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As You Wish

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Daniel Templeman is an accomplished actor with four wonderful children. The only thing missing in his life is his wife. She was taken from him too soon. Elizabeth Seraphim is a woman running from the loss of her husband. She and her children move to a new country, hoping for a fresh start. Her children and God are her world. A chance meeting in the rain could give them both everything they didn't realize they needed. A trusted confidante for Daniel and a new possibility for Elizabeth. But can Daniel let go of his anger with God and let love take its place? Can Elizabeth trust her future to a man who doesn't believe?

298 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2014

7 people are currently reading
733 people want to read

About the author

Cathy Jackson

35 books965 followers
NOTE FOR LIBRARIANS:
Please check with me before making any changes. I make all the necessary changes and updates myself. Thank you!

MESSAGES:
I DO NOT check my messages on Goodreads. If you want to contact me, please do so at: Cathy Jackson (@AuthorCJackson on Facebook). Thanks!

Cathy Jackson is an Award-Winning Author and Midwestern mother of two twenty-somethings and two teenagers. Reading is a passion of hers, but she adores writing. Some of the best people have been placed in her life to help her with her books. They are a blessing and mean more than they will ever know.

Jennifer Harshman of HarshmanServices.com has been her Editor for the first eleven books. Opal Campbell of Videos by O. has designed her book teasers and trailers. Matthew Jackson of Mad Celt Designs has designed her book covers.

Three of the most excellent Actors have come alongside her books, too: John Wells, a Multi-Award-Winning Actor from Louisville, Kentucky; Tom Proctor Actor/director, another Actor and Stuntman; Official John J Thomassen from New York. and Martin Lopez, Leading Actor, Model, Stunt Man, and Author.

She reads books in almost every genre, but have published Contemporary Inspirational (Christian) Romances. She'll be publishing books in other genres.

It is her goal as an Author to write scenes that uplift and encourage along with making one feel the experience. She wants readers to finish the books feeling hope, love, and happiness.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Quimataz.
60 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2014
This book is all about hope and second chances.
Elizabeth moves to England with her five children after her husband dies. One night she meets an intriguing man who offers to help her find her way back to the B&B where she's currently staying. Elizabeth accepts and after a stop at his home she discovers he's the preacher's son.

As You Wish is the Author's debut novel and I have to say that she did a great job. The banter between the characters will have you laughing but you will also find yourself rooting for Daniel. The ending? well, it was absolutely perfect & HEA fans will love it!

*Please bear in mind this is a christian book but nonetheless a story that must be read. I thoughrouly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Cherri-Anne.
922 reviews
September 24, 2014
A sweet romance

This is one sweet romance story. Both sides are suffering from the loss of their spouses. Elizabeth has 5 kids and lost her husband recently. In fact she has lost her mother, father and her only brother as well all within the past 5 years!!! Daniel has 3 kids with his wife who has also passed away. Neither have properly dealt with their losses and are really just moving through life, not living it. Without their kids I am not sure either of them would have survived. Through a variety of circumstances, situations and plain old matchmaking, Daniel & Elizabeth start the healing process and are able to develop a friendship of sorts and learn to trust each other. However in order for this to develop into something deeper, they need to deal with everything that they have been through as well as their religious differences. It was a very sweet romantic tale that I did enjoy very much. The only part that I was surprised about was how much of a religious aspect the book had. I had seen a lot of quotes and write-ups beforehand about the book and I never picked up on that. I am not of a religious person and did have a hard time with some of it, and I ended up skimming through some parts. Don’t get me wrong! There is nothing wrong with the religious tone, and it did not affect my rating either way, just wanted to mention it so others would be aware of it.
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
December 17, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It's a religious romantic story, all about faith and second chances. Elizabeth is a single mom. She moves to another country for a fresh start after her husband dies. She loves her children and depends on God to guide her in life.
Daniel is a single father. He meets Elizabeth by chance. They're both going through rough times and find solace in each other's company. Daniel is an actor who tries to hide his identity at first but then he falls for her and couldn't hide who he is anymore. Both are little worried about new relationships. They don't want to start something they can't see through to the end. Of course, their children are first and foremost in their thoughts. But some people are worth fighting for. As soon as they realize this, things start to fall into place.
It was a slow read for me. It's a kind of book you take your time to read. I loved how both Elizabeth and Daniel interacted with each other. Their conversations were often interesting and humorous. Both had experienced loss and hence they were in perfect position to understand each other. Their bond of friendship kept growing stronger and stronger. And it did end in a perfect manner. I quite liked this book.
P.S. I'd like to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read it.
Profile Image for Amanda Muller.
124 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2014
Very refreshing!!

This story will leave you in tears, smiling, and have you believing that second chances can and do happen. With tragedy, good can overcome, love can happen again and faith can move mountains.

Elisabeth's life has been full of tragedy. With her faith,the love of her husband and children, she over came a past and the loss of family. Then tragedy strikes again. Leaving their home, Elisabeth and the children move to another country. Where the unexpected happens. She finds Daniel, grieve stricken himself. Daniel loves his career. He couldn't think of doing anything different. Yet struck with the loss of his wife, he tries to move on. But, that is a big task. With one late night they find each other. The last they expected to find is comfort from a strangers company.

With faith and family one can overcome and learn to find love again. Life isn't always dark. If one can believe that good can happen and love can be found. Then there is hope.
Profile Image for SB Morales.
447 reviews87 followers
June 12, 2014
This is the first Christian book I've read. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew the author is a delight to talk to. This was such a beautiful story and more than a few tears fell while I read it. A widow and her children move trying to adjust life without her husband. She meets a man that not only she needs, but he needs her. His wife died much too young and he was left alone with children as well. The story is centered around her faith in god, but for me the story was about strength, love, and belief. The main character was what I would call a typical mom. She loves and lives for her children. I really connected to this character. Being a single mom myself I could relate to her challenges. She was also funny and lighthearted. Funny to the point of silly and you can't help but smile. I would highly recommend everyone to read this, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
July 29, 2016
Quite a refreshing read entwined with belief, hope and love. Flows sweetly and picks your spirits up. A wonderful Christian romance~
Profile Image for Monsterella Reviews.
186 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2015
Elizabeth Seraphim is a mother of five who has had more than her fair share of lots over the past five years. After losing her husband her and her children decide to sell their house and move to another country. After the family deciding on which country they are going to they let David, her youngest, choose which town. They got there belongings together and the papers that were needed and off they went. After arriving they find a delightful B&B to rent a room where they could lay their heads and start a new journey.

Daniel Templeman, or Danny Tensley as his fans new him, is a widowed father of three. His father, Reverend Templeman, cared for his children while he was away and on set. Daniel led a double life; at home he was Daniel a loving and caring father and son, on set and at appearances he was Danny a charismatic outgoing man win everyone loved and adored. Daniel always wanted to be an actor and absolutely loved his job but he truly missed his family when he was away.

Elizabeth hadn't always known God but she found him and lived her life according to his word. Daniel grew up knowing God but as an adult didn't really have a connection with Him. This is a story of how two very different people from very different lives were brought together by the hand of Our Father to help each other in ways nobody else could. We watch as they struggle, love, and grow as individuals, families, and a couple. This is a wonderful story about the miracles that surround us every day.


"Welcome to Great Britain!"

"Maybe he was an angel . One really didn’t know. She knew angels were real. Maybe she had just met one."

"He brought me in from the cold and offered me a shower and warm clothes."

"They both needed each other, they just didn’t know it yet."

"Sometimes, Son, ice cream is just ice cream . It may not be what you want, but it will always be what you need."

"Sometimes we have to lose ourselves, my dear, to find out who we truly are."

"But what if I’m not the superhero? What if I am just an ordinary guy just doing what I can to make a living for my family?”
“Then that would make you a superhero in my book."

"You may not believe in God, but God believes in you."

"'You forgot, Ms. Lane, I don’t have God.' He looked at her and sighed.
'Not yet, Mr. Kent, but He has you and for now that’s enough.'"

"What was it about this woman that made him think now about his life?"

"He couldn’t bring himself to let her hand."
"She truly was a Proverbs thirty-one woman."

"I am the luckiest woman alive!"

"Daniel takes care of everyone he loves, David."

"If you like Mommy’s hand, you should hold it."

"He knew that crow did not taste that good, but he would eat it for Roger."

"People go to museums every day, Lizzy. They go to appreciate the artwork. The lines, the color, the texture. You are living art. I could look at you all day."

"But I don’t want to be someplace else, Mommy, I want to be with Daniel!"

"When you kiss me, it will be for forever."

