The Wonder of You (Christiansen Family Series #5)
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781414378459 |
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| Publisher: | Tyndale House Publishers |
| Publication date: | 07/01/2015 |
| Series: | Christiansen Family Series , #5 |
| Pages: | 416 |
| Sales rank: | 772,088 |
| Product dimensions: | 8.20(w) x 5.50(h) x 1.10(d) |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
The Wonder of You
4.8 out of 5
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31 reviews.
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A search for true love
In The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren, Amelia Christiansen returned early from her overseas trip, feeling like a failure. She met and fell in love with Roark St. John during her travels, but when she finds him in the arms of another woman, she can’t trust her own heart or feelings. Roark followed Amelia to Minnesota, knowing he had handled things wrong and wanting a second chance with the lady who might help him overcome his tragic past.
Ms. Warren covers many topics in The Wonder of You. This is book five in the Christiansen Family series, and I haven’t read all of the prior books, so it is possible some of these issues were introduced in earlier books and just continued in this book. But one of the prevalent themes, in my opinion, was the wonder that God loves us, as we are, no matter who we are. Amelia’s mom declared, “’He loves us simply because He finds joy in loving us. And no amount of our running, our disobedience, our mistakes will keep that love from us. God requires nothing from us but to turn and embrace Him.’” (347) Another theme was that our focus should be on God, not on ourselves or others. A visiting missionary said, “’We’re satisfied to get a glimpse of His vision, and then we seek out the places where we can accomplish it on our own. And frankly, that’s why we live empty, frustrated lives. Pursuing God’s vision requires faith in God to work it out.’” (174)
Dislikes: Amelia seemed a bit wishy-washy to me. I understand the need to consider both sides, but she would appear to have decided, then something would happen and she was once again confused. Also, she was seeing Roark and Seth at the same time, kissing both, behaving as if she was committed to the one she was with at the time. Max and Grace eloped but hadn’t told the family yet, so they were sneakily sleeping together in the Christiansen family home.
Likes: Roark called himself a coward, yet he came back time and again and stuck to the hard things in order to prove himself to Amelia. Amelia finally followed God’s calling on her life, no matter what others decided. Max started living in and for the moment rather than allowing the specter of future unknowns to steal the joy from today. The Christiansen family was protective of Amelia, but they also opened up enough to get to know Roark.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a quick read but also had a message if you care to look for it. I personally would hesitate to recommend it to just anyone (think young teens), but I would recommend it to most readers who enjoy a romantic story with a bit of theology thrown in on the side.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
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Susan May Warren in her new book “The Wonder of You” Book Five in the Christiansen Family series published by Tyndale House Publishers takes us into the life of Amelia Christiansen.
From the back cover: Mortified after her year abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough to embrace the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.
Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance—even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.
While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her place mean leaving home behind?
I like Deep Haven. I really enjoy the Christiansen family. I would stay at their Lodge and try to hang out with them. Right now the main focus is on Amelia, Roark and Seth. Both Roark and Seth have been loved by Amelia before and both want to have her now. Amelia, to her credit, wants to level the playing field to see which way, if any, her heart will decide. That is what makes this book so much fun. Obviously there is a whole lot going on in this book. The Christiansen Family are not perfect however they are interesting and I would have no problem having them as my friends. Ms. Warren does a superb job of making each character, especially Amelia, Roark and Seth, come alive so much that they seem as if they have been our friends all our lives. “The Wonder of You” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I recommend this book highly and look forward to the next reunion with the Christiansen Family.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. 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.”
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This might have been my favorite of the series. I thought Caspar's story would have been (book 4), but then this one came along. Tall, dark, and handsome British guy? Sa-woon. But that wasn't the only reason of course.
Amelia thought she was brave, fearless, adventurous. Until she comes home early from her year abroad. Retreating into herself, she decides that maybe she isn't meant for anything more than staying at home. That is, until the guy who broke her heart travels across the ocean to win her back. But with her huge, overprotective family, that won't be easy. Add to that, her high school sweetheart who is determined to prove that she belongs with him, and Roark does not have it easy. But still he stays.
