I found this to be a rather slow moving book with too much emphasis and attention on how the main male character looked. There are some good spiritual takeaways but as a story, it did not hold my interest.

The Waiting is a well written inspirational romance with a good message. Highly recommend this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

The Waiting by Carol James is a Christian romance set in modern times. Katherine Herrington has come back home after being cut from her job. Her mother has passed away in an accident and Katherine is going to help her dad with her teenage sister, Cassie, as she searches for work. Katherine, like her dad, is very organized and keeps to-do lists for everything; her whole day is ordered and accomplishments checked off each evening. Cassie, like her mother, goes with whatever happens and is often late or missing something she really needs. Sam Tucker is a professional soccer player from England. He was raised in Texas until his middle school years when the family moved to North Carolina. He is back in Texas rehabbing from a knee injury. Katherine’s dad and Sam’s aunt have set them up on a blind date. Katherine immediately dismisses him, in her mind, as he does not meet any of the criteria she has developed over the years for “The One”. Will Sam and God be able to change how Katherine perceives situations and help her to become more spontaneous?
I liked this story though it felt a bit slow moving at times. Katherine was so stubborn and confused though she did pray regularly for answers. I give this book 5 of 5 stars as I believe it will appeal widely to the Christian romance audience. The book deals honestly with areas in life that Christians struggle and strive to overcome. The characters are very realistically written and I felt for them as they tried to make the best decisions for their future.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Waiting is a beautiful story of Katherine, a young lady that is excessively organized and writes lists for everything, but when she goes on a "blind date" she meets a man that is very spontaneous, and though she doesn't like him in the beginning, she warms up to him as time passes. Sam has been crazy about Katherine since High school. But at first, she doesn't remember him at all. It's a well written, lovely story that I enjoyed reading.

This is a good book. A Christian romance with a message. Can we love other unconditional as Christ does us.

Sam definitely liked to keep Katherine/Beth on her toes! He constantly tried to rock her world and shake her need to always be in control of everything. He’s a professional soccer player on medical leave from an injury and he’s come home to Texas for his recovery- and to hopefully have a second chance at love with someone from his past. He’s trying to redeem himself and learning to turn his life over to God. Katherine has had a list of criteria she is looking for in a husband and has had this list since she was a young teen. The list has been modified many times over the years but there are certain things she won’t bend on. Sam keeps coming up short on her list and there are many misunderstandings and miscommunications throughout their relationship that threaten to drive them apart.
I was drawn to this story because I, too, had a “list” as a teen. Fortunately for me, I did meet and marry the man who had everything on my “list”. He’s also a fan of English soccer, so I did find some connections to the story. However, unlike most of the reviews I read about the book, I didn’t love this story. I found it hard to get into and I felt quite detached from the story. I liked it, but I didn’t love it.
This is a clean, Christian romance. It is realistic and an enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and I was not obligated to leave a favourable review. These are my own thoughts and I did not receive any compensation. I have no ties to the author or publisher.