Jennifer

by Dee Henderson

Paperback, 2017

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2017), Edition: Reprint, 158 pages

Description

"After finding God and falling in love, life is good for Dr. Jennifer O'Malley. But can her faith--and her family--survive the challenges ahead?"--Provided by publisher.

User reviews

LibraryThing member alanbethcam
Jennifer is the kind of doctor every parent of a sick child, wishes to have. She loves her patients – and they know it. I enjoyed this novella so much and cried with Jennifer and Tom when her life took a turn that no one, least of all her, expected. It made me want to go back and read the rest of
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the series. Maybe I will!
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LibraryThing member wrbinpa
This is a simple story dealing with a tender love and faith with a deeply touching ending. The characters are easy to care for, but the tempo doesn't pick up until later in the book - a bit of a let down for me.

Dr Jennifer O'Malley specializes in wellness care for kids who are chronically and
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terminally ill. Kids that no one else can keep healthy, she does. She loves her job and finds being a doctor exhilarating. Jennifer loves kids first and medicine second and gives enormous amounts of energy and time, but still has the heart to give more.

Tom Peterson, in his mid-thirties, works on the surgical wing of the same hospital as Jennifer. He is a surgeon, and very much at peace with his life.

Jennifer likes the friendship she is forming with Tom and appreciates his humor. But, now their friendship is moving beyond friends to something more - she is feeling cared for, and cared about. Jennifer starts to question Christianity. She's gone a lifetime without it and if it weren't for Tom, she wouldn't be considering it now. Jennifer and Tom's love blossoms, but suddenly the unexpected happens and their future seems to be in jeopardy as their faith is tested.

This novella will leave you hanging at the end, with its heartbreaking conclusion. I felt the last few chapters were extremely rushed, and the story was too predictable. However, the ending was enjoyable, enticing you to read the series. It is a prequel, written for the O'Malley series and the story continues through Book 1, The Negotiator. My rating is 3.5 stars.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter - @ghmstudio.
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LibraryThing member Nextian
Dee Henderson is back up to form with "Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story". It is the long-awaited prequel to the O'Malley series which has made Henderson so popular. In a few short pages she has managed to add a depth and understanding to Jennifer's story as she finds herself, her love, and her
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faith. The reader finally gets to see what happened in the months leading up to "The Negotiator" that started the chain of events for so many characters throughout the series. It's a bit heavy on the romance and very light on action which is not my usual taste. It seems to work for this story though. My only wish is that it was a bit longer. A novella just doesn't give you enough time to spend with characters you have grown to love over the years. It is well worth the read and will keep you turning pages without any desire to put it down.
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LibraryThing member Nise
This is a prequel novella to the beloved O'Malley series that makes me want to read the series all over again. We learn how Jennifer and Tom meet. Jennifer is the youngest of seven, a doctor of pediatrics living in Texas far away from her family in Chicago. She meets Tom, falls in love and is faced
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with diagnosis that will effect her entire family. The rest of her story plays out in each of the O'Malley books that are well worth reading!
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LibraryThing member soswes
Great book! I have read the O'Malley series and this is a prequel. As I was reading I was waiting for the Mystery...but this is a love story. STILL....couldn't put down and as Henderson brings her characters to life as usual. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it!) I have
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to reread the series to remember what happened to Jennifer!!! I read the Negotiator where her story continues a long time ago. Oh, darn, I'll have to sit through a rereading! :)
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LibraryThing member judyg54
This novella is about the youngest O'Malley sibling from the "O'Malley Series" by Dee Henderson. I read this series several years ago, and after reading this book it makes me want to go back and read the series all over again. This story is a pre-quel to book one in the series. It leaves you off
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where "The Negotiator" (book one in the series) picks up in the life of Jennifer O'Malley.

Jennifer is a busy physician who loves her job in pediatrics in Dallas. Tom Peterson is also a doctor and he wants to get to know Jennifer. It takes some slow going, but Tom and Jennifer become good friends, which will eventually lead to falling in love. Their journey from friendship to love was very precious and special. Jennifer also will fall in love with Jesus in this story and that is just as special to see happen. She will need that special bond with both Tom and Christ as she faces some unexpected testing in her life.

