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The English Garden #1
The Proposal
1810 London, England. William Jennings has never been interested in marriage and family. So when a relative dies and leaves Jennings three young children, his world turns upside down.
Thrilled to have boys to carry on his name, William invests time in the two brothers, but the little girl is tended to by a negligent nanny. Finally, Jennings seeks help from his sister and soon becomes acquainted with her neighbor, Marianne Walker. Her strength and faith intrigues Jennings, but will he allow himself to fall for her and the God she loves?
Thrilled to have boys to carry on his name, William invests time in the two brothers, but the little girl is tended to by a negligent nanny. Finally, Jennings seeks help from his sister and soon becomes acquainted with her neighbor, Marianne Walker. Her strength and faith intrigues Jennings, but will he allow himself to fall for her and the God she loves?
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
About the author
Lori Wick
102 books1,522 followersFROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 255 reviews
August 19, 2022
About this book:
“Set in 1810 London, England, William Jennings has never been interested in marriage and family. So when a relative dies and leaves Jennings three young children, his world turns upside down.
Thrilled to have boys to carry on his name, William invests time in the two brothers, but the little girl is tended to by a negligent nanny. Finally, Jennings seeks help from his sister and soon becomes acquainted with her neighbor, Marianne Walker. Her strength and faith intrigues Jennings, but will he allow himself to fall for her and the God she loves?”
Series: Book #1 in “The English Garden” series.
Spiritual Content- Bible reading & Scriptures are read, quoted, thought over, & mentioned; Prayers, Thanking God, & Blessings over food; Church going & sermons; Witnessing & Being witnessed to; Hearing salvation stories from others; Many talks about God, the Trinity, being a Christian, having a faith, & not being in an unequally yoked relationship; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Jennings stopped contacting his sister after she became a Christian because he thinks that the Bible is incomprehensible and doesn’t want to hear about God; Jennings says a pastor has twisted some of the Scriptures and someone else tells him that the pastor is held accountable by other men in the congregation to make sure his interpretation is biblical; *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of God, Jesus, His will, trusting Him, & praying; Many mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & books of and those in the Bible; Many mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Many mentions of churches, church going, sermons, pastors, singing, & services; Mentions of revivals & being lead to Christ; Mentions of Christians, believing in God, testimonies, & salvation stories; Mentions of training children in the Way & parents making sure they are claiming Christ for their own; Mentions of eternity; Mentions of sins & sinners (At the beginning, it’s said that Jennings probably wouldn’t call himself a sinner and doesn’t think that little children can sin); A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of a Bible study; A mention of being blessed;
*Note: A mention of guardian angels.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling; Seeing grieving from children who lost their father; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of a physically abusive nanny & young children receiving pain, bruises, and injuries from her; Mentions of using the bathroom outdoors; A few mentions of a death of a parent & how it happened (his horse got spooked by a snake and landed on him, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of potentially drowning; A couple mentions of lying & lies; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of jealousy; A mention of throwing up.
Sexual Content- Four not-detailed kisses and four barely-above-not-detailed kisses (most were done by married couples and a couple of the kisses lead to them being in/going to a bed); Married couples sharing a bed & a few hints to kissing and back massages; Some Noticing, Nearness, Touches, & Embraces; Blushes; Mentions of reputations; A few mentions of a husband kissing his wife’s neck; A couple mentions of a married woman “throw[ing] off every inhibition” after her husband left; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a mother who died in labor; A mention of a miscarriage.
-Marianne Walker, age 24
-William Jennings, age 33
P.O.V. switches between them, the children, & many others
Set in 1810
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Somehow, this was my first book by an author that’s deemed a “classic” for the Christian Fiction industry.
My reasons for a low-star rating is more do to technical details than content, but let me first say some things I enjoyed:
It was pretty clean. There’s a couple parts of married couples sharing a bed and very light hinting to more, but I do think it would go over most younger readers’ heads.
The faith content was good and loaded throughout the story. (Though I did find Jennings’ moment to be a little out of the blue, but it was needed for the rest of the plot to happen, I suppose.)
My main struggle with this story was that there’s a lot of head-jumping (when the point of view changes within the same chapter with no breaks). I really struggled with that for most of the story. Jennings was also a bit…annoyingly selfish at the beginning, but thankfully that changed fast. (Also, have to add: Where were all the chaperones?! Jennings and Marianne were left alone a lot and while there were mentions of her reputation not being harmed, nothing about chaperones??)
