"You're The One That I Want"

Susan May Warren

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.
Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.
But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

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"You're The One That I Want" is another hit!  Filled with drama, mystery, romance, humor, forgiveness, redemption and so much more, this was a perfect end to this wonderful series.  

Reading this was bittersweet for me because I feel like I'm loosing touch with friends.  Susan May Warren writes in such a way that you just know that her characters are real!  Actually in some ways they are.  She has them face everyday, real life challenges and shows how God is always nearer than we think.

While getting to know each of the family members throughout the other books, I have to admit, Owen was my least favorite.  I actually couldn't stand him.  Now that I've read his book, he is my favorite, at least of the brothers.  I love how finally accepted God's grace and love and wasn't ashamed or embarrassed to share his faith.  He finally grew up and became the man that God created him to be.  Of course, he still had to face the mistakes he made in his life, but he did so with courage and did what was right.  

 

I'm really sad that this beautiful series is over, but I'm so glad that I was able to enjoy reading it and getting to know this wonderful family.  

Well done Susan May Warren!  I can't wait to read your next book.  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Wonder of You" 

Susan May Warren

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects though, is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg her for forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name, but Amelia finally gives him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

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Susan May Warren has done it again!  She just knows how to write amazing contemporary, Christian fiction romance.  This one just might the best yet, but then again, I think that about all of her books!  :)

This is book five in the Christiansen sibling series and I'm sad that there's only one book left.  :(  I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.  The way she creates characters that seem to be real is amazing.  I actually feel like these people are my friends and I'm going through their ups and downs with them!  

In this book, Susan May Warren intertwined more spiritual aspects in this book than she did in the previous books.  This is a good thing.  Sometimes I got so frustrated with Amelia because she wasn't getting it, but isn't that how we are?  We ask God for guidance to do His will, yet we're so focused on our own desires that we can't see that He is already showing it to us.  

Amelia did end up with the guy I was hoping she would.  The other one got on my nerves.  

I do wish that Eden would have been in this book.  It's like she disappeared.  All of the other family members were back except her.  I feel they should have at least mentioned where she was and what she was doing.  

The ending was absolutely perfect!  For a minute there I thought she was going to leave us hanging.  I'm proud of Amelia for spreading her wings, not so she can do her own thing, but so she can do God's will. 

Filled with suspense, humor, love of family and God, Christian values, romance and every day struggles, this book has it all!  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"A Chance Of Loving You"

Terri Blackstock

Candace Calvert

Susan May Warren

For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock Trying to launch her own design firm while waitressing on the side, Julie Sheffield was drawn to the kind man she waited on at the restaurant last night . . . until he stiffed her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket.

The Recipe by Candace Calvert Hospital dietary assistant Aimee Curran is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-Off to prove she’s finally found her calling. But while caring for one of her patients―the elderly grandmother of a handsome CSI photographer―Aimee begins to question where she belongs.

Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren Grad student Abigail Cushman has agreed to enter the annual Deep Haven fishing contest. She’s a quick learner, even if she doesn’t know the difference between a bass and a trout. But nothing could prepare her for competing against the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

One chance for each woman to change her life . . . but will love be the real prize?

 

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For Love of Money review:

by Terri Blackstock

I had never read a Terri Blackstock romance before, just her mysteries.  Apparently she's good at writing both!  This was a fun and light-hearted story about two kind-hearted people.  

 

Julie wasn't greedy and could care less about becoming a millionaire.  Then she becomes one and doesn't like the kind of person it has turned her into.  

 

Blake on the other hand can't wait to collect the millions, but won't do it without Julie.  

Blake finds out that he's not so good at handling money and then thinks that he may have the right to Julie's. Obviously, this doesn't sit well with Julie so they part ways.  

Do they get back together or has the love of money driven them apart for good?

 

 

The Recipe review:

by Candace Calvert

This was my first time reading Candace Calvert's work, but I hope it's not my last.  I was drawn into this book from the beginning.   The characters were so "alive" and "real" that I felt this was actually happening.  

 

She wrote her characters with strong and caring personalities.   Sure, they have their flaws, but they don't let that hold them back.  They learn from them. 

This book was my favorite of the three.

Hook Line and Sinker review:

by Susan May Warren

 

Susan May Warren has always been a favorite of mine, but for some reason, I wasn't able to get into this book right away.  It kinda' felt like I was starting off in the middle of the story.

 

However, I did enjoy it once it got going. 

 

The characters in this book had a problem with forgiveness and grudges, but they did learn how to deal with them.  

All in all, this was an enjoyable read.  If you like light-hearted, romantic, Christian fiction books then you will enjoy this collection.

 

Read more about the book here.

 

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR FREE FROM TYNDALE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 

 

"Always On My Mind"

Susan May Warren

Casper is the middle child of the Christiansen family and has always been an adventurer.  He always feels the need to come save the day, not because he thinks he's some great person, but because that's just who he is.  He doesn't always fix things though.  He didn't fix things with Raina or his family, so he just leaves and goes to Honduras on a treasure hunt.  

Raina moves back to Deep Haven to house sit for her aunt.  She's hoping to start a new life and leave her old one behind, but she didn't count on one thing.  Casper.  He is also now back in Deep Haven.  It's not until another guy starts showing interest in her does she think that she can move on.  But what she doesn't realize is this guy is bad news.  Casper knows this, but isn't quite sure how to handle the situation.  His older brother, Darek, advises him to pray for her.  

Darek, the oldest of the Chrisitiansen family, is have a rough go at making the resort a success.  He is stressed, worried and cranky.  Ivy, his wife, is expecting their first child and her due date is coming soon.  Tiger, Darek's son is acting indifferent towards him, but he can't figure out why.  Darek doesn't know how to solve his problems until an old friend contacts him and wants him to join the firefighters again.  Darek is very eager to join and thinks that this might be the answer to his problems.

Casper and Raina finally attempt to be friends.  They join forces and go on a treasure hunt together.  Raina finds an old diary that helps them solve it, but also helps her with her life issues as well.

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The Christiansens are some of my favorite people.  I know they're fiction, but I feel as if I know them.  I enjoyed reading Casper's story, although I must admit, it's not been my favorite so far.  While the main focus was on Casper and Raina, it wasn't as much as the other books have been about their main characters.  Although the book included the other family members, it seemed to leave Eden out.  There were also things that I didn't agree with.  I wasn't expecting a soap opera in a Christian fiction book.

  "Always On My Mind" is about forgiveness, faith, love, family and trust.  Raina learns that God really does love her and forgives her as He does all of us.  We just have to ask.  

I enjoyed the mystery part of this book.  It was different for this series, but worked really well.  The mystery kept me guessing until the end.  

"Always On My Mind" is book #4 in the Christiansen family series.  If you like Susan May Warren books, then you'll love this series.  If you enjoy reading Christian romance novels, then you'll enjoy the books about the Christiansen family.

I RECEIVED THIS FREE, COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Evergreen"

Susan May Warren

John and Ingrid Christiansen have found themselves at a new stage in life.  Empty nesters.   John couldn't be more excited and looking forward to rekindling the fire with Ingrid.  On the other hand, Ingrid couldn't be more depressed and disappointed.  She misses all of her children and misses being a mother.  Not only that, but she and John don't seem to know each other anymore.  

John has this great idea of going to Europe for Christmas and renewing their vows in Paris.  He has all the money saved up, he just has to figure out a way to tell Ingrid about his surprise.  He thinks everything will work out, until Ingrid volunteers them to be in charge of the live Nativity.  

Then enters Romeo.  Their 16-year-old nephew.  Daughter of Ingrid's estranged sister, who is in treatment. Ingrid agrees to help her sister out, even though they haven't talked in sixteen years.  John hates the idea, but Ingrid has already made up her mind and is getting attached to the teen quickly.  John on the other hand doesn't seem to want anything to do with him.  

John and Ingrid couldn't be more at odds with each other.  Then Butterscotch, their 16-year-old dog gets sick and needs emergency surgery, which of course is paid for out of their savings.  

With Christmas quickly approaching and no holiday spirit between them, John and Ingrid have to learn to let go of hard and bitter feelings in order to have a Merry Christmas.