"What God has joined together, let no man put asunder."
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,027 reviews51 followers
September 19, 2014
As You Wish was a very sweet, down to earth love story. We meet Elizabeth and her five children after the loss of her husband. She is sad and lonely. With the kids blessing, she decides to move to another country, away from the past and start things over again. Elizabeth is a religious woman, so when she finds the town she wants to call home, she immediately finds a church to attend. The pastor of the church is a welcoming man, unlike his son, and brings her into his family immediately. He sees that she is missing the exact same thing as his son and starts devising his plan.

Daniel Templeman is also suffering the loss of his spouse with four young children of his own. Unlike Elizabeth, ha can't just pick up and start over because his father helps him with his kids and his job just won't allow it. Unlike his father, Daniel is a very private man, knowing that every minute at home with his kids is precious. Daniel doesn't appreciate his father's hospitality towards Elizabeth and her kids since he lives in Daniel's house.

Daniel has a real chip on his shoulder about privacy and how people will perceive him once they realize who he really is. Lucky for him Elizabeth doesn't care who he is, just that he seems like a nice man, deep down there somewhere. A tragedy for Elizabeth opens Daniel's eyes and gets him to experience things he hasn't for a long time. New feelings blossom and he isn't too sure that is what he wants for himself or Elizabeth for that matter.

This is a sweet romance, however was a bit too heavy on the religious side for me. I am not a religious person at all and had a hard time with some of the content. I will admit to skimming some of the heavier parts of the book, which made me loose a little character connection.

It is well written and a soft love story like this was a nice break from the MC, MMA, Mobster Bad Boy and dark romances I have been reading as of late.
Profile Image for Jaci.
155 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2014

I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.


CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS

This story has different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from several separate angles. This is the authors first book and I believe it was a great book being a first book!

This is a Christian romance. This book does contain a lot of faith and God references. I like that in a book, if you do not then this is not the book for you. Being the author's first book there were some mishaps on POV switches. Sometimes I would have to reread the part where it switched POV's just to make sure I was getting the right person. I would suggest that the author do a rewrite and do the chapters on the different POV.
Elizabeth (Female lead) is from the USA and had recently moved to England because she is recently widowed with 5 children. She seems pretty lost and out of it when she meets a stranger on a cold and rainy night.

Daniel (Male Lead) is a famous actor who is from Scotland and moved to England for his wife and children, however he is now a widower of two years with 3 children. He needs to get out of the house and takes a break when he meets a stranger on a cold and rainy night.

Daniel's dad, John, is a minister at a local church and has a few things up his sleeve when he realizes Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Daniel would be good for each other.

Do they get together? Does this story have a HEA? What becomes of Daniels acting career when Lizzy finds out who he really is, yes she doesn't know who he is.

You will have to read this sweet but lively romance to find out all these answers. Ms. Jackson is a new fresh face on the Christian fiction scene that I am sure we will be seeing again!
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,802 reviews46 followers
September 18, 2014


This is the first Christian romance I read. I must tell you it was very good. The main characters Elizabeth Seraphim and Daniel Templeman , both have had tragedy and a loss of the ones they love

Elizabeth lost her husband and Daniel lost his wife both way too soon. They meet in the rain and they find something that they both crave .They fall into a sweet friendship with the possibilities of more if only Daniel could let go of some hatred .

Cathy takes us on a very emotional romantic journey in this book. Elizabeth is a mother and a her love in god keeps her grounded. But as with most strong women she is running from the pain and heart break of a tragedy, Cathy wrote a very strong character when she wrot Elizabeth. She has taken a beating and comes back stronger. Daniel is also a very strong character that has instant chemistry with the whole family and wants to prove to Elizabeth that he his the man for her. they go through ups and downs but you never know what God has in mind for you

This was a tear jerker for me , I cried almost all the way through this book, There is some very real and raw emotion going on through out the book.

Ultimately this book is about hope, love and redemption. The hope of a faith in God and that he will be there to guide you, finding that one person to love and be loved by and redemption of a persons faith. The way it was written was so sweet and honest. thank you Cathy for writing such a sweet and loving book.
Profile Image for Melissa Burcham.
240 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2016
I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.

CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS

This was a very good book. This book is a Christian Romance. I loved that about this book. The faith was very refreshing. I loved the characters and the story line. This book had multiple points of view. I liked how the different points of view gave insight into what other characters were thinking.

