Showing posts with label Susan May Warren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Susan May Warren. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Authors I Am Thankful For


Today is a Thanksgiving freebie for TTT and it made me think about what authors I am thankful for. I am grateful that they have written stories and continue to do so. Many of these title are older but these authors are still writing and I love them all! 



What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson


The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron


The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate


Sunrise by Susan May Warren

You Belong With Me by Tari Faris

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson






Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Satisfying Book Series

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is about satisfying book series. I admit, it was a little tricky to find books where I truly loved each one in the series. Often there is a random book mid series that gets a lower rating but not in these ones. :) I could have added a few but these were the first that came to mind!



Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself. (Goodreads)




A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart...but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces. (Goodreads)




Small-town realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents--unfortunately, selling houses isn't one of them. When a developer sets his sights on the historic homes in Heritage, Hannah turns to her best friend Luke for help. Will Luke risk his future and confront his past to help her succeed? (Goodreads)






Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she'll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper despite her Irish roots. The town is caught in an ongoing feud between the Irish and the "Reds" the frontiersmen who would rather see all the Irish run out of town and the Irish immigrants who are fighting to make a home for themselves in the New World. When Joseph agrees to keep Katie on as his housekeeper, the feud erupts anew, and Katie becomes the reluctant figurehead for the Irish townsfolk. As the violence escalates throughout the town, Katie must choose between the two men who have been vying for her love though only one might be able to restore hope to her heart. (Goodreads)




As a Victorian clergyman’s daughter, Edith Worms has seen everything — until a mythical salamander tumbles out of the fireplace into her lap. When a letter arrives from estranged relatives, Edith is swept away to a crumbling gothic Abbey in the wilds of Yorkshire.

Wormwood Abbey isn't just full of curious beasts and ancient family secrets: there’s also a tall, dark, and entirely too handsome neighbour who is strangely reluctant for her to leave.

An unexpected bond with her prickly cousin Gwendolyn gives Edith a reason to stay in this strange world — especially when it turns out that Edith herself may have a role in guarding her family's legacy.

But not all of the mysteries of Ormdale are small enough to fit in her lap...and some of them have teeth. (Goodreads)




One available house. One pesky Earl. One month to drive him out.

When Miss Henrietta Dixon wants something, she finds a way to have it. When an incident in London sends her and her sister to Bath, she can think of no better opportunity to reunite her sister with the man she has always loved by inviting him to stay at the last available townhouse next door in the Royal Crescent. Her plan is coming along splendidly until The Earl of Guildford walks—or rather, saunters—into town, and steals it from under her nose.

Charlie can see only one way to save his sister from the horrible marriage his father has planned for her. He has to marry an heiress, Lady Eleanor, who has taken up residence in Bath. In order to secure the final place in the Royal Crescent, he has no choice but to offer any price it takes. He only has to stay for long enough to woo Lady Eleanor, but when a remarkably vexing young woman next door refuses to leave him in peace, he cannot help but declare war. A war of wits, a war of schemes, and most unexpectedly…a war against his obstinate heart. Miss Dixon is not only vexing, but she is intriguing and beautiful in a way he has never seen before. Whether she likes it or not, he’s keeping his place in Bath. But whether he can keep his heart is another matter entirely. (Goodreads)


Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light. (Goodreads)



To escape the scandals tied to her name, Lillian Markley has gone by an alias for eight years. It was the only way for her to get a reputable job and save enough money to reunite with her sister in America. But when Lily is suddenly let go just as she’s about to reach her goal, she’s offered a salary she can’t refuse in exchange for the unthinkable:

She must masquerade as an heiress at a country estate for the summer.

Being exposed means facing prison, or worse—never seeing her sister again. Run-ins with kidnappers, a suspicious young boy, and a dangerous gentleman who knows her secret quickly has Lily spouting lies as often as she sips her tea—all while battling her growing feelings for Peter Wycliffe, the smiling host who seems to best her at every turn.

Nothing is as simple as it seems. And as the falsehoods begin to mount, Lily must use her arsenal of wits to keep her three facades separate, while preventing Peter—and herself—from discovering the true woman beneath them all. (Goodreads)




When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive? (Goodreads)



When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea.

Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola's scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same. (Goodreads)

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Sundown Review




BUY HERE

 

About the Book


Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--he's found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt's not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it'll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they've vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

Susan May Warren can write a dang good story. In this case a GREAT trilogy. This is my second favorite series she has written and I am sad to see it ending. I loved this book. It starts off with action and you absolutely have to read the entire thing in one sitting. Sleep is not as important as finishing this delightful adventure! I love all the Kingston brothers and I was curious how Colt's story would be told. There are some twists and turns I wasn't quite expecting which is always great. The romance is perfect and the family dynamic is one of my favorites. This book does talk about a virus and that part was a bit too realistic but it was necessary for the story to unfold. The ending had me tearing up quite a bit and touched my heart more than expected. I get too attached to these characters! While this book can be read as a stand alone, I wouldn't recommend it. Start with book one and get to know all the Kingston brothers and also book two has a lot of back story that ties in with this final one. 

I can't recommend this trilogy enough! If you enjoy clean romance and adventure you simply must pick up these books! 

 

Five Stars. 

 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Sunburst Review

 

 


 

About the Book

 When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

I am LOVING this new series by Susan May Warren. I really enjoy most all of her books but this series has been one of my favorites. This book takes us to Nigeria which I loved because I haven't read many books in that setting. I love the fact that Warren's daughter in law helped her with the details on this story since she is from Nigeria. There is non stop action in this story and there are a lot of tie in details to other books that Warren has written which makes it all the better! I love the characters, Noemi is not your typical cookie cutter perfect type gal which I enjoyed. Ranger and his entire family are just a complete delight to read. There is a lot of growth with both Ranger and Noemi as they are both stubborn and carry a lot of past pain and guilt. There is romance, humor, family, and suspense all wrapped up into these pages. While this is book two you could read it as a stand alone but it really would be better to read them in order. 

Susan May Warren writes fantastic fiction and I highly recommend this book! 


Five Stars. 


"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."







Saturday, October 10, 2020

The Price of Valor Review



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 About the Book

 Former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones thought that the love of his life was dead. But when a girl claiming to be his daughter shows up with a dire message from his wife, Ham knows he will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as an interpreter in Ukraine, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to Ham for safekeeping. She's ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over.

When Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for his wife and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. Will he save the many? Or the few?

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren takes you on a global search and rescue mission where the stakes are higher than ever in this final installment of her popular series. (Goodreads)


BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

I really enjoy Warren's books and this is the ending to a book trilogy. There are a lot of other characters in this book that are tied to her other books so it is helpful to have read her previous series as well. I loved the first book in this trilogy. By the time this book came out I was more than ready to read what happens with Ham. While this book holds all the excitement and near death experiences it ended up not my favorite. There are so many things that happen that just seem too unrealistic. There is a lot to keep track of between all of the people and the stories it is just a bit much. I still enjoyed the story but the way it all ended didn't have me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the other main story line with Jenny perhaps a bit more than Ham and Signe. It was nice to have that conclusion as well. Overall this is a fun series it just isn't my favorite that she has written. 


Four Stars. 

 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review. "








Saturday, January 18, 2020

The Way of The Brave: Five Stars!



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About the Book
 
 Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren. (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

Wow what an adventure! I am so excited for this new series and this first book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved all of the characters and I am eager to read the next story. This book is non-stop action from the battle field to the mountainside of Denali. I don’t know anything about climbing and I am amazed that people attempt to climb these mountains! I was able to visit Denali a few years ago, from a distance of course, and I didn’t realize climbing to the top was a possibility. I loved the suspense of everyone trying to survive and how detailed Susan is with her writing the experience. Orion I think might end up being my favorite male character I have read in a long time. The romance and secondary story lines were well written. This book also makes me have even more appreciation for our military and those that defend our country. The mental and emotional toll that it takes on these people is something often ignored or glossed over. This story was a good reminder for me to be so thankful for these individuals.
 
I highly recommend this book! It will keep you up late and holding your breath for what will happen next.  
 
Five stars! 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Wait for Me Review: The Thrilling Series Conclusion!


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 About the Book

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

This series has been a wild ride taking us on many adventures! I was so excited to see what would happen with Pete, he has been a favorite of mine since the start. I actually think this particular book might be my favorite out of the whole series. I thought the suspense was good and the romance was not over the top just well written. Jess is also a favorite character of mine and I really enjoyed reading more of her character. Susan May Warren has such a gift for story and she adds thrill and humor in her books. There were a couple of times in where I thought the conversation was dragging a bit. Some other side stories seemed slightly rushed but otherwise tied up the series nicely. 
The setting in the whole series has been captivating, and I would love to visit it someday. 
I strongly recommend reading this series from the beginning. While you could start in the middle, there would be a lot of confusion as there is a lot of backstory with each character in each book. 
I am eager to read what Susan comes up with next!!! 

Five stars! 

Comes out November 6th! Pre-order now!

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."