Overall, it wasn’t a new favorite book or one I highly enjoyed. I’m not sure if I’ll read another book by this author if head-jumping is normal in her books, but this one was an okay read for me, personally.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Set in 1810 London, England, William Jennings has never been interested in marriage and family. So when a relative dies and leaves Jennings three young children, his world turns upside down.
Thrilled to have boys to carry on his name, William invests time in the two brothers, but the little girl is tended to by a negligent nanny. Finally, Jennings seeks help from his sister and soon becomes acquainted with her neighbor, Marianne Walker. Her strength and faith intrigues Jennings, but will he allow himself to fall for her and the God she loves?”
Series: Book #1 in “The English Garden” series.
Spiritual Content- Bible reading & Scriptures are read, quoted, thought over, & mentioned; Prayers, Thanking God, & Blessings over food; Church going & sermons; Witnessing & Being witnessed to; Hearing salvation stories from others; Many talks about God, the Trinity, being a Christian, having a faith, & not being in an unequally yoked relationship; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Jennings stopped contacting his sister after she became a Christian because he thinks that the Bible is incomprehensible and doesn’t want to hear about God; Jennings says a pastor has twisted some of the Scriptures and someone else tells him that the pastor is held accountable by other men in the congregation to make sure his interpretation is biblical; *Spoiler* ; Many mentions of God, Jesus, His will, trusting Him, & praying; Many mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & books of and those in the Bible; Many mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Many mentions of churches, church going, sermons, pastors, singing, & services; Mentions of revivals & being lead to Christ; Mentions of Christians, believing in God, testimonies, & salvation stories; Mentions of training children in the Way & parents making sure they are claiming Christ for their own; Mentions of eternity; Mentions of sins & sinners (At the beginning, it’s said that Jennings probably wouldn’t call himself a sinner and doesn’t think that little children can sin); A couple mentions of miracles; A mention of a Bible study; A mention of being blessed;
*Note: A mention of guardian angels.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling; Seeing grieving from children who lost their father; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of a physically abusive nanny & young children receiving pain, bruises, and injuries from her; Mentions of using the bathroom outdoors; A few mentions of a death of a parent & how it happened (his horse got spooked by a snake and landed on him, barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of potentially drowning; A couple mentions of lying & lies; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of jealousy; A mention of throwing up.
Sexual Content- Four not-detailed kisses and four barely-above-not-detailed kisses (most were done by married couples and a couple of the kisses lead to them being in/going to a bed); Married couples sharing a bed & a few hints to kissing and back massages; Some Noticing, Nearness, Touches, & Embraces; Blushes; Mentions of reputations; A few mentions of a husband kissing his wife’s neck; A couple mentions of a married woman “throw[ing] off every inhibition” after her husband left; Some love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a mother who died in labor; A mention of a miscarriage.
-Marianne Walker, age 24
-William Jennings, age 33
P.O.V. switches between them, the children, & many others
Set in 1810
297 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Somehow, this was my first book by an author that’s deemed a “classic” for the Christian Fiction industry.
My reasons for a low-star rating is more do to technical details than content, but let me first say some things I enjoyed:
It was pretty clean. There’s a couple parts of married couples sharing a bed and very light hinting to more, but I do think it would go over most younger readers’ heads.
The faith content was good and loaded throughout the story. (Though I did find Jennings’ moment to be a little out of the blue, but it was needed for the rest of the plot to happen, I suppose.)
My main struggle with this story was that there’s a lot of head-jumping (when the point of view changes within the same chapter with no breaks). I really struggled with that for most of the story. Jennings was also a bit…annoyingly selfish at the beginning, but thankfully that changed fast. (Also, have to add: Where were all the chaperones?! Jennings and Marianne were left alone a lot and while there were mentions of her reputation not being harmed, nothing about chaperones??)