I can only say if you enjoyed "the O'Malley series" you will definitely want to read this book. If you haven't read the series, then start with this one and keep on reading the whole series, you will not be disappointed. Dee Henderson does a good job of making her characters come alive with real problems and not all of them work out as "happily ever after", but she also always gives hope through that special relationship we can all have with the Lord.

* A Complimentary copy of this book was sent to me from LibraryThing Early Reviewers for my honest review.*
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LibraryThing member anotherjoy
Very nice prequel to the O'Malley series. I read it in one sitting, and now really want to re-read the whole series again. Jennifer's story flows right into the rest of the books.
LibraryThing member MissYvonnee
A fan of Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, I anxiously awaited reading this story of Jennifer O'Malley. Touching and heartfelt, I enjoyed reading this novella. The only disappointment, I wanted a full novel with deeper character developments. If you enjoy Dee Henderson and the messages about faith
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she brings to her books, you will not be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member deanna13
Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson is a novella that introduces Jennifer, the youngest of the seven O’Malleys and one of the characters in the O’Malley series. Jennifer is a pediatric doctor in a large hospital in Dallas and during one of her visits to the ER she meets Tom
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Peterson, a surgeon at the hospital. The mutual attraction between the two is almost instantaneous. As their relationship develops she is wondering how to introduce him to her brothers and sisters for she knows that they will all put him through the third degree with their questions. Tom is amazed at the compassion that Jennifer shows to all her patients and how deeply she feels the loss when one dies. Tom invites Jennifer to attend church with him and at first she is hesitant but then she starts to enjoy church and reading the Bible. Just as she is learning to trust God, she receives news that at first makes her doubt God and His love.

The author has a real talent for writing romance novels and this novella does not disappoint. She did an excellent job of developing the personalities and dialogue of the characters and they were so real that I was laughing or crying right along with them. The plot was somewhat predictable concerning the romance but there was a surprise twist near the end that was not expected. One thing that I really like about Dee Henderson’s novels is that in every book she writes, God has an important role in the life of the characters.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a heartwarming romance and also likes for the characters to love God and have faith in Him.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member MandaT
Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story is a novella that tells the beginning of Jennifer and Tom's story. Jennifer is a pediatric physician who stumbles upon a handsome surgeon, Tom Peterson, and decides to take a chance on love. Just when all seems to be going well, Jennifer's new faith in God is tested
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and put to the test. When it comes to her family, Jennifer is the youngest of six siblings and is not sure how to share with her older siblings the many things that have come into her life in the past few months. Their relationship is a unique one in that they are all adopted. As the family fourth of July event approaches, she has to figure out how to share with them her new budding romance with Tom, her faith in God and other trials that are facing her life.

I enjoyed reading this novella. It was short and is able to be read in a day or so. It did peak my curiosity for the rest of the series and I'm definitely going to pick up the next book. The story line drew me in right from the start and the story kept me interested throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this book.

The rest of Jennifer's story can be read throughout the O'Malley series beginning with The Negotiator, Book One.

**I received this free book from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Holly_Combs
I am a longtime fan of Dee Henderson’s suspenseful O’Malley series, so when I learned she would be writing Jennifer’s story in a new novella, I couldn’t wait to read it. I wasn’t disappointed in Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story.

Jennifer, the youngest O’Malley sibling, is a dedicated
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pediatrician focused on keeping “her” kids healthy for as long as possible. Then Tom, a successful surgeon, enters her life with a casual, but ever sweet friendship. Most importantly, Tom introduces her to the God who loves her–gently helping her explore and ask her questions. Before long, Jennifer comes to realize that she is not only falling for Tom, but also her Lord.

While I wasn’t terribly impressed by Henderson’s latest novel, Full Disclosure, I felt like the voice I know and love from her early work returned to tell Jennifer’s story.

Over the course of six books, readers were given open doors into the lives of the other O’Malleys, but only glimpses into Jennifer. As a youngest sibling myself, I always found her fascinating but never felt I really got to know her. This book allowed readers a real opening into Jennifer’s character and life beyond just her role in the larger family.

There were a few disappointments with Jennifer’s book, though. A noticeable omission was her back story. While I realize that much of the O’Malley story has already been told in the series, I would have appreciated learning more about Jennifer’s childhood and how it affected her as an adult from her own perspective. The novella also doesn’t have the breadth and depth of most of Henderson’s books so Jennifer and Tom are not fully developed and, of course, the story lacks the suspense of the rest of the series. Just remember, it is a novella.

That said, Jennifer’s story is a sweet love story as she falls for both Tom and her Lord. And I am so glad Henderson chose to write and publish the story for those of us who love the O’Malleys.

I received a complimentary copy of Jennifer: An O’Malley Love Story from Bethany House Publishers, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.
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LibraryThing member love2readnovels
Jennifer O'Malley is a busy physician who pours her heart and soul into her pediatric patient's. They are more like her kids. While trying to help a hurting child, she runs into Dr. Tom Peterson who gives her some assistance. Her strength and dedication attracts Tom while Jennifer finds herself
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drawn to Tom's gentle personality and strong faith. Tom introduces Jennifer to the Lord and she is excited about her future and new found faith. She wants to introduce Tom to her family at their Fourth of July gathering. But what will happen when Jennifer's faith is push to the ultimate limit?

I have read the entire O'Malley Series so I was very excited to about reading 'Jennifer'. It's not a long story but it was very endearing and loaded with emotion. I found myself reaching for the Kleenex at one point. Jennifer's life is a secondary story within the O'Malley Series and you get to know her while reading through the stories. That's what made this story so touching, because you get to see how Jennifer and Tom met and got to know each other. If you haven't read the O'Malley Series, you could start with this story but understand, to find the conclusion to Jennifer's story, you have to read the entire series. (which you'll want to do because it's a GREAT series). If you've read the O'Malley Series, you will definitely want get this book. I think it's a great addition you won't want to miss.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (May 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0764211129
ISBN-13: 978-0764211126
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LibraryThing member macnoid
It was great to finally hear Jennifer's side of the story! After reading the O'Mally series, it was interesting to hear about how she and Tom got together, and what her life was like before she was diagnosed with cancer.The character development was great..... I felt I knew them, and I felt their
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pain.
One thing I was a bit disappointed with was the size of the book. I realize that her story picks up in the first book of the series, but I still wish I could have gotten to know Jennifer a little bit better. I like thick books!!! All in all, it was great to see how her story started and it gives it more depth to her character and to the story as it unfolds through the rest of the series.
I'm glad Dee Henderson decided to write this book.
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LibraryThing member fantasia655
Really great, it was really interesting and lovely to find out how Jennifer met Tom and how they both reacted when they found out she had cancer. I really enjoyed this book as I do all Dee Henderson's books.
LibraryThing member rjmoren
Good read on the beginning of The O'Malley's story. This related specifically to how Jennifer and Tom met and fell in love. It causes me to want to read the series all over again. As usual, Dee Henderson is spot on in pulling you in to the characters' lives and leaving you wanting to read more.
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Truly enjoyable.
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LibraryThing member Glenajo
Complete the Circle

If you’ve read the entire O’Malley series, you need to read Jennifer to complete the circle. However, if you haven’t, definitely read the series, but start with Jennifer. It is written as a prequel, and if you’ve read the rest of the series, then you know how it ends, and
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you will have to struggle to read the book. If you are just looking for a beautiful love story, along with a good cry, read Jennifer for a nice weepy afternoon. Dee Henderson writes quick, easily read novels, but Jennifer is definitely a novella.
The theme of Christianity and the desire to know and love God runs through them all. Each one I’ve read has encouraged me to be a stronger Christian, and lead a better life. I would recommend it to Christian women of any age, or as a gift to someone, you think might be thinking of becoming a Christian.
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LibraryThing member jnut1
I enjoyed it but since it has been so long since I read the others it also frustrates me.
LibraryThing member staciewyatt
I read Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story in exchange for review from Bethany House.