 

Friday, May 11, 2018

Storm Front Book Review



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 About the Book

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

Susan May Warren continues on in this fun series full of adventure! The characters stories continue, so I do recommend starting with book one! I'll be honest in saying this wasn't my favorite book in the series for a few reasons. I hate anything that has to do with a tornado. It doesn't excite me, it makes me want to hide in the basement. But it does make for some excitement in a story. Also, the love story in this particular book wasn't my favorite that she has written. That being said, I still loved "catching up" with all of the characters and being left with another cliff hanger ending. Susan is a wonderful author and person (I met her last year and had a hard time keeping it together without freaking out in excitement). So if you haven't read any of her books, you really should!! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own."











 

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Troubled Waters Review



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About the Book

Billionaire Ian Shaw can have everything he wants--except a happy ending. Or at least that's what it feels like with his fortune recently liquidated, his niece, Esme, still missing, and the woman he loves refusing to speak to him. In fact, he doubts she would date him even if they were stranded on a deserted island.

Despite her love for Ian, Sierra Rose knows he has no room in his life for her as long as the mystery of his missing niece goes unsolved. The only problem is, Sierra has solved it, but a promise to Esme to keep her whereabouts secret has made it impossible to be around Ian.

When the PEAK chopper is damaged and Sierra lacks the funds to repair it, Ian offers a fundraising junket for large donors on his yacht in the Caribbean. But the three-day excursion turns into a nightmare when a rogue wave cripples the yacht and sends the passengers overboard. Shaken up and soaked to the bone, Ian finally has a chance to test his theory when he and Sierra do indeed find themselves washed up on a strange, empty shore.

It will take guts and gumption for the PEAK team to rescue the duo. But it will take a miracle to rescue Ian and Sierra's relationship. (Goodreads)





My Thoughts

I always enjoy reading anything by Susan May Warren. I was curious to see what she was going to do with Ian and Sierra since tidbits have been in the past books. (Note: you should read these books in order or you will miss a lot!) I am not sure how much I loved the setting of this novel. Out in the ocean and on a ship, along with how everything flows in the book seemed a tad off. I enjoyed seeing more of Sierra's character and how she grew over the course of the series. I really liked the parts with Esme and for those who have been waiting-get ready! Also, of course the ending leaves a bunch of loose ends so honestly you can't help but wait eagerly for the next book! While this wasn't my favorite in the series, I still enjoyed it a lot.

Four stars.

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own."
















Monday, July 10, 2017

A Matter of Trust Review



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 About the Book

Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he's remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana's rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can't seem to find his footing--or forget the woman he loved, who betrayed him.

Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the limelight as the second-youngest senator in the country. But she has a secret--one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.

When Ella's brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park's most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn't so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he'll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother, a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.

But old sparks relight as they search for the missing snowboarder--and suddenly, they are faced with emotions neither can deny. But when Ella's secret is revealed, can they learn to trust each other--even when disaster happens again? (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

What can I say? Susan May Warren is such a talented author I rarely can let a book of hers sit very long. As usual I couldn't put this book just because I enjoyed the characters and setting so much! The suspense is so fun to read and oh my goodness the underlying back story that has been going on through all the books is driving me crazy! Of course we only get tidbits in each book and won't find out the truth until the last book. So that being said, if you haven't read these books in order I highly recommend that you do simply for the crazy suspenseful backstory! 
Anyway moving on, there were a couple of cheesy romance type things that I didn't love but otherwise this made for an entertaining read. I have skied since I was five and grew up in basically the setting of this book so that made it extra special. I liked the ski patrol angle and I also think the secondary characters were superb! 

Great read, five stars!

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own."






Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Wild Montana Skies Review

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 About the Book
Bestselling Author's New Series Delivers Romance and Adventure as an SAR Team Searches for Others--and Finds Themselves
Search and rescue pilot Kacey Fairing is home on leave in Mercy Falls, Montana, twelve years after she joined the military to escape the mistakes of her past. With a job waiting for her as the new lead pilot of Peak Rescue in Glacier National Park, Kacey hopes to reconnect with the now-teenage daughter she sees only between deployments. What she doesn't realize is that someone else is also back in town.
Ben King has been building his country music career since the day Kacey shut him out of her life. Now all of that's on hold when his injured father calls him home to help run Peak Rescue until he's fully recovered. It doesn't take long, though, to discover his father's ulterior motives as Kacey Fairing walks into the house and back into his heart.
With Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben are forced to work together to save lives. But when floodwaters turn personal, can they put aside the past to save their future? (Goodreads)




My Thoughts

Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors, and I have been impatiently waiting for this book to release! I LOVE the setting, I so wish to visit Montana one day. I love the characters and the slight mystery that is woven throughout the book. Don't worry, there is a slight cliff hanger in which we must wait once again. While this isn't my favorite book written by Warren it certainly kept me up reading all night. I also love how the secondary characters don't seem so secondary and I was wrapped up in their saga throughout. 
Great writing and exciting new series! 
Five stars. 

