You’re the One that I Want

Posted on August 24, 2017 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale
Genre: Christian Fiction
Source: Purchased

Goodreads: 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.

Ope’s Opinion: If are affiliated with a church library – this series should be in that library. This is the 6th of the series. You can read any of them alone, but they are so much better if you start from the beginning. All the characters are in each book.

God is definitely in the center of this book and the characters lives in the story. What I think I like most is the characters have flaws and bad things happen, so you can relate to them. Not every character is on board with God either – seems more real.

It is sad to see this series end. It such a wonderful family with great stories. I will be looking for Susan May Warrens next book.

The Wonder of You

Posted on August 21, 2017 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian Fiction
Source: Purchased

Goodreads: Mortified after her year abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough to embrace 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 place mean leaving home behind?

Ope’s Opinion: Another wonderful story from the Christiansen family. It is awesome to read, keeps me on my toes and makes me want to come back to read when I have to put it down.

Reading about Amelia was a fun, sweet story. The adventures and suspense were what I expect from Susan May Warren – always keeps me holding my breath!

I will be starting the next ( and final ) one as soon as I am done writing this review!! What an awesome series.

This Just In….

Posted on April 9, 2016 by opesopinions

All these books came from Amazon.

Published: February 2, 2016
Publisher: Berkley

Goodreads: When their mother dies, sisters Jules, Brooke, and Lexi breathe a collective sigh of relief. Their days of being hurt and controlled by Juliana Alexander are over.

It turns out, Juliana isn’t about to let a little detail like death stop her.

The three estranged sisters expect to inherit their mom’s beat-up car and outdated condo. Instead, they discover there’s a fortune waiting to be claimed—one they knew nothing about. But in classic Juliana fashion, there’s a catch. Three of them, to be exact.

Now Jules, Brooke, and Lexi find themselves forced to rely on one another in order to become the women their mother wanted them to be. With millions of dollars on the line and as many obstacles in the way, they embark on a hilarious journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the real meaning of wealth.

Saw this on Book Fan Mary’s blog. Her review made me want to read this!

Goodreads: The Wonder of You
Published: June 18, 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Mortified after her year abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough to embrace 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.

Goodreads: You’re the One That I Want
Published: February 1, 2016
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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.

I have been reading Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family
from the very beginning. I do not want to miss one of her books!
This series is one of the best. Each book is better then the one before.

Just something to go along with my book reading!
Smells so very good!!

Always on My Mind

Posted on January 24, 2015 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Genre: Christian Fiction
Source: Shelf of Kristin of
Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads: 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?

Ope’s Opinion: This is my first book off my daughter Kristin of Kritters Ramlbings shelf. My challenge this year is to read one book a month off her shelf. Well, this is an awesome way to start the year. This book was very, very good.

If you have not read Susan May Warren, you should check her books out. The Christiansen family has been fun to follow. This is the fourth book. It is helpful to read the other three, but Susan May Warren does a really good job of catching you up, if this is your first book.

Raina and Casper are the center of this book, but the rest of the family has a lot going on. It was fun to see all the stories advanced.

I would have given this book five chairs, but I felt like Raina’s and Caspers on and off relationship drug out just a little long for me. It was obvious they were in love.

I am really looking forward to her next book on the Christiansen family.

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Evergreen

Posted on December 23, 2014 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Genre: Holiday
Source: Purchased

Goodreads: 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.

Ope’s Opinion: God gave me a snowy day to relax and read this book. It was a perfect reminder of what this season is really all about.

The Christiansen family has been one of my favorite families to follow. This Christmas book followed the family through a difficult time. The story showed that families come in all sizes and are made up of the people that are around you. Empty nests don’t have to feel so empty. I can relate as an empty nester too.

Susan May Warren wrote: ” The magic of a good-bye – it makes way for something new. An unexpected hello.” That is such a great reminder. As one part of your life moves on or changes, it opens up for a new part.

I love the fact that this series is a faith based family, yet I never feel preached at or condemned. It shows God’s love, acceptance and guidance.

Rating: Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…
And read again and again and again…..

When I Fall in Love

Posted on September 24, 2014 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Source: Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads: 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.

Ope’s Opinion: Reading a Susan May Warren book is like opening the door on a spring day.
– The story is fresh.
– The Characters slowly open.
– The setting is inviting.

Susan May Warren is consistent. I know when I open a book by her I will be in for an awesome journey. This book is like her others. It is such a breath of fresh air to read a story about characters who do not use foul language and no explicit sex scenes. There are real relationships in this book. People who want to know and care about each other.

From page one, I wanted to just sit on my deck and keep reading until the last page was flipped, then I wanted to start another Susan May Warren book!! As long as she writes I will be reading!

Rating: Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…..

It Had To Be You

Posted on May 12, 2014 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads: 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.

Ope’s Opinion: This is the second book of the Christiansen Family. It is so captivating from the beginning to the very end. I enjoyed not only the main characters, but all the secondary people as well.

Eden and Jace feel like real people with flaws and misunderstandings. It is a predictable story of their romance, but the bumps along the way made me not want to put the book down.

Susan May Warren brought God into the story without making it feel preachy or pushy. You could see the characters question their faith and question God. You could also see their faith grow in each other and in God.

I am ready for another Susan May Warren book!

Rating: Five Chairs – This book is so good it will be passed on and on and on …..

I Really Do Miss Your Smile

Posted on May 9, 2014 by opesopinions

Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Susan May Warren Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kitters Ramblings

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.

Ope’s Opinion: This was a perfect prequel to the Christiansen family. It was a sweet read. It amazes me how even with a few words Susan May Warren can convey such a deep wonderful love story.

If you aren’t sure you would like Christian Fiction – this the book to read. It is a short and full story, but not pushy with faith. Warren always does a great job of making it known that God is there in such a gentle way.

Now I am ready to see how the Christiansen family continues.