Overall, it wasn’t a new favorite book or one I highly enjoyed. I’m not sure if I’ll read another book by this author if head-jumping is normal in her books, but this one was an okay read for me, personally.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
August 28, 2009
Lori Wick started this series called "The English Garden Series," on the acknowledgements page she admits to being a fan of Jane Austen, which pleased me exceedingly because I am too! Lori Wick is also a fan of the time period and "The Proposal" takes place in England in 1810. In homage to Jane Austen, Lori Wick used a lot of character names from Jane Austen's works, however these characters don't display the same personalities of the ones for which they are named. I wasn't confused by this as I knew that she was using the names only. It was fun to be reminded of some of the Jane Austen characters and I would guess that Lori Wick is a fan of Sense and Sensibility since she used a lot of names from that particular book.
This is a Christian Romance and is filled with characters who have great moral values, pray, and rely on God. If you don't want a book that has Christian undertones this isn't the book for you. I read a lot of Christian and Historic Romances and this has been one of the most touching in story.
The Scenario:
William Jennings is a solitary man and enjoys his life, he has no desire for a wife, and doesn't believe in God. However, his sister Lydia does believe in God, and he has not spoken with her because of that for some years now. However, when a distant cousin dies and leaves three young children, William feels as if he his getting exactly what he wants, children without the hassle of a wife. William learns a lot by this experience, like how he needs help, how families and women who are Christians are different then people who aren't, and that everyone is a sinner, including him.
The book was an easy, light read and the ending was much better than the beginning. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five because I think the author could work more on her character descriptions. I found it hard to picture the characters appearences, there was very few visual descriptions. I think the characters would seem less "cardboard" if there were more descriptions, maybe more defined personalities, that way we the reader can relate to them more.
This is a Christian Romance and is filled with characters who have great moral values, pray, and rely on God. If you don't want a book that has Christian undertones this isn't the book for you. I read a lot of Christian and Historic Romances and this has been one of the most touching in story.
The Scenario:
William Jennings is a solitary man and enjoys his life, he has no desire for a wife, and doesn't believe in God. However, his sister Lydia does believe in God, and he has not spoken with her because of that for some years now. However, when a distant cousin dies and leaves three young children, William feels as if he his getting exactly what he wants, children without the hassle of a wife. William learns a lot by this experience, like how he needs help, how families and women who are Christians are different then people who aren't, and that everyone is a sinner, including him.
The book was an easy, light read and the ending was much better than the beginning. The reason I gave it four stars instead of five because I think the author could work more on her character descriptions. I found it hard to picture the characters appearences, there was very few visual descriptions. I think the characters would seem less "cardboard" if there were more descriptions, maybe more defined personalities, that way we the reader can relate to them more.
January 18, 2020
4 stars but adding a bonus one for the depth of the message and for the wonderful cozy feeling it gave. While I would say some things in the plot could have been expanded better, I enjoyed the feeling while reading so much that I just had to bump it up. Why has this been sitting on my shelf for five years untouched, pray tell?
July 16, 2012
After reading several novels where the main and only point is the romance, it is refreshing to read a novel where there is more to the story. The three children are important characters and a lot of the story revolves about them grieving their father and getting used to their new life with Jennings.
The reader also meets Jennings’ sister, Lydia, husband Palmer and their children. It is through this family that Jennings meets Marianne Walker. And it is also Lydia and Palmer to whom Jennings turns when he starts wondering about the Bible and Christ.
One thing I really like about this book and the series is how the author seamlessly includes portions of sermons and Bible verses. It’s not “preachy” and the sermons serve a purpose in the story.
Another aspect I really like is how the romance is handled; it’s sweet, it’s simple, it’s chaste.
Review originally posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...
The reader also meets Jennings’ sister, Lydia, husband Palmer and their children. It is through this family that Jennings meets Marianne Walker. And it is also Lydia and Palmer to whom Jennings turns when he starts wondering about the Bible and Christ.
One thing I really like about this book and the series is how the author seamlessly includes portions of sermons and Bible verses. It’s not “preachy” and the sermons serve a purpose in the story.
Another aspect I really like is how the romance is handled; it’s sweet, it’s simple, it’s chaste.
Review originally posted on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...
July 27, 2013
Whenever I read a Lori Wick book, I start out thinking that its nothing special and even a bit slow, but by the end I'm always smiling, laughing, and generally glad I read it. The Proposal fits that bill. I enjoyed the setting immensely, easily slipping into the historical setting complete with oh-so-familiar names like Mrs. Dashwood, putting one in mind of Jane Austen. I absolutely adored the sea-bathing scene and the description of the bathing machine. What a hoot! There is a good chunk of decision theology in this book, and there is a scene that refers to child abuse that made my son uncomfortable when we were listening. Otherwise, it was a solidly enjoyable read.
March 3, 2008
What I liked: a gentle, comfy read set in regency England. I enjoyed reading it, and didn't need to skip ahead (a big problem of mine).
What I didn't like: during this time period, there's no way a single woman could go on a trip unchaperoned with a single man (kids and servants don't count) and not be considered "compromised". Also, I wanted to see better develpment of the emerging relationship between main love interests.
What bugged the crap out of me: How all the characters have the mixed up names of Jane Austen characters. AAAAK! Probably meant to be a tribute, but I didn't like it.
What I didn't like: during this time period, there's no way a single woman could go on a trip unchaperoned with a single man (kids and servants don't count) and not be considered "compromised". Also, I wanted to see better develpment of the emerging relationship between main love interests.
What bugged the crap out of me: How all the characters have the mixed up names of Jane Austen characters. AAAAK! Probably meant to be a tribute, but I didn't like it.
March 2, 2021
I now understand why my sister told me to skip this first book in the series when I read them in high school 😜. While this story does have some redeeming qualities, it’s lacking in romance & the main leads are pretty flat characters. The book overall is rather slow- which a reader may like or dislike. I listened to it on audio & it was just okay. There is a lot of spiritual dialogue throughout the book & salvation is discussed frequently. Someone looking for a heavily spiritual-minded novel will be pleased with this selection.
February 23, 2023
This book was very good. It had great faith content and a sweet romance developed. Plan to read more of her books.
July 17, 2012
If you're a fan of Austen & Bronte, you may enjoy Wick's English Garden series, set in the mid-1800s Victorian England. Without reading classics on that era, you won't get much at all from these poorly written stories. Wick provides no details on settings, costumes, activities, or characters; no era-appropriate language or topics; unbelievable interactions between characters; and fully half the book is taken up without repeating the same scene over and over and over and over again! I was hoping to really enjoy this story - who wouldn't enjoy a tale about Christians in the same neighborhood as the Dashwoods and Darcy's etal?! But the poor writing just ruined it for me.
Plot: C
Writing: D-
Vocabulary: D
Level: Intermediate
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian
Plot: C
Writing: D-
Vocabulary: D
Level: Intermediate
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian
May 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. If you like Christian romance books, then this is a very good one to read. The book made me feel like I was a part of the story, and my favorite character would have to be either Penny or Marianne. As you read the book, the title starts to make a lot of sense. The simple acts that take place in the story make you feel humble and the payoff in the end is great. I also enjoyed how the author incorporated some strong morals and the strong responsibility toward doing right. Great book.
June 16, 2024
A sweet story how a family came together after a loss of a father. The main character Jennings was very kind and gentle to the niece and nephews.
November 1, 2021
I do not usually read romance novels and a even more rarely read a series, so if you do, you would probably give this a five star rather than a four star rating.
A dear friend, for whom I have the highest regard in so many ways recommended the second book in this series so I read this one first and am about to begin book 2.
I've never read a book like this that is so filled with the gospel in every sense of its writing. It seems like only Christians would read it, but the target audience would be those who don't know Jesus as their Savior.
A dear friend, for whom I have the highest regard in so many ways recommended the second book in this series so I read this one first and am about to begin book 2.
I've never read a book like this that is so filled with the gospel in every sense of its writing. It seems like only Christians would read it, but the target audience would be those who don't know Jesus as their Savior.
May 7, 2024
This is just another one of Lori Wick’s lovely stories! I love her romances! This series is set in England, early 1800s and this is what I think:
William Jennings—a guy who never married and didn’t think to but is suddenly the guardian of three children.
Merriene Walker—the sweetest woman!
I think I’ll give up. I’m just not like those other reviewers. I can’t really give you the storyline or explain what I liked. I just loved it and I highly recommend it! ;) 🤷♀️
It’s just not like me to be able to do stuff like that.
William Jennings—a guy who never married and didn’t think to but is suddenly the guardian of three children.
Merriene Walker—the sweetest woman!
