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Groom in Training
A widow with a sad past, Steph Wright finds comfort in her faith and her adorable Border collie, Fred. When scampering Fred becomes friendly with the neighbor's pedigreed Bouvier, Steph meets the very handsome Nick Davis. With a broken engagement and a busy job, Nick isn't open to love and romance. Especially when Steph needs an escort to a wedding, and Nick agrees to be her not- really -date. But through dog walks, long talks and a shared love of the Lord, Steph realizes there's some unexpected groom-in-training going on, too!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gaymer Martin
244 books136 followersMulti-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin writes Christian fiction for Winged Publications with many books published by Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing, where she was honored by Heartsong readers as their Favorite Author of 2008. Gail has 77 published novels or novellas with over four million books in print. She is the author of Writers Digest’s Writing the Christian Romance and a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a keynote speaker at churches, libraries and civic organizations and presents workshops at conference across the US. She was named one of the four best novelists in the Detroit area by CBS local news. Gail loves to hear from readers through her website contact and adds the reader's name to her bi-monthly drawing for a free book or two.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
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November 13, 2021This book was ok. It didn't keep my attention at the beginning but it did get better way towards the end. Will give this author another try.
April 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and series, even though I read them completely out of order.
March 9, 2021
I picked this book solely on the book cover, it was placed in with Harlequin books I had received. I was a few pages into the book when it dawn on me this is far far far from a Harlequin, haha. However the book had a nice story line, but I just couldn't get past the religion aspect of the book. I am far from a devout Christian, the book was not my style or taste. I would of given it a higher rating if the story line was stronger and the religion aspect was lesser throughout. All in all it wasn't a bad book, just not my type.
March 11, 2022
I've read one of Gail's books before (last week) - 'All Good Gifts'. It was really sweet and well done. I liked the characters and the story.
This is not that.
First, it feels like the EXACT SAME CHARACTERS as the last book by her that I've read. That leaves a bad taste. Hesitant heroine, overly likeable hero with benign faults, right here in sunny Michigan. But they're one-dimensional, for all the talk-talk-talk about their thoughts. It's like Gail is trying to be Lori Wick (who over-analyzes e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g), but isn't quite capable of that level of anal, herself - so it ends up awkward.
But there's... something more that's *wrong* with this book. I don't even know how to describe it. It's... not fleshed out? It's not that the author isn't writing descriptions and words, it's more like she's writing words without direction. It feels like it's a book meant to meet a deadline or goal, not to tell a story. The effort is disjointed and 'off', somehow.
I mean, the new neighbor dog moves in on page one, and it's being cared for by the owner's brother. We meet his brother on page four, and it SOUNDS like it's the brother's house and he's helping to unpack it... but then on page 32 we find out that the brothers are living there together - like somehow things changed, or weren't explained... it's messy and confusing. By page 50-something, we're told they're NOT living together, and Nick has an apartment. It's confusing and messy and... just weird.
Worse, the writing is wrong, too. Like when Nick visits his mother, he gives her an 'attentive' gaze. And she gives him an 'attentive' gaze. And there's all of this 'attentive' gazing... because there aren't other words in the English language? I don't know, but a lot of the phrasing is stilted.
Another example: " 'I decided to take the big step and open my own business. It didn't sit well with my brother.' 'No? I'd think he'd be pleased.'" And her reply? "That's the neat thing about dogs. We can read them because they're honest." WHAT IN HADES does that have to do with the conversation?! Odd, disjointed, stilted writing/dialogue.
How about "Though [Martin] appeared to be an older version of Nick, his expression showed no relationship." That is WEIRD wording... and just confuses the reader.
Steph's dog digs a hole at the fence. A week later, Nick comes over and asks to look at it. "He hasn't dug anymore," she tells him. "Hopefully, there won't be anymore [trouble]." But Nick completely ignores her and says, "Bricks or concrete might do it." He's plowing thru and gonna tear up her yard, without her permission, anyhow?!