Roark was most definitely my favorite out of all the men in this series. And not just because he's British ;) But when a guy is willing to put up with your entire family and well-meaning but crazy brothers, and work in a coffee shop even though he's a billionaire, girl you don't let him get away. There was a lot of me shouting "JUST COMMUNICATE", frustrated at them. I did not like Seth. He rubbed me entirely the wrong way and I couldn't even see why she would consider someone so controlling. But that's none of my business.
I also loved seeing Amelia grow and mature and figure out what her life is. I mean, she is my age, and already putting me to shame. But she had to learn how to let go, and go with the flow, and realize that you don't have to have it all figured out yet. And that was a lesson I needed as well. The only thing I didn't like was there is always a secondary story in these books, and this book was Grace and Max. And I was not liking it, or them very much. It almost ruined the book for me. I would be super eager to just move past their story and get back to Amelia. But all in all, this was a great story.
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The Wonder of You is a novel in the Christiansen Family Series by Susan May Warren. Susan May Warren is an amazingly gifted author who has written several great series. The setting is in the area of Deep Haven and Evergreen Lake in Minnesota. This novel focuses on the beautiful, youngest daughter of the Christiansen family. It begins with a personal letter from Amelia’s mother to her, telling her that God has great plans for her—the one who has always looked beyond the horizon, the independent one, the adventure-seeking spirit. This letter is a message of praise and also one of encouragement.
Amelia Christiansen is one who thrives on adventure and her love for adventure and skill as a photographer define her character. She has just returned home from a year in Prague, pursuing her vision of becoming a professional photographer. Her former high school boyfriend, Seth, is thrilled to have her back from her adventures and wants to make their relationship permanent. The only obstacle in his way is a certain handsome, mysterious Brit who follows Amelia home to Deep Haven, trying for a second chance with her. Roark St. John wants to clear up the misunderstanding in Prague. Amelia saw him with another woman and thought the worst of him. With a broken heart, she has settled in at the family resort, not expecting Roark to pursue her and change his location to do so. One surprise after another where he is concerned leaves Amelia confused and torn between these two very different men.
Another wonderful, engaging story is The Wonder of You which includes the many family members encountered in previous books. A tale of romance that inspires teaches God’s truths and ways in a warm and realistic manner. I highly recommend this novel (as well as all of Warren’s books). I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
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The Wonder of You is a continuation of the Christianson saga. But if you have not read any of the previous ones you can still enjoy this one as a stand alone. The younger daughter is now the main character and she is traveling and then returns home. This family is based on faith and love. There is also always problems to be found in each book to be solved. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
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The Wonder of You is the fifth book in Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family series, coming after Take a Chance on Me, It Had to Be You, When I Fall in Love, and Always on My Mind. Because it has been quite a few months since I read the first four novels, I cannot accurately tell you which one is my absolute favorite, but I do know that When I Fall in Love was by favorite before, and I absolutely LOVED The Wonder of You. So, I’m going to say both of those are my top two. I’ve been a huge fan of Susan’s for a long time now, so I knew I would enjoy The Wonder of You, but I didn’t really expect it to knock my socks off just as well as it did. It was a good thing I was sitting in a comfortable chair the whole time I was reading it, because I seriously almost needed a fainting couch for ninety percent of the story. When I wasn’t yelling at certain characters to stop being so thickheaded, that is.
Amelia Christiansen’s story was touched on a little bit at the end of Always on My Mind, and believe me, it had me dying to read all about it as soon as I could. Unfortunately, it took me this long to get around to it, but let me tell you, it was definitely worth the wait. Amelia is exactly like I imagined she would be, a beautiful, spunky dreamer who has all the fire inside her that her hair makes you believe she would be filled with. At the same time, however, she struggles with insecurity, fear, and doubt that keeps her from really being able to fly. I love how real and raw and honest her character is, even though I wanted to throw a book at her head many times when she wasn’t being very understanding or spent too much time with the wrong guy, rather than the perfect man.
Roark St. John. He is the perfect man. Although he makes mistakes, just like anyone else, he is the main reason for most of my swooning throughout this book. He really does love Amelia, though he sometimes found a funny way of showing it, and I fell for him because of it. Plus, I just loved his little British expressions! They were so wonderful to read, and really helped to portray him as a character. Anyway, I really loved the way he truly fought for Amelia, even when she didn’t want him to and when he was chased away, and I couldn’t handle the way he eventually overcame all his shortcomings, all of his self-doubts, to really be the hero she needs.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the fact that Susan also picked Grace and Max’s story back up, which was clearly one of my favorites (they were the main characters of When I Fall in Love). Their love story still had to overcome the hurdles of Max’s insecurities and fears of loving someone only to leave them caring for him when he succumbed to the disease he knew all too well was coming, and I loved getting to pick back up on how Grace puts his doubts to rest. And then everything that happens with little Yulia—don’t worry, I won’t say another word so I don’t spoil anything—but let’s just say, it definitely made me cry. Susan absolutely made the right call when she added more of their story to Amelia and Roark’s.
Anyway, I absolutely adored this novel; the ending the most actually, and cannot help but give it all five bookshelves and a place on my all-time favorites list. It is sweet, it is maddening, it is swoon-worthy, and it is one of the best novels I have ever read. I know I won’t be forgetting this amazing piece of heaven any time soon, that is for sure and for certain.
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The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren was a wonderful book! I love the Christiansen family series - it’s realistic, entertaining, and full of humor, drama, romance, and spiritual truths. The characters are well written, realistic and I love the way the men are depicted. They are manly men but have tender hearts - just like my husband!
I don’t know what else to say except that I love this series! I can’t get enough and I’m said that it’s almost over. I love all the different stories throughout the book - how we get to keep in touch with the whole family even while Ms. Warren concentrates on another aspect of the family dynamics. It’s a wonderful book and I love all of Ms. Warren’s series’ books.
Highly recommend to everyone I come in touch with. She is a terrific writer and I thoroughly enjoy everything she writes.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
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Ive had the pleasure of reading one other Christiansen Family novel, Evergreen, but in spite of the other books in this series, I had no problem following along and enjoying this novel. The youngest daughter, Amelia, returns from overseas heartbroken and confused. She had always, in the back of her mind and heart, thought she was meant to be a missionary and hand out Bibles all over the world. Did God have a different plan for her? Seth who had loved her since she was twelve years old, feels like they are meant to be together for life. Roark, who she meets in Prague, comes across the ocean looking for Amelia. He is determined to fit in to her small community and win her over to him. Amelia faces failure of what she thought she was meant to do. Roark feels like nothing he does is right but only leads to trouble and heartbreak for those close to him. God has plans for both of them. Are they able to open their hearts and listen to him whether it means they are together or not?
This was a truly heartwarming story. It made me stop and reevaluate if I'm following God's plan for me. I found myself right where all these characters were, living and breathing like I was there myself. Time well spent for me!
I received this book to read and give my honest review, which I have given.
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When Amelia Christiansen comes home early from her year abroad, her loving family and former boyfriend are happy to welcome her. She is young and perhaps was over whelmed by her experiences there. What no one saw coming is that Roark St. John follows her back to Deep Haven with the hopes of winning her heart. He gets a job and finds a place to live; what he fails to do is let everyone know that he is worth billions of dollars as the heir to a large hotel chain. He also feels God abandoned him long ago when his family left the mission field and was later murdered in Spain. As Roark battles with Amelia’s old boyfriend, Seth, for her heart, other characters from previous Christiansen family books stories intersect with this one. Max and Grace decided to not waste any of the precious days that their uncertain future hold, so they elope. Now they are faced with the challenge of telling Grace’s family who will certainly be hurt and disappointed. As Casper leaves to try to track down brother Owen and potential murder charges are being discussed concerning a family member, the reader cannot put down this book and looks forward to the concluding book in the series.
This is the second book in this series that I have read. They certainly move along quickly and are a good reflection of a godly, loving family. While I did find it a bit of a stretch for a 19/20 year old girl to have some of the experiences both with people and photography that were presented in this book, I did find it an enjoyable read.
I received this from the Book Club Network.
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I adore the Christiansen family! They are one of my very favorite fictional families and I love reading their stories. Although each book in the Christiansen Family series can be enjoyed independently, I encourage you to read this series from the very beginning. I think you’ll fall in love with this special family, too!
Amelia Christiansen’s story is dramatic and filled with emotion, as she tries to sort out her feelings while contending with two men vying for her affections. I loved the complexity of the characters and the spiritual and emotional growth they displayed. In addition to Amelia’s story line, Max and Grace’s story is continued in a secondary plot, which I really enjoyed.
Susan May Warren writes with such beauty and heart, and The Wonder of You is another Christiansen story that is not to be missed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
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The Wonder of You is the fifth installment of the Christiansen Family series. All I can say is, Wow! This series just keeps getting better and better. This time Amelia Christiansen is the main character of the book. She travels abroad, falls in love with Roark, he breaks her heart, and she comes back to Deep Haven. Roark follows her home and does everything to get her back. What an amazing book. Be prepared for variety of emotions in this one. My favorite book of the series yet! Looking forward to the series finale to see how it all ends.
Fabulous story!
5 plus stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
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The Wonder of You***** book 5 Christiansen Family series
by Susan May Warren
Amelia Christiansen had big dreams for her time in Europe, however, nothing turned out the way she had envisioned. Instead, she returns home to Deep Haven, Minnesota heartbroken, her dreams crushed and feeling like a failure. Now she has to re-group and decide what her next move will be—pursue her dreams, settle for working at her family's resort or...or what?
Roark St. John, heir to a European hotel dynasty, has traveled from location to location trying to run from a painful past, tragedies, expectations in the family business, guilt and even from God. He meets Amelia and everything changes—giving him a reason to stop running. Will a misunderstanding rip Amelia out of his life forever?
I have not read the other books in this series...yet, but I was still able to follow along with the characters. Amelia has to choose between two very different men who love her—Roark or Seth Turnquist, her childhood friend and high school boyfriend. But how will she choose one? Her struggle was clearly shown and ultimately she learns to give it to God for His direction—finally peace. Just when she has it all figured out an unexpected accident occurs leaving her in a dangerous and life-threatening position. Will her family and rescuers find her in time? I could feel the tension build as they look for Amelia. I like the way they all pull together despite their differences and help in times of need—even Seth and Roark.
I know who I thought Amelia should pick—not telling—and was hoping she would pick him. I really like the Christiansen family, their devotion to each other and their strong faith in God, which shows in all they do. I like the way the importance of strong faith and spiritual truths is woven into this dramatic story. There is a cute little orphaned girl, who doesn't speak English, that captured their hearts as well as mine.
I was caught up in this story from the first page to the last. There is another story in the background of this story that adds more drama and a hint of a possible murder-mystery (maybe continuing in the next book?). These real-to-life characters face many challenges, problems and joy. I like the humor, forgiveness, second chances, strong sustaining faith, love, danger and so much more woven throughout this story to make it a late night page turner.
~I received a copy of this book from TBCN for my honest review~
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“the gleam of the moon spearing into the cool darkness of her bedroom dissected Amelia’s thoughts, laying bare one clean, clear realization.”