I think I’ll give up. I’m just not like those other reviewers. I can’t really give you the storyline or explain what I liked. I just loved it and I highly recommend it! ;) 🤷♀️
It’s just not like me to be able to do stuff like that.
February 16, 2024
There was no romance in this book. The hero and heroine didn't even spend that much time together. This book was mainly about the hero's 3 small orphan cousins and the sorrow and adjustment to a new life. This wasn't a bad story it just wasn't romance.
May 27, 2022
I quite enjoyed the book, and thought it was a cute little story. The author has a way of keeping you intrigued in the story even if I had several qualms with the book!
QUALM #1: One thing that really bothered me throughout the entire book was the over fascination over Penny. In the beginning Jennings pays no attention to her and often forgets she's there. Then he goes and does the opposite and almost always thinks of Penny before his other two children. It doesn't just stop with Jennings. Lydia, Marianne, and Palmer do the same fawning over her. It honestly gets a little annoying at times. They act as if Penny painted the Mona Lisa or something!
QUALM #2: All three kids have the same birthday. Okay I know this one is more of a nitpick, but come on your telling me all three kids born several years apart were born on the exact same day of their respective years? Honestly I think the author just wanted to have one birthday scene and thought it would be easier if it was for all children at once.
QUALM #3: The kids act older than they really are. Of course this story takes place in the 1800's and children were more well behaved and mature than they can be now, but they talked like mini adults. Thomas started rattling off scriptures from the Bible and explaining it all to James like a pastor himself. This came off very odd and sometimes I forgot the children were in fact children.
QUALM #4: Overall the conversations seem too pleasant and fake. Everyone seems like they are putting on a facade with each other. Even when Jennings is talking to his sister Lydia, whom he feels comfortable around he sounds fake. There's also times in the story which annoy me, when the character gets interrupted before telling the other something important. Such as Jennings talking to Marianne and she says she doesn't want to be a burden and Jennings is about to say she could never be one but Penny comes along and he stops talking. The author just creates more drama but it's irritating that no one can have a serious conversation without being interrupted!
QUALM #5: The love between Marianne and Jennings took way too long. Jennings doesn't even meet Marianne until chapter 8. Then it's not love at first sight. They talk maybe about four times, before she thinks she has feelings for him. All interactions are lukewarm, even in their own thoughts. There's also this odd scene where Jennings just bends down and kisses her right on the lips. After they part Marianne says nothing and they just continue on their way. Like okay...did you like the kiss, do you feel akward about it? I feel like that scene needed something else but fell flat.
QUALM #6: Penny's distrust of Jennings. For well over half the book Penny doesn't like Jennings. She's scared of him and doesn't want to be around him. Yet he's always doing things for her and treating her gently. She'd rather be with Marianne. Which annoys me because Jennings has done a lot for these kids. They could have been on the streets or spilt up into foster homes but no he's brought them in and have them want for nothing. Yet, they still prefer Lydia's family and Marianne to him for most of the book. Can't Jennings catch a break here?! Palmer says they feel uncomfortable around him because he doesn't believe in God. It's not like Jennings is outwardly disdaining God around the children. They honestly don't even know what he believes at the beginning of the book. He even willingly goes to church with them even though he doesn't believe. Honestly Jennings is a pretty stand up guy.
QUALM #7: That comes to qualm the last. Jennings coming into faith. Thats great! But I don't think it was done right. He's so against it in the beginning and even going to church a couple times doesn't sway him to Christianity. Though when he asks Marianne (the first time) to marry him and she says no because of his faith (and other reasons) he starts rethinking things. Then he wonders if the children would be more comfortable around him if he were a practicing Christian. So he one night prays to God for help and next more voila he's a Christian! I feel like he turned into a Christian for the wrong reasons. Okay maybe not for the wrong reasons but he does it just so she'll marry him and just so his kids will like him more. Obviously that's not what the author intended. She wanted Jennings to finally realize that he needed God in his life. I think a better way for him to turn towards Christianity would be for him to see Marianne interacting with the children and teaching the them about God. She could read the Bible and that intrigues him and he wants to know more. He could also like the way she explains Christianity and maybe that turned him into it. That could also be a way for Jennings to fall in love with Marianne as well.
Overall I really did like the book and only took me a couple days to read. I read about four chapters a night. I think it's worth the read but if you're looking for an actual Christian romance, this book doesn't fit the bill. It focuses too much on Jennings becoming a Christian himself and learning how to become a father then it really does the romance part of it.
QUALM #1: One thing that really bothered me throughout the entire book was the over fascination over Penny. In the beginning Jennings pays no attention to her and often forgets she's there. Then he goes and does the opposite and almost always thinks of Penny before his other two children. It doesn't just stop with Jennings. Lydia, Marianne, and Palmer do the same fawning over her. It honestly gets a little annoying at times. They act as if Penny painted the Mona Lisa or something!
QUALM #2: All three kids have the same birthday. Okay I know this one is more of a nitpick, but come on your telling me all three kids born several years apart were born on the exact same day of their respective years? Honestly I think the author just wanted to have one birthday scene and thought it would be easier if it was for all children at once.
QUALM #3: The kids act older than they really are. Of course this story takes place in the 1800's and children were more well behaved and mature than they can be now, but they talked like mini adults. Thomas started rattling off scriptures from the Bible and explaining it all to James like a pastor himself. This came off very odd and sometimes I forgot the children were in fact children.
QUALM #4: Overall the conversations seem too pleasant and fake. Everyone seems like they are putting on a facade with each other. Even when Jennings is talking to his sister Lydia, whom he feels comfortable around he sounds fake. There's also times in the story which annoy me, when the character gets interrupted before telling the other something important. Such as Jennings talking to Marianne and she says she doesn't want to be a burden and Jennings is about to say she could never be one but Penny comes along and he stops talking. The author just creates more drama but it's irritating that no one can have a serious conversation without being interrupted!
QUALM #5: The love between Marianne and Jennings took way too long. Jennings doesn't even meet Marianne until chapter 8. Then it's not love at first sight. They talk maybe about four times, before she thinks she has feelings for him. All interactions are lukewarm, even in their own thoughts. There's also this odd scene where Jennings just bends down and kisses her right on the lips. After they part Marianne says nothing and they just continue on their way. Like okay...did you like the kiss, do you feel akward about it? I feel like that scene needed something else but fell flat.
QUALM #6: Penny's distrust of Jennings. For well over half the book Penny doesn't like Jennings. She's scared of him and doesn't want to be around him. Yet he's always doing things for her and treating her gently. She'd rather be with Marianne. Which annoys me because Jennings has done a lot for these kids. They could have been on the streets or spilt up into foster homes but no he's brought them in and have them want for nothing. Yet, they still prefer Lydia's family and Marianne to him for most of the book. Can't Jennings catch a break here?! Palmer says they feel uncomfortable around him because he doesn't believe in God. It's not like Jennings is outwardly disdaining God around the children. They honestly don't even know what he believes at the beginning of the book. He even willingly goes to church with them even though he doesn't believe. Honestly Jennings is a pretty stand up guy.
QUALM #7: That comes to qualm the last. Jennings coming into faith. Thats great! But I don't think it was done right. He's so against it in the beginning and even going to church a couple times doesn't sway him to Christianity. Though when he asks Marianne (the first time) to marry him and she says no because of his faith (and other reasons) he starts rethinking things. Then he wonders if the children would be more comfortable around him if he were a practicing Christian. So he one night prays to God for help and next more voila he's a Christian! I feel like he turned into a Christian for the wrong reasons. Okay maybe not for the wrong reasons but he does it just so she'll marry him and just so his kids will like him more. Obviously that's not what the author intended. She wanted Jennings to finally realize that he needed God in his life. I think a better way for him to turn towards Christianity would be for him to see Marianne interacting with the children and teaching the them about God. She could read the Bible and that intrigues him and he wants to know more. He could also like the way she explains Christianity and maybe that turned him into it. That could also be a way for Jennings to fall in love with Marianne as well.
Overall I really did like the book and only took me a couple days to read. I read about four chapters a night. I think it's worth the read but if you're looking for an actual Christian romance, this book doesn't fit the bill. It focuses too much on Jennings becoming a Christian himself and learning how to become a father then it really does the romance part of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2024
A delightful and sweet summer read 💕
August 27, 2019
Not my favorite regency romance... maybe the narrators voice didn't do it for me.
