The Guardian (O'Malley Series)

Rating:
Summary: Hooked
Review: A friend loaned me my first Dee Henderson book,Danger in the Shadows, a few weeks ago. Since that time I have read the 3 Uncommon Heroes and the first 4 in the O'Malley series. I'd highly reccomend all of Henderson's books, but Marcus' story The Guardian is one of my favorites (so far). The story is compelling and keeps you on your toes... even after you know who the murderer is. I'd highly suggest starting at the begining. Understanding the back story on the characters is so important in this series. The relationships in the O'Malley family run deep and it adds a lot to the books if you know what has gone before. So start with Danger in the Shadows, continue to The Negotiator, then become hooked like me to the point you want to start the next book the minute you finish the one you are reading.

Rating:
Summary: The O"Malley's just get better and better
Review: Danger and intrigue are no strangers to the O'Malley family but when they fall in love they fall hard with complications sure to touch their spiritual soul. First it was Kate, now Marcus, the patriarch of this rag tag family of orphans, has his hands full not only keeping his witness alive but his heart from breaking because God's love has forsaken him. A 2000 Rita winner for her DANGERS IN THE SHADOW, author Dee Henderson returns for the second installment in her O'Malley series with Marcus's story, THE GUARDIAN and oh my what an installment it is!!

Dee Henderson's THE GUARDIAN is a must read for those who crave a tale full of incredible intrigue, "on the edge of your seat" adventure with a hero and heroine cloaked in God's love as they learn to trust in God and each other. The O'Malley's are one of Romance's most incredible families and should not be missed by serious romance readers. Ms Henderson takes the Inspirational sub genre to new heights as her body of work is the "classic standard" by which both new and seasoned authors should set their sights.

Rating:
Summary: Another Wonderful O¿Malley Tale
Review: Dee Henderson has produced another winner in the Christian suspense genre with *The Guardian.* The O'Malley troupe are a force to be reckoned with. The group met up at an orphanage where they adopted themselves and became the O'Malley family. They take care of one another, follow career moves, and yes, they even interfere in the love lives of each sibling. Typical family interaction as usual.

In this second installment of the O'Malley series, we follow the love story of the eldest O'Malley sibling, Marcus and a directionally challenged and sweetheart speechwriter Shari. Marcus, a U.S. Marshall, becomes responsible for watching over Shari's family when Shari witnesses and almost becomes victim to murder. In between tense action scenes and the dawning of new love, we also keep up with the rest of the O'Malley clan and their activities.

Once again, I can't say enough about Dee Henderson's writing. I can't wait for the next O'Malley novel!

Rating:
Summary: Interesting story/questionable theology
Review: I have read several of Dee Henderson's books and enjoy them mostly for the mystery/suspense factor. I had a problem with her theology in The Guardian, however. She writes of Marcus as having once believed, but not being a believer now. Late in the book, Marcus asks Jesus to be his Savior "again." Since Ms. Henderson invites readers to write to her, I did so and asked her to clarify this point: was it that Marcus just turned away from the Lord for awhile due to bitterness, did he not TRULY believe in the first place, or did he lose his salvation? She wrote back, thanking me for writing and telling me of her other books. I found her lack of response to my question troubling. Why does she invite response if her only intention is to plug her other books (which are already plugged in the book you are reading)? Nevertheless, I am still enjoying the O'Malley series. The story lines are very interesting, and the detail and pace keep your attention. The romance aspect is a little syrupy, though, and it always happens so fast. How realistic is it that all of these people seem to know within about 2 weeks of meeting that they want to spend the rest of their life with someone? I guess that's why they call it fiction!

Rating:
Summary: The Guardian
Review: I read half and found that I couldn't finish it. The storyline is too similar to the first novel in thee O'Malley series. I didn't really find this novel particularly suspenseful. The pace wasn't quick enough. There's more investigation of the crime and little action. I generally love romances, but this is rather dull. The author and I don't share the same sense of humor. I couldn't find anything to smile about in this book. I feel that Dee Henderson is a good writer and is a wonderful researcher, but I just couldn't generate much interest for the story even though I liked the characters.

Rating:
Summary: Sigh...
Review: I've read The Negotiator and The Guardian and I have the same basic opinion about both: unrealistic. But then, I don't read a lot of romance novels, so maybe this genre isn't supposed to be. Just a few examples...

The characters are very black and white. They're either sickeningly perfect or completely bad. Marcus, Jennifer, Kate, Dave, Shari, her mom, her brother, her dad, Carl, the rest of the O'Malleys... I don't know anyone like these people. They're all saints, all beautiful, all educated, all financially well-off. Sure, they've had bad things happen to them, but they're always the victims. I got the impression they've never done or said anything hurtful, inappropriate, or irresponsible themselves.

Their jobs! The O'Malley's are ALL heroes of some kind. And they're all exceptional at their jobs - among the best in their fields. Please.

The family is a little too enmeshed. Especially when it comes to Marcus. I understand he sees himself as a father-figure to the others. But it gets to be a bit much. Example:
p. 203
If something happened to him, who would keep Lisa out of trouble?
[She's a grown woman. She'd keep herself out of trouble.]
Who would give Rachel a hug?
[Is he the only person who hugs her?]
Who would talk to Kate in the middle of the night when she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders?
[This one I can understand. But she does have Dave now.]
Who would ensure Jennifer got everything possible to help her get well?
[The others? Her fiancee? Herself? She's a doctor, after all.]

Another example. Kate, Jennifer, and Marcus all fret over getting married and changing the dynamic between the rest of the family members. It's almost like they feel they'll be betraying each other if they become involved in serious relationships. That doesn't sound normal, but it comes across to me like the author intends it to sound as if it is.

I thought the best parts had to do with solving the case.
Again, maybe my problem is just with the genre. If so, I apologize to Dee. I just didn't see my viewpoint represented anywhere else in the feedback section and wanted to give others like me fair warning.

Rating:
Summary: TOTALLY AWESOME!
Review: This book is the best that I've read in the series. You can't go wrong reading any of the books in the O'Malley Series but I thought this one was the best. I related to Shari well and fell in love with Marcus. It's suspensful and romantic and Dee Henderson did an AWESOME job on this one!