Tuesday, August 11, 2015

"love takes the cake" by besty st. amant

When Charlotte, a gun-shy single mom, becomes attracted to one of the customers at her bakery, she's sure her crush is "safe"--after all, the guy buys cookies for another woman each time he stops in. But when she learns that the "other woman" isn't who she seems, will Charlotte be open to risking her heart for a chance at happiness?

Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. 

She’s known for her delicious cakes, but there’s no recipe for dealing with the new man in her life. Charlotte owns the best bakery in Louisiana, and clients come from near and far for her renowned wedding cakes. And while the wedding scene is Charlotte’s place to shine, her own love life is more dull than ever. After a string of failed relationships—and men who actually were too good to be true—she has decided to throw herself into her craft and leave love and marriage to her clients. 


Will is a successful entrepreneur but devotes much of his spare time to caring for his sister. He deeply regrets his past mistakes, so he has done everything he can to guard his heart from relationships. And what girl would understand that he needs to spend all his time with his sister? But when his best friend calls in his help for his September wedding, Will can’t refuse. He's always been there for those closest to him. And when he finds out they don’t have a wedding cake yet, he knows exactly where to go—the bakery owned by the beautiful, mysterious young woman he buys treats from. 

Charlotte assumes Will is just another party boy who flirts with all the bridesmaids. But is Will hiding something that explains his behavior? And despite their reservations, will they be able to deny the chemistry between them?

In Love Takes the Cake, Charlotte and Will sort of stutter-step toward a relationship. She swore off charismatic, attractive men after being duped by her ex. He doesn't feel worthy of a good relationship, due to his past mistakes.

While Charlotte and Will's holdups could become annoying, St. Amant wrote the characters in such a way that their reservations were perfectly understandable. And the two certainly had chemistry, which made the novella that much more fun to read!

Sometimes novellas feel rushed or incomplete, but Love Takes the Cake was really the perfect length. The leads are well developed, and many of the supporting characters feel fully fleshed out, as well. (And can we please get a story about Will's sister Melissa next? I would absolutely love to read her love story!)

Love Takes the Cake is the fourth Besty St. Amant novel or novella that I've read, and I've enjoyed each one. She's definitely become a must-read author for me! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of St. Amant's A February Bride (4 stars), All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes (5 stars), and Love Arrives in Pieces (4-1/2 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Find Betsy online: website, Facebook


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, August 8, 2015

"hope harbor" by irene hannon

Fans of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series will want to check out Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor!

Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. Now she's home again--with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart. Romance is not on her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.


The instant I started reading Hope Harbor, I was reminded of Cedar Cove, the setting of many of Debbie Macomber's books (and the Hallmark Channel series of the same name). I love the Cedar Cove world, so the comparison is quite favorable. 

Hope Harbor is the story of three hurting people: Michael and Tracy, who both lost their spouses and carry a lot of guilt over their roles in the deaths, and Anna, who became a recluse after becoming estranged from her son. Though none are particularly ready to allow anyone else in, God (often through taco truck owner Charley) keeps throwing them together in ways that can't help but spur healing.

The novel moves fairly slowly, but it never becomes boring. Though there are serious subjects in the novel, the tone is light and breezy and warm. I did wish for more time with some of the other residents of Hope Harbor: one scene near the end of the novel involving Reverend Baker and Father Kevin, the town's two clergymen, had me snickering, and I wish their personalities had a chance to come through earlier on. Hopefully they, as well as other minor characters, will become more prominent in future novels. The next novel in the Hope Harbor series releases next summer, and you can bet I'll be looking for it! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.
Read an excerpt. 

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series, along with That Certain Summer and One Perfect Spring. Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist. IreneHannon.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Thursday, August 6, 2015

"among the fair magnolias" by alexander, gray, love & musser

While I generally prefer full-length novels, sometimes I just want a quick read—something I can get through in about an hour. Novellas like those in Among the Fair Magnolias often fit the bill.


In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women---destinies forged by birth, hearts steeled by war---face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love. 