January 3, 2024
The story is set in the 1810s English countryside, details of the time period is beautiful written! It's not just a love story of a man and woman, but a love that grows between a man and his young cousins when they are left in his care. The love that he finds when he surrenders his life to God, and how through that, he finds his heart desire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
This was a very sweet book. It was comforting reading a story of a family that chooses each other and how they discover God's love in the process
April 28, 2020
I like Regencies and Victorian novels so I purchased all 4 books in this series on Kindle a couple of years ago when they were on sale. I've just finished listening to the Audio of this first one on Scribd.
Its not the worst novel in the world, and the concept was interesting- but- I didn't care for the execution. To say its preachy would be an understatement. Indeed, I felt that the synopsis is misleading to some extend.
Much of the second half of the book read like an extended sermon, or as it if was written as a teaching tool for a church group.
The characters at times seemed to be unable to commit to any action without 'praying about it' first and some chapters were taken up mostly by extended discussions a sermon they'd heard in Church or a Bible passage they'd read.
I understand that the author wanted to write a story about the Christian life, but it wasn't subtle at all. Maybe the author didn't intend it to be, but I really don't think this worked as a historical or a Romance novel. In fact, there was very little romance, and at times not much storyline. It would have been better off as non-fiction, perhaps.
There's also some assumptions about the non-Christian characters that I found rather absurd. The idea that someone raised in Victorian Britain would have not known that the Holy Trinity was, but not even heard of the concept almost beggared belief. Seriously, just because a person is not a believer it does not mean they have no grasp of Biblical teachings or theology whatsoever.
I mean Jane Austen was a vicar's daughter, and her faith was important to her life, but this is NOT Jane Austen by any measure. Its really a bit dull, to be honest.
The other thing which annoyed me were the Americanisms. I don't mind a few of them, but they really stood out in this novel, and they gave the impression that little attempt was made to make the character's language authentic to the setting of Victorian Britain. Among them were 'baking cookies' (Brits would call these biscuits), 'eating too much candy' (what Brits call sweets) talking about 'fall term' at school and characters saying 'okay' several times. A term that was coined in Boston a couple of decades after this was set.
I may read or listen to the other books in the series at some point, and I understand that many people have found them beneficial. I won't disparage them, and by all means read this book and pass it on. It just wasn't my cup of proverbial tea.
Its not the worst novel in the world, and the concept was interesting- but- I didn't care for the execution. To say its preachy would be an understatement. Indeed, I felt that the synopsis is misleading to some extend.
Much of the second half of the book read like an extended sermon, or as it if was written as a teaching tool for a church group.
The characters at times seemed to be unable to commit to any action without 'praying about it' first and some chapters were taken up mostly by extended discussions a sermon they'd heard in Church or a Bible passage they'd read.
I understand that the author wanted to write a story about the Christian life, but it wasn't subtle at all. Maybe the author didn't intend it to be, but I really don't think this worked as a historical or a Romance novel. In fact, there was very little romance, and at times not much storyline. It would have been better off as non-fiction, perhaps.
There's also some assumptions about the non-Christian characters that I found rather absurd. The idea that someone raised in Victorian Britain would have not known that the Holy Trinity was, but not even heard of the concept almost beggared belief. Seriously, just because a person is not a believer it does not mean they have no grasp of Biblical teachings or theology whatsoever.
I mean Jane Austen was a vicar's daughter, and her faith was important to her life, but this is NOT Jane Austen by any measure. Its really a bit dull, to be honest.
The other thing which annoyed me were the Americanisms. I don't mind a few of them, but they really stood out in this novel, and they gave the impression that little attempt was made to make the character's language authentic to the setting of Victorian Britain. Among them were 'baking cookies' (Brits would call these biscuits), 'eating too much candy' (what Brits call sweets) talking about 'fall term' at school and characters saying 'okay' several times. A term that was coined in Boston a couple of decades after this was set.
I may read or listen to the other books in the series at some point, and I understand that many people have found them beneficial. I won't disparage them, and by all means read this book and pass it on. It just wasn't my cup of proverbial tea.
October 1, 2020
I read this based on a friend’s recommendation. I can see why she enjoys this book enough to reread it. I loved the goodness and the kindness of the characters, and I liked that so many more characters were developed than the main couple. There were some situations that I didn’t quite buy into—Miss Walker going on an extended trip unchaperoned, or even Miss Smith being tried for her hatefulness toward Penny. Not unbelievable in general, but possibly for the time period. And finally, though I don’t find the gospel message itself offensive, this just felt a little too ... preachy for me; I guess I like the message worked in more subtly.