More weirdness: She's got a wedding on June 6th, I've got a wedding on June 6th, so I can't ask her to my wedding. Did this guy EVER think to ask if it was the same wedding? No. Illogical. Odd. It's stupid writing that leaves us skeptical about whether we even want to read this.
I decided I didn't. I made it a third through, and passed on it.
It's hit or miss with Gaymer Martin, and this was a miss.
This is not that.
First, it feels like the EXACT SAME CHARACTERS as the last book by her that I've read. That leaves a bad taste. Hesitant heroine, overly likeable hero with benign faults, right here in sunny Michigan. But they're one-dimensional, for all the talk-talk-talk about their thoughts. It's like Gail is trying to be Lori Wick (who over-analyzes e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g), but isn't quite capable of that level of anal, herself - so it ends up awkward.
But there's... something more that's *wrong* with this book. I don't even know how to describe it. It's... not fleshed out? It's not that the author isn't writing descriptions and words, it's more like she's writing words without direction. It feels like it's a book meant to meet a deadline or goal, not to tell a story. The effort is disjointed and 'off', somehow.
I mean, the new neighbor dog moves in on page one, and it's being cared for by the owner's brother. We meet his brother on page four, and it SOUNDS like it's the brother's house and he's helping to unpack it... but then on page 32 we find out that the brothers are living there together - like somehow things changed, or weren't explained... it's messy and confusing. By page 50-something, we're told they're NOT living together, and Nick has an apartment. It's confusing and messy and... just weird.
Worse, the writing is wrong, too. Like when Nick visits his mother, he gives her an 'attentive' gaze. And she gives him an 'attentive' gaze. And there's all of this 'attentive' gazing... because there aren't other words in the English language? I don't know, but a lot of the phrasing is stilted.
Another example: " 'I decided to take the big step and open my own business. It didn't sit well with my brother.' 'No? I'd think he'd be pleased.'" And her reply? "That's the neat thing about dogs. We can read them because they're honest." WHAT IN HADES does that have to do with the conversation?! Odd, disjointed, stilted writing/dialogue.
How about "Though [Martin] appeared to be an older version of Nick, his expression showed no relationship." That is WEIRD wording... and just confuses the reader.
Steph's dog digs a hole at the fence. A week later, Nick comes over and asks to look at it. "He hasn't dug anymore," she tells him. "Hopefully, there won't be anymore [trouble]." But Nick completely ignores her and says, "Bricks or concrete might do it." He's plowing thru and gonna tear up her yard, without her permission, anyhow?!
More weirdness: She's got a wedding on June 6th, I've got a wedding on June 6th, so I can't ask her to my wedding. Did this guy EVER think to ask if it was the same wedding? No. Illogical. Odd. It's stupid writing that leaves us skeptical about whether we even want to read this.
I decided I didn't. I made it a third through, and passed on it.
It's hit or miss with Gaymer Martin, and this was a miss.
January 4, 2019
It was a cute story and I enjoyed the dogs (Fred and Suzette). I'm guessing the "in training" part of the title was that many of the characters in the book learn life lessons, including Nick (the groom).
Nick is likable, but his chronic lateness would have driven me crazy and probably made me think that he didn't care as much as he said he did. (Actions speak louder than words--a discussion I remember having with a now ex-boyfriend). Yes, there were times that his lateness was excusable (when he had to rush Suzette to the vet, for example) but most of the times, his lateness was not for a reason like that. Nick eventually comes to see how others perceive this. Nick also has to learn that his past failed relationship was not his fault.
Nick's brother, Martin, learns that he's the one who put pressure to be perfect on himself. His family would love him even if he wasn't perfect. He also learns about perception and realizes comparing himself to his brother isn't the right thing to do.
Nick's mother learns patience and learns to appreciate what she has, even if it is an assisted living facility.
Steph has to get past the guilt she feels about her past marriage and the suicide of her husband. The feeling that she should have noticed something to be able to prevent it; the feeling that it happened because she wasn't good enough. She also learns to trust God.