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
Savannah Darby would do almost anything to revisit her family home. So when new owner, Aidan Bedford, a Boston attorney and former Union soldier, seeks to redecorate the house for his fiancée, Savannah jumps at the opportunity. But the clock is ticking. Can she find the box her father supposedly hid there during the war before her assignment is completed? And before she sees yet another battle lost on the home front. This time, one of the heart.
 

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he's determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother's homestead, he discovers she's very ill, and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.
 

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.
 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.


I picked up Among the Fair Magnolias after I'd finished reading a fairly intense novel, and the novellas inside were the perfect antidote to the heaviness I'd been dealing with. As is the case with most novella collections, I enjoyed some novellas more than others, but they all provided a nice diversion. 4 stars for the collection. Read on to see my thoughts on each of the novellas.

To Mend a Dream by Tamara Alexander is simply fantastic! I loved every second I spent reading it. Some novellas feel rushed, but this one didn't, yet neither did it drag. I do wish it had been longer, simply because I enjoyed the experience of reading it so much! Savannah and Aidan are so likeable, and Alexander did a fantastic job of building the chemistry between them in such a short period of time. The subplots of Savannah's search for hidden treasure and Aidan's desire to find his friend's home just add to the main "falling in love" plot. Wonderful story. 5 stars.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray features a man searching for redemption and the woman who has loved him since childhood. While I did enjoy this novella, it felt a bit too condensed—the bad guy was revealed quickly and easily, and I felt like things with him ended a bit anticlimactically. But the romance between Russell and Nora was sweet, and I liked the way Russell gained back the trust of the town. While this wasn't the most memorable of stories, I did enjoy it while I read it. 3 stars.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love is the one novella in this collection that I just couldn't get into. The villain was so evil, and I couldn't understand why Abigail refused to tell her parents the truth about him. I also didn't really care about Abigail and Wade's romance, perhaps because all of the falling in love happened prior to the beginning of the novella. It simply did not keep my interest. I did, however, enjoy reading about Abigail's mother. She was an intriguing character, and I'd be interested in learning more of her story. 2 stars.

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser is, well, not at all what I was expecting—in a good way! While there is some romance, the focus of the story is the danger and opposition the freedmen faced in Georgia during Reconstruction. Along with Emily, I wanted to shout from the rooftops that all men are created equal. (This may have to do with my recent viewing of Selma, but boy does racism get me fired up right now!) This is such a well written story that pulls on your heart! I did think Emily's affections shifted a bit suddenly, but overall, this novella was great. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book. 

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of numerous books including A Lasting Impression and The Inheritance. Tamera is a two-time Christy Award winner, two-time RITA winner, and a recipient of the prestigious Library Journal Award. A native of west Tennessee. website, Twitter, Facebook
 

Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. website, Twitter, Facebook

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray),
The Protector, recently made the New York Times best seller list. website, Twitter, Facebook

Elizabeth Musser, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, now living in France, is a novelist who writes what she calls 'entertainment with a soul.' For over 25 years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in mission work with International Teams. website, Twitter, Facebook


Four best-selling novelists bring tales of four Southern women who face near impossible choices on their journeys in life and in love during the most turbulent decade of our nation’s history in Among the Fair Magnolias. Don't miss this collection of stories from Tamera Alexander, Shelley Gray, Dorothy Love, and Elizabeth Musser.

Join the authors in celebrating the release of Among the Fair Magnolias by entering to win their Southern Hearts Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to their August 13th author chat party!

magnolias-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6
  • One copy of Among the Fair Magnolias
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/13. The winner will be announced at the Among the Fair Magnolias Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tamera, Dorothy, Shelley, and Elizabeth, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

magnolias-enterbanner

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 13th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

"married 'til monday" by denise hunter

Throughout the Chapel Springs Romance series, Denise Hunter has told the stories of the McKinley siblings. In Married 'til Monday, oldest brother Ryan finally gets his chance (or really his second chance) at romance.

With a big anniversary party in the works for her parents, Ryan will pretend to be Abby's husband for just one last weekend.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He's sulked, he's gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive 2-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she's finally succumbed to her mom's pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever. When he insists he's going to Seabrook, with or without her, Abby knows she can't say no. Her parents still think they're married and now Ryan knows it too. Besides, he only wants to check in with his best friend from college-her cousin Beau, who just lost his dad. It's just a one-week road-trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?

I have enjoyed every second I've spent reading the Chapel Springs series, and Married 'til Monday didn't break that trend. Married 'til Monday is quite different from the other books in the series though—it's not a bad thing, it's just different, and it almost didn't even feel like it was part of the same series, probably because the other McKinleys don't have a large role in the novel.

Most of Married 'til Monday takes place over a long weekend road trip. That setting allows for some comedy as, of course, things always go wrong on a road trip! So there's a lightheartedness to the novel that helps balance out some of the serious moments—and there are plenty of those, as Abby's past comes to light and Ryan tries to break down her walls.

While there are plenty of humorous and serious moments, one aspect of the novel stands out: romance. One of the hallmarks of Hunter's writing is sizzling chemistry between the hero and heroine, and that chemistry is certainly on display in Ryan and Abby's interactions! I ached for them to work things out and get back together; I was definitely invested in their journey.

I did feel like the novel drug on a bit once they returned home from their road trip, but that's a minor quibble. Married 'til Monday is a fantastic romance, and I can't wait to pick up Hunter's next novel! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of the other Chapel Springs books: Barefoot Summer (5 stars), A December Bride(4.5 stars), Dancing with Fireflies (5 stars), and The Wishing Season (5 stars).

Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.

Learn more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Monday, August 3, 2015

"crazy little thing called love" by beth k. vogt

Second chance at love stories are some of my favorites—especially ones that reunite couples after years apart. So I was thrilled to dive into Beth K. Vogt's latest, Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple's journey down the aisle to "I do."

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father's military career. She's overcome what her mother called "the biggest mistake of her life" and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

Crazy Little Thing Called Love is such a fun book! Combining friendship, romance, and a beautiful destination wedding, it is a joy to read from start to finish.

Vanessa and Logan are such likeable characters, and I couldn't help but pull for their happily ever after. I loved how Vogt gave a glimpse into their teenage romance between the pages of the present-day action, as it brought another level of understanding to the characters.

The minor characters—like Vanessa's friend Mindy, Logan's sister Caron, and Logan's team—are fleshed out and realistic, and I would love to see some of their stories continued in future novels.

I'd say more than a romance, this book represents Vanessa's journey to finding her place in the world. Yes, there is romance involved, but it's also about finding friends, forging relationships, and developing a vital relationship with Christ.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a great opening novel to Vogt's new Destination Wedding series—romance lovers won't want to miss it! 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the book.
See my reviews of Vogt's Wish You Were Here (5 stars), Catch a Falling Star (4-1/2 stars), A November Bride (4-1/2 stars), and Somebody Like You (5 stars).

Beth K. Vogt believes God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." A 2015 RITA® Finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist, Beth is a contemporary romance novelist with Howard Books. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher's Weekly's Best Books of 2014. In 2015 she introduced her destination wedding series with both an e-novella, Can't Buy Me Love, (May) and a novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love (June).

Visit Beth online: website, Facebook, Twitter


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, August 2, 2015

"this is not a test" by tobymac + giveaway

Release Date: August 7, 2015

In junior high and high school, I was obsessed with dc Talk. Obsessed. One of my biggest regrets is not ever seeing them live. I've now seen each member separately, but it's not quite the same. So I was thrilled—like fist pump, jump up and down ecstatic—when I learned that TobyMac's new album would feature a track with dc Talk. And then when an invitation to review said album showed up in my inbox, I hit reply so fast it would have made your head spin!


This Is Not A Test  (Deluxe Edition) Songs:
1. Like a Match
2. Backseat Driver (featuring Hollyn & TRU)
3. This Is Not a Test (featuring Capital Kings)
4. Lights Shine Bright (featuring Hollyn)
5. Til the Day I Die (featuring NF)
6. Feel It (featuring Mr. Talkbox)
7. Move (Keep Walkin')
8. Love Broke Thru
9. Beyond Me
10. Love Feels Like (featuring dc Talk)
11. Undeniable
12. Lift You Up (featuring Ryan Stevenson)
13. Fall
14. Beyond Me (Phenomenon Remix)
15. Like a Match (Garcia's Remix)

If you're anything like me, your first question regarding the album is, "How's the dc Talk track?"

In a word: Awesome.

Basically, "Love Feels Like" is all the best parts of dc Talk rolled into one. It sounds like it would fit very well on the Jesus Freak or Supernatural albums. Each guy gets a chance to do his thing, and it's just fantastic. The song is incredibly catchy, and there is no doubt it's dc Talk.

The rest of the album is great, too. I especially like "Backseat Driver," featuring Hollyn (who I'd never heard of before) and TRU (TobyMac's son, previously known as Trudog). "Beyond Me" is great, too—and chances are good you've already heard it if you listen to any Christian radio. Really, I like every song on this album, and I think it's going to give Portable Sounds a run for its money as my favorite TobyMac album! 5 stars.

Now here's the part you've been waiting for: I get to give a copy of this awesome CD to one of my readers! Just enter through the Rafflecopter below.

Giveaway rules: Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Contest is open in the US and CANADA only. Winner will be selected at random using Rafflecopter.com and will have 48 hours to respond to email notification, or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Preorder the album on iTunes and get four songs instantly! 


Toby McKeehan (known professionally as TobyMac) is a husband, father, performer, songwriter, producer, and businessman. Growing up in the northern Virginia suburbs adjacent to Washington D.C. helped instill his love for rap music. While attending Liberty University during the mid 80s, Toby met Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith, and these three friends formed the Grammy winning, platinum selling group dc Talk. Toby began his solo career in 1999 with his first solo album, Momentum, releasing in 2001. Momentum has been followed by four additional studio albums, Welcome to Diverse City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight (2010), and Eye On It (2012), along with his first live album, Alive and Transported (2008). This Is Not A Test is his 6th studio album to be released. Starting with dc Talk, and then going solo when the group disbanded, Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience, and - perhaps most relevant of all - the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going. "It's the truth," he says. "I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I believe God can use a song to open someone's mind and heart."

OFFICIAL WEBSITE
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FEEL IT GIVEAWAY 


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

"the wonder of you" by susan may warren

The Wonder of You continues Susan May Warren's wonderful Christiansen Family series.

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?

The overarching theme in The Wonder of You is pursuing the life God has called you to, wherever that may be and however that life may look.

After returning home from Europe with her heart broken, Amelia wonders if God's plans for her really include more than Deep Haven. Maybe she should settle down with Seth, her high school boyfriend, and live out her days in Deep Haven. But her heart continues pulling her toward Roark, even though she's not sure she can fully trust him. She struggles to understand what God wants for her.

Max Sharpe, Grace Christiansen's fiance, also struggles to understand God's plan for his life. Knowing he faces declining health and eventually death due to Huntington's disease, he decided that children could not be in his future. But when an orphan practically falls into Grace's lap, Max begins to realize that God may have something bigger in mind for him and Grace.

I love the way that Susan May Warren seamlessly weaves spiritual truth into a completely gripping family drama. One thing that has stuck with me, even several days after finishing the book, is a conversation that Amelia has with her best friends about following God's call. One of her friends says that if God called her to missions, she would just say no—after all, people say no to God all the time. That got me thinking—in what ways have I said no to God, and how much richer would my life be if I had said yes? Food for thought, for sure.

Of course, I enjoyed the novel for more than the deep thinking it provoked! The romance between Amelia and Roark was sweet (if a bit frustrating at times), and I loved how Roark fit into the Deep Haven community. I also enjoyed looking in on most of the other Christiansens again, as well as Jensen and Claire (from Take a Chance on Me).

Though it was the "B" plot of the novel, I absolutely adored the story surrounding Max and Grace. They are my favorite of the couples so far, so I was thrilled to jump back into their story and see how their relationship progressed since they fell in love in When I Fall in Love.

I feel like a broken record whenever I review one of the Christiansen Family books because I have only good things to say about them! This is a series that you absolutely don't want to miss, and The Wonder of You is just as gripping as all the preceding books in the series. 5 stars.

Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other Christiansen Family novels: When I Fall in Love (5 stars), Evergreen (5 stars), and Always on my Mind (5 stars).

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives. She also runs a writing community for authors. 

Find Susan online: website, My Book Therapy, Twitter, Facebook


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."