Take a Chance on Me / It Had to Be You / When I Fall in Love / Always on My Mind / The Wonder of You / You're the One That I Want

Grace Christian has always been a homebody. One of those people who is just 100% more comfortable and safe in their own environment. She thought her family understood that...or at least until they gave her plane tickets for a 3 week vacation in Hawaii. Hawaii.She couldn't just go to Minneapolis to visit her sister, she had to fly all the way across the ocean for a cooking class. And the worst part is that, not only does she have to go to this cooking class but she is learning Hawaiin cooking to cater her sister's wedding. At least she thought that was the worst part. Until she learned she was also to have a travel companion/babysitter along with her. Will Grace overcome her fears and go on the surprise trip or will her conscience convince her that Hawaii is a very, very bad idea?
Max Sharpe is ready and excited for his 3rd annual 3 week vacation to Hawaii. Or he was until he found out he had to babysit. Worse yet, she's Owen's sister, and obviously doesn't know his terrible secret that his eaten at him since Owen got hurt. And Jace doesn't understand he goes to Hawaii to escape the one thing that will destroy his life. He can't believe Jace would pull rank on him like this and make him take her. After making a new friend (a gorgeous girl no less) he wonders if he can't just ditch Grace after they get to Hawaii safely. Until he finds out a secret about his newly found friend.
With sickness on the trip, a cooking contest, dangerous riptides, and a handful of secrets will Grace stay in Hawaii or book her next flight home? And will Max be able to stay away from his new friend and keep his deadly secret hidden? Or will all their secrets be uncovered and everything start to unravel?
Meanwhile, a newcomer at home has caught Casper Christiansen's eye and he thinks she likes him too. But as he continues to puzzle over something she said before she officially met him, her friendly, then withdrawn attitude, and her sudden outburst at a family member he begins to wonder what he's done...and how he can fix it.
Raina can't believe she was stupid enough to fall for another guy. Casper Christiansen no less...but the more she gets to know him, the more she's convinced he's fallen for her too and the more she sees a future with him. She finally decides just to let go and have some fun with Casper...until a past regret is almost uncovered and she realizes she can't be involved with Casper. Not now and not ever. Will she be able to break it to him gently or will they both be hurt in the process? And worse yet, will he even still love her if he finds out her secret?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

From the very beginning of the Christiansen Family series, I have been in love. This book proves to be no exception. Susan May Warren has a way of writing that pulls me in and doesn't let me go until the very end. I get wrapped up in the story. I even got a little angry when I had to put the book down and do my job! Grace and Max's story started out a little on the slow side for me, but I quickly warmed up to it and didn't want it to end.

Grace is such a sweet character. Her fear of the unknown is one a lot of people can relate to. I know I certainly can. I loved watching her step outside of her box, her comfort zone, and blossom. Max was an intriguing character. It amazed me how he could turn from cold to warm in an instant, all because of his fear of his future and his feelings. Watching the two wrestle their feelings for each other was as frustrating for me as it was for them, and I enjoyed every second of it.

The message of the story, for both characters, has to do with overcoming your fears to live the life that God intends for you to live. I think it can be summed up in these two quotes (don't worry, they aren't plot spoiling quotes):

"The amazing, whole, overwhelming, abundant life is found, oddly, by letting go. By living a dangerous faith -- the kind of faith that believes in a God who knows our hearts and loves us enough to take our breath away."

"Suffering can either destroy you or it can save you. Because without suffering, we don't need more; we have enough. But when we suffer, we can't help but reach out [to God}."

Overall, I enjoyed this addition to the Christiansen Family series and can't wait to read more about Casper and Raina!

Back in February, I read and adored Jace and Eden's story.
Despite having never watched a hockey game or read a Susan May Warren novel, It Had To Be You quickly became one of my favorite stories this year.
She wrote about God's embracing love and people dealing with life's pain. Truth comes across loud and clear in her story, and it's all inside a really good romance.

So I was eager to acquire When I Fall in Love, which is Grace's story. Grace was the sister who kept pushing Eden to fall in love, and Grace seemed way too emotional and "gooey" for lack or a better word. I expected her to fall in love with romance itself, not with a human person.

And I don't think I expected that person to be Max Sharpe. Though I certainly was not disappointed... if you read Jace's story you know that Max was one of his teammates on the Blue Ox. And you also know that Max has some history with the Christiansen family... history that makes me like him more. How would you feel if you harmed your own teammate through an act of massive stupidity?
Max was involved in a hockey accident that hurt Owen Christiansen and almost ruined his career.
He was genuinely remorseful, and that carries on into this book.

And now Max and Grace end up together, in seats 9A and 9B on an airplane to Hawaii.
She's finally chasing a dream, and he's off to his chosen culinary vacation.

I made the mistake of looking at the "Hawaiian vacation" plot and thinking this would be a shallow read. It isn't. This book quickly goes deeper than I had ever expected. Sure, the story is all about whipping up delicious food and falling in love, but it's also about learning to see with an eternal perspective and continuing to share your life with others when it gets sad.

Both Max and Grace have things in their lives that they deem unacceptable and unlovable, and they think they need to hide them. And I'm not talking just minor insecurities here. I was surprised (and then pleased!) by how serious their story gets.

This book affirms all that is right with life- awesome food, beautiful Hawaiian landscapes, and a God who helps us commit and recommit over and over as often as needed. And this book also acknowledges all that is wrong with the world, and always points to our Redeemer.

Thank you Litfuse for my review copy!

Susan May Warren is such a great storyteller. She creates characters you can’t help but fall in love with — you laugh with them, cry with them, celebrate with them. And she does it yet again in “When I Fall in Love” — the third installment in the Christiansen Family series.

I always anxiously await any new book that features the Christiansens or the lovely little town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. Warren’s books never disappoint, offering up great story lines and even better spiritual lessons.

In “When I Fall in Love,” we find sister Grace having dreams of pursuing a culinary career, but too full of fears to really stop out on her own. She is perfectly content to find her happiness in Deep Haven. Frankly, as she puts it, she doesn’t chase after what she wants. Eventually she learns she needs to face her own selfishness, fears and anger to live a life of total fulfillment.

Maxwell Sharpe is a hockey player for the St. Paul Blue Ox. Every summer he travels to Hawaii for a three-week culinary school — the same program Grace’s family decides to send her to. Her future brother-in-law and former Blue Ox player, Jace, asks his former teammate to keep an eye on the homebody.

After initial hesitation on both of their parts, once in Hawaii Grace and Max quickly develop a deep friendship. Could it lead to more? And in the meantime, back at home, her friend Raina starts developing a relationship with Grace’s brother Casper.

The problem is both Max and Raina have devastating, life-altering secrets that are keeping both of them from pursuing true love.

Susan May Warren takes us on an exhilarating journey hitting pretty much every emotion out there. But she also fills “When I Fall in Love” with so many awesome nuggets of truth. We must all stop living in the past, as Jace points out to Max, or the past is going to eat you alive. This story encourages us to reach out and discover what we’ve been longing for — to not be afraid to go after it. No matter what that means. As Grace hears at a beach service: “The key to finding what God has for you is not reaching out for paradise … but letting go. Falling. Losing control.”

This book also shows us that, at times, suffering is a very real part of life — but it forces us into God’s arms; we cannot allow suffering to steal the richness of living.

“When I Fall in Love” is another fantastic offering from Susan May Warren. She just keeps hitting them out of the ball park!

Five stars out of five.

Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.

