You're The One That I Want by Susan May Warren

You’re the One That I Want

Christiansen Family, Book 6
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
2016
ISBN: 9781414378466

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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My Review: I don’t even know where to begin in reviewing this fantastic book… From start to finish, I was caught hook, line, and sinker. What I like best about Susan May Warren’s books are the depth of emotions, love, loyalty, faith and family dynamics that make the characters jump off the page. They seem so real (I secretly want to be a part of the Christiansen clan!).

Oh, Owen! Watching him struggle to accept that grace that God has given him so freely through the book is so hard! I just wanted to hug him. Warren did an amazing job showing us how complicated and messy his life was, giving us glimpses of the “old” and “new” Owen. Then there’s Scotty. Boy, she is one complicated woman! But her fierce loyalty to Owen is exactly what’s needed to begin an awesome romance.

I’m so glad that Owen’s story was last. I don’t think Susan May Warren could have ended an amazing series any better (but I really hope this isn’t the end!). She brought the prodigal home, restored the family relationships that were broken, and most importantly taught each character about embracing their past, their faith, and putting their trust in God. I loved this series and would highly recommend it to anyone!

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over fifty novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

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The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

Overview: 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?

ISBN-13: 9781414378459 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 07/01/2015 | Series: Christiansen Family Series

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My Review: Susan May Warren has delivered another smash hit in the Christiansen family series. The Wonder of You is a wonderful novel. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The plot was well planned and penned perfectly. It kept my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed the banter between the Christiansen clan, as well as the competition between the two men vying for Amelia's love. I also really enjoyed catching up with Grace and Max. The little bit that was said about them made me love them even more than I did from reading When I Fall in Love. 

I really enjoyed Amelia's character. Her struggle to find her place in the world - and her own family - had me rooting for her from page one. Throughout a lot of the book, her view of herself as a failure colors her decisions. It isn't until she surrenders to God that she changes, and I am glad I was along for the ride. The same can be said about Roark. He is refined, charming, and handsome, but for most of the story, he's "happily miserable" (that's the only way I can think to describe it). Watching him surrender to the wonder and magic of God's love is one of the sweetest things I've read in a while. Their romance is rocky, fun, and wonderful.

The message of the story, for both characters, is about running from God out of fear of the unknown. It isn't until both characters recognize that their running and STOP, that they can embrace the wonder of God's unending love. Sometimes, pursuing God's vision can be scary. Neither character can see where the future will bring them. As the author so aptly states, "pursuing God's vision requires faith in GOD to work it out."

Overall, if you're looking for a wonderful romance about God's pursuit of His children, this is the book for you!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale House Blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

Connect with Susan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Always on my Mind by Susan May Warren

Overview: 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?

ISBN-13: 9781414378442 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 01/01/2015 | Series: Christiansen Family Series

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My Review: What can I say about this book? I have no words to describe how magnificent I thought it was. There is a different feel to this book than the other three in the series. While each book, so far, has dealt with some pretty heavy issues, they have managed to remain positive and bright (in my opinion). This book, however, was hard to get through because it was so sad! That didn't diminish my enjoyment, just made me have to pause from time to time to get my bearings and it made the ending so much sweeter!

Raina and Casper had me wrapped up in their story from their introduction in When I Fall in Love. This book literally picks up where the third one ended. I loved Casper from page one. His sweet, tender, loving heart and his adventurous spirit completely captivated me. Raina was a much deeper character. She was wounded, angry, bitter, and hurt. Her mistakes seemed insurmountable to her, so she just pushes everyone away and takes what she thinks she deserves. I did not like Monte from the moment he stepped on the scene. Raina and Casper have a very complicated love story. The title aptly describes their feelings and thoughts towards one another, even though they fight it.

The best part of the story was the message. God's specialty is finding lost treasure, just like Casper does. Casper's part in Raina's life, as Darek describes it, is to be light. Raina has to come to accept that fact that she is valuable and treasured to God on her own. To sum it up, "there is no life bigger than the one lived, every day, in awe of God. God showing up in our lives to love us despite ourselves. That is a treasure we can find every single day."

Overall, this was a wonderful edition to the Christiansen Family series. From the epilogue, I'm intrigued to see what happens in Amelia's life, next!

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of  www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

Overview: 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.

ISBN-13: 9781414378435 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 06/20/2014 | Series: Christiansen Family Series, #3

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My Review: From the very beginning of the Christiansen Family series, I have been in love. This book proves to be no exception. Susan May Warren has a way of writing that pulls me in and doesn't let me go until the very end. I get wrapped up in the story. I even got a little angry when I had to put the book down and do my job! Grace and Max's story started out a little on the slow side for me, but I quickly warmed up to it and didn't want it to end.

Grace is such a sweet character. Her fear of the unknown is one a lot of people can relate to. I know I certainly can. I loved watching her step outside of her box, her comfort zone, and blossom. Max was an intriguing character. It amazed me how he could turn from cold to warm in an instant, all because of his fear of his future and his feelings. Watching the two wrestle their feelings for each other was as frustrating for me as it was for them, and I enjoyed every second of it.

