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Susan May Warren
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Take a Chance on Me (Christiansen Family Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Susan May Warren (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 874 ratings
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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 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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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Christiansen Family
  2. Print length
    413 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Tyndale House Publishers
  6. Publication date
    March 22, 2013
  7. File size
    1754 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
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  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

RITA Award–winning and best-selling inspirational author Warren takes readers on a journey back to Deep Haven, Minnesota, as in The Shadow of Your Smile (2012). Ivy Madison believes moving to the idyllic town will be her opportunity to start fresh, but she soon learns life in a small world is tricky. Meeting Darek Christiansen complicates her life even further, because her work is intertwined with his past in a way she fears will lead him to reject her. Claire Gibson and Jensen Atwood both love Deep Haven but feel trapped by their pasts. Unable to let go of their pain, they both remain stubbornly convinced that God has turned against them. As Ivy starts to transform Darek’s ways, Claire and Jensen must also learn to change. When disaster threatens the home they all love, they quickly learn what has been truly important all along. Warren once again creates a compelling community full of vivid individuals whose anguish and dreams are so real and relatable, readers will long for every character to attain the freedom their hearts desire. --Carolyn Richard

Review

RITA Award–winning and best-selling inspirational author Warren takes readers on a journey back to Deep Haven, Minnesota, as in The Shadow of Your Smile (2012). Ivy Madison believes moving to the idyllic town will be her opportunity to start fresh, but she soon learns life in a small world is tricky. Meeting Darek Christiansen complicates her life even further, because her work is intertwined with his past in a way she fears will lead him to reject her. Claire Gibson and Jensen Atwood both love Deep Haven but feel trapped by their pasts. Unable to let go of their pain, they both remain stubbornly convinced that God has turned against them. As Ivy starts to transform Darek’s ways, Claire and Jensen must also learn to change. When disaster threatens the home they all love, they quickly learn what has been truly important all along. Warren once again creates a compelling community full of vivid individuals whose anguish and dreams are so real and relatable, readers will long for every character to attain the freedom their hearts desire. Booklist

Warren (The Shadow of Your Smile) returns to the rugged landscape of Deep Haven, Minn., with a spin-off series featuring the Christiansen family. Widower Darek Christiansen is mortified at having to fill in for his hockey-star brother at a charity bachelor auction. Ivy Madison, the new assistant county attorney, moved to Deep Haven in search of the stability that seemed to elude her. She impulsively places the winning bid, unaware of Darek’s past. Darek is equally oblivious to Ivy’s association with Jensen Atwood, a man linked to the death of Darek’s wife. The sons of two well-respected Deep Haven families, Darek and Jensen barely tolerate one another, though once they were best friends. As a romance blossoms between Darek and Ivy, she soon realizes that her connection to Jensen could be the undoing of any future for her budding relationship. Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness. Publishers Weekly

Widower Darek Christiansen is not pleased when he has to fill in for his brother at a bachelor auction. But love blooms after Ivy Madison, the new assistant county attorney, places the winning bid. Unfortunately, their relationship is threatened by Ivy having arranged a plea bargain three years ago for Jenson Atwood, the man considered responsible for the death of Darek’s wife. VERDICT: Warren’s (“Deep Haven” series) new series launch has it all: romance, suspense, and intrigue. It is sure to please her many fans and win her new readers, especially those who enjoy Terri Blackstock. Library Journal

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AEB3BJC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tyndale House Publishers; Illustrated edition (March 22, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 22, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1754 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 413 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 874 ratings

About the author

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Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren

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Although I attended the U of Minnesota, I’m a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I’m an adventurer—having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia, Russia as a missionary for eight years. That’s why my characters seem to get into one scrape after another—they’re too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

And my 'official' bio:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has penned contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, rom-coms, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, she's a USA Today, ECPA and CBA bestseller, and has received numerous starred Publisher Weekly reviews. Library Journal says, "Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance.”

Susan is a nationally acclaimed writing coach, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. She is the founder of Novel.Academy, author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation, and a founding partner of Sunrise Media Group.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
874 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Ashley
5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing novel from my favorite author :)
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2013
Verified Purchase
Can I move to Deep Haven? :) I am so excited about this new series! I can't wait to get to know the Christiansens better and I love `going back' to Deep Haven. After so many novels set there, the town itself seems like a beloved returning character. Speaking of returning characters, I loved `running into' the characters we'd grown to know and love through their own stories in past novels. They don't overwhelm the story, this book can definitely be read as a standalone without any problems, but it's nice when they pop up and you see they're doing well. :) I know I sound crazy talking about this place and these people like they're real. But they really do seem real.

Reading this book was like being transported to another time and place. The characters don't feel like characters on a page, they feel like your best friend, your brother, your cousin. Susan has such incredible writing ability. I would sit down to read a few pages and be swept away. I would look up, a little disoriented at coming back to real life, and it was somehow hours later. I never felt the time passing or the pages turning, I was completely submerged in this story. I love Darek, Ivy and Tiger, and Jens and Claire...who am I kidding? I love every character in this book. :) I especially loved how tough Ivy was. So often we see characters who've had a troubled past and their character growth is based solely on pulling themselves out of their self pity and making something of themselves. There is a place for those stories, but this wasn't one of them. Ivy had learned from her past, she didn't let it hold her back, it spurred her on. And she knew how to make tough decisions. Each character is well developed and multifaceted. I will not be forgetting them, and I cannot wait to spend more time getting to know them in the next book.

I'm not sure what I can say that will come close to doing this novel justice. You definitely need to read it! This book really struck a chord with me. It explores themes like betrayal, anger and blame, mercy, forgiveness, and grace, that I think will resonate with everyone. Part of what I love about Susan's writing is the way she explores the real, raw, deep human emotions. She isn't afraid to go deeper, to the ugly places. And her writing draws you in in such a way that you feel as if you're going to those places with the characters. The best part, though, is that she doesn't leave you there. Which is great because that would be an extremely depressing book. :) In Susan's stories there is always hope, there is always healing, and restoration. Her novels do not end with everything serendipitously falling into place and getting wrapped up in a neat little bow, they do not end with a knight on a white horse coming to save the day. Her characters have to do the work, face their fears, swallow their pride. They learn and grow and I always feel as if I've been stretched a little along with them. I enjoyed this book even more than I anticipated, and I highly recommend it! :)

[...]
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K.J.W
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic!! Had me invested right away!
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
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The characters are fantastic and lovable, especially with their flaws and faith struggles. The writing flowed seamlessly and quick. I couldn't put it down!
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Rissi
4.0 out of 5 stars A delight! Again Waren Weaves a Genuine, Heart-Wrenching Novel.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2013
Verified Purchase
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5

‘‘Take a Chance on Me:’ A Unique Read!

STORY | Tragedy chases Darek Christiansen from the moment he agrees to do the “right thing” by marrying the girl from his small hometown of Deep Haven. Instead of growing into a good husband and father, Darek was too busy travelling the country as one of the Hotshots, an elite firefighter team, leaving behind what should be his greatest treasures. Now after a brief, tumultuous marriage, Darek’s wife Felicity dies some five years ago. As the eldest in a large family, Darek’s past becomes a subject no one dares to discuss.

Only now the lovely Ivy Madison breezes into town. Following an awkward first impression, Darek slowly begins to open up to the assistant county attorney, little realizing that the woman he is falling for and his own pasts are more entwined than either understand.

REVIEW | Way back when Susan’s “original” Deep Haven books were new releases, I discovered that her prose is a favorite. Her happy-go-lucky plots mix with some emotional turmoil that though sometimes tugs at the heartstrings is never overly melodramatic. Now, she invites us again to the charms of the small Minnesota town. This time, we get to catch up with old friends (including Liza! Will this girl ever get her own story!?), and meet new characters, too. Warren’s style is easy to read and enjoyable; each story seems to be dearer than the last and in particular this novel is one I’m quite fond of. The title plays into more than one relationship – spiritual and family entanglements, helping to guide the reader towards feeling a part of the lives of these protagonists. It’s about more than just pursuing a romantic match, but also about coming to God in moments of despair, heartache and ultimately, the realization that He never forsakes.

Taking a chance with her readers, Susan writes all four of the main character’s without any solid faith underpinning. Darek grows up in a Christian home but abandons his faith; Ivy isn’t taught different, and doesn't ever experience any kind of deep love; then Claire harbors bitterness; and Jensen believes he's a leper. If I were to find fault with this novel, it’d be the four threads going on through the book. Reading the synopsis leads us to believe that we are going to be reading only Ivy and Darek’s story. But how everything plays out seems too formulaic in its consistency of switching off from Darek to Ivy and then Claire to Jenson.

The end features near exact declarations between two couples. What is meant to be a deeply affecting moment seems to slack as a result, plus the timeframe in which the entire book takes place doesn't help (only three weeks or a month max). Admittedly this review makes it sound as if perhaps, this novel has a few too many flaws; please, do not misunderstand, it does not. Like any work of fiction from Susan, it has personable characters that are hard to forget. It's just the manner they are sometimes presented, and how easily Darek and Ivy are “forgotten” that seems to get lost in the cracks during the 370-some pages.

"Take a Chance on Me" is, in reality a wonderful story that takes forgiveness and value of family to craft a unique, satisfying read.

Sincere thanks to Tyndale and Susan May Warren for kindly sending me a complimentary copy of this novel for review.
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Top reviews from other countries

Miss Eva
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful enriching read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2022
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I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was so rich and filled with wonderful examples of forgiveness. Even though there is a lot of hurts going on in this story, it shows us how even though we make a mess of things God shows us grace and mercy. And can use our messes to bring about goodness.
I could say more but all I will say is it had me hooked from the beginning to very end. And now I must go read the other books in this series!
Blessings, peace and happy reading! 💕
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ina
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on July 24, 2015
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Got it thanks
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Heather B
5.0 out of 5 stars Five star and first class!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2014
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What can I say but, "What a fantastic book!". Susan May Warren has just become one of my favourite authors.

Take a Chance on Me is a beautiful story of not one, but several, people finding their path to healing, forgiveness and redemption. There was so much in the book and the story really kept my interest. The whole subject of how huge wildfires are fought and contained was fascinating, as well as being a great backdrop, and providing metaphors for, what was going on in the characters lives.

Usually an author tells a story from the viewpoint of just one or two characters, but here Susan May has four characters. However, as their stories are so interlinked, it doesn't feel too much and is never confusing. I loved all the characters and was rooting for them the whole way through.

Susan May has a wonderful writing style and some beautiful turns of phrase. The whole story was so believable and brought tears to my eyes at points...and I don't often cry at books. The editing was also perfect without a single typo - a real rarity in Kindle books.

I can't wait to read more of Susan May Warren's books.
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JaneReads
4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed following the journey of two couples as they learned ...
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2016
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Story shows how bitterness and un-forgiveness can take over your life and make you miserable. I really enjoyed following the journey of two couples as they learned how to overcome tragic events of their past. One big lesson was that seeking and offering forgiveness was the only way to make them feel whole again. I grew to like all the characters, however I felt really connected with Claire and was very interested in her and Jensen's journey more than the others. The letter at the beginning of the story from mom to child pulls on your heartstrings and drew me right into the story. I did feel like the ending jumped a little too much in time for me, I would have liked the courthouse scene to be a bit more in depth and the final scene with Claire & Jensen a bit more detailed. This was my second time reading this book as I work my way through the series again and I look forward to spending more time with these characters.
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GBLady
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2015
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Excellent . Showed how unresolved issues and bitterness could poison people. Lovely book.
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