I started reading this today, not remembering it from my first read. As soon as I began, I remembered Jason. I so wanted not to hate Jason because I got what he was going through. But oh, man, he made me so angry!

I've read a book with a similar plot, so I didn't consciously compare the two stories. But I feel sure that I did because the whole way through the story, I felt cheated. I kept thinking this could have been done so differently with likable characters! I don't know why Harley irritated me so much. I feel terrible saying that since she died (I don't know if that was considered a spoiler or not). But the worst characters were Dave and Jason. I don't know if it was because they were men that they reacted so poorly to crisis, but holy cow. I wonder what they would have used as excuses for their bad behavior if Harley hadn't been sick.

One thing I did like about the novel was the realistic descriptions of Harley's illness. I'm glad it wasn't sugarcoated. That's one thing I always appreciate about Suzanne Jenkins' novels--her realism. I marked the book up a star because the writing was compelling. The characters that didn't make me angry were flat, though. I've noticed I have that reaction to most of her books that I read. ( )

STORY-LINE PERFECT FOR HIM BY SUZANNE JENKINS:

Perfect For Him will touch your heart. Harley Jones' and her husband, Jason, work at the same hospital, have 4 beautiful daughters, and a wonderful marriage with deep love. When Jason finds a lump in Harley's breast neither expected what they got. A diagnose of the most aggressive form of cancer. Determined to insure her husband and girls receive support, love and guidance after her death, Harley sets out on an unconventional course to find her perfect replacement. Do not be put off by the cover, this not an erotic or explicit book.

When, Bea, her best friend and sister-in-law suggest joining a dating site, posing as Jason, Harley grabs the idea. Finding the perfect wife and mother search begins. A story of unconditional love and unselfishness, the reader will remember this novel long after its read and set aside. My novel review for Perfect For Him, follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

I am not sure how to classified Perfect For Him ; is it a romance story of a deep and abiding love between Jason, Harley and their daughters? As well as, a story of emotional upheaval, grief, self-image, family dynamics, betrayal, and acceptance. I found a deep story, characters driven with the many personalities which make a family. Jenkins skillfully shows how terminal illness impacts not only the immediate family but all within the circle of friends. I can not say enough about this book. Well-written, character driven, you will not want to miss this story.

Harley's character empathized what each of us wish we could be; a strong supportive mother and a loving wife. Wise beyond her years, she encourages each of her daughters to be themselves; from baby Devon to unusual and unique Tina. Her family's the center of her world. As a result, the thought of leaving them without the anchor of a loving mother and partner, sets her on course of positive action. Harley, fights cancer with all her strength; her daughters, husband, and family standing firmly beside her. I came to understand the depth to which cancer ravishes not only the victim but family and friends. However, I also came to understand what we leave behind can be precious and fantastic.

Family dynamics and human nature play a large part in this wonderful novel. Although, crisis seems to bring out the worse in all of us, in Perfect For Him, Jason's brother, Dave, is at his worse. Seen as insecure, immature, and unsure what he wants in life, Dave blames everyone except himself for his failures. I wanted to shake him silly. Then add the villainess, Tiffany, on the hunt for a husband, seeing an opportunity in Jason, ramps up her tactics. What characters Jenkins included in this book!

As the diagnoses become more and more terrifying, Harley finds the threat of Tiffany unbearable; Tiffany increases her campaign of seduction. All marriages go through indescribable stress with highs and lows during a crisis, this marriage is no different. Finding the perfect mate's not as easy as first thought by Harley and her best friend, Bea. Will she find the perfect mate for Jason and the mother her daughters need and deserve?

In concluding my review of Perfect For Her, I found a solid well-written heart wrenching story of family, love, and un-selfishness. With a plot which never slowed, I found the story-line progressing smooth and steady; Jenkins hooked me from the first pages. Jenkins' characters are believable and realistic with secondary characters which were critical to the plot. I did not cry until the last half of the book, however, from that point I found this a 2 Kleenex box book. Tears poured down my face as I read this wonderful story of a mothers and wife's love; does it have a happy ending, you will have to buy the book to find out.

Furthermore, I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend. This is a story I will revisit again and again, therefore, it has a permanent place on my keeper shelf.

PERFECT FOR HIM RECOMMENDATION: STARS 5

Additionally, I found this novel deserved no less than 5 stars. Suitable for anyone who enjoys an emotional story-line.

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

In addition, I purchased this book and chose to voluntarily review the book/novel with honest reviews for contemporary novel, Perfect For Him. Furthermore, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book/novel reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. Also, no one influenced my voluntary reviews for contemporary novel, Perfect For Him. ( )