Never the Bride - Book Review

Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay joined creative efforts to write Never the Bride.  Jessie Shore is a hopelessly romantic 35 year old single woman bent on finding a husband to meet her grand expectations.  When God comes in flesh to meet her, he begins to slowly change her life focus and her dreams.  Pieces of the novel are somewhat reminiscent of William P. Young's novel, The Shack.

It has good message for women readers – married or not:  “Quit trying to control your life, and trust God to handle the details.  He loves you enough to take care of you and he has a bigger plan in mind.”

I enjoyed Jessie’s business idea of helping men to craft a dreamy wedding proposal for their soon-to-be-fiancé.  She had some very clever, creative and romantic ideas.

It’s very easy to relate to the characters’ joys and sorrows and fears, ranging from rebellion, to longing, to unhealthy relationships, to opening a business together…  You’re sure to have experienced similar situations with yourself or with a friend!

Honestly I didn’t *love* reading the book, though it was a good book.  Perhaps that’s because I read it over the course of several road trips.  I usually get so absorbed in a book that I hate to put it down, but I didn’t have trouble setting this one aside to turn the lights off at night.

Wanna check it out?  Read the first chapter here.

Cheryl McKay was the screenwriter for the award-winning film The Ultimate Gift. She also wrote an episode of Gigi: God’s Little Princess, and Taylor’s Wall, a drama about high-school violence.  

Rene Gutteridge is a critically acclaimed comedy writer and novelist. She is the author of fifteen novels including the Boo series, My Life as a Doormat, the Occupational Hazards series, and the novelization of the motion picture The Ultimate Gift.  

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, and they asked me to share my honest opinions.