This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
Stephen Murray was born in England and raised in different countries throughout Southern Africa. Upon completion of his high school education, he returned to England before moving to California in 1976. He has traveled extensively throughout the world. Stephen owns a computer software company. Apart from traveling and writing, he enjoys theatre, concerts, music, reading and current affairs. The Chapel of Eternal Love and the sequel, Return to the Chapel of Eternal Love, are his first published works of fiction. Stephen has recently completed another work of fiction – a murder mystery. He makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has lived since May 2003.
Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
The Chapel of Eternal Love: Wedding Stories From Las Vegas by Stephen Murray is a unique story that actually contains multiple stories. Pastor Glen and his wife, Laura, move to Las Vegas, Nevada where tragedy occurs. During a complication in her pregnancy, Laura and the child she is carrying die. Grief stricken and lonely, Pastor Glen erects The Chapel of Eternal Love in honor and memory of the wife he would love forever and their almost perfect marriage. He wanted to unite other couples in the blessed state of marriage that he and Laura had shared. He still believed in the power of love. The constant reminder of the love and life that he lost was overwhelming and Pastor Glen sells the chapel and returns to Wyoming.
Over the next fifty years, countless marriages have taken place in the small chapel that he built in memory of his love. Rosemary has run the chapel for the past twenty-five years. She and her dog, Buster, schedule and assist couples every day to fulfill their desire to become one in The Chapel of Eternal Love. We are invited to witness a number of marriages and discover a little of each couple's background and what preceded each of their decisions to come to the chapel. Their stories are tender, touching, fun, romantic and sometimes sad. All of the couples are welcomed by Rosemary and Buster. Some are obvious in their love and devotion, some leave Rosemary wondering if they stand a chance; all are given her devoted attention and assistance.
The Chapel of Eternal Love: Wedding Stories From Las Vegas is a charming and tender collection of experiences of people from all faiths, economic status and walks of life - all seeking the same joy and happiness. The end of the book has some very tender and touching moments that will tug at your heartstrings. Stephen Murray delivers a well written, endearing story of not one love, but multiple stories of romance and love. Stephen Murray details the journey of each couple with clarity, emotion, and realism. Each couple is different and their stories are varied. This is an unusual, but compelling variety of people and situations that have been expertly woven into one delightful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Stephen Murray's sequel, Return to the Chapel of Eternal Love.