** “The amazing, whole, overwhelming, abundant life is found, oddly, by letting go. By living a dangerous faith — the kind of faith that believes in a God who knows our hearts and loves us enough to take our breath away.” **

** “This is the transformation Jesus intends for us, a wholeness, a closeness in our relationship with God that is beyond our wildest hopes.” **

First, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Susan May Warren and her publisher for sending me a copy of "When I Fall In Love" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.

Susan May Warren’s latest Christiansen Family novel, “When I Fall in Love”, is another engaging, enjoyable and challenging read. The release of each Deep Haven novel reveals better writing, richer characters, creativity in confronting of real life issues, more detailed plots, snappier dialogue and more engaging internal character monologue. As I invest my time in these characters, they become even more dear to me. That is where I find myself as I eavesdrop on a wedding, a plane ride, a cooking class and a pizza delivery/rescue. This is a great book that deserves to be on the keeper shelf of every reader who enjoys contemporary Christian romance!

Max Sharpe, an upcoming hockey player, takes the same vacation every year: three weeks in Hawaii perfecting his cooking skills, winding down from the hockey season, relaxing and living life to the fullest while he can. Grace Christiansen doesn’t take vacations. She’s afraid to travel, not wanting to be too far from home. So, when her family surprises her with a trip to Hawaii for a cooking class, she’s less than thrilled. She’s even less excited when she learns that her family has arranged her trip at the same time one of Owen’s former hockey teammates is going so he can look after her. This arrangement is the perfect recipe for two people not looking for love to fall smack-dab into the middle of it!

This story is not without conflict, though. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I begged the characters to make different choices. I learned a bit about myself and who I want to be. I contemplated what is truly important in life and the “quantity versus quality” debate. I love how these novels confront real issues that any Christian might face rather than presenting Christians as perfect in both thought and deed, which would be easy – and tempting – to do on paper. I can look over my life since I’ve been a Christian and see bad decisions I’ve made and the consequences of those decisions I’ve had to live with. This novel woke me up to some of those and gave me a desire to pursue a more godly path for the future.

Have you met the Christiansen family yet? I'm totally in like with this family created by talented storyteller Susan May Warren. This flawed family of faithful and forgiving people fills my heart. They're so real. You can call me crazy, but I am love, love, loving these kinds of sibling series that focus in on one sibling's story in a large family. When I Fall in Love is the third in this family's story, and so far, it's my favorite. (Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy of the book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my review.)

In it, we meet Grace Christiansen whose life is all about playing it safe. She's reluctant to leave her family and the community of Deep Haven for anything resembling adventure. But when her family gifts her with a culinary vacation to Hawaii, she finds herself unable to avoid a life beyond what she's known, thanks in part to Maxwell Sharpe. Max is a Minnesota hockey player with ties to the Christiansen family. His former teammate Jace is marrying Grace's older sister Eden, and he was a teammate of the bad boy Christianson brother, Owen. He's headed to Hawaii, too, for his third culinary vacation: his time to relax and put away his fears for tomorrow. They meet on the plane and Max sets out to show Grace the beauty and wonder of Hawaii while trying to keep emotional distance because of the fate he knows awaits him in life.

Call this book Food Network meets The Fault in Our Stars. Grace and Max bond over cooking and enter a cooking competition as a team. At times, I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep reading or get myself into the kitchen and cook something myself. It was the best of both worlds for me: reading and cooking. And I appreciated the hard questions Warren tackles in this relationship. Max knows his days on earth are limited, and because of that, he shuts himself off from the possibility of a relationship. He doesn't think he deserves to fall in love or dream because nothing is guaranteed to last.

And Grace. Oh, how I could relate to her need to live a safe life. Her reluctance to step out in faith and try something new or big or great. There were times in the story when I read the words she was speaking about herself and her abilities and they could have been my words, too.

It's an age-old question: Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? And Warren answers it beautifully.

You can catch up with the Christiansens in books 1 and 2: Take A Chance on Me and It Had to Be You. And I, for one, will be following this family to the end of the series.

When I Fall in Love
A Christiansen Family novel
By Susan May Warren

This is the third book in the Christiansen Family series and Grace Christiansen is the featured family member. But all the Christiansens are in When I Fall in Love and this is an interesting and intriguing story to say the least.

Grace's life is safe and predictable as long as she stays home in Deep Haven. But no one gets it - when she's away from home she's miserable and disaster is just waiting to catch her with her guard down. So when her family surprises her with a 3-week (3-weeks away from home in the middle of an ocean!) culinary vacation in Hawaii Grace is less than thrilled. But her family won't take no for an answer. So Grace is off to Hawaii and thanks to big sister Eden and her fiancé Jace she is going to be babysat by Jace's former teammate Max Sharpe.

Max has no time for romance. He's all business and for him business is hockey except for the 3 weeks he spends each year in Hawaii cooking. The last thing Max wants is to babysit the needy soon-to-be sister-in-law of his teammate. And Max has a secret - a secret that he refuses to share with anyone - a secret that is controlling his life.

But life has a way of surprising us and Max and Grace are both in for one when they seem to hit it off almost immediately. Friendship seems safe if only they can make their hearts listen.

Meanwhile back in Deep Haven Owen is slipping further into his no regrets rebellion- no matter who it hurts in the process. And he is about to cause some big hurt in his family with his latest actions.

Eden and Jace are moving forward with their wedding plans and want Grace to cater it. And Derek just may have found someone. Take a trip back to Deep Haven and visit with the Christiansen family as they navigate the twist and turns of life - some of it good and some of it bad. When I Fall in Love is a book that you'll enjoy and just like the song of the same name it is forever which is how love should be viewed.

I loved book 3 in Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family series just as much as I loved the first two books. I really enjoyed catching up with the Christiansen family and being able to follow their stories a little bit more. In When I Fall in Love, we catch up with Grace Christiansen. When Grace’s family surprises her with a cooking retreat in Hawaii, she is forced to leave her comfort zone, face her fears and try new things.

It should be a comfort that Max Sharpe, a former teammate of her brother, is going on the same retreat but it doesn’t pan out that way. While Grace is having trouble being so far out of her comfort zone, Max is wrestling with his own personal demons – not to mention the fact that the last thing he wants to do is “babysit” his buddy’s sister when he’d rather be enjoying his annual culinary vacation. When it seems like the pair will never really get along, they are paired up in a cooking competition. The time they spend together during the competition seems to be drawing them together, at least until Max suddenly pulls away.

When Grace finds out the truth, she is torn between going for the safe thing or going after what her heart wants and Max is faced with accepting the future no matter what may come. In what may be the toughest times of their lives, Max and Grace work together to face their fears.

I love Susan May Warren’s writing, she tells great stories that engage the reader and keep them turning pages. These are the perfect books to read in the summer, they’re easy to read and let the reader lose themselves in the town of Deep Haven. When I Fall in Love found me losing myself in both Hawaii and Deep Haven. I have a deep love for Hawaii and I enjoyed getting to take a “trip” back there while following the story of Max and Grace. Each time I finish one of Warren’s novels, I can’t wait to pick up the next one and this one is no different. I hope that her next story finds us catching up with Casper.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

This novel in the Christiansen family series; features Grace Christiansen and Max Sharpe. I enjoyed the fact that the author started the book with Darek and Ivey’s wedding through Graces eyes. She planned, catered and set the mood her brother and fiancé wanted at the reception. Things went so well Eden Christiansen wants her sister Grace to do her and Jace’s wedding. Eden wants it to be Hawaiian themed. Grace is stunned by the request and even more overwhelmed at the fact the whole family chipped in to send Eden off to Hawaii for a 3 week culinary vacation.

Grace is excited and terrified all at the same time! Airplanes weren’t her favorite mode of transportation. This was going to be a long ride. She sits next to a nice man and they get talking she states, “Have you ever felt like there was something more for you, but it seemed just out of reach? Like, you know you want it, but somehow, you’re also scared to reach for it? What if after all this effort, it turns out to be a joke? Or worse-horrible? What if you take the bit leap and-?

Max finishes her thought, “and you fall. And get hurt? “Yeah, then you’re back where you started, only worse because now you know it’s not worth it.”

Max is Graces cheerleader. He encourages her to take a tour of the island, go parasailing, snorkeling and oh compete in a cooking contest for the locals their version of “Chopped”. Enjoyed their participation in the competition and loved watching Max and Grace’s friendship grow, and see Grace bloom and grow as a person. Grace is funny – she thought “I’m going to fall in love with Hawaii if it kills me, ”Max looks at her, “there’s more food adventuring in your future, if you’re ready.”

“No, she wasn’t ready, not all all.”…But maybe that was the poking. If she waited until she was ready to taste life, it might pass her by.”

The other major part of this novel dealt with Grace’s assistant, Raina Beaumont. She had a tragic childhood, which left her looking for love in all the wrong places. She’s a survivor, keeps everyone at a distance; has learned to fit in, can fill a need and easily becomes part of a team.

Raina meets Grace’s entire family at the wedding, and Owen offers to take her home on his motorcycle after the cleanup. Raina invites him in to her apartment. One thing leads to another and Owen spends the night. Then thanks her for everything when he walks out the door the next morning.

Raina wasn’t expecting him to leave like that. She’d known the families reputation they were loving, kind and religious! She had told herself she wasn’t going to go all the way but she thought things would be different with Owen. It was apparent Owen wasn’t like the rest of his family, he was not living for anyone but himself. He was a hot shot hockey player turned Firefighter period the end.

I was surprised by this but then again this happens. You can’t judge or assume one family member embraces the family heritage. There is a problem and things becomes messy when Raina falls for Owen’s brother’ Casper and he likes her back.

Both Max Sharpe and Raino Beaumont have devastating repercussions for the secrets they keep! They are trying everything in their power to hide the truth and are controlled by the fear of exposure! Their secrets could cost them loving relationships with the people they care most about.

I delighted in reading about the secondary characters I’ve enjoyed in other books like – Eden, Jace, Ingrid, John, Darek and Ivy, Tiger, Amelia. It was fun to see them here, and learn more about what’s happening their lives.

I like the Christensen Family they are a real; not perfect family’ doing their best to love one another, walk in faith through hard times, and help others face their fears, sharing Jesus along the way.

I like the authors’ heart she shares, “It pains me to see my children make mistakes. But without mistakes, they won’t learn. And some of my best lessons have come from the mistakes I’ve made…I was in a season of struggling to find the balance between stepping in and letting go – letting them fall. And I realized that their failures were neither my fault nor my responsibility to fix. If I truly wanted to support my kids, I needed to guide them toward their heavenly Father, so He could meet their needs..In letting go, I’m learning that God can meet my needs.”

The author does a beautiful job of showing this through the entire series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but you’ll miss so much if you don’t read them all. This is a fun, fun read. Loved learning about Hawaii and cooking with Grace and Max and had a hard time reading about Raina and Owen. It’s heart breaking. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series titled, Always on My Mind. This is an engaging read that would make a great book club pick. It’s rich and full of material to talk about. The author has also provided fifteen discussion questions to help you dig deeper.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
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An endearing, sweet release from Warren!

I have loved every second spent with the Christiansen family, and let me say, When I Fall in Love is really close to topping Take a Chance on Me. Honestly, Grace and Max were amazing and their story reminded me how much I love Ms. Warren's books! Not to mention most of their story unfolds on the beaches of Hawaii? And who doesn't love that idea? I admit, though, I'd react to the long plane ride much like Grace does...

But moving on, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and personality inside Max, Grace, Casper, and even Raina. Out of the characters I've named, I think Max is my favorite. His struggles and his fears came across the page and struck me. I sympathized for him more than the other characters. In a similar way, I felt like I related to Grace more. While we do not share many of the same traits, there are a few that we have in common, and it's enough to endear me to her.

I love how as Ms. Warren tells one story, she begins another. It makes the story world feel almost 3-D. While something is happening with Raina and Casper, we know that Max and Grace are having fun doing something in Hawaii. It adds a realistic touch to the whole novel and it doesn't give only two characters the spotlight.

All this said, I easily recommend this novel to fans of Ms. Warren's other work and fans of the age fifteen or older. If you're looking for a relaxing, sweet book to read during the afternoon, When I Fall in Love is an excellent choice.

I received this book from Tyndale through Litfuse in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks!!

I absolutely loved this story about Grace Christiansen! It was so full of love, faith, hope, and knowing that God wants us to live out "more"!

Susan has a beautiful way of sucking you into the story and getting caught up in these characters lives! "When I Fall in Love" definitely did not disappoint in this area! The concept of having Grace in Hawaii cooking with Max was awesome! I am a huge foodie fan and whenever there is anything remotely cooking-related in a novel I want to read it! To have Hawaiian foods that I had never heard of was a huge added bonus to this story! I found it so fascinating to read about Grace and Max's time in the kitchen! Plus the scenery sounded so gorgeous and had me wishing I was at the beach!

The spiritual aspect is always a hit on in Susan's novel and I really felt this hit home for me! Like Grace, I too feel as if sometimes I leave in fear of reaching out in the "more" of what God is calling me to do or live out! There were other amazing spiritual lessons along the way that really brought "When I Fall in Love" too! This one is would stood out to me the most though!

It's funny because each time I have read a novel about the Christiansens family I say it was my favorite and I am yet again saying this is my favorite out of the series! I am eagerly looking forward to more because Mrs. Warren is quickly becoming one of my favorite Christian contemporary authors! Don't miss this one! However I will warn that having a few tissues near by may be handy!

*(I received this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review!)*

When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren

Warren has a way of telling a story which will completely gut you and fill you with hope simultaneously. Grace Christiansen has a gift, but fear has sidelined her from experiencing the potential she possess. Max Sharpe lives life fearlessly on the hockey ice and off except when it comes to love. Their lives intertwined through Max’s former teammate and Grace’s brother, Owen, is about to clash. Max has no time for fear and Grace has no time for anything she fears. Until a vacation in Hawaii has them learning about more than just mixing ingredients which shouldn’t complement each other into gourmet meals.

While Grace and Max learn to overcome their fears, we are introduced to Casper Christiansen and Raina. I’m hoping a story for Casper is on the horizon although depending on what Warren does with Raina, we might be visiting Owen first. Either way I’m interested to see the next saga of the Christiansen family. Warren has a way of surprising you.

I don’t want to spend too much time on the story because if you enjoy a good novel, you don’t want to miss out on When I Fall In Love. However, I need to take a moment and recognize the gifting Warren has for intertwining story with lessons. Each of Warren’s novels has caused me to pause and reflect. When I Fall In Love resonated with me. Ten years ago I was Max, concerned less with the future and more with this present moment. These days I’m Grace, bogged down with responsibility of being dependable to those in my life. It isn’t just “falling in love” where Warren will challenge how you view life. The truth is there needs to be a balance. It is about marrying Max and Grace in our own lives so we glorify Christ with our eyes on eternity while not worrying about tomorrow.

A good story is a wonderful escape. You might find yourself in another country or falling for a man you wouldn’t in real life. A great story will do the same, but also challenge your way of thinking. Warren proves to be consistent with each novel.

I am so totally in love with this series!! Susan simply cannot write fast enough, and no matter how slowly I intend to read the latest book...it feels like I've blinked and it's over. Quite simply, if you're just now meeting the Christiansens...I am jealous of you with a (semi-)godly jealousy!

Grace is so ME. Afraid to venture out, take risks and accept a challenge. I didn't have siblings to force me out of the family nest, but Grace has several--mainly Eden. And Max needs to just get over himself...and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I know he's got a serious issue to deal with...but c'mon!

Owen needs to have his story as the last one in the series, because it will take me that long to stop being angry with him. And poor Casper....he has no clue what he has fallen into, but he is the best person for Raina outside of Jesus.

If it seems as if I'm talking about real people, blame it on Susan. She writes characters so rich, with such depth it seems as if they could walk off the pages and into the coffee shop down the street. That's why I'm such a huge fan, and always will be.

"When I Fall In Love" is the third in a series of books all about the Christiansen siblings, with a novella about Mom and Dad in the mix. My huge thanks to my friends at Tyndale Publishing for my advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This just may be some of the best summer reading you'll ever have, so don't miss out! Pick up a copy of "When I Fall In Love", and see if you can grab copies of "It Had To Be You" and Take a Chance on Me" as well!

As usual Susan May Warren’s latest novel kept me totally enthralled from the beginning to the end. Featuring Grace, the Christiansen sister who is a homebody and who tends to view life from the sidelines. A surprise gift of a trip to Hawaii and her new friend Max Sharpe are the beginnings of major changes to her formerly safe existence. Pro hockey star Max shares Grace’s love of cooking and finds himself attracted to her beauty, determination, and courage but an uncertain future fuels his fear of falling in love.

Warren’s characters are both realistic and honest. Her plot is compelling and paced perfectly. The romance between Grace and Max was poignant with difficult decisions that defined the true meaning of love. Although the story was laced with Christian references, the message was gentle, encouraging, and never pushy. With a strong theme of finding out God’s plan for one’s life rather than following your own instincts, “When I Fall In Love” could be a good example for those struggling in that area.

“When I Fall In Love” also contained a side story involving her brother Casper that was not resolved to my personal satisfaction. I am hoping for a separate volume with the rest of his story in the future. I also look forward to Owen’s personal tale and hope to see him overcome his own demons.

“When I Fall In Love” totally lived up to the quality novel that I have come to expect from Susan May Warren. I highly recommend it as well as any other book in her collection.

This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.

absolutely loved it!!! "When I Fall in Love" is a fantastic third novel in the Christiansen Family series. In my opinion, Susan May Warren is nearly unsurpassed with her ability to write wonderful sets of stories; creating characters that really do feel like "family"; by the time you have laughed with during the happy times and cried with them during the sad times; you might just want to drive to Minnesota and meet them.

Grace Christiansen and Max Sharpe are destined for greatness, they just don't know it when they are seat partners on a plane to Hawaii. She, on the one hand, is being offered the "chance of a lifetime" by her loving family as they "push their shy, little bird out of the nest" and give Grace a chance to grow in her skills as a chef during a three week culinary school. He, on the other hand, finds himself being offered "a new life"; Max lives with the constant fear of losing the one he already has from a dreaded disease.

As Max discovers that in spite of seemingly unsurmountable odds; his treacherous heart can still fall in love and as Grace innocently falls for the tall, dark, handsome professional hockey player who can cook; will they be able to work out their future with the specter of death and disappointment lurking in the shadows or will the grace of God conquer their fears and give them the freedom to enjoy the love of their lives?

Take a three week trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and find out!!! It's an amazing story.

I love Susan May Warren's Christiansen family series and I wish this was a family that lived in my town and I could interact with and be friends with. "When I Fall in Love" focuses on the middle daughter of the family, Grace. Grace believes she is content to live in Deep Haven for the rest of her life and cook and serve others. When Grace is given the trip of a lifetime, traveling to Hawaii for a cooking course, she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for. Her sister Eden is engaged to hockey star Jace and Jace's teammate Max is going on this same trip. Max looks forward to these three weeks each year when he is off from hockey and he is able to escape and do what he enjoys, cooking. However, Max is also struggling with what his future holds for him and he has been content with being alone until he meets Grace.
Although this book focuses on Grace, the rest of the family is also a part of the story and the reader is able to be caught up on their lives as well. Darek and Ivy are married in the start of the book, Eden is planning her wedding to Jace and Owen and Casper are both struggling with trying to find their niche. I love how Susan draws all members of the family into the story as well as characters whom were introduced in her Deep Haven series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and spending more time with this family.

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.*

Grace Christiansen is preparing to go culinary school. When her family surprises her with a trip to Hawaii for a cooking retreat, she is forced out of her safe, comfortable world. She didn't expect to fall in love while she was there though. Maxwell Sharpe lives on the ice as a hockey player, but he really loves cooking. For the past few years he has gone to the culinary retreat in Hawaii. When he's asked to help Grace out, he reluctantly agrees. As he and Grace get to know one another, he finds himself falling for her. Only that's something he knows he can't do. Will he figure out a way to battle his own demons to find happiness with Grace?

I think that this may be my favorite one of this series so far. The Christiansen family is one of faith and love. Yet each of the siblings must come to understand that faith and love in their own ways. I loved Grace. I loved how her family saw something in her that others didn't and pushed her out of her comfort zone. I loved how Max doubted and wanted to protect Grace. I loved the relationships with the other siblings. I cannot wait for the next book. I'm hoping it's Casper's story.

I read this book for pure pleasure as part of Tyndale's Summer Reading Program. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, Laura Frantz, Julie Lessman, Melissa Tagg, Becky Wade, Debbie MacComber

Rating - 5 stars

When I Fall in Love centers on Grace Christiansen, a young woman who desires to have her own catering business in Deep Haven, but first she needs to go to culinary school. After not hearing a thing from the school she applied to, her family sends her on a culinary vacation in Hawaii.

Pro hockey player, Maxwell Sharpe, happens to be going on the same three-week cooking retreat, where he gets paired up with Grace for a cooking competition. Of course there are sparks between the two, but their past fears and troubles may block the two of them from being together.

Its nice to a book series concentrate on one family and bring back characters from one book to another. Once again, Susan May Warren does a wonderful job setting a romantic story without adding any cliches. I love cooking, so I liked all the culinary elements to the plot. Just because this is a romantic book doesn't mean it has to have a "happily every after" ending, as this book's ending is far from it. If you have become emotionally attached to the characters in the series, you'll be disappointed or even mad at the ending. Overall, When I Fall in Love is a well-written and realistic romantic story; though it does have a few flaws, the book is still worth reading.

*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Written by: Susan May Warren
Published by: Tyndale

I am really loving the Christiansen Family novels, and this one was no exception!

Weaving two love stories into one – the stories of Grace and Casper Christiansen and the ones that they care about – When I Fall in Love was a great read. It was much better than the other fiction books I have been reading lately.

Who the book is for:

Those who enjoy a good contemporary novel, even if you aren’t normally a fan of romances.

What I liked:

I love the characters! The Christiansen family is so fun and each of the characters seem so real and likeable. I love reading about this family!

The story is interesting and unique.

Kept my attention.

Includes both touching moments and funny moments.

What I didn’t like:

There was one small thing that I had a problem with in terms of the beliefs of one of the characters and hence the probable beliefs of the author…

My conclusion:

Overall, this was a great read.

