Never the Bride

A Novel

By: Rene Gutteridge, Cheryl McKay

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone has dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honey-moons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember. But shopping for one key component in her own happily ever after hasn’t been as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals?

©2009 Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay (P)2009 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“What girl can’t identify with Never the Bride? This is a fabulously funny novel with deep truths embedded in its pages.” –Kristin Billerbeck, author of What a Girl Wants

“I admire writers who employ words to paint touchable pictures, likable characters, introducing us to instant friends who lead us to unexpected endings. That’s why I love Never The Bride.” –Squire Rushnell, author of the When GOD Winks books

Great message wrapped in an entertaining story

I very much enjoyed the story. The main character was perfectly imperfect. The narrator's voice, however, did not match. Jesse's age needed the voice of a mature woman but this narrator sounded as if she was reading the top story of the evening news. A little too canned. However, the story took over and I was able to overlook it. I enjoyed the fun fiction with a "holy" twist. I categorize it as "Devine Comedy" ;)

Revelation Novel

I found this novel very revealing to the heart of God and the love and dreams He has for us. Anyone who desires to know how much God loves us should read this book....especially if you're getting frustrated waiting for your husband.

Never the Bride

Such a good, inspirational story, and very well read! I loved that it was such a complicated, yet enjoyable tale, and the whit really makes it that much more worth listening to.

Loved it sooooo much!

I absolutely loved this book. I am so tempted to listen to it over and ovre. I hope they do make a movie out of it. I loved it!!!

Pleasantly surprised

I really like the voice of the narrator, she does a great job of distinguishing the characters in the book. plus it was a pleasant voice so it was nice to listen to.

I loved the story, I felt I could associate a lot with Jessie's character. The story had me to the point of wanting to know what's going to happen next. I started listening to this as I now have a commute. So I actually looked forward to escaping for an hour or two.

I loved this book!!!

I really enjoyed this book. I think so many times we are looking for our own soulmates instead of letting God Write our love Story. I can not wait until they make this into a movie next year. This book was very funny and entertaining.

This book was awesome!

Would you listen to Never the Bride again? Why?

I will definitely listen to it again.

What other book might you compare Never the Bride to and why?

No other book really

Have you listened to any of Kirsten Potter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this was my first.

If you could take any character from Never the Bride out to dinner, who would it be and why?

God, because with the chaos of every day life it is so easy to forget to spend time with Him.

Any additional comments?

The book, was not predictable and the main character was so funny. It was a great reminder of the fact that we may have plans but God directs our steps, and also that His plan for us is greater than the plans we have for ourselves. It has reminded me to make plans in pencil but give God the eraser.

Teaches Single women that God is our First Husband

I thought this was a great story. As a single women in her thirties I could relate to the sentiments of the main character Jess Stone. I thought this story did a great job in showing single women how God has our best interests at heart. I also like how it depicted the honest struggle of true surrender to God (the purple pen) as well as the rewards (Jonathan). I listen to the story in one day. :-)

Could You Give Your "Purple Pen" To God?

Wow! I laughed and cried through this whole book! It took me three days to listen to the audiobook, not because it was bad - no, not at all!! The narrator was AMAZING! The story swept me away and made me reflect. Some of it was hard to bare (causing the reflecting), that is why it took three days.
My life, the desire to get married, is SO similar to Jesse Stone. What I would give to hand God my Purple Pen! This is the first time I have ever heard a book based for women who are older (late 20's to mid 30's at least) and haven't been married. I personally have never dated, and this was the first book where I didn't get angry at the fact they "didn't get me", I have read so many books where if you have never had a chance to date, it made you feel peculiar. "Never the Bride" didn't make me feel peculiar, but made me desire to see myself as God wants me to see myself - worth while and worth waiting for! It made me desire what happens when God has MY purple pen even if that means heart ache to bring me through events like Jessie Stone. What is my story? What is yours?

the craziest of main character

this is a silly story. it will make you laugh and also think deeply.