Review: Way too simplistic
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2013
Although I was aware that these were SHORT stories and would be told from a religious point of view I was really surprised that these stories were so simplistic and really didn't feel like any kind of reality to me.  I have no issue with purity before marriage and although I personally don't believe in chaperones or no kissing before marriage I was aware that there are those that do and I was quite happy to be reading about those that did have such beliefs.  Now what really did not ring true to me was that the concept of chaperones seemed to be because there could be no trust between the two people trying to date, and I had the overwhelming feeling that the author was trying to convey that men can not be trusted to control their desires which felt so wrong when she is writing about some pretty good guys! Also there was the opinion writing over all of the stories that if someone saw a man and woman alone together at a restaurant that they would immediately think something tawdry was going on and spread vicious rumours!  Apart from this was also how incredible quick the stories were and I don't mean in length but in concept and story flow.First story they met, immediately know they are perfect for each other, marriage proposed within 24 hours and big wedding in 3 weeks. Second story bridesmaid of the first, single mother (and therefore gossiped about) and neighbour who are perfect for each other, he slots in as father to her kids, thinks counselling is important but after only one session immediately want to marry and the preacher says ok. Third story has another bridesmaid again meets someone perfect and they get together and married almost immediately. There is a back story of teenage pregnancy, which is such an important issue, but seems to be put down to teenagers who were not chaperoned and therefore what else would they do other than sex despite the fact they weren't boyfriend and girlfriend?  the girl even says that she had never considered him like that but hey we were alone so what else would happen?Only story that felt like there might be even a little depth was the last one as have married couple who are struggling to conceive.  Again an issue many deal with and there are some pretty firm views on not using IVF so that things stay in gods hands, which I could understand, but then again solution found, all's well, no complications.None of it felt real, the author tried to portray some lovely Christian characters, filled with warmth and understanding and then surrounded them with other Christians who apparently are horrible!  I do not think this represented the authors religion well and I had a incredible bad feeling as the stories continued that Christians are not good people and that felt wrong.In the end so very disappointed with this collection