The message of the story, for both characters, has to do with overcoming your fears to live the life that God intends for you to live. I think it can be summed up in these two quotes (don't worry, they aren't plot spoiling quotes):

"The amazing, whole, overwhelming, abundant life is found, oddly, by letting go. By living a dangerous faith -- the kind of faith that believes in a God who knows our hearts and loves us enough to take our breath away."

"Suffering can either destroy you or it can save you. Because without suffering, we don't need more; we have enough. But when we suffer, we can't help but reach out [to God}."

Overall, I enjoyed this addition to the Christiansen Family series and can't wait to read more about Casper and Raina!

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

Connect with Susan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

It Had To Be You by Susan May Warren

Overview: Eden Christiansen never imagined her role as her younger brother Owen’s cheerleader would keep her on the sidelines of her own life. Sure, it feels good to be needed, but looking after the reckless NHL rookie leaves little time for Eden to focus on her own career. She dreamed of making a name for herself as a reporter, but is stuck writing obits—and starting to fear she doesn’t have the chops to land a major story. If only someone would step up to mentor Owen . . . but she knows better than to expect help from team veteran and bad-boy enforcer Jace Jacobsen.

Jace has built his career on the infamous reputation of his aggressive behavior—on and off the ice. Now at a crossroads about his future in hockey, that reputation has him trapped. And the guilt-trip he’s getting from Eden Christiansen isn’t making things any easier. But when Owen’s carelessness leads to a career-threatening injury and Eden stumbles upon a story that could be her big break, she and Jace are thrown together . . . and begin to wonder if they belong on the same team after all.

ISBN-13: 9781414378428 | Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication date: 1/17/2014 | Series: Christiansen Family Series, #2

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My Review: I'm so glad I picked up the Christiansen Family Series. Susan May Warren is an amazing writer. It takes skill to pack such emotionally charged characters into a story that is compelling and interesting. It Had to be You makes you examine your own life and the relationships in it. I was invested in Eden's story from page one, and couldn't wait to see how it would end.

I can relate a lot to Eden. There was a time in my life where I put my hopes, dreams, and future on hold to help my sister until I realized I was on the sidelines of my own life. That's why I like Eden so much. She is kind, caring, compassionate, fiery, and loyal. Jace Jacobsen comes off to me as a first class jerk in the beginning. Throughout the story, however, I learned to love him as a normal guy with normal issues hiding behind a tough exterior. For Eden, it had to be Jace who could help her realize her potential as a writer and reach into the recesses of her heart. For Jace, it had to be Eden who made him see that God loves him despite his faults or failures and break the tough-guy, bad boy barrier to see the real him.

The message of the story, as I learned in researching the book for review, is about letting go. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to let them go. Let them make their own mistakes, so you can make yours. I think that's why God allows situations to come into our lives. If we let go of ourselves and stop trying to fix it on our own, then God can step in.

Overall, It Had to be You was the perfect addition to the Christiansen Family series and I'm super excited to start the next book. 

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

Connect with Susan: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren

Overview: 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.

ISBN 10: 1414378416

ISBN 13: 978-1414378411

A Christiansen Family Novel – Book 1

Tyndale House Publishers

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My Review: I am so glad I took a chance on this novel. I absolutely loved it! The story gripped my heart from beginning to end. Following the lives of 3 best friends and a new comer was interesting, exciting, and at times heartbreaking. The events that led each character to where they are at this point in time were each traumatizing in it's own way, but watching them grow, triumph, and overcome their pasts gave me immense satisfaction in the story.

I loved Ivy, Claire, Jensen, and Darek. Their characters were uniquely complex, though they struggled with much of the same emotions. The author did an excellent job of layering their pasts and presents to add emotional clarity and depth to the story. At times, I felt like Ivy and Darek's relationship was rushed, but it made sense in a way (I know, that's confusing, but that's how I felt). Ivy and Darek have to decide whether or not to take a chance on each other, despite their emotional scars and baggage. Tiger's antics lent a light air to an otherwise deep and emotional plot. I just wanted to squeeze that little boy!

Each character has to overcome bitterness, anger, and emotional scars that have tainted their lives.Everyone feels like someone else has wronged them at some point in our lives. It's what we do with those feelings that can shape our futures.As the author states in her note to the reader, "we live in a blame world." There is no mercy, grace, or forgiveness. We cannot redeem ourselves. Only God can. That's what grace is. When we accept his grace, we also accept his mercy and forgiveness. Then we can learn to be more like Christ in our lives, forgiving others, and extending mercy and grace to those who we feel have wronged us. Ivy, Claire, Jensen, and Darek each have to learn to accept those things in different ways for their lives to be full of the joy and love the Lord has for them.

Overall, I loved this story. I can't say enough good things about it and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

About the Author: Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning novelist of over thirty novels. A five-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. You can find her online atwww.susanmaywarren.com.

Connect with Susan: Website | Facebook | Twitter