Daniel Templeman is an accomplished actor. He is well known as Danny in the movie world. He is Daniel to his family and friends. He tries to keep his private life separate from his work life. He has a good loving family at home with his dad and his kids. The only thing he doesn't have is his wife. She has passed on. This leaves Daniel doubting God and faith even though his dad is a preacher. How does he handle things when Elizabeth comes into his life?

Elizabeth Seraphim has lost her husband. Being a single mom leaves her hands full. When her son falls sick, she isn't sure which way to turn or who to lean on. How does she handle it?

I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading so much more of Cathy Jackson's work!
Profile Image for Tabitha Ormiston-Smith.
Author 54 books59 followers
October 9, 2014
A beautiful tale of three second-chance loves, this book twines about like a vine, bearing fruit at the end with two lonely people finding love and a lost faith regained. On the way, the vine offers various flowers of wisdom as Daniel faces the many obstacles he has placed between himself and his God.

The book opens with a delightful air of mystery as two strangers meet in a park at dead of night. Neither knows who the other is, and neither is completely honest with the other. The intensity of dark mystery that is conveyed is almost Gothic.

The central question of the book is undoubtedly the male protagonist's faith journey, but it is twined so completely with the love story that the two quests merge into a harmonious whole. Very nice writing, and a well thought-out plot from a writer who obviously is blessed with a deep and informed faith. The beautiful treatment of the age-old problem of evil on its own makes the book worth reading.

This book will appeal to anyone who is, or wishes he were, close to God. The specific faith setting is Christian, but I am sure there is plenty here for those of other religions too.
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,383 reviews18 followers
September 28, 2014
A very enjoyable love story. Elizabeth and Daniel both have lost their spouses and meet by chance and this is their story. It was a fun read with children of different ages and a matchmaking grandfather. In the few days that this story takes place they go through many obstacles including medical issues with one of the children and their different feelings about God. In the end they they come together and become one family who believe together. This is the 2nd Christian book I've read and the 1st that includes a lot of scripture and not a genre I read but I'm glad I did as it's a very good story of following your beliefs and love. This is a book I waited to read and wished I read it sooner.
437 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2014
As You Wish is a sweet love story that tugged at my heart. Although the writing style is not my favorite to read. The story it's self was so good. It deals with real life situations that's everyday people can relate to. Love, life and loss. All in all I would suggest to you this book. As You Wish also has a very strong Christian influence that follow the story thru. One dark and rainy night alone on the street two widows share a bench. A bond forms and with situations of life they are being pulled to each other. Will they become good friends or more and if more will love be enough? Take the time to read this story as it is a sweet story of starting life over after loss and learning to live again.
Profile Image for Nick Kmita.
26 reviews
December 29, 2016
A touching romance

Elizabeth Seraphim. Daniel Templeman.
Two people from very different walks of life. From very different countries also.
Meeting under what can only be called Divine Intervention.
Lizzy a widow has put her faith in God, and thanks Him constantly.
Daniel, a widower, is a famous actor who despite being raised in a Christian home had placed God behind him.
Slowly, with lots of trials, tribulations, joys and sadness, they come to love each other.
There are points in this book you will want to scream at one or the other and ask "What are you doing??!! Stop it now!!" Other points you will be crying for Lizzy or Daniel.
If you have God in your life, or are dithering about making that decision, read this book.
Profile Image for Kristin.
350 reviews19 followers
September 15, 2014
I read this some time ago...This is a wonderful Christian book. I'm open to every genre and sub genre so Christian themed didn't phase me at all to read so please don't let this stop you. Plus the author is a delight to chat with. This book deserves a chance and is well worth the time to read and enjoy.

This is a wonderful faith based about life and to keep going. This is a feel good read about love and strength in general. You may even need some tissues if your the emotional type.

I like how the mom is just an everyday mom that had to pick herself up and overcome horrible events in her life to find herself again.

Highly recommend this one if you need a good heartfelt book.
Profile Image for Bonny McDevitt.
15 reviews10 followers
September 20, 2014
Oh My Goodness!!!! I love, love, love this book. I have to say Cathy Jackson did an amazing job writing this adorable story. I seriously fell in love with Daniel Templemen!!!The way she pulled me into the story is what I look for most in an author, this is not my normal genre of book to read, I had no idea what to expect, I know I saw the beautiful cover and was in awe.I am so glad I read "As You Wish"! I don't want to give anything away, cause I would definitly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good book that will pull you in and have you wanted to read page after page. I couldn't put it down, took me 3 days. A very well written, book! A must read!
Profile Image for Judy Hillier.
81 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2014
What a wonderful story. This book was a very calm and relaxing read.