Steph's brother, Hal, has to learn to stand on his own and stop mooching off of and stealing from others.
However good the life lessons learned are, the idea of a "groom in training" doesn't appeal much to me though I can't really explain why. I guess all of us are somewhat in training because we are learning things as we go along. Each relationship teaches us something, but the idea of training a spouse as we train a dog (since dogs are a big part of this book) doesn't sit well with me.
Nick is likable, but his chronic lateness would have driven me crazy and probably made me think that he didn't care as much as he said he did. (Actions speak louder than words--a discussion I remember having with a now ex-boyfriend). Yes, there were times that his lateness was excusable (when he had to rush Suzette to the vet, for example) but most of the times, his lateness was not for a reason like that. Nick eventually comes to see how others perceive this. Nick also has to learn that his past failed relationship was not his fault.
Nick's brother, Martin, learns that he's the one who put pressure to be perfect on himself. His family would love him even if he wasn't perfect. He also learns about perception and realizes comparing himself to his brother isn't the right thing to do.
Nick's mother learns patience and learns to appreciate what she has, even if it is an assisted living facility.
Steph has to get past the guilt she feels about her past marriage and the suicide of her husband. The feeling that she should have noticed something to be able to prevent it; the feeling that it happened because she wasn't good enough. She also learns to trust God.
Steph's brother, Hal, has to learn to stand on his own and stop mooching off of and stealing from others.
However good the life lessons learned are, the idea of a "groom in training" doesn't appeal much to me though I can't really explain why. I guess all of us are somewhat in training because we are learning things as we go along. Each relationship teaches us something, but the idea of training a spouse as we train a dog (since dogs are a big part of this book) doesn't sit well with me.
July 29, 2025
I had read and liked another book by this author, Loving Promises, and was looking forward to reading this novel too. While it had possibilities with the situation with the dogs and Nick's reluctance to become involved with Steph, the novel didn't hold my interest. Nevertheless, I will still look for another book by Gail Gaymer Martin and hope it is as good as the first one I read.
January 4, 2018
Quick little read... can't say whether it was fun or not since l didn't laugh too much but still a good read nontheless
January 11, 2010
Steph Wright is no stranger to pain. Still dealing with the painful death of her husband, she has sought comfort in her doggie day care business and in her Border Collie, Fred. When she meets her new neighbor’s brother, Nick, Steph begins to feel alive again. But Nick is dealing with a painful past as well. As Nick and Steph embark on a friendship, they both find their feelings for each other growing beyond friendship. Nick is concerned though because Steph is not a Christian and his faith is very important to him. Readers will enjoy watching this tender new friendship blossom into true love.
Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin has three very strong elements going for it. First of all, it is a very cute story, although it is more than just a love story. It is a story about healing. Both Nick and Steph have dealt with a lot of pain and sadness in their lives and have never really dealt with their pain. With each other’s help, and God’s help, they are able to move on and able to love again. The dogs add an extra layer of happiness and cuteness to the story.
The second strong point this book has is the Christian message. I was amazed by the author’s skill with blending practical Biblical lessons into the story. Readers can learn a lot about healing, forgiveness, and God’s unconditional love for us. Letting go of pain can be so difficult and by using Nick and Steph, the author shows us how we can heal by trusting God.
The third element of this story that stood out was the author’s talent for creating a beautiful setting. I was struck by the lovely settings of this story from Steph’s yard with all her flowers, to the park where Nick and Steph has their picnic. This is a good time of year for this book to come out because it is so cold outside and this story takes place in the spring and summer. I could actually feel the warmth and see the beauty of summer on the pages of this book.
Overall, Groom in Training is a wonderful book. It has everything going for it and readers will be delighted with each and every page. I know I was. This book warmed by heart and lifted my spirit.
Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin has three very strong elements going for it. First of all, it is a very cute story, although it is more than just a love story. It is a story about healing. Both Nick and Steph have dealt with a lot of pain and sadness in their lives and have never really dealt with their pain. With each other’s help, and God’s help, they are able to move on and able to love again. The dogs add an extra layer of happiness and cuteness to the story.