I give When I Fall in Love 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book free to review from Tyndale Blog Network. The opinions expressed in this review are my true thoughts and feeling regarding this book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Reading Susan May Warren’s books is like reading a painting by a skilled artist. She creates colorful word pictures, memorable plots, and feisty characters that draw you in until the end. I discovered her books a couple of years ago, and she became one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I was quickly hooked on her stories. Her newest books are part of the Christiansen Family series. When I Fall in Love is the most recent; Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You are the other two so far in the series.

Susan has a way of pulling you into the lives of her characters, but not just their stories. With her incredible storytelling ability, Warren will tug on your emotions and warm your heart as you identify with the struggles and triumphs of her characters. In the third book of her series, she proves again that her stories are truly where faith and family meet real life. Her characters are not perfect, but neither are we. So we quickly feel at home in her fiction books.

In When I Fall in Love, Grace Christiansen is safely nestled into her own world at Pierre’s Pizza, in her Deep Haven community, when she stumbles onto some challenges that underline her fears and test her faith. She is meant for more, but her culinary future seems doomed, until hockey player and foodie Max Sharpe walks into her life. When Grace’s family gifts her with an ultimate culinary experience in Hawaii, she finds an adventure she never expected. Both she and Max are faced with fears head-on, ones they must deal with honestly and openly. This is an emotional-packed story punched with both sadness and humor. Another brother and good guy, Casper, plays a role in his relationship with newcomer Raina Beaumont. Although each of the book’s family members and friends are involved in the lives of the main characters–Max and Grace–Susan skillfully leaves some loose threads dangling with the other characters. But isn’t that what good writers do to hook you into the next book in a series? You’ll love some characters, like Max and Grace, and dislike others, like Owen, the “bad boy” of the family who is still trying to heal. Stay tuned…

Susan’s books let you know that Christians are not perfect; they have real struggles and issues to face. But love plays a divine part in all her books, as Warren steers her characters to the One who can bring strength out of weakness and turn fear into courage. Most romance books include predictable, happily-ever-after kinds of love. But in her book, When I Fall in Love, as in most of her stories, Susan does more. She lets us see love at its worst and love at its best–and makes us want to choose the latter. When I Fall in Love appeals not only to the young, but to the young at heart. It is both entertaining and encouraging–a great combination for Christian fiction lovers.

No one asked me to review Warren’s books. I can only apologize for not doing it sooner. Warren is an A+ writer in my books. And she does have another book already out: Evergreen: A Christiansen Winter Novella, that continues more of the Christiansen family saga. It’s on my list to read as well.

This is the third book in the Christiansen Family series but the ninth novel set in the fictional town of Deep Haven Minnesota. This book can be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend reading the first two books to appreciate the other siblings and to understand why the youngest son, Owen, is such an angry man. This was a very enjoyable and emotional book. I've never read a plotline like this where the happy-ever-after is not what one would expect. Second daughter, Grace, is a homebody. She doesn't like to be far from home and she is afraid to try new things, afraid of experiencing failure or regrets. However, God pushes waaaay past that fear in her relationship with Max. Max, former hockey teammate to Owen, lives life to the fullest in the present because he knows his tomorrows are not guaranteed. He keeps his guard up when it comes to women because he knows what his future will hold and does not want to put any woman through that. Grace's and Max's worlds collide when they both go to Hawaii for a culinary vacation. Max is recruited by his former teammate, Jace, to help Grace get settled in Hawaii but Max ends up doing more than that. He helps Grace come out of her shell and to overcome her fears. In return, Grace makes Max long for more and ends up turning his world upside down. The author created such realistic characters and believable struggles that one can't help feeling every emotion and circumstance that Grace and Max are going through. Their romance really builds up and sizzles but it is so bittersweet at times. There is a powerful spiritual thread throughout the book about the meaning of suffering, loving someone even when it will be painful, and what it means to serve God by walking someone into heaven's arms. There is a secondary storyline with Grace's co-worker, Raina, and the second Christiansen son, Casper. Unlike the previous two books in this series, this secondary storyline does not end well and will be continued in the next book, Always on My Mind (Christiansen Family Book 4). Reading Raina and Casper's story was difficult and, at times, I dreaded it. It was like watching a train wreck about to happen and poor Casper was hurtling straight towards it. Raina is a sympathetic character. Having had a difficult and lonely childhood, she confuses carnal affection for an emotional commitment. If you've read the description for Always on My Mind, you know what Raina and Casper's conflict will be. In this book, the reader knows early on who is the father of Raina's baby. That's what made it so hard to read because I hurt for Casper. I don't know how the author will work their story out but I trust in her writing ability. I loved Grace and Max's romance and they really touched me emotionally, more than the previous couples. I hope they make appearances in future books! Highly recommended!

If ever there was an author in the Christian fiction market who consistently did everything but disappoint this girl, it’d be Susan May Warren. I started with her Deep Haven novels way back with Happily Ever After, then later some suspense and historical (did you ever notice that she writes every genre and does each so very well?) before coming full circle and returning to where it all began: Deep Haven, with a host of new characters to fall in love with. This third novel is all about daughter, Grace of the loving Christiansen family, who is a homebody to a fault. She feels comfortable in her surroundings at the family home and working for the small pizzeria in their hometown. Only that’s all about to change when, shortly after her eldest brother’s marriage, she receives a gift of a Hawaiian vacation from her family – one that involves cooking, which just so happens to be Grace’s passion, so long as it’s merely making pizzas at the local pizzeria. Much to her embarrassment, her almost brother-in-law, Jace, asks his fellow hockey teammate to look out for Grace during the trip he also is taking. Between Grace’s fear of being away from home and Max’s deep-seated fears over his own carefully protected secret, the fun they have in Hawaii may not last once they return to the real world.

Who cares about a tepid start (to this series) in Take a Chance on Me (in my lone opinion), when its peak heads towards the closest thing to book perfection there is – for anyone who is interested, Warren has the market cornered. This series is shaping up to be the definition of a long-running set of novels (it’s going to be a full six books along with a novella or two) that is not fizzling out in the least the longer it goes on. As a story, this has outshone the two prior to this thus far despite them also being able to stand up to the best of the best. The best part is it’s showing no signs of becoming bogged up in any “bad” fates or as if it’s losing its ability to turn ordinary into something so much more.

I absolutely adored Grace. Her personality and character sparkled in everything she did – she may be the “quiet, shy” kid of the group, yet her character is one of the most memorable, add in a hunky honkey star, Max Sharpe and you’ve got a recipe of pure brilliance – one that might not be something either Max or Grace planned on creating. Without giving too much away, let me just say that the plot of this book is… risky in all the ways it should be. It takes happily ever after with a twist to it without ever being sappy (not that I’d have minded) or coming across as unrealistic, because I completely believed in everything Grace and Max said to each other; in their demonstrations of love. For once, a book has a very natural cadence that doesn’t upset the balance of the good and the bad; embedded in the story are the most beautiful lessons on how to live and in this is something we all could learn from even if we’re not in the same situation or face similar choices. In past, the one thing that I’ve been put off by regarding this series is the multiple character arcs – i.e., the additional characters that have equal time as the two main characters. It was something I wasn’t drawn to in book one, liked better in the follow up (because it was limited to one person) and finally felt like this element of prose found its niche in this novel in which we get the perspective of brother Owen Christiansen (well done, Susan. Well done). This subplot leaves us hungering for more especially considering it is Owen’s story that’s rumored to be coming up next. Plus, he’s just an all-around cool dude.

If you like contemporary (of any variety) or have been reading these, do not miss this third novel. Between its setting (may I just give a shout of joy for a new locale?? It was striking in its descriptions and nice to move out of the familiar for a while – a great boaster for sure), plot and characters, this book is sensational – and that’s the honest-to-goodness truth. I was already longing for the fourth novel prior to completing this one because it has a kind of tranquil quality to it that nothing can damper; When I Fall in Love is a must-read for your summer reading list. Trust me. You'll fall hard for this one.

Note: Sincere apologies to the publisher and author for the delay in posting this review. Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this novel for the purpose of reviewing it.

When visiting Susan May Warren's Christiansen family, it's like visiting your aunt & uncle - you know there will be a warm welcome and the familiar strength of family love, but you never know the fun you'll have or the life lessons you'll learn until the day is over. That's how the latest in the Christiansen Family series is, When I Fall In Love.

Grace Christiansen, homebody and local restaurant manager, wants something more from life in Deep Haven, but she’s a little reluctant to risk any major changes. When her family surprises her with a culinary trip to Hawaii, she faces her fear of failure and sets out to realize her dreams and God’s plans for her life may be more – and better – than even she could imagine. When she teams up with Blue Ox player Max Sharpe for a cooking competition, he starts to show her that adventure can be found in everyday life. Max has his own problems and reasons for keeping his distance from Grace, but a vacation in paradise may prove to change his attitude toward finding a future with a family.

Watching Grace and Max's relationship develop through this story is quite the ride. We see them each experience trials and struggles with self-worth, the fun and possibility of pursuing dreams, and the fulfillment Christ gives when we let Him direct our steps. The message of grace and Christ's love is beautifully woven through this story.

It's hard for an author to establish a large, loving family on the page without making them sound too "perfect", but Susan does a fantastic job depicting realistic characters. I love how the Christiansens are such a model family. Though not without their flaws, each one loves and supports their siblings or children through joys and struggles.

There's a small side plot with one of Grace's siblings, Casper (the fun treasure-hunter one), and it takes place back in Deep Haven while Grace is in Hawaii. The occasional perspective from the woods and lakes of Minnesota was an interesting contrast with the beaches of Hawaii. I'm anxious to see where Casper's (and brother Owen's) stories go in the next book in the Christiansen Family series, Always On My Mind (releasing 2015).

Note: Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

4.5 stars

I have really been enjoying the Christiansen Family series! When I Fall in Love was another great addition. It had lots of humor, sweet moments, inspiration, and characters that I loved! It also had some fabulous food between Grace's culinary experience and her catering her two sisters' weddings! Makes me hungry just thinking about that food... Mmmm...

Grace was so scared to leave her comfort zone and to live her life when the story starts. I wanted to give her a little push, but she gave in to her family and took the trip they set her up with. Max's sole focus was on hockey and he was one amazing player. He also loved cooking and getting some time off where he could be carefree and forget himself for a little while. Grace and Max were thrown together and friendship and sparks flew. It was so much fun!! I loved the camaraderie they had!!! There was some great dialogue and plenty of funny quips from Grace. There was also delectable food and crazy family weddings. It was fun getting to see Grace's other family members that had been the focus of prior books.

I really loved this story! I pretty much sat down and read it in one sitting and caught myself tearing up in a few places, smiling in plenty of others (if not even chuckling), and in a couple places also getting angry at Owen. I just wanted to shake that boy. I'm sure his story will come up in the future and I'm eagerly anticipating it. I did feel the inspirational element was slightly too strong for my taste with the pastor's sermon and a few other moments, but it wasn't enough to discourage me from reading or loving this story.

If you have enjoyed Susan's other books or enjoy Christian Contemporary Romance, then I'd definitely recommend grabbing When I Fall in Love. I don't doubt that you'll fall in love with this story and Grace and Max. I know I did. :)

Content: Clean (There is one instance of closed-door sex, but meaningful to the story and not descriptive in any way.)
Source: I would like to thank Litfuse and Tyndale House for my free copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

Susan May Warren has written another awesome book filled with romance. This book is the three book in the series A Christiansen Family. I haven’t read the other two books but I was able to follow along just fine. I read the book during vacation on the beach and I loved how the setting of the book was placed in Hawaii. I enjoyed how relatable the characters were and how Max and Grace both avoided falling in love at all costs. They seemed to be too terrified to let someone in and let themselves to be loved. This is something I personally struggle with myself letting someone get close enough and perhaps even falling in love with them. Yes, love could end but it also could last! Very eye-opening messages! I also liked how the book had a Christian message that was spread throughout the novel.

My favorite character was Max Sharpe and I connected with how he held onto the guilt of accidentally injuring Owen and ending his hockey career. The book had a great lesson about dealing with the truth and forgiving yourself and others when they make mistakes. This book also touched on Max’s family background and I liked how Susan described in details everything Max felt. Max didn’t feel like he deserved happiness because of Huntington’s disease that runs in his family. Max didn’t want another person having to suffer from seeing him going through the effects of the disease. I loved how she intertwined this facet of the novel and I thought it prominently enhanced the character dramatics. I liked how she added a minor character, Raina to the storyline and her story portrayed the importance of choosing our actions carefully. I would have liked to see more of her story played out more in another novel. If you’re looking for a romantic novel, then this one is for you!

“I received a review copy of When I Fall In Love from Litfuse for this review.”

In the third in the Christiansen saga, Grace goes to Hawaii to a cooking school, compliments of her family. They want to inspire her, recognizing her amazing ability to create incredible foods. She is hesitant to go – she's content at home. But she finally agrees to go and it changes her life.

Also at the cooking school is Max Sharpe, pro hockey player, lover of gourmet cooking. He lives for the three weeks of culinary vacation he takes each year. When he is paired up with Grace for a cooking competition, emotions are stirred. So is his prior relationship to Grace's brother Owen – a relationship that ended Owen's hockey career.

This is a good novel of character development. Grace has the opportunity to grow through all her insecurities, with Max helping. Max struggles with his guilt over his part in the accident that ended Owen's career. They both must rely on their Christian faith to make it to the future God has planned for them.

I appreciate a thought provoking novel and this one makes you think about love, marriage, and life. Would you marry someone knowing they had an incurable disease? What do you do when your marriage doesn't turn out as you'd thought?

I also appreciate a novel where I learn something and in this one, it was about a cooking school and the ensuing contest. Be given a certain number of ingredients and create something tasty from them? Amazing.

I have to admit I was put off by Owen's behavior near the beginning of the book. There was a one night stand with no guilt or remorse from Owen. I know it happens in “Christian” families, but it was just hard to read. I certainly hope Owen finds salvation in a sequel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity Group for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Book Description:
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled-or maybe yanked-away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

I believe it hasn’t been since Karen Kingsbury’s Redemption series with the Baxter family have I become so enamored with a fictional family. Once again Susan May Warren paints a realistic family with flaws and issues to overcome, but also with a bond so tight I want to be a Christiansen, too. I really was rooting for Grace and understood Max and his choices.

I loved the Hawaii setting and the cooking competition backdrop. There was great chemistry between Grace and Max. It made for fast reading to see what was going to happen next.

If you’re looking for a great read to wind down your summer, although this is a stand-alone, do yourself a favor and get the series. When I Fall in Love is a perfect summer romance.

At first introduction, Grace Christiansen is a homebody who loves to cook - but really, she is much deeper than that. During her brother Darek's wedding, her family gifts her with a three week cooking "vacation" in Hawaii - and when they tell her about the surprise she literally runs from the room having a minor panic attack! But when she thinks about it a little further, she realizes it is time for her to just feel the fear and do it anyway. She is willing to see what's next in the life God has for her.

Max Sharpe is one of her brother Owen's former teammates, and he too is struggling with some serious fears. He longs to be loved and even have a family, but never talks about why he doesn't even date. He is going on the same culinary vacation as Grace, and when teammate (and Grace's future brother in law) Jace tells him to "look out" for her, he has no idea that what's next for both of them could be much bigger than just a few weeks in paradise.

Easily my favorite so far in the Christiansen Family series! I liked this book so much I read it in one sitting (I went to bed way too late, but it was totally worth it!) ;)

Once again we return to Deep Haven for another Christiansen family novel. It made me think of Karen Kingsbury's Baxter series. You just keep reading because you've fallen in love with the family. This story focuses on Grace, with another subtle story line featuring Casper. It obviously cannot be the end of Casper's story. Nor Owen's. He is so messed up; bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, jealousy, etc are driving him. I do hope at some point Owen faces himself and becomes the man he was raised to be. As for Grace. She desires to have more. She dreams of so much more. Yet, her fears of the unknown keep her stuck. She's happy to be in the background. Feeding and nurturing those she loves. It's safe. It's familiar. It's Grace. After doing so much work on the reception for her brother Darek's wedding, the family sends her on a 3 week culinary "vacation" in Hawaii. For a homebody like Grace. It's a punishment not a reward. Meet Max. Owen's former teammate. Eden's husband to be's teammate. Max takes 3 weeks off for a culinary school vacation each year. Jace and Eden decide Max would be the perfect person to help Grace navigate this trip into the unknown. Of course, they resent it. Meet each other without knowing it's the other half of the set up. They like each other and THEN discover it's all part of the plan. However, with any love story things do not go as one would hope. Max carries baggage of his own. Though he pushes Grace to do and be all she's dreamed, he himself is not truly living life to the full. Great story about life totally surrendered to God. I eagerly await the next story in the Christiansen saga.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I love the Christiansen family and I really enjoyed a visit with them again in Grace’s story. Grace never wanted to leave home, she was perfectly content at home with her cooking ability. Was she ever surprised when here siblings give her a three week culinary vacation to Hawaii. But though at first she thinks she will be alone, she suddenly finds out that her brothers high profile pro hokey player Max will be in Hawaii to watch out for her, which is the last thing Grace wanted.

Susan May Warren has such a way with words, and uses them well when writing awesome books! I love, love this series and this book! I love how she makes the characters seem so very real! I feel as though I know this family personally! And I love the way she introduces Grace and Max to each other. The vivid scenes of Hawaii and the cooking classes, contest, and just everything about the story was just so amazing, I’m still on a high from reading it! I love how Max and Grace are two different personalities, but have so much in common, and Max with his expert side job, or hobby was shocking to me. He just didn’t seem like the type. And I don’t want to keep going on because I will end up telling an important part of the plot, and I don’t want to do that!

If you love romances, this is a must for you! And you want clean, faith base and fun to read added to romance, then you will love When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren. I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

The 3rd book of the Wonderful Christiansen Family Series by Susan May Warren. These books just keep getting better which seems impossible because the prior two books are so fantastic. The deeper we dive into the Christiansen Family, the more attached we because to each one of them. This author has a way with character development that is just a real treat for readers.

When I Fall in Love focuses on two storylines that blend well together at the end of the book. The first storyline revolves around Grace Christiansen and Max Sharpe. Grace is the 2nd oldest Christiansen daughter, and Max is an NHL hockey player and former teammate of Owen Christiansen. Grace and Max find themselves in Hawaii attending the same short term culinary school together. The second story line revolves around Casper Christiansen and Raina. Casper is the 2nd born Christiansen son and Raina is new to Deep Haven. Of course, all the Christiansen’s make appearances adding to the intrigue of the entire story. I honestly cannot get enough of this family. I’m very excited for the next book to release!

This book was amazing! I absolutely hated putting it down and had it finished in less than 24 hours, despite being entirely busy that day. The story was just so completely amazing and totally had me sucked in from the first page until the very last! Of course that always happens with Susan May Warren's novels!
I loved Grace! She was so like me in a lot of ways and it was so cool to watch her blossom as the story progressed. And Max, Max was so stinkin' awesome! I loved the way he brought Grace out of her shell, they were the perfect mix. My heart broke for what he had to face and the life he forced himself to live because of it (trying to avoid spoilers here!).
The whole cooking aspect of the story was really fun even though I probably wouldn't eat most of the things that were being prepared!
It was also great to hang out with the Christiansen gang again and to see Derek and Ivy, and Jace and Eden's relationships progressing! I loved the look we got into Casper's story and I absolutely cannot wait for his book to come out! He's kinda been in the background until now and he is promising to be a fantastic hero!
So yeah I totally adored this book! I stayed up late, read while riding to church, and skipped my Sunday afternoon nap just so I could read more! If I hadn't of had church in the morning I'm pretty sure I'd have read it in one sitting! It's that good! You should definitely check out this series but make sure you read them in order, their better that way!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Rich. Decadent. Almost better than chocolate. That's the kind of read this is. Warren drops her readers into a fictional world that is so real it's believable. And then she pummels them with angst and drama and humour and snappy dialogue until they're begging for more. And she delivers, her readers are hooked and a habit is formed.

But woe to the poor characters who have leapt from her imagination into the pages of this book. She is not kind to them. In fact, she has a distinctly cruel streak when it comes to creating havoc for the Christiansen family. Honestly, there was one secondary plot where I had to read with one eye closed, wincing all the while. In fact, I thought I'd skip those scenes, but the author doesn't play fair. Enticing dialogue, rapier wit, heart crushing angst -- how can a reader resist? Anxiously awaiting future books to see how that particular gnarly mess pans out.

The author's attention to detail enriches the read all the more. Whether it is foodie descriptions or the symbolism in Grace's name, every element adds even more dimension to an already riveting read. And the romance? Prepare your fainting couch. Exquisite.

But honestly, what moved me most about When I Fall in Love is the awesome inspirational thread. This is a story about trusting God -- completely. With your future. With your past. And definitely your present. We can't begin to live until we surrender all to Him. Amen and amen.

Susan May Warren has done it again! I have loved every book in the Christiansen Family series, including this one! I loved the mix of small town and exotic vacation and oh, the food! I'm not a cook, but I love to eat and try new things. I want to go to Hawaii even more now, if that's possible. I felt I could relate to Grace in being afraid to take risks in some ways, but I had a hard time understanding her fear of any kind of risk, including traveling and trying new food. She did seem a little pathetic at the beginning, but she definitely grew on me and I really liked her as the story progressed. I felt very sorry for Max and can somewhat understand where he's coming from in trying not to get involved with anyone. I liked the message, though, about life being worth living, no matter how much time you have or what you suffer through, especially if the suffering draws you closer to Jesus. I also liked that Grace realized she can't find her happiness in a guy, but in God. The secondary story was good, too, about a new girl in Deep Haven and the messy situation she gets into with Grace's brothers. I definitely hope their story continues in another book. This book can work as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the previous books because they are so good and those characters feature prominently in this one. This well-written story deals with some tough issues and circumstances, but offers hope and a sweet romance! Don't miss it!

I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Grace is perfectly content to remain in Deep Haven her entire life. But when her family surprises her with a trip to Hawaii for a cooking class she decides to face her fears and leave her home. Max has fears and issues of his own, but he agrees to help Grace find her way around since Hawaii is a second home for him.

Raina is having some difficulties of her own. She's run into a problem with one of the Christiansens that seems insurmountable. Her dream would be to join this wonderful family. But her past mistakes might make that dream unattainable.