Amelia is afraid. Should she risk again, just like her trip to Prague? Risk another mistake? Or should she play it safe? Safe like her long-time boyfriend Seth. Seth, who is built like a lumberjack and has always taken her breath away. The only trouble is… Roark, the mysterious, sophisticated, world traveler she lost her heart to in Prague has arrived in her hometown where she retreated after the Prague incident. And he is determined to win her back. Roark saying, “extreme doesn’t begin to describe what I’d do to win you back,” echoes in Amelia’s mind. Amelia faces the wrestle of her calling and purpose, all the while weighing the pro’s and con’s of both men and peering into both of her possible futures.
Deep Haven, Minnesota, a logging-tourist town and it’s traditions were appealing and I was drawn in. I liked a surprise towards the end (won’t give it away) because I was ready for Amelia’s decision to be made before she was. I connected with Roark the most; he saw Amelia’s fear and greatness and that resonated in him. Amelia’s brothers’ interactions in the drama/dilemma were amusing. I never did understand Owen with this being my first read in the Christiansen series. Great writing with a vacation get-away vibe and a good plot.
I received a complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers and The Book Club Network at bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
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Amelia came back from Prague with "her tail between her legs" so to speak. She had met a dashing, handsome stranger overseas that had turned her world upside down. But as quickly as it had started, it seemed to end, and Amelia came back to the safety of her hometown.
Just when she thought she could put the past behind her, out of the blue, Roark St. John shows up at her doorstep asking for a second chance. But before she can make any kind of decision, Amelia's brothers run him out of town...or so they think, but Roark isn't so quick to give up. On the other hand, hometown, high school sweetheart, Seth Turnquist is determined that he and Amelia should start back up where they left off before she took her adventurous trip to Prague. Amelia must determine where her heart lies and choose between two men who both profess to love her.
I have loved reading this series. Susan May Warren has written another winner with a story that will draw you in and make you root for the underdog. The story is so engaging that I had a hard time putting this book down! Each book has been great and this one continues the Christiansen family story beautifully. Her story weaves in a beautiful picture of the forgiveness of God and reiterates that we are not alone on this journey of life, but that God walks right beside us. Amelia and Roark both have a lot to learn throughout this story. They have both tried to do life in their own strength and must learn that life is lived best when trusting Jesus. This story will both provide not only good, clean entertainment, but also encourage your heart in the Lord.
If you are looking for a fun series, I would HIGHLY recommend Susan May Warren's Family Christiansen series.
***I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Characters Wrapped Themselves Around My Heart...
Susan Mae Warren has amazed me again. Every time I pick up one of her books in the Christiansen family series,in this case The Wonder of You, I am positive I will be bored with this extended family. Yet every time, Warren introduces her characters and makes them so realistic that their lives are tentacles, inexplicably entwined around my heart.
Who wouldn't thrill and agonize with Amelia as she sorts through her feelings for Seth, the high school boyfriend, and Rourk, the European sophisticate? Amelia bounces back and forth until she finds her true center in neither...which then allows her to see clearly which path to follow.
I loved the "side story" of Amelia's sister,Grace, and her husband Max and their struggles for normalcy amidst heartache. How fun to watch little orphaned Yulia, as she slowly but surely opens up to the least likely of the clan.
While the book has its moments of straight-out faith and truth, they are in small sound bites and natural in the contexts of conversations. At one point, John, the father, says to Rourk, "God wants you to obey Him not because of what you get in exchange, but simply because he asked. To give up everything simply for the wonder of knowing Him, experiencing Him, believing in Him. The Wonder of chasing after Him and abandoning all for Him." Interestingly enough, God used Rourk's own pursuit of Amelia to teach Rourk about Himself.
I am always happy to recommend a book in which the romance is good and clean, the characters irresistible, and life lessons from the Word of God are embedded in a natural way.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
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The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren is an exciting Christian romance that will keep the reader’s interest until the end. It is the 5th in a series that I was unfamiliar with before now but am definitely interested in going back and reading the first four books. The Christiansen clan is a large close family that lives near the shores of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota that run a resort for tourists. Amelia, the youngest, had dreams of accomplishing something big after graduation and leaves the small town of Deep Haven for a photography course in Prague. There, she meets a seemingly poor photography student from Brussels with a dreamy British accent, Roark St. John, who is really an heir to a European hotel dynasty with a haunted past. Thus, begins their whirlwind relationship in Europe. After a misunderstanding, Amelia feels betrayed and returns home to her hometown and high school boyfriend. Roark travels across the Atlantic to try and make amends for their misunderstanding, but her protective family “boot” him out of their home. Refusing to leave the Lake Superior area, he rents an apartment in Deep Haven and obtains a job in hopes of winning Amelia’s heart back. Who will Amelia choose – Seth, the rugged reliable hometown boy or Roark, the handsome exciting worldly man? Amelia wants to follow God’s plan for her life if she can ever figure out what that may be. What life is God calling Roark and Seth to live? Which of these suitors will compliment her as a soul mate in her spiritual quest? The writer interweaves the beautiful Lake Superior area of Minnesota throughout the setting of this book. The characters are well developed and personable. The plot is exciting and twists and turns with adventure and love. I literally couldn’t put the book down until I finished reading it. I received a copy from the author and publisher of The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest review.
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Welcome back to Deep Haven! I love this series, it just gets better and better with each book! It feels like coming home reading about the Christensen family, this time the focus on the youngest daughter, Amelia. Grace and Max Sharpe's relationship is an interesting feature also.
The feeling of failure, and the fear of making a wrong choice seems to have followed Amelia home to Deep Haven from her time in Europe. The decision to follow her fickle heart or do what seems to be the most rational plan--and safe one--has her vacillating between two beaus. Finally realizing the right choice only comes when the focus is on God comes to her after it's almost too late.
Loved all the inspirational threads in this book, like using the hymn Be Thou My Vision, and the story of Jonah, to show how God pursues His people and loves them unconditionally. It was great to have so many returning Deep Haven characters taking active parts in the story too, and have them come alongside Amelia and Roark, giving wise counsel and Biblical insights. Wished I could sit down and talk with Ingrid, John, Pastor Dan or Ivy sometime. Some of their conversations made me cry they were so good. That's one thing that stands out in this author's writing, how real the people seem and how insightful the dialogues can be without every feeling maudlin or trite. Have to love the lumberjack activity in there too--can just about hear the whine of the chainsaws and smell the sawdust!
Highly recommend this whole series! Best read in order, but may be able to read as a standalone if you don't mind feeling like you've dropped into a family reunion where you don't really know anyone. An absolutely "brilliant" addition to this wonderful series!
(Thank you to Book Club Network and Tyndale House Publishers for the copy of the book in exchange for this, my unsolicited, honest review.)
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Susan May Warren has delivered another smash hit in the Christiansen family series. The Wonder of You is a wonderful novel. I enjoyed every minute of this book. The plot was well planned and penned perfectly. It kept my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed the banter between the Christiansen clan, as well as the competition between the two men vying for Amelia's love. I also really enjoyed catching up with Grace and Max. The little bit that was said about them made me love them even more than I did from reading When I Fall in Love.
I really enjoyed Amelia's character. Her struggle to find her place in the world - and her own family - had me rooting for her from page one. Throughout a lot of the book, her view of herself as a failure colors her decisions. It isn't until she surrenders to God that she changes, and I am glad I was along for the ride. The same can be said about Roark. He is refined, charming, and handsome, but for most of the story, he's "happily miserable" (that's the only way I can think to describe it). Watching him surrender to the wonder and magic of God's love is one of the sweetest things I've read in a while. Their romance is rocky, fun, and wonderful.
The message of the story, for both characters, is about running from God out of fear of the unknown. It isn't until both characters recognize that their running and STOP, that they can embrace the wonder of God's unending love. Sometimes, pursuing God's vision can be scary. Neither character can see where the future will bring them. As the author so aptly states, "pursuing God's vision requires faith in GOD to work it out."
