goodreads | The Christmas Wish - Karen Farrell Jaworski (Reply)

Title: The Christmas Wish
Author: Karen Farrell-Jaworski
Genre: Christian fiction
Rating: 2/10
# pages: 152
Date read: September, 2007

Review: Mary Warren is committed to the Lord and has waited her entire life to meet the man He has chosen for her, saving herself for him. In one tragic twist of fate she is brutally raped as she walked home from church, and finds herself pregnant. Through many tears and prayers she decided to keep the child, but will her soul mate still want her, now that she is no longer pure?

Mary experiences the most devastating and intrusive crime any woman could, and only through the grace of God is she able to continue her life. Fortunately God has given her a wonderful friend and a devoted mother to help her through this horrible time in her life. With time she's able to heal and is ready to open up her heart when Mr. Right comes by - just at the right time to stand by her side as the rapist is found and she has to testify against him in court.

The plot is heartbreaking and Mary's situation is one any woman can relate to. In the right hands, this premise could have been developed into a wonderful book. A combination of "Atonement Child" and "His Perfect Faithfulness" - both books I loved. However, the ubiquitous errors in spelling and grammar, not to mention the sensationalized descriptions, make this book difficult to read (although I'll admit to giggling when a three carrot diamond ring was described). Worse, the morals seem to be thrown at the reader rather than being an integral and uplifting part of the story.

I am really sorry I didn't like this book. I expected to love it and wanted to love it, because the plot sounded amazing. Unfortunately because of lack of proper editing the book ended up being stilted, unrealistic and idealistic - even for a Christian reader. (Written for Armchair Interviews.)

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