The Christmas Wish [Paperback]

Karen Jaworski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 17, 2003

All Mary Warren wanted was to meet the man God had pre-destined for her and be married. She dreamed of that, counted on that and saved herself for that her entire life. Then a casual decision to walk home after church left her in line for a brutal rapist's attack. Grappling for answers and straining to keep her faith alive, Mary discovers she's pregnant and is instantly thrown into a world she neither bargained for nor wants for herself. Though never bending to the world's expectations, Mary chooses life and goes on in spite of her circumstances. Completing her education, she moves back home to begin her life's work and with it meets Brian Devonshire, also a recent transplant and unbeknownst to her, the man she's been waiting for her entire life. Just as everything is finally going right in Mary's life, the man suspected of raping her is found and now Mary has to delve into the deepest recesses of her mind to remember and her soul not to send an innocent man to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Then on Christmas Eve Mary finds a letter attached to her front door that within its contents is the answer that can change her life forever.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Farrell-Jaworski, a dedicated professional in personal relationship psychology, combines her years of experience along with her passion for Christ to help inspire and encourage other women, through her writings, to keep believing and always continue striving toward their dreams. Karen and her family live in Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (December 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595295282
• ISBN-13: 978-0595295289
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,110,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poor editing and flow detract from value of story, September 17, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Christmas Wish (Paperback)

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.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed this reviewer's comments.