I have read two books from the Christiansen Family Series by Susan May Warren, It Had to Be You and When I Fall in Love, and loved both of them. When I saw that there was a novella being released about the parents of the Christiansen family, I was excited to read it and find out a little bit more about these two who have raised these characters that I've grown to love. Here is the book info and what I thought:
Evergreen
(Christiansen Family)
by Susan May Warren
by Susan May Warren
Christian Contemporary Romance
Kindle Edition, 204 pages
September 1st 2014 by Tyndale House Publishers
Kindle Edition, 204 pages
September 1st 2014 by Tyndale House Publishers
Summary
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.
My Review
How the author, Susan May Warren, was able to embed so much emotion in this short novella about Ingrid and John Christiansen just amazes me. It was a longer novella in length at just over two hundred pages, but I felt like I really got to see inside these two characters' hearts. It was a beautiful story and one that I ended up loving.
I kind of already idolized these parents from this series and so it was tough seeing them struggle so much and hurt each other. I did get the most upset at Ingrid though, that she was being so bitter. I understood how she was feeling, but I didn't agree with what she was choosing to do, especially thinking that I would probably do the same thing or want to at least do the same thing if I had been in John's shoes. I saw how Romeo pushed some of the issues they were having and how he also brought them closer together.
The characters were all really well fleshed out and I wanted to cheer for them all. I also loved how the inspirational aspect was woven through the story. It was heartfelt and real and perfect for the situation and this family. I loved also the feelings of love that John and Ingrid have for one another and how they both remembered what it was like the first time they saw each other. A true love story, but a reminder that love can change, that it continues to take work, but that it is definitely worth it.
If you enjoy Christian romance or have enjoyed this series, I would definitely read Evergreen. I know it touched my heart and made me fall in love with this family even more, which I didn't know was even possible.
Content: Clean
Source: From the publisher through Edelweiss, which did not affect my review in any way.
I kind of already idolized these parents from this series and so it was tough seeing them struggle so much and hurt each other. I did get the most upset at Ingrid though, that she was being so bitter. I understood how she was feeling, but I didn't agree with what she was choosing to do, especially thinking that I would probably do the same thing or want to at least do the same thing if I had been in John's shoes. I saw how Romeo pushed some of the issues they were having and how he also brought them closer together.
The characters were all really well fleshed out and I wanted to cheer for them all. I also loved how the inspirational aspect was woven through the story. It was heartfelt and real and perfect for the situation and this family. I loved also the feelings of love that John and Ingrid have for one another and how they both remembered what it was like the first time they saw each other. A true love story, but a reminder that love can change, that it continues to take work, but that it is definitely worth it.
If you enjoy Christian romance or have enjoyed this series, I would definitely read Evergreen. I know it touched my heart and made me fall in love with this family even more, which I didn't know was even possible.
Content: Clean
Source: From the publisher through Edelweiss, which did not affect my review in any way.
About the Author
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. Visit MyBookTherapy.com to learn more.Do you have a favorite to share this week?
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