I have been blessed to review some outstanding books lately. Friends, this is a selection to add to your shelf. This is a beautiful story that brings forgiveness, redemption and grace straight to the heart of the reader. This is a new series from Susan May Warren about the Christiansen family. This is a family that may resemble yours. They too could be your neighbor.
This is a family well respected and grounded in faith. Tragedy occurs and shakes the very foundation of what they are made of. In a split second life changes forever. An accident. Some give grace while others harden their hearts. Hatred runs deep in some. They are a small, tight nit community and everyone seems to know something about this terrible accident. The towns people find themselves on one side or the other.
I was hooked the moment I opened this book and found myself reading a letter from a mother to her son. I wept as I read these penned words of such deep love from a mother to her son. As we read on we know that this letter was written to Darek from his mother.
The characters are raw and real. Warren shows us the trials they face, the scars that they now wear, and the burdens they are working to overcome. Love meets the past and they connect in a way only the Lord could bring them together. We see healing come, but it isn't an easy road. We travel the journey with these characters. We see the good, the bad and the ugly. Most of all we see the grace and mercy that is given.
Darek Christiansen and Ivy Madison are the main characters. Darek part of the Christiansen family. He is raising his son with the help of his family. Darek is a widow and still in deep pain over the tragedy that hit him blindsided. Ivy is new to town. Ivy has longed to find love and happiness. There are many characters in this story. Each has an impact on Darek and Ivy. All are connected and we see how the Lord brings His peace to the hearts of those who seek Him.
What I love is how the main characters question their faith. It's something we all have done or will do at some point in our life, but Warren brings it to a place where it's so real. Tragedy strikes and we are either going to believe no matter what or we will come to a place where we question everything. In questioning we see these characters grow. As they seek answers we see God reveal Himself in ways they never could have imagined.
Life has been very different for Darek and Ivy. Each carrying their own baggage, but some how each can relate to the other's pain. Darek growing up in a family of faith and Ivy only dreaming of what family truly is.
There is a character that touched my heart. That would be Jensen. He was accused of a crime he continues to declare his innocence. We see his character in his deepest moments of pain. A town is against him. He feels there is nothing left for him, but once again, God shows Himself and we see Jensen set free in ways he could never imagine.
This is a book that is so refreshing. Everything isn't perfect and everything doesn't turn out the way we wish. We see the flaws of these characters and the grace of God that covers all. If your looking for real, this is it, friends!
This is a book that is so refreshing. Everything isn't perfect and everything doesn't turn out the way we wish. We see the flaws of these characters and the grace of God that covers all. If your looking for real, this is it, friends!
There are just some reviews that are hard to write. This is one of them. If I say too much I will give something away, but this is such a great story I just want to tell you everything. LOL So friends, your going to have to take these few words I have shared and trust me that this is one of those stories that will leave your heart full.
I cannot wait to see what is next for this family!
"Take A Chance On Me", was gift to me from Tyndale for sharing my review.
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. Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. 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. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
