Review: Always On My Mind (Christiansen Family #4) by Susan May Warren

After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.

Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.

Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: January 1st 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers      

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Tyndale via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is January 1st 2015.

This was the fourth book in the Christiansen Family series however I was able to read it as a stand alone novel.  While I was left to wonder if the history between Casper and Raina occurred in one of the earlier books or occurred "off the page" it did not impact my ability to enjoy this story.

I enjoyed the fact that while this was about Casper and Raina that there were also some side stories with the rest of the Christiansen family.  It added a different element to the story.

I was frustrated throughout the story that Casper and Raina could not just surpass their inner ghosts and just admit that they belonged together.  Then in comes Monte and I disliked him from the beginning.  However without these problems there really wouldn't be a story would there?

The best part for me was the "treasure hunt" where we learned the story of Aggie and Thor and Duncan.  As a sucker for anything pertaining to trying to solve a love story from the past that is me.  This is my favorite type of story so every time the journal came out I was excited to find out what happens next.

Now I must offer a warning.  There is quite a bit mention of God and praying in this story and I would classify it in the genre of Christian romance.  While I tend to be put off if there is too much of this embedded in to a story it was not so much as to impact the story for me.  The only reason I mention this is that some people so not enjoy this type of read and therefore this may not be for them.  That being said, as a result this was a good clean read which can be refreshing.

Overall I enjoyed this book.  If I had one recommendation it would be to read the series from the beginning if only to enjoy the numerous member of the Christiansen family

About the Author

(From Goodreads profile)

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

I grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

Website:  http://www.susanmaywarren.com    
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