Elizabeth lost her husband and she and her kids decided to move to another country to
start fresh. Elizabeth & her kids believe so much in the Faith of God.

Daniel is an actor who lost his wife. Daniel and his three kids lives with his Dad. Daniel
doesn't believe in God.

Daniel and Elizabeth form such a great bond with each other.

Don't want to ruin the story of what happens.....

Thank You Cathy for such an awesome story....Loved it!!
19 reviews25 followers
March 17, 2015
Great story about faith and spiritual renewal.
As You Wish was a wonderful book. It took me a little while to get used to the writing style, but as soon as I got used to the flow and got into the story line, I had a hard time putting the story down.
The story line was heartbreaking at times, but the way the characters worked through the heartache was beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone of faith.
I loved the Princess Bride and Ironman references in the book. It made the story even more enjoyable. I will read more from Cathy Jackson.
Profile Image for Terri Crossley.
138 reviews
May 30, 2015
I love this series! Every book brings me deeper into the Westerling family and I can't get enough! This book introduces us to Jonny and how his fall from grace has caused a rift between his family! Everyone has made a bad choice in their life and they wish they could go back and change it! Jonny sees this as a way to keep his distance from everyone around him! But when he meets Evelyn things don't turn out like he hopes! I highly recommended this series and if you haven't read any of this series yet start with Bloom and read from the beginning! They are definitely worth it!
Profile Image for Charlene.
1,284 reviews39 followers
September 18, 2014
what a wonderful heartwarming story! This is the first Christian book I have read and the first book by Cathy Jackson that I have had the extreme pleasure of reading! The characters were so real to life and the story is one that could happen to anyone. From the first line of the book I was captured! Thank you Cathy for such a wonderful book! Once you open this book you won't want to put it down!
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Profile Image for Nichole Brunt.
467 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2016
I absolutely love this book, I can't describe what it is but I couldn't pick a better book to read at this time in my life. Losing a person no matter if its spouse, a friend, or a parent it still hurts. Knowing they are now safe with God gives you peace and lessens the pain you feel in your heart. Thanks to Elizabeth and Daniel's story I know that now. Thank you Cathy for writing an amazing book. I know Shellye would of cherished this book.
Profile Image for Tonya Boutwell Hauser.
198 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2015
Cathy Jackson gave me a copy of this book. This is book is amazing. I cried thru the whole book. It made me think about my walk with God and where I lack in it. Elizabeth and Daniel are both widows with children. Elizabeth has a strong and amazing walk with God. Daniel doesn't believe in God.

Daniel's father is the pastor at the church Elizabeth goes to. Reverend John starts putting Elizabeth and Daniel together. Elizabeth and her faith helps Daniel get thru his father's passing.
Profile Image for Lisa.
36 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2014
This book was very touching. It was well written and a great read. I love the fact that the title means something special in the book and that it tells where it came from as I love that line. I will defiantly be reading other books by this author.
Profile Image for Robyn .
474 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2014
This book is about love and loss. Elizabeth and Daniel have both lost their spouses and they each have children. Daniel has given up on religion while Elizabeth has a strong belief in Christianity. This book proves that you can overcome tragedy and be happy again.
Profile Image for Michelle Chamberlin.
29 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2014

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Lizzy Seraphim, a widow with children meets a handsome actor, who is a widower. The love story is more than between a man and a woman, but of loving God. This is a fun story and who doesn't like a happy ending?
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,078 reviews39 followers
July 27, 2015
Daniel is a great actor with four kids. He's suffering from the loss of his wife. Elizabeth packs her kids up & moved to a different country after losing her husband. When fate leads them to each other can they move past hurt to fall in love again ?


Amazing book
460 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2015
This was a very easy read from
Cathy, I enjoyed it throughout.

Elizabeth for her own reasons has very strong believes and then she meets Daniel who throws everything she trusts into turmoil.

A very strong religious feel throughout this novel, thanks Cathy for letting me read it
Profile Image for Lesia Latta.
47 reviews
August 5, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author. Thank you Cathy Jackson for a great book. I loved the story. I look forward to reading more of your books. Heartwarming and loving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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