Friday, January 6, 2017

The Wonder of You


GIVEAWAY

WARREN, SUSAN MAY
THE WONDER OF YOU

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 fame, 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?

My Review:

Double the romance and double the angst makes for a tummy churning read packed with lots of emotion. Not only do we get Amelia and Roark's  tumultuous romance but a continuation of Max and Grace's love story carried over from When I Fall in Love. And once again I came away from the read with a bruised heart that still feels tender. And I might currently be hiccupping shuddering sighs after a biblio-induced crying jag. There was one sub-plot that just pushed all my buttons. Sniffle.

Oddly enough, that leaves me feeling replete. Saturated in the euphoria of true love that comes in many forms -- including from on high. Because one of the things I enjoy the most about Susan May Warren's books is the way she embeds faith into every nuance of the story. It's never overdone, but she doesn't mince words either. Early on in the story, Amelia's mother gives her some sage advice: to center her heart on Jesus and once she does that everything else will come into focus. Ingrid (mom) rocks! I love how she handles her brood of unruly adult children and is quick to provide council when necessary (even when it's unwanted.) And she doesn't pull any punches.

Roark is...fainting couch worthy. Tall, dark and handsome with the extra thrill of a James Bond accent. Is it any wonder I fell for him? Or that Amelia did? Twice actually -- once abroad and then all over again when he high tails it to her small town in hot pursuit of the love that got away. Be. Still. My. Heart. Purposeful. Deliberate...Desperate! And wounded. Can we all utter a collective sigh over the deep attraction we feel for a wounded hero? I was cheering from the sidelines the whole read.

Amelia is perfectly portrayed as the baby of the family. With all those protective older siblings barely giving her room to breathe, she's had a hard time striking out on her own and lacks in confidence. Except when she's with Roark. But she's conflicted and I'll warn you right now, there's a love triangle that about drove me crazy! Can you say triple angst pile up? I don't think my heart or my pulse will ever be the same.

This is as much a family saga as it is a love story. Rich in drama and laughter and wickedly good dialogue. And once you reach the end you'll be wondering how to survive until the next Christiansen Family novel makes it way onto your TBR pile.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Wonder of You please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the  subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 8 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

29 comments:

  1. Ok you seriously have my attention at "James Bond accent"!

    I've just recently discovered Susan's writing and have quickly inhaled, devoured and gorged on both Wild Montana Skies and Rescue Me and am not so patiently waiting until July for A Matter of Trust! She has great skills at completely captivating you in her novels and leaving you excruciatingly anxious at awaiting the next installment. I also love her strong faith-themes that shine in the characters messy and all too real lives. Beautifully written stories that capture you heart and soul!

    Now that I've waxed quite poetic, please toss my name in for this book! Someone told me I simply must read the Christiansen family series, they aren't to be missed! :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Yes, you definitely need to get acquainted with the Christiansens, Trixi....if your heart and nerves can take all those roller coaster rides. LOL Good luck!

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  2. Looks like a great book I have another one from her but I haven't had a chance to read it yet thanks for the chance to win iamabho (@) gmail (.) com

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  3. Double the good, it sounds like with this one! Thank you, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  4. This looks great! I've never seen this series before, but I'm eager to look up the rest now and put them on my to-read list!
    Elly -Indiana-

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  5. Can I copy what Trixi said? lol Love her way with words as I do yours, Kav. I started reading SM Warren's books before social media...buying her latest at my local Christian bookstore and hurrying hone in my car sneaking perks over at the neat little bag they put it in. Like I was carrying home a treasure and to me it was! Please put my name in the hat and thank you for the opportunity!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. sneaking peeks not perks. Gotta love auto correct. :/

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    2. LOL -- yes,Susan May Warren books are pure treasure, aren't they? I'm like you when I've bought a new book. Can't get it in the house without sneaking peeks and a little book hugging. LOL Good luck, Diana.

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    3. LOL! Non-book lovers would definitely not understand those loving glances. They sure don't understand my horror when they say they never read! (Gasp!)

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  6. One of my favorite authors. Just starting the Montana Rescue series.....would love to read this one.
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. I'm excited that the second Montana Rescue series is coming out soon. She's a wonderful author. Good luck, Mindy.

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  7. Sounds great. Thank you.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  8. This is one of my favorite series! I'd love to have a print copy in my personal library to loan out to friends (and get them hooked too...) ;) Great review! You perfectly expressed what I love about books like this that wrap me in so completely.

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks, Heidi. Isn't it wonderful to discover this kind of book and see the consistency in a whole series? And yes -- definitely need a print copy. And how noble of you to be willing to share. :-) Good luck!

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  9. This is such a fabulous series. You will want to read all the books, in order, to get the ultimate satisfaction.

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    1. I just have one more to go...Owen's story. Gulp. More angst ahead.

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  10. Sounds amazing! This one definitely goes on the wish list. Thanks for the chance and the review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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  11. Not entering the giveaway because I've read this one, but I totally agree with you. The series is charming, and I like how each book focuses on a different member of the family.
    Dianna G.

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    1. And yet she still gives us glimpses of the other characters too. Love the Christiansens thhhiiiiisssss much!

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  13. This looks and sounds like a great one. I'm looking forward to reading this series. Thanks for this review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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