I typically love this author's books. But this book didn't resonate with me like usual. Her style of writing is to add two stories seamlessly together to make one story that involves the same town or family. But the stories didn't mesh well for me this time. I couldn't relate to the characters and one member of the family really turned me off. I realize it made the story very authentic, but he was just a bit too much for me. The story also had a slight negative vibe to it because of the issues the couples were going through. Without spoilers I can't give many details, but it just didn't click with me.

This will not deter me from reading more by this author. It just means this book won't be a favorite.

I received this book free of charge from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Words cannot express just how much I love this series! After flying through Take a Chance on Me and It Had to Be You in one weekend, I couldn't wait to get my hands on When I Fall in Love. It did not disappoint.

While I always love Warren's novels, When I Fall in Love hit a bit closer to home, probably because I saw shades of myself in Grace. A homebody by nature, Grace faces several moments that require extreme bravery, and her life becomes better for it. Likewise, I've made and followed through on several decisions that stretched me and molded me into the person I am today ... but at the time, I would rather have stayed curled up in bed. How fitting that I read this book on the heels of Annie Downs' Let's All Be Brave. The two books definitely complement each other.

Of course, Grace's journey wasn't the only aspect of this book I loved—it also features a phenomenal love story! Grace and Max's story is one of those toe-curling, sigh-inducing romances. There's also a subplot featuring Grace's brothers Casper and Owen and her friend Raina that took a major turn at the end of the novel, and I can't wait to see how that story line will turn out. While I'm sorry to reach the end of this novel, I'm eagerly anticipating the next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

"When I Fall in Love," the third "Christiansen Family Novel, was more than I expected it to be! I knew I would be reading Grace Christiansen’s story, but I also got a few more threads of Owen’s, started in "It Had to Be You." And Susan May Warren started Casper’s story, too. Oh, the heartbreak, turmoil, and confusion! And that’s all I can say about that without adding a spoiler warning to this review.

I really liked this book.

As for Grace, her character has to be the sweetest of the whole family. When her family forces her out of her comfort zone by sending her on a cooking retreat in Hawaii, she pretty much thinks she’s going to die. And when they ask Owen’s former hockey teammate Max, who just happens to be going to the same school, to keep a protective eye on her, she’s even more mortified. Of course, Max isn’t any happier about the arrangement than she is . . .

but then they meet for the first time . . .

neither knowing who the other is just yet . . .

and a beautiful story is born.

Fans of Susan May Warren know this is more than just a beautiful story, though. Grace and Max learn some profound lessons about faith, trust, and abundant living in Christ—lessons they’ll share, I’m sure, with Casper and Raina and Owen and Amelia and any other characters who find their way into the next books.

Oh, my stars. I love this family. I devoured this entire collection of all 6 siblings’ stories and am sad to reach the end. Each story is completely unique, and yet subplot threads are perfectly woven through, tying them all together. Deeply moving stories, pain, heartache, illness, unplanned pregnancies, family tension and drama, running and regret, all richly told while emphasizing the love of Father God and His great gift of grace.

I absolutely enjoy reading this series. I feel like I'm reading a real-life story. Susan May Warren does an excellent job making her character easy to relate to and helps her reader to bond with the characters fast.

Grace made such a huge transformation. It was fun to walk alongside her in her journey to become a culinary chef. She has all the talent but couldn't see that for herself. How often do we do just that, too? We can easily discredit ourselves because we don't think we're good enough or because we don't want to get out of our comfort zone. For Grace, getting out of her comfort zone led to some big things happening in her life.

If I had to chose the character that I was most saddened by, it would be Owen. I wanted him to have a repentant heart and care, but I don't feel like that ever happened. I hope Susan May Warren has some big plans for him in the future!

Another thing I've liked about this series is the continuity. Each book flows right into the next one. It makes me want to re-read all 3 together and see what I've missed. I can't wait to see what's next in either this series or a break-off one.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Susan May Warren's latest novel lives up to everything I have come to expect from her writings. Grace and Maxwell's story is wonderful. Grace is a girl after my own heart. She feels more comfortable at home in Deep Haven, serving her family and friends. Maxwell wants to live his life alone, afraid of the genetic disease that has claimed his father and other family members, afraid to trust God. My heart went out to both Grace and Maxwell as they learned to step beyond their safety zones and learned to trust each other and God for the desires of their hearts. I loved the descriptions of all the fun they had as they toured and enjoyed the island. I also enjoyed, and envied, the cooking skills they both had and the cooking contest they entered.
The side story of Raina, Owen and Casper sets up a future Christiansen Family story. Raina's insecurity and desire to be accepted touched my heart. I can't wait to see how her story develops.
This book kept me turning pages to see if Grace and Maxwell could work things out to be together and how it would be accomplished. Check out this book and series. You won't be disappointed.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Susan May Warren does an amazing job of creating 3 dimensional, likable characters. I reviewed It Had To Be You earlier this year, and was sucked into the storyline and thrilled to discover that it was part of a series. When I Fall in Love was just as intense, as we find out what happens to more of the Christiansen family, and meet new characters.

Set both in Hawaii and in Minnesota, the story centers mainly around Grace, a shy girl, and Max, a celebrity hockey player... with a secret. They go from strangers to classmates at a culinary school, to a team competing in Honolulu Chop, a cooking competition.

Back in Minnesota, we meet Raina, who I am gussing will be the focus of an upcoming book, as her story leaves off with a bit of a cliffhanger in this one. Raina tangles with one of the Christiansen brothers--only to discover he was the wrong one for her. By the time she figures out that she likes Casper, things are... complicated.

Clean Romance, definitely Christian elements (a plus for me). 3 is a good review from me!
I have always loved reading SMW novels. The characters seem so real, genuine, and love the family element in them. Grace and Max have some major hurdles to overcome. The magic of Hawaii seems to help their chemistry along up to a point. Both have difficulties to overcome and impediments to their HEA. I have to say, I loved the food/cooking that was involved in the story. Not only a great read, but fun food involved!
Raina, Owen, and Casper have an interesting story. Not resolved, but Raina and Casper's story is told in the next book and introduced here.
I guess I am just a fan of the small town. Love the stories, the setting, the struggles (someday, I want to hear that the resort is fully functioning again!! after all the tragedy of the fire!)
Grace and Max still have some hurdles, but hopefully those will be told as a side story in one of the other novels. Read a library copy.

Susan May Warren writes such delightful books and I am especially loving her Christiansen Family series. She has cooked up another great novel with When I Fall in Love. Grace and Max are both compelling and likable, and Warren creates many humorous moments--and some not so funny ones as well!--in this charming tale. Both of them wrestle with realistic and identifiable issues to which many readers will relate, yet the setting and pace keeps the novel entertaining and upbeat while at the same time providing subtle life lessons. The cooking competition adds flavor and turns up the heat on both the relationship and the story, serving up food, fun, and a heaping helping of faith. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this great series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This story was full of adventure for the homebody sister, Grace Christiansen. I loved that the story was in the fun state of Hawaii and included a cooking class and competition. It definitely added to the storyline. The relationship dynamic between Grace and Max kept the story exciting all the way to the end. Several of the characters are dealing with "baggage" that they have lugged throughout their lives thinking that it was something they could never let go of. Life can be full of things we hang onto thinking we don't have the power to let go. Of course, the problem is that the power to let go of the things that beset us doesn't come from us but from God. Each of these characters struggle through how to give their baggage over to God and begin to trust Him with their lives. Susan May Warren weaves together a beautiful story of how trusting God with your life is really the only way to truly live. If you're looking for a fun new series, pick up the Christiansen family.

**I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.