The second strong point this book has is the Christian message. I was amazed by the author’s skill with blending practical Biblical lessons into the story. Readers can learn a lot about healing, forgiveness, and God’s unconditional love for us. Letting go of pain can be so difficult and by using Nick and Steph, the author shows us how we can heal by trusting God.
The third element of this story that stood out was the author’s talent for creating a beautiful setting. I was struck by the lovely settings of this story from Steph’s yard with all her flowers, to the park where Nick and Steph has their picnic. This is a good time of year for this book to come out because it is so cold outside and this story takes place in the spring and summer. I could actually feel the warmth and see the beauty of summer on the pages of this book.
Overall, Groom in Training is a wonderful book. It has everything going for it and readers will be delighted with each and every page. I know I was. This book warmed by heart and lifted my spirit.
March 22, 2016
This was a fun, well-written story that I really enjoyed. The MC's were likable but not perfect, their problems improved but weren't completely solved, and I thought faith was dealt with realistically. I also enjoyed the addition of the two dogs, Fred and Suzette. Sometimes pets in a story are irritating, not cute, but I enjoyed these two.
The MC's meet when his brother moves in next to her and he keeps coming by to help out. Complications include the fact that his brother isn't exactly a pleasant neighbor, his mother is hospitalized after a stroke and the heroine is recovering from the death of her husband four years ago. I really appreciated that four-year time line, as I think a lot of books rush grief recovery quite a bit.
My only complaint about this story is that the hero gets serious about her before she becomes a believer. That's such a wrong thing to do, I don't think even these quick, light stories should promote that idea. But they do only have about 240 pages to tell their story, so I try to make some allowances for rushing things. Other than that I thought this was a good read and I'll look for another by the author.
The MC's meet when his brother moves in next to her and he keeps coming by to help out. Complications include the fact that his brother isn't exactly a pleasant neighbor, his mother is hospitalized after a stroke and the heroine is recovering from the death of her husband four years ago. I really appreciated that four-year time line, as I think a lot of books rush grief recovery quite a bit.
My only complaint about this story is that the hero gets serious about her before she becomes a believer. That's such a wrong thing to do, I don't think even these quick, light stories should promote that idea. But they do only have about 240 pages to tell their story, so I try to make some allowances for rushing things. Other than that I thought this was a good read and I'll look for another by the author.
December 23, 2011
I liked this book. I had my doubts since I could not get through another one of Martin's books but I enjoyed this one. It flowed and just worked. I liked that the character's problems were realistic ones and that though both characters had issues it wasn't crazy terrible tragedies for both. I'm glad I read it and may actually consider reading it again.
November 22, 2015
This was a cute story. Predictable and at times things that had already been said were repeated, which slightly frustrated me. But, overall, I enjoyed this quick, fun read. I plan on reading "Bride in Training" when I have the time.
*I did not get this book for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
*I did not get this book for review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
February 11, 2016
I thought this was a great story, especially if you have a love for pets. I do not, yet I still found it enjoyable. I enjoyed the lost sheep analogy, and I love watching how both of the characters grew and changed.
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July 1, 2010The 2nd book in the Man's Best Friend Series. I enjoyed writing Steph's story and sharing Fred with readeres again. He's quite a dog.
October 21, 2010
Cute book and easy to read. Good, clean Christian romance
November 6, 2013
It was ok!
March 1, 2014
Steph and Nick meet over the fence and their dogs. Both have faced changes in their lives and need to change even more before their relationship can grow.
January 14, 2016
I enjoyed it very much and gave it to a friend to read.
February 18, 2016
Cute story. A nice read to pass the time.
January 31, 2017
Very heartwarming! Happy ending and great main characters!
September 3, 2012
Reason this gets two stars and not one star from me: DOGS. The end.
September 3, 2013
easy read, but very predictable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews