a lot of unanswered questions and some parts were not relatable. I did not understand Steven's character and why he had such issues. I wondered if there were any other men in this little country town because Mona and Katherine both dated and were fixated on the same two men throughout the book. The beginning of this book was astounding, one man proposing to two women on the same day minutes apart, one his ex-girlfriend and the other his current girlfriend. The ending was unexpected with no conclusive finale, leaving the presumption of a possible sequel.
June 23, 2012
An awful book that could not decide what it wanted to be. The only reason I kept reading was to see if it was possible that the story could get more stupid - and it did.
It was like porn, a re-election manifesto and an african-american gangster movie, all rolled in to one.
The porn was slutty, and made out that all african american women put out whenever offered money. The political overtones were blatant and rude, with comments about single mothers, Obama, women, racism, the military and religion - which all seemed one sided without evidence. And the storyline was ridiculous - with no way that any of the characters could be related to in any way - or even liked for that matter.
If this is an example of 'Urban Fiction' I will stick to my country reading....
It was like porn, a re-election manifesto and an african-american gangster movie, all rolled in to one.
The porn was slutty, and made out that all african american women put out whenever offered money. The political overtones were blatant and rude, with comments about single mothers, Obama, women, racism, the military and religion - which all seemed one sided without evidence. And the storyline was ridiculous - with no way that any of the characters could be related to in any way - or even liked for that matter.
If this is an example of 'Urban Fiction' I will stick to my country reading....
July 29, 2011
This was a good read. It had a lot of twist and turns, lies, heart ache and pains. I hate how older people can stir you wrong because of their ways and beliefs and that's what was done to Lincoln he never should have made the choices he did and in the end all were bad. Katherine never should have held on to a dream so long. Steven lets just say was crazy along with Mona. All in all you can take something from each persons story and see it reflected in some of our daily lives. Great Job Mary B. Morrison.
June 8, 2017
All I can say is WOW!! This book had more twist and turns than a roller coaster!!
September 29, 2020
This book leaves you hanging the ending was not the best. Not one of my favorite stories by MBM.
March 28, 2012
The Eternal Engagement by Mary B. Morrison
I have often stated that love happens in conjunction with life's events. The Eternal Engagement confirms my opinion by telling the story of three individuals who begin a relationship during their high school years that continues until events alter and cuts the bond between them.
Mary B. Morris has managed to weave some very contemporary social themes into this work. She deals with military service and the lack of support afterwards, abortion and single motherhood in the 21st Century. I like the fact that she provides a balanced perspective on these topics through the lives and decisions of the characters in the story.
This novel is edgy because it combines the elements of human relationships, murder for hire, and wealth as a part of the story line mix.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story that is sensible and intriguing.
I have often stated that love happens in conjunction with life's events. The Eternal Engagement confirms my opinion by telling the story of three individuals who begin a relationship during their high school years that continues until events alter and cuts the bond between them.
Mary B. Morris has managed to weave some very contemporary social themes into this work. She deals with military service and the lack of support afterwards, abortion and single motherhood in the 21st Century. I like the fact that she provides a balanced perspective on these topics through the lives and decisions of the characters in the story.
This novel is edgy because it combines the elements of human relationships, murder for hire, and wealth as a part of the story line mix.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story that is sensible and intriguing.
June 10, 2013
This is by far this worst book I've read this year. Mary B. Morrison's The Eternal Engagement is a subpar literary exploration of the strength of love. The synopsis does not match the story line at all:
"Mona Cunningham doesnt believe in marriage, but she doesnt want to lose a good man, so she accepts William Lincolns proposal. But with dark secrets from her past hanging over her, each time the wedding date nears Mona finds some reason to postpone."
The book needed a thorough rewriting and a new title. It just doesn't make sense. The Eternal Engagement is poorly written trash.
"Mona Cunningham doesnt believe in marriage, but she doesnt want to lose a good man, so she accepts William Lincolns proposal. But with dark secrets from her past hanging over her, each time the wedding date nears Mona finds some reason to postpone."
The book needed a thorough rewriting and a new title. It just doesn't make sense. The Eternal Engagement is poorly written trash.
February 15, 2018
Wow, I laughed at so much that took placed in this book. Did like the ending? No! I feel that with all the wrong Mona Lisa and Steven had done, she had ever opportunity to redeem herself and fell to do so. They all seem to use the name of God in vain. They showed no true relationship with him at all. But oh, well! It was a book, right? Very well done. Just know that it’s best to stick with your own goals in life and don’t let others sway you. Lincoln deserved more from a county he risked his life for.
April 13, 2019
Horrible!!!
When I read the synapses for this book it sounded great! It was a huge struggle to get past the first few chapters. The characters and situations made absolutely no sense at all. The 3 main characters were all over the place. I can honestly say that I doubt I will ever waste my time or money on this author ever again. This book doesn't even deserve a one star rating...
When I read the synapses for this book it sounded great! It was a huge struggle to get past the first few chapters. The characters and situations made absolutely no sense at all. The 3 main characters were all over the place. I can honestly say that I doubt I will ever waste my time or money on this author ever again. This book doesn't even deserve a one star rating...
July 7, 2014
This book was entertaining due to crazy Mona Lisa. The storyline was good although what made Lincoln so good that he can string 2 women along and really have them waiting years without talking to them and they still want him as if nothing every happened is beyond me. And crazy Steven he was a trip.
May 9, 2012
I read this book in absolutely no time... it's not what you expect, at all. The ending is just... wow. I don't want to ruin it for anyone but this book had me turning page after page. The characters are true to life and it is amazing the dimension that Morrison is able to give them.
August 9, 2012
Wasnt really impressed
June 6, 2013
Very good book!
September 28, 2014
i really enjoy this book by Mary. It's fill with action and twist and turns. Didn't really like the ending though :(.
November 7, 2017
It was a little slow in the beginning but it picked up and had a pretty good story line. I was really caught up through the second half of the book.
April 10, 2020
So disappointed in this book. Usually a huge Mary B Morrison fan but this book has me questioning my previous reads.
The storyline was a jumbled mess. Characters were never developed enough for me to do anything but dislike and feel sorry for them. And not in a sympathetic way but a “wow you are so dumb” way.
Lincoln proposed to two women on graduation day, slept with them both and then leaves for the military. Both women “wait” for him for 10 years without ever hearing if he is even still alive. How do you wait for a man who walked away from you when you tell them you’re pregnant and never even calls to confirm if its true??? But you send him money when he pops back up after years with not a word???? I could appreciate the overall theme of vets not getting the needed support once back home but that was overshadowed by all the other jumbled mess going on in this book.
Steven’s a hit man whose boss wont let him leave but thats all we ever really hear about his life. Oh and that his parents “raised him right” but he’s a hit man so.... He was obsessed with Mona to the point of killing a man but then moves on to Katherine when his “kidnapping plan” goes wrong. Which for someone who claims to be so smart...he should have seen Mona’s escape coming from a mile away!
I never understood Mona’s motivation for ANYTHING she did. The only part that I could agree with in regards to any of them is when Mona’s mom said she always makes mistakes...because thats all she does! And what evidence did they have to “prove” she killed those people?
Katherine truly had no purpose that I could see.
Not one person takes accountability for their actions. There were just too many holes in this story to make it anywhere near enjoyable.
The storyline was a jumbled mess. Characters were never developed enough for me to do anything but dislike and feel sorry for them. And not in a sympathetic way but a “wow you are so dumb” way.
Lincoln proposed to two women on graduation day, slept with them both and then leaves for the military. Both women “wait” for him for 10 years without ever hearing if he is even still alive. How do you wait for a man who walked away from you when you tell them you’re pregnant and never even calls to confirm if its true??? But you send him money when he pops back up after years with not a word???? I could appreciate the overall theme of vets not getting the needed support once back home but that was overshadowed by all the other jumbled mess going on in this book.
Steven’s a hit man whose boss wont let him leave but thats all we ever really hear about his life. Oh and that his parents “raised him right” but he’s a hit man so.... He was obsessed with Mona to the point of killing a man but then moves on to Katherine when his “kidnapping plan” goes wrong. Which for someone who claims to be so smart...he should have seen Mona’s escape coming from a mile away!
I never understood Mona’s motivation for ANYTHING she did. The only part that I could agree with in regards to any of them is when Mona’s mom said she always makes mistakes...because thats all she does! And what evidence did they have to “prove” she killed those people?
Katherine truly had no purpose that I could see.
Not one person takes accountability for their actions. There were just too many holes in this story to make it anywhere near enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
This book was by far the most exhausting book ever! I have never paused a book so many times. Drama and messiness can be entertaining, but this was just unnecessary, nonstop drama. It felt like I was in a Tyler Perry movie the whole time. Like everybody was just moving INSANE. It was literally one ridiculous circumstance after another. And the stupidity and dialogue between the characters didn't make it any better. I definitely was disappointed and did not expect the story to be like this.
April 1, 2020
This book was not one that I enjoyed despite the fact that I usually welcome any book by this author. The words didn't appear as though they were hers. I didn't not like the characters especially the women how they came off as poorly and fighting over the men. Although the ending was a cliffhanger this book doesn't require a sequel.
March 8, 2021
I don't know how these women are still deeply in love with a man that left them both and didn't bother to contact them until 10 years later when he needs something. I don't know who got on my nerves more Kathryn or Mona. I know I simply didn't like Lincoln selfish self. Stephen is the only one I kinda respect.
July 19, 2020
Great read I was on a emotional roller coaster through this whole story. I absolutely love this author I can’t get enough of her thank you.
As I said before I can’t get enough of this woman’s talent. I have purchased four books including this one.
As I said before I can’t get enough of this woman’s talent. I have purchased four books including this one.
April 16, 2025
The summary of this book is so vastly different from what actually takes place throughout the story, I'm wondering if it was the same book! Either way, the story is just ok, the characters aren't really likable and I wanted to shake the women and be like, "really? this is the man you're desiring?!"
July 29, 2018
It was okay, probably not her best book, but it kept my interest for a few days.
February 5, 2020
Great read...
I’ve always been a fan ever since I read Honey and Darius Jones. Thank you for awesome books. Ready to read more
I’ve always been a fan ever since I read Honey and Darius Jones. Thank you for awesome books. Ready to read more
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