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This novella of the Christiansen family series, focuses on John and Ingrid, the parents.  They are both trying to cope with their new empty nest and trying to figure out how to relate to each other.  Their relationship had been growing apart, but they didn't seem to realize till now.  

Evergreen was a very delightful and enjoyable book.  At times it seemed to remind me a little of "The Great Christmas Bowl", also by Susan May Warren, but that's not a bad thing.  Since this book is focused on John and Ingrid, we get to know them more.  They have struggles and heartaches too.  They must learn to get past them and forgive each other, as well as open their hearts to others.  

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Susan May Warren fan.  Evergreen is perfect for reading anytime, but it does make you want to snuggle up under the covers with some hot chocolate.  

I RECEIVED THIS FREE, COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  IN RETURN, I GIVE MY HONEST REVIEW. 

 

 

"When I Fall In Love"

Susan May Warren

Grace loves to cook and dreams of opening her own catering business, only she didn't get in to culinary school.  Grace has always been a homebody and  is content at staying at home and working at the local pizza place.  After she caters her older brother's, Darek, wedding, her family surprises her with a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii!  It's not just a vacation though, it's a three week cooking course.  Eden wants her to cater her wedding Hawaiian style so Grace doesn't see a way out of going to Hawaii.

Max, a pro hockey player, has enjoyed attending the Hawaiian cooking school for the past three years.  It's the only vacation he gets and he thoroughly enjoys it.  He has especially been looking forward to this year because he needs to get away.  He has been struggling with what the future holds for him and is always afraid of letting people get close because of it.

Jace, Eden's fiance, has asked Max to "babysit" Grace.  Max is not too keen on the idea, rather hates it, but feels he owes Grace's brother, Owen.  

Grace has always said that she will only give away her heart once and for a lifetime.  She finds her one and only, but she doesn't know if he will accept her love.

Meanwhile, Raina, a girl who works with Grace, is getting to know the Christiansen family, especially the men.  At first she thinks they're all Class A jerks, until she meets Casper.  They soon find themselves working together and enjoying it.  Then all of a sudden Raina withdraws herself and Casper can't figure out why.

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This is the third book in the Christiansen family series and I hope they keep coming!  Although Grace is the main character of this book, she is not overpowered by all of the characters.  Every character was so ingeniously and creatively incorporated.
In Grace and Max's story they learn to forgive, have faith, trust God and to reach out.
I really enjoyed this book.  There were some things I didn't agree with but it was still a good read.  I didn't want to put it down and was sad when it ended.  I can't wait for the next one!  Please hurry!  :)

 Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"It Had To Be You"

Susan May Warren

 Eden Christiansen is a cheerleader.  Oh, not the cheerleader that does cartwheels, somersaults and hand stands, but the kind that let's her younger brother, Owen, know that she's his number fan and is there for him.  Of course she's enjoyed looking after her NHL rookie brother, even if he is reckless and seems to headed the wrong direction, but she never imagined that would be her whole life.  Since taking care of Owen is pretty much a full time job, she has little time to invest in her own career as a reporter.  

She needs help taking care of Owen and trying to keep him out of trouble.  The only one around, who might could possibly have some influence on him, is the team captain, Jace Jacobsen, which in Eden's mind is totally and completely out of the question.  

Jace seems to have the wrong kind of reputation and Eden doesn't let him forget it.   Still, he is the team captain and Owen's idol, but Eden doesn't think that Jace is responsible enough and has no problem letting him know that.  Jace is at a crossroads in his life, but not sure what direction to go.   Maybe he should be more responsible, like Eden says he should be. 

Jace and Eden can not get along, let alone work together, but may be forced to after Owen's carelessness could cost him his career.

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I really enjoyed "It Had To Be You".  Even though it's the second book in the series, and I didn't get to read the first one, I still read this one without being totally confused.  Filled with romance, fun, suspense, drama and lessons about faith, this book is a keeper!  Susan May Warren tugs on all of your emotions through this book!   I definitely can't wait to read the rest of the series!  Also included in this book is a prequel that tells how it all started!  (That was really good too!)    

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.