"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.

 

 "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.