When I Fall In Love – Book Review
One of my greatest joys as a book reviewer is having the opportunity to explore new books and series that would not ordinarily cross my path and – in the process – discover new authors I love.
Susan May Warren is one of those authors whose books I look forward to with great anticipation.
My first introduction to Susan’s work was earlier this year when I reviewed her novel It Had To Be You – the second book in what will ultimately become the six-volume Christiansen Family Collection.
When I Fall In Love is the third book in this faith-based series from Tyndale House Publishers.
The first thing you need to know about this book is that each book in the series can be read on its own, so if this is your introduction to the series, feel free to jump in!
However – the Christiansens are such an amazing family – you’ll probably fall in love with them and want to go back and read the adventures of each and every family member! And – you will probably enjoy the book more if you know the back-stories of all of the characters you are meeting (although it isn’t essential to the plot).
Just as Susan did in her previous book, she sets the tone of When I Fall In Love with an incredibly moving letter from mother to daughter – in this case Grace Christiansen, one of the focal characters in the book.
The urge, Daughter, to hold on to what you have, to allow fears to hold you captive and keep you from reaching for something else, is not easily overcome. In fact, the nudge to let go may feel like a rending, a tearing from yourself. But it must be done if you are to fall into the arms of your heavenly Father. And this is my prayer to you – that you will leap and fall in this safe place. That you will discover how much more awaits you, just beyond the boundaries of your life.
Grace is one of those people who has the potential to lead an amazing life – if only she can find the courage to face it. And so – to encourage her to get out of her shell – her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in Hawaii – a place where she can pursue her culinary passion outside of her comfort zone.
There, she meets professional hockey player Max Sharpe – the last person you would expect to find in the kitchen. But, when the two of them are teamed up for a cooking competition, each of them is forced to face the things that hold them back in life – the things that stand in the way of blossoming friendship and romance…
When I Fall In Love is the type of story that doesn’t shy away from tackling the difficult, real-life challenges people face, while providing an environment of encouragement and support!
We are also introduced to a few new characters who we’ll probably see more of in future Christiansen Family Collection books.
Susan May Warren has a knack for creating characters that you care about and whose lives you cannot help but get involved in.
If you love good, clean family-based novels with a hint of sweet romance, you’ll enjoy When I Fall In Love!
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Susan May Warren Talks About The Christiansen Family Series
About Susan May Warren
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.
Susan 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 Susan’s 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 at My Book Therapy.
Resources
For More Information
- Visit Susan’s Website.
- Visit the It Had To Be You Blog Tour Page.
- Connect with Susan on Facebook and Twitter.
- When I Fall In Love is available on Amazon.
For More Great Books
- Visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews.
- Follow Create With Joy on GoodReads.
Stay In Touch!
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When I Fall In Love – Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway
Susan May Warren’s newest book in the Christiansen Family collection – When I Fall In Love – has won over readers’ and critics’ hearts a like. This book is a true gem that profoundly touches on the topic of facing fears.
With more than 80 five-star reviews on Amazon, When I Fall In Love is sure to please your palate!
Now – to make her new release even more enticing – Susan has teamed up with a group of Food Bloggers for a Fun Food Challenge and a Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway!
One Grand Prize Winner will receive:
- A KitchenAid Mixer
- The first three books in the Christiansen Family Collection
- Melissa Ringstaff’s Kitchen Planner
- Jackie Brown’s Freezer Inventory Sheet
So, grab your aprons and wire whisks and buzz on over to the When I Fall In Love website to learn more and enter the Hawaiian Chef Showdown!
Susan is challenging you to make a Hawaiian-inspired dish using coconut, mango, or one of the other ingredients mentioned in the book.
You’ll get extra points for creating your own recipe—plus she might share it on the When I Fall In Love website!
Or if you’re not up for an adventure in the kitchen, just click one of the icons below for easy entry.
But hurry – the Giveaway ends on August 10th. All winners will be announced August 13th at Susan’s blog.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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Thanks for sharing this review at the #saygdayparty. I just pinned this to the Say G’day Saturday board.
The party is in full swing now so if you haven’t had a chance to visit some the links please do stop by and have a look!
Best wishes for a wonderful week,
Natasha in Oz
A great rating…have to check it out…:)JP
I love this series of books! I can’t wait for the next one to find out what happens with Casper and Raina…
Stopped by from Booknificent Thursdays!
I’ve heard such great things about Susan May Warren, but I haven’t read any of her books yet. I definitely need to get on that! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday last week! Hope to see you again this week.
Tina