The Wonder of You
(Christiansen Family #5)
by Susan May Warren
by Susan May Warren
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 390 Pages
June 18th 2015 by Thomas Nelson
Summary
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?
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
THE WONDER OF YOU focuses on the baby of the Christiansen family, Amelia, and her struggle with figuring out who she is, where she wants to be, and who she will love. It was sweet with plenty of drama and humor. Recommended to those who enjoy this series and inspirational romance.
I loved coming back home to this family! I love all the brothers and sisters and seeing where they all are at in their lives. I wasn't quite sure about Amelia. I didn't feel like she came across as a really strong character in prior books so she was a bit of an enigma. She finally gets the spotlight in this book. I liked her, but I struggled with her indecisiveness in regard to the two men in her life. I loved her friends and I how she was trying to figure things out. She came home rather confused and definitely had some things to work out. She was kind of at the point of coming into her own and we see her shine in the end.
What didn't work for me in this situation was the whole pitting of the homeboy versus the new guy. It seemed really juvenile on both the guys' and on Amelia's part. I rarely like love triangles, but this one was just too much. Plus, I saw so many flashing warning signs for one of the guys and I didn't know why Amelia or her family weren't kicking the guy to the curb already. There was also quite a large inspirational aspect. When it starts to feel unnatural or preachy then that can turn me off. I want it to be woven into the story where it feels just right and that was missing a little for me here.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed the story. It's wasn't my favorite of the series, but I was happy to see what Amelia's happily-ever-after might look like.
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss, but read purchased copy, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I loved coming back home to this family! I love all the brothers and sisters and seeing where they all are at in their lives. I wasn't quite sure about Amelia. I didn't feel like she came across as a really strong character in prior books so she was a bit of an enigma. She finally gets the spotlight in this book. I liked her, but I struggled with her indecisiveness in regard to the two men in her life. I loved her friends and I how she was trying to figure things out. She came home rather confused and definitely had some things to work out. She was kind of at the point of coming into her own and we see her shine in the end.
What didn't work for me in this situation was the whole pitting of the homeboy versus the new guy. It seemed really juvenile on both the guys' and on Amelia's part. I rarely like love triangles, but this one was just too much. Plus, I saw so many flashing warning signs for one of the guys and I didn't know why Amelia or her family weren't kicking the guy to the curb already. There was also quite a large inspirational aspect. When it starts to feel unnatural or preachy then that can turn me off. I want it to be woven into the story where it feels just right and that was missing a little for me here.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed the story. It's wasn't my favorite of the series, but I was happy to see what Amelia's happily-ever-after might look like.
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss, but read purchased copy, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
You're the One That I Want
(Christiansen Family #6)
by Susan May Warren
by Susan May Warren
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages
February 1st 2016 by Tyndale
Summary
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.
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT was a heartbreakingly sweet story. Owen plays the prodigal son who just wants so much for things to be better and for him to redeem himself. There was chaos, restitution to make, and some crazy family love. A great ending to the series and one where readers will get to see all the whole Christiansen family together one last time.
I loved the opening of this story!. The first scene and the few that follow might be my favorite of the entire series. I already loved Owen and was hoping he would find redemption, but I fell in love with him even more in this story. I immediately fell in love with Elise. She was Owen's match in every way and Owen and his family was exactly where she belonged. There romance was quite a roller-coaster, but I definitely enjoyed the ride.
The thing that was slightly off for me with this one was the whole criminal case against Casper. Some members of the family kind of lost it, which I get to an extent, but I also expect them to act consistent with their characters. The investigative aspect also seem a little forced. Those would be my only complaints.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really loved this story, for the most part. It brought out all the feels (I really did not like Casper there for a little bit and about wanted to cry for Elise and for Owen) and ended so perfectly.
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss and NetGalley, but read a purchased copy, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I loved the opening of this story!. The first scene and the few that follow might be my favorite of the entire series. I already loved Owen and was hoping he would find redemption, but I fell in love with him even more in this story. I immediately fell in love with Elise. She was Owen's match in every way and Owen and his family was exactly where she belonged. There romance was quite a roller-coaster, but I definitely enjoyed the ride.
The thing that was slightly off for me with this one was the whole criminal case against Casper. Some members of the family kind of lost it, which I get to an extent, but I also expect them to act consistent with their characters. The investigative aspect also seem a little forced. Those would be my only complaints.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really loved this story, for the most part. It brought out all the feels (I really did not like Casper there for a little bit and about wanted to cry for Elise and for Owen) and ended so perfectly.
Content: Clean
Source: Received an eARC through Edelweiss and NetGalley, but read a purchased copy, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books in the Series
(Linked to my review, if available.)
Have you read any of these or Warren's other books? Do you have a favorite?
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