Thanks to Revell for a free copy. All opinions are my own.  


















Tuesday, June 30, 2015

The Wonder of You Review


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About the Book
 
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 is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg 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. Amelia is the first woman to give 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? (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

I have loved this series from the start. This family is wonderful and I love how it takes me into their life. This book is my least favorite I am sad to say. It's still a good book and I like knowing what all the family is up to but the main storyline with Amelia just didn't draw me in. I do recommend reading this series in order because the storyline continues on in each book so it would be helpful. Amelia is young and has no idea what she wants do with her life. After leaving Europe she returns home more confused but maybe in love with a friend from high school. Then Roark shows up willing to risk it all for love. The whole love triangle was very dramatic and seemed to be long and drawn out to me. I thought the romance seemed forced and rushed and the ending just happens. I am curious to see if this storyline continues in the next book. I think what would have made it better is if there was a book written in between where Amelia and Roark are in Europe. I think it would have given me a better perspective of their relationship. Anyway, it's always great to catch up with the Christiansen  family and all of their adventures. I can't wait until the next book!
Four stars. 

"I received this book from Tyndale Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review."










Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Always On My Mind Book Review

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About the Book
 
 After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together? (Goodreads)

 My Review


This Christiansen series has been simply wonderful! This book focuses on Casper who a middle child and who got his heart broken in the previous book. I like this book because it's a bit different than the previous ones. This story line has a history to it and another past story line connected with Raina's new job. She starts going through an estate and finds an old journal that connects with a long lost story that no one in town believed to be true. I am not sure how I feel about Raina and Casper's relationship, I'm sure we will find new details in the next book. I felt like the book just ended but at least I know there is more to come.
This was a great continuation for this series!

Please start with the first book in the series and read them all if you haven't yet. 

"I received this book from Tyndale for free in exchange for an honest review."












Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Evergreen Book Review



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About the Book
 
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn't be more excited about this new season of life. He even has a surprise trip abroad planned. He's sure she'll love it. What's more romantic than Christmas in Paris?Before he can stop her, however, Ingrid agrees to spearhead a major church project. Then their faithful dog, Butterscotch, needs emergency surgery, draining their savings. And then--because disasters strike in threes--an unexpected guest arrives, dredging up old hurts.As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid's marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future. (Goodreads)


My Review

Once again Susan May Warren writes a captivating story. While this book is only a novella (208 pages) it really adds to the Christiansen family story! I love how in the previous books, Ingrid has written something to her children. In this book the focus is on her and John as they navigate the new season in their life. Their dog gets terribly sick but Butter holds a dear place in Ingrid's heart. John has great plans but the two are disagreeing on more things these days and much to their surprise a nephew joins the picture. There are a few details about their kids in this book but it is mainly about John and Ingrid. 
I love the seasonal setting around Christmas and Thanksgiving, great cozy read. If you haven't read the previous books I really hope you do! This book is a great addition and I can't wait to read the rest!


Five stars!
Look for this book in stores September 1st!

"I received this book from Tyndale for free in exchange for an honest review."














Wednesday, June 18, 2014

When I Fall In Love Book Review

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 About the Book

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet. (Goodreads)


My Review

I have loved this series from the first page of the first book. I usually am not into contemporary books much as historical but this series is wonderful. While I do think these books can be read separately, please don't! The same characters are in each book and they are so good!
This third book is about Grace who works at the pizza place in Deep Haven. She has dreams but they don't seem to be working out. She ends up going to Hawaii with a hockey player which neither of them wanted. 
I love the food and cooking in the book, it adds to the storyline. Grace's character is so easy to relate with I love her story. Max Sharpe is an interesting man and I enjoyed getting to know him. The romance is sweet but there are things under the surface that take a while to be resolved between the two. This book includes the romances from the previous couples and a lot of cooking challenges!
There is a side story in the book about Casper and Owen that had me wrapped up in life at Deep Haven.  It didn't distract from the main story and I think it will lead into another book. I love the Christiansen family I just want to jump into the book.
I loved this book and I loved how Warren intertwines the love of God.

Five stars.  

If you have read this series you must get this book, it comes out July 1, 2014! 

If this is a new book to you start reading the series!