June 23, 2017
What a nice pleasant read! I found this series in our church library and wanted to read something warm & fuzzy! This was just perfect for a rainy day, curl up and read. I so enjoyed the characters and story line. There was no bad language, explicit sex scenes or vulgarity in this story. And, the Christian aspect was so heart warming. Generally, I don't read romances, many are too crude for my taste. This was just such a nice change of pace and kept my interest that I will continue the series. Thanks Lori Wick for a great read. Will be checking out other books when I want to relax!
August 13, 2013
you know, i just should stop reading these type of books.
so unrealistic that it makes me sick, but it's like candy - they're so easy to read, and then when it's over you feel like you've eaten way too much cake.
the characters are just so perfect and unrealistic and so PERFECT. everything is too perfect.
so unrealistic that it makes me sick, but it's like candy - they're so easy to read, and then when it's over you feel like you've eaten way too much cake.
the characters are just so perfect and unrealistic and so PERFECT. everything is too perfect.
March 13, 2008
I read this and enjoyed the story--but Wick's lack of research of the time period and her copycat names from Jane Austen's novels got to be annoying.
September 6, 2012
The story was more about converting the hero to Christianity then the love story.
March 9, 2013
This book was really really slow. I didn't like it at all. I'll probably not read another book by her because it disliked this one so much.
July 14, 2020
Not a bad book. Somewhat charming, but very heavy on the "Christian fiction."
March 18, 2020
Book one of the English Garden series by Lori Wick took a little adjusting for me as I have read a number of her modern stories and thoroughly loved them. This old style of writing was possibly from some of her early author years. The story grew on me as I adjusted to the Old English references and writing style, which felt a little different some of the other historical fiction books I have read. Not necessarily in a bad way, just different than I was used to. A very romantic era, which has stimulated me to consider an attempt at growing a kitchen-garden, today's modern Gourmet Garden, as well as possibly an English Style Garden. I would obviously love to add a maze to my yard as described in this story, but there would absolutely be no room for something so extravagant. Just look up and find your way. I adored Little Penny as she is the same age as my little Grand. Miss Marianne and Mister Jennings certainly elongated the tap dance of an attempt at a marriage proposal. Which maybe I can relate to in my own life, the pursuit for love, not just convenience or commitment. The family Connections in the community, as well as the strong Church Life would be the type of community I wish I lived in.
September 20, 2020
I started this book on Thursday, and I had only read about one-fourth of it by the time Friday night came along. My mom, sister, and I watched a movie together and I only got in bed at 11:30.
But when I got in bed, I decided I wanted to read for a bit, even though it was late already. I have a tendency to stay up super late like once a month and read into the early hours of the morning.
I did just that.
I read for three hours, and it was past three in the morning when I decided I'd better get some sleep. After all, I still had things to do in the morning, and my eyes were taking longer to read the words. :P
So I put the book away after reading like half the book in three hours.
Guess what I did the next morning when I woke up at nine?
Finished the book. :D :P Lol!!!!!!!
It was a ton of fun, though it gave me a bit of a late start in the day, since I lay on my bed until eleven, reading to my hearts content. I love doing that every now and then, so it was a ton of fun.
Good book, too, or else I wouldn't have been that interested to finish it. ;) I really enjoyed the characters as well. :)
But when I got in bed, I decided I wanted to read for a bit, even though it was late already. I have a tendency to stay up super late like once a month and read into the early hours of the morning.
I did just that.
I read for three hours, and it was past three in the morning when I decided I'd better get some sleep. After all, I still had things to do in the morning, and my eyes were taking longer to read the words. :P
So I put the book away after reading like half the book in three hours.
Guess what I did the next morning when I woke up at nine?
Finished the book. :D :P Lol!!!!!!!
It was a ton of fun, though it gave me a bit of a late start in the day, since I lay on my bed until eleven, reading to my hearts content. I love doing that every now and then, so it was a ton of fun.
Good book, too, or else I wouldn't have been that interested to finish it. ;) I really enjoyed the characters as well. :)
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