Never the Bride - Book Review

I just finished reading Never the Bride, by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge. The book is actually a novel based on the screenplay for a movie, which according to IMDB will be released in 2012. McKay actually was the writer for the movie screenplay, as well.

One woman's quest for the ultimate proposal and happily ever after - would be a good subtitle for this book.

As the story begins, we are introduced to Jessie Stone, who is stuck on a highway with a blow-out. As we get to know Jessie, we learn that she is a romantic, that has had trouble finding Mr. Right and living her own happily ever after. One of her best friends is a guy that she has a huge crush on. She keeps hoping one day that he will see that they are right for one another. She tries speed dating and online dating services, but always finds herself alone. Then, God shows up one day, in the flesh, and asks her to give up her pen and journals and let Him write her love story. It takes a lot of faith, but she agrees to allow Him to write her a love story. As the story evolves, she is full of doubts and frequently questions and challenges Him.

One of the things that Jessie does a lot of is dream up wedding proposals. She even starts a business and a blog based on love and dreaming up amazing wedding proposals. This part of her totally reminds me of a friend - my friend has even said before that she could open a business and help guys have the perfect proposal. Of course, my friend, unlike Jessie, has a man in her life - one who she was regularly dropping hints on the makings of a great proposal. I'm happy to say that they are recently engaged, but can you imagine asking someone that dreams up proposals to marry you? I think it would be a challenge. Of course, Jessie will tell you "it's all about heart."

I can't tell you how the story ends, but I can tell you that I really enjoyed reading the book. It was a cute story and I imagine that when the movie is out (at least, when it makes it to DVD) I will probably watch it.

I also am interested in reading their novelization of the movie, The Ultimate Gift. It is a movie that I watch every holiday season. McKay and Gutteridge worked together on it as well.

Would you mind ranking my review? By ranking my review, you are also entered to win a free book from Waterbrook Multnomah*.

No compensation was received for this post. A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers through the Blogging for Books program so that I could read it and offer my review. *Blogging for Books is now giving away free copies of select titles to blog readers. When you rank a review you must first enter your email address. They will randomly be pulling email addresses from this database and mailing out free books each month to blog readers.