2014 Christy Award winner!Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor–oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at … Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case. Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy–a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.
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What do you do when it feels like all hope is lost? You have to learn to trust and believe God has the best for you. This book offers a great story of hurt, hatred, and feeling lost that leads to hope, love, and forgiveness. Even though it may be a work of fiction it is very relatable and has great life application
I’m always slightly embarrassed to be reading contemporary romance, but oh well … 🙂
Characters: All the characters were flawed, realistic people, and I enjoyed reading about the Christiansen family. Family relationships in series are always entertaining!
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main themes were forgiveness and God’s goodness. The characters’ doubts and struggles with these things were realistic, but I would’ve appreciated a little more clarity. Some of the discussions were vague and left room for misinterpretation. I know people complain a lot about “preachiness” in books, but I would’ve liked some more “preaching”. 🙂
Plot: There were enough dramatic and entertaining moments to keep me reading. I did have a little trouble keeping track of the four main characters’ story lines and what all had happened.
Romance: Clean. A few kisses. One was more described than I’d have liked.
Writing: I always enjoy reading Susan May Warren’s writing. She’s got a good style that flows well and complements her stories.
Overall: I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction and contemporary romance.
I probably shouldn’t have started reading Take a Chance on Me right before bedtime on a school night. Then the next day the book distracted me from grading papers. This became slightly dangerous when my students realized I had a new book by one of their favorite authors. But it was worth the risk. Yes, Take a Chance on Me was that good.
This romantic story is the first in Susan May Warren’s new series about The Christiansens: six adult siblings and their parents. What’s this book about? Two best friends, Jensen Atwood and Darek Christiansen, become estranged after a tragic accident—when Darek’s wife is killed and Jensen ends up sentenced to community service for her death. Now years later both men must decide if they can take a chance on God’s forgiveness and the second chance at life he seems to be offering through two smart & savvy ladies named Ivy Madison and Claire Gibson.
I experienced a strong emotional response to Take a Chance on Me. How can you tell if you’ll feel the same?
If you’ve ever had that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you fear you’ve ruined your chance at happiness,
Or felt a hole in your heart because you’ve hurt someone you love. And it can never be undone.
If life has made you bargain and beg and weep before God
Then, after all that, a moment arrived that stole your breath away—when God offered you a second chance
And you took it. You grabbed it with both hands
And God’s grace and forgiveness filled you until you felt like you could soar,
Then you will love this story.
Two characters quickly worked their way into my heart: Jensen Atwood, a handsome, under-appreciated, intent-on-beating-himself-up secondary hero. (Think a younger Jack Shepherd from Lost or John Reese from Person of Interest.) Fortunately, Jensen has Gibs. Jack Marshall Gibson, Grandpop or Gibs to his family and friends, Vietnam vet and man of God. Gibs gives Jens exactly what he needs: love, godly counsel, a good checkers game, and a wake up call. Here are some of Gibs’ best lines:
“You can’t make yourself and your life whole again. God can.”
“Has it occurred to you that God might be trying to get your attention? He longs for your heart more than your good acts.”
“So plan A is a bust. God can make a plan B better than plan A ever would have been.”
Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near.
New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case.
Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.
5 STARS!
I am now a Susan May Warren fan. I enjoyed this book so much and look forward to each one in the series. This book focused on the oldest son and his past regrets. Redemption, repentance and forgiveness are huge themes throughout. We meet the whole Christiansen clan as well as friends and community members with strong ties to the family. Character development was perfect; with secondary characters, as well. The message of God’s love and Christianity reign strong in this book and I am grateful for the lack of veiled messages. Highly recommended!
I have yet to read an addition to this series, that I haven’t liked, Susan May Warren is a master at writing heart warming stories! Highly recommend this series!