The book is about Jennifer O'Malley, a pediatrician, who is in love with Tom Peterson, a lawyer. Jennifer is the youngest of the family. Jennifer has to tell her family about her newest relationship, in addition to a
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secret she is hiding.

The book was a quick read. I loved reading the beginning of the book. It was interesting. The ending was sad though. The hardback is a little over 153 pages. The book is also available in Kindle and Audible format.
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LibraryThing member SarahGraceGrzy
Oh my word. Can I give this a thousand stars?

Y'all. THIS is how you write romance!

**Prepare yourselves for a minor rant on romances **

A good romantic relationship is not built on the "feels", the physical aspect - a tingling feeling when he touches your arm, constantly wanting to kiss, swooning
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over his blue eyes, getting lightheaded when you smell his aftershave . . . (*rolls eyes*) It's built on a solid friendship and a deep mutual respect and reverence for the other person - for their heart, their soul, their personality, not how cute they are.

Henderson nails that perfectly in "Jennifer". Tom and Jennifer's relationship is so pure, so sweet, and so beautiful. I fell in love with these amazing characters from the very start. I loved Jennifer's sweet servant's heart for others, and Tom's respect and support of her. Jennifer's salvation was incredibly realistic and beautiful, and actually had me tearing up. Henderson brings up some tough issues on God's sovereignty, and handles them with great tact, making things clear for the unbeliever, and strengthening the faith of the believer.

While very short, the pacing of this story was slow, peaceful, meandering. But not too slow that I lost interest. Just perfect. This could have been a full-blown novel and I would have loved it even more.

All in all, I very much enjoyed this short novella, and greatly look forward to reading more by this talented author! Highly recommended!
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LibraryThing member tiinaj1
The O'Malley books have long been a favorite series of mine and when Jennifer was released and offered for review I jumped right up on the bandwagon! Jennifer is the first of her family to become a Christian, get married and is the catalyst for all the other stories that are part of the O'Malley
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series. Her story is the backbone for everything that happens to each member and the one that brings the message of Christ to her family.

I found the writing in Jennifer to be much easier to read and loved that we didn't have the "explanation" offered in all the other O'Malley books to explain how this family became a family. It's much smoother. Jennifer is someone I would of loved to have known in "real life" and her relationship with Tom is another bond that you see bits n pieces of in the other books. It's strong and secure - exactly what all the other members of the family want. Tom's faith is beautifully written and the salvation message is presented in a way that would make a nonbeliever want to know more.

I would of loved a longer book, the last couple of chapters are a bit rushed and I would of loved to know more about what happens after a major event that occurs at the end of the book. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger but it's a wonderful introduction to the whole series - it would make a nice book to give to a friend or just to add to complete your series.
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LibraryThing member cbcmedia
The O’Malley family consists of seven young women and men who meet in an orphanage and make their own family, eventually adopting each other as siblings and taking on the name O’Malley. This is a very unique series (a prequel and six other books), each book focuses on one family member. The
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books are full of suspense, mystery, and romance. And Jennifer is the one family member that doesn’t have a book “all to herself”. She’s basically the backbone of the family in the way that she was the first to have a relationship with Jesus and she’s the love of the family.

Finally, Dee has written a beautiful novella about Jennifer and how she met and fell in love with Tom and how she came to know Jesus personally. At first I thought the book was too short and I wanted more, but thinking about it, her story does continue throughout the series, so this book is kind of like the first few chapters in the series. I’ll be content with this beautiful novella telling the beginning story of Jennifer.

It’s been several years since I read the O’Malley series and now I want to read them again, they are that good. So this book does deserve a 5 star rating because it makes you want more and I’m so glad that the books are available to read and we don’t have to wait.

If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend it. The books are full of suspense, mystery, love, romance, devotion and falling in love with Jesus.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

7 inches

ISBN

0764219413 / 9780764219412

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