Veena’s review of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
Inspirational Romance short story published by Bethany House Publishers 01 May 13
Every so often you run across stories that touch your heart. It all started when I accidentally stumbled across Danger in the Shadows by this author. I know the deeply religious element is not for everyone, but having been schooled by Christian missionaries in Calcutta, I embraced the series with its deep spirtuality and embarked on the journey of faith hand in hand with each of the O’Malleys as I devoured the series. I am happy that Ms. Henderson is publishing Jennifer’s story. She is the catalyst who changed the O’Malleys by giving them faith hand in hand with romance. Her test of faith makes her the iconic inspiration for each one of her siblings. She is a constant thread of connection between all their stories being an O’Malley sibling and the youngest to boot. While this is a short story and bittersweet, it is good to go back to the begining.
Jennifer is a pediatrician who works on wellness for children who are battling with cancer. She’s all heart as she puts herself heart and soul into her kids. She accidentally runs across Tom in the hospital rescuing one of her patients and therein begins one of the most beautiful courtships. In today’s age of first base and second base, I think the modern generation has forgotten the meaning of courtship. Jennifer’s story could be a beautiful primer of progressing from meeting to a friendship of the mind and heart and soul. Interestingly enough, the body doesn’t engage at all in the book.
Tom himself is a gifted surgeon. He works in the same hospital, has offices in the same medical building where Jennifer does, but they’ve never met before the incident when he comes to her aid. I love the warmth in the book when Tom taps into the community grapevine to find out more about Jennifer, to be told that she’s loved by all the medical staff and they have lists of whom she should date and marry and he’s not on that list. He doesn’t let that statement faze him as he determines to be a part of her life not necessarily a line item on a list.
I love the birthday party and her ideas for entertaining the kids – mine are all grown up but I’ve taken notes for when I have grandkids. Throwing coins in a fountain is just a great way of making a wish and how Tom and Jennifer make it an integral part of celebrating the high notes in their relationship culminating in putting quarters in the fountain as a way of celebrating.
And just when it’s all falling together between love and faith and the only cloud on her horizon is how and when she’s going to introduce Tom to her close knit family and bring Jesus into their lives at the same time, her faith is tested in unimaginable ways.
If you’re looking for a typical romance, then this author and these books are not for you; but if you are seeking a deeply romantic relationship with elements of strong faith woven into everyday life, then there is none better.
Grade: B+
Summary:
It’s a summer of change for Jennifer O’Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She’s sorting out how to introduce him to her family—she’s the youngest of seven—and thinking about marriage.
She’s falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn’t expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family…..
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
