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| GIVEAWAY |
TYING THE KNOT
Anne Lundstrom is running from her past. But it's about to catch up.
Anne thought she'd escaped her painful memories when she left her job as an EMT and moved out of the city into the quiet town of Deep Haven. She certainly never expected to get roped into helping Noah Standing Bear run his summer camp for inner-city kids. Yet Noah has a charisma she can't ignore, and romance is in the air.
But when the very danger she was trying to escape threatens her peaceful haven -- and her life -- Anne must find the courage to face her fears and embrace the one man who can help her understand her past.
My Review:
Originally published in 2003.
I think this is one of the earliest Christian Fiction novels I've read so far and I noticed a few differences in the genre now that more than a decade has passed. The most obvious is the solid inspirational thread that boldly shares faith and scripture throughout the read. It's not overdone or preachy, but it is deeply embedded in the text. There is no way you can mistake this for anything but a Christian novel. One of my favourite takeaways in that respect is this gem of wisdom: "God doesn't deal in fair. He deals in hope." (p 277)
And despite some dire circumstances and painful pasts, that's what Anne and Noah's story delivers. Hope. And goodness, are they ever in need of it. This hero and heroine are definitely heading in opposite life directions. They are miles apart on all the important stuff. Made me wonder how on earth are these two going to come together for their happily after? Well, Warren makes them work for it, let me tell you!
An emotionally-charged roller coaster of a read that will leave you blissfully satisfied by the end...if a little worse for wear :-)
Giveaway Opportunity:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Tying the Knot please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 26 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!
Haven't read this one of hers yet. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt's an oldie but goodie. Good luck, Kim.
DeleteSounds great!
ReplyDeleteKarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
Good luck, Karen.
DeleteDon't enter my name for this one, Kav, because I already own it.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to share my thoughts. I've been a Christian since I was 12, but have only consistently read Christian fiction in the last 3 or so years. Except for some classics and odd fiction here or there, I was a non-fiction reader all the way, especially Christian living, biographies and history (Christian worldview.) So I am completely enthralled by your take on Christian fiction now vs. older titles. For me, what's interesting is when I read Christian fiction, I am enraptured when the faith thread is exceptionally strong and you could nearly knock me over with the shove of a Bible. My emotional level is in overdrive when the characters wholly embrace their faith, the love of Jesus and fervent prayer. When it comes after brokenness, I'm a goner. Since I'm newer to the genre, most of the books I read are releases from the last few years. Of those, I have to say that only 1-2 out of every 10 books I read, reads like what I described above. I'm not complaining, because it doesn't mean they aren't enjoyable; I just love in-your-face transparency of faith - in real life and fiction :-) . I guess that's why I was intrigued by your observation. Where in some respects, I thought older fiction might be watered down while Some current titles are becoming more edgy and real. Yet "edgy and real" doesn't always mean that the faith thread is any stronger. I always enjoy your honest take on books, but will be paying closer attention when you review older titles. I need to streamline and prioritize my tbr to include more of an author's back list. Thanks, Kav and forgive my long post.
Oh my goodness, I didn't realize how long my comment was until it posted. Bwahaha!
DeleteOh, I love everything you said as this topic is very dear to my heart as it seems that quite a few Christian publishers are requiring less inspiration rather than more in their fiction. I think it has something to do with appealing to the broader market so they can actually make money. And that totally makes sense but I do so love growing my faith through fiction. It's so much apart of my life I can totally see how it can be apart of a character's.
DeleteReal and edgy can also deliver divine inspiration (snicker, get the pun?) I think Varina Denman does a magnificent job of that -- exposing grace in the midst of all life's messiness.
I read Christian Fiction because I want the extra dimension faith brings to the story. It's all well and good to be a clean read but I'm looking for something to touch my soul as well as my heart.
We;re kindred reading spirits, I think. :-)
I could not have written my thoughts as well as both of you ladies and I wholeheartedly agree. I enjoy all Christian Fiction but the books that stay with me are the ones that strengthen my faith and challenge me as well.
DeleteI agree completely. I have noticed that the faith thread has been becoming less and less in many Christian fiction books. Besides reading Christian fiction because it is clean, I also like the faith aspect, and have been saddened to see it fade in so many books. Thanks for highlighting this!
DeleteThis sounds like another great book by Susan! I have enjoyed reading others written by her. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteShe's become a go-to author for me. Good luck, Donna.
DeleteSusie is a dandy and her books are too! Thank you, Kav! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Melanie.
DeleteSounds like a great story! KAV, thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
You're welcome, Caryl. Good luck.
DeleteI've missed this one along the way but I certainly do want to read it!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I wasn't reading Christian Fiction back when this book was out. I didn't even know there was such a thing as christian Fiction! Good luck, rubynreba.
DeleteLove her books. Haven't read too many of her earlier works so this would be fun.
ReplyDeletemindyhoungATmsnDOTcom
I have so much catching up to do. Good luck, Mindy.
DeleteAlways up for a Susie May book!
ReplyDeletepaulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
Me too! Good luck, Paula.
DeleteI have read one of her much earlier books and found it excellent, but it wasn't this particular book....and I have read a number of her more recent ones. Interesting review and discussion! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to note the changes that a decade brings to publishing. Good luck, CC.
DeleteThank you. ❤️
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
I've never read a Susan May Warren book that I didn't like. This one is earlier than the ones I've read, so please include me in the drawing. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors, but I haven't read her earlier books. Sounds like I need to check out her back list. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeletepwestfall7 at hotmail dot com
I love her books but haven't read her earlier ones. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this one!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
I loved this book when I borrowed it from the library. Having a copy for my bookcase would be awesome! Thank you, Kav.
ReplyDeleteDblaser(at)windstream(dot)net
Looks really good. Thanks for sharing your review and for the chance to win a copy. iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read it, but never really got to it. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletembaaij at hetnet dot nl
Good luck, everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis is a title I have missed by her! adult4becky AT aol DOT com
ReplyDeleteI already have this one, but loved it so much. I just had to read your review. :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete