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

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

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

Read an Excerpt

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

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.

Top Ten Tuesday: Recently Acquired Books

For future Top Ten Tuesday topics & info on how to participate, click here!

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Week's Topic: Top Ten Books I've Recently Acquired. 

I've gotten a lot of books lately, so I'll do my best to give you the most recent 10.

I've got some really exciting book reviews coming up! I can't wait to get to all of these wonderful books. Happy Tuesday, everyone!

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

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD 

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

Weekend Wrap Up (July 10) - Friday Memes

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

What I've Read: 

 

Reviews Posted: 

A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley

What I'm Currently Reading: 

 

What's Up Next: 

 

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"It would be the most perfect day of her brother Darek's life. Even if Grace Christiansen had to personally hand-dip two hundred strawberries." When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren

My Thoughts: I want some chocolate dipped strawberries! On a serious note, I have heard phenomenal things about this book from a couple of my friends who just finished and I can't wait to delve in.

Gone Without a Trace by Patricia Bradley

Overview: The past is repeating itself–and time is running out.

It’s been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds’s cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator’s missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she’s finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she’ll have to find a way to work with Alex–before it’s too late.

ISBN-13: 9780800722821 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group 

Publication date: 07/07/2015 | Series:Logan Point Series, #3

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: This is one of the best suspense books I've read in a long time. Patricia Bradley writes a gripping story, that had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails until the very end. I was kept guessing right along with the characters, and I really loved that about the story. It was fast paced and exciting from beginning to end.

I loved the characters. The depth and emotional development of each character was expertly woven throughout the story. I was deeply involved in Livy and Alex's relationship with each other and their fathers. I could relate to having a rocky relationship with your parent. Robyn's story tugged at my heart strings and I longed to just give her a hug. The romance between Livy and Alex was underplayed, but I liked that. The focus of the story was on the investigation, as it should have been.

The message of the story, to me, was about fear. Livy, Alex, and Robyn let fear rule their lives, each to a different degree. Overcoming our fears can be very difficult, but rewarding in the end. Each character overcomes their fears, and even though I began to doubt it for a minute, the ending was rewarding.

Overall, I'm glad I got to visit Logan Point again and look forward to more by this awesome author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads blogging program in exchange for my honest review*

About the Author: Honoring God through my writing is top priority for this Mississippi Writer.

I am a Romantic Suspense writer living in the Deep South. My short-stories have been published inWoman’s World, and I am releasing my fourth book this summer. Gone Without a Trace is book three in the Logan Point Series which is set in Memphis and the surrounding area. Click here to find out more about the Logan Point Series.

Book one in the Logan Point Series, Shadows from the Past, has won several awards…the 2008 Maggie (Inspirational Category)…1st Place in the 2012 Touched By Love and Daphne du Maurier contests…finaled in the 2012 Genesis…bronzed in the Frasier.

I’ve also done the unthinkable–written a straight romance–who would’ve thought it’d be such fun? You can read more about it here.

I’m also an abstinence/healthy relationship speaker and have spoken to many students…and adults. I would love to have the opportunity to speak to your group. If you are would like to invite me to speak, feel free to contact me here.

When I’m not writing or speaking, I throw mud on a wheel and try to make something beautiful.

Connect with Patricia: Twitter | Facebook | Website

A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

Overview: Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar? 

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back. But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

ISBN-13: 9780310339205 | Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 06/24/2014 | Series: A Year of Weddings Novellas, #7

Buy It: B&N | Amazon | CBD

My Review: The only stories I've read by Beth Wiseman were in the form of Amish novellas, so this was a very different experience for me.There was a little I liked, and a lot I didn't like. t was heartfelt and sweet. I loved Brendan's pursuit of Alyssa. He knew he messed up, he confessed, and he did all he could to win her back. Sometimes his antics were hilarious. Alyssa was a borderline character for me. There were moments in the story that I really liked her and related, and there were moments I wanted to shake her! I DID NOT like her involvement with Dalton at all. It was obvious from the beginning that she shouldn't be with him, but she persisted anyway. For a Christian Fiction novella, this story references sexual thoughts quite a bit. One part of me liked the open and honestness of that because it made it more life like, and another part of me didn't like it. Overall, I did like the story, but it's not my favorite of the series.

About the Author: Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman