"The Waiting Game" is based on a thoroughly enjoyable romantic novel of the same name (1985) by Jayne Ann Krentz who also writes historical novels as Amanda Quick and futuristic novels as Jayne Castle. The movie uses the book's characters' names and their essential personalities, but the plot is totally different. Both the book and movie are enjoyable in their own genres, although I originally watched this Canadian-produced Showtime Harlequin-romance series production just to be able to see Ms. Krentz's work put on the screen. She is probably one of the best writers of dialog in the business, and I thought this book (and many others she has written) would translate well into a movie on its own merits. In that I was disappointed.
However, the movie producers made excellent choices in actors and actresses and is notable as an early work of American Idol's Paula Abdul, who does a good job playing the main character's sidekick. Good suspense, gorgeous cast, a surprising plot twist, and a happy ending make it an excellent movie to see on a rainy afternoon with a couple of gal pals.