Overall, if you're looking for a wonderful romance about God's pursuit of His children, this is the book for you!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Tyndale House Blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*
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The Christiansen Family series of novels continues to be one of my very favorites. The Wonder of You does not disappoint as the latest addition. I believe that this could be read as a stand alone novel fairly well, but this series is really one that I believe should be read starting with book one, Take a Chance on Me.
I had such fun reading this story and finding out more about Amelia Christiansen. She traveled through the novel in a fairly confused state, trying to figure out who was the man that she should be with. I enjoyed getting a better look at who Seth and Roark were. It is clear in the story who Amelia should choose. She seems to be the only one struggling to figure things out.
I loved the way the author wrote these two characters. They both had flaws, faults, and carried either doubts, guilt, or both. What wonderfully complicated people! I also really enjoyed the thread with Max and Grace. Sometimes their storyline made me want to cry, while at other times laugh at the way things came about.
This book and the entire series has so much to offer the reader. These are deep stories, full of very interesting characters and situations. I loved The Wonder of You from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Wonder of You doesn’t disappoint, it is another well crafted page turner by Susan May Warren. I won’t give you a synopsis, as the backcover does that. But I will say that Susie weaves an awesome subplot in with the main story. Max, just married to Grace, doesn’t want children for fear of passing on his latent Huntington gene. But Grace wants children. And she connects with an orphan early in the novel. So conflicts ensue! I also loved how Seth and Roark fight over Amelia, yet Amelia doesn’t become arrogant, instead she looks at the fighting as embarrassing. And forgiveness is shown by the beloved Christianson family as they take in Roark with open arms, even after they sent him home months before for breaking Amelia’s heart. Suzie is a master at developing lovable and well-rounded characters, leaking backstory slowly in an active manner, and creating a plot that moves quick, yet makes the reader emotionally involved.
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This is the fifth book in the Chritiansen Family series. As always this book is fantastic. The characters are all fabulous. Will Amelia decide she wants to be safe and choose her old flame or will she be adventurous and go with the man she met while in Europe. There are many ups and downs during these relationships. Both guys were great. This is a great family and I look forward to the next book in the series. I received this book from the Tyndale blog network for a fair and honest opinion.
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The Wonder of You is the 5th book in Warren’s Christiansen Family series. This time the focus is on the youngest Christiansen member, Amelia. It’s a classic love triangle story–which boy should she choose? There’s Roark-the Brit she fell in love with overseas, or Seth- her hometown lifelong boyfriend. Amelia’s story is about more than romance, though. She’s struggling with her purpose and God’s plan for her life. Failure is a strong theme throughout The Wonder of You. Warren tackles the issue from several different angles, showing us self-failure in different situations and life stages and how we can react and rebound in each. While this story didn’t grab me as quickly as When I Fall in Love (book 3), it slowly worked it’s way to the forefront of my mind. By the end, I wanted more! Warren weaves in a bit of suspense in places, and she has superbly set up the next (and final) book in the Christiansen Family series. Fans of the series will be overjoyed to see a lot of Grace and Max in The Wonder of You. It’s really nice to see where they are now and what they’re dealing with, and they are strong secondary characters in this story. I give this book a solid 4 stars. Recommended for fans of inspirational fiction, family series, and Christian romance.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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The Wonder of You, Christiansen Family book 5, does not disappoint. I love this entire series set in the North woods of Minnesota. Each novel can stand alone, but the series is too good to even consider missing a book. So, you should just read them all.
The Wonder of You, focuses on the youngest Christiansen daughter, Amelia. She has been hovered over by her over-protective family her entire life and is anxious to venture out on her own after high school. Her opportunity comes to take a photography class overseas in Prague but she realizes world traveling may not be everything she ever dreamed and returns to Deep Haven, MN with a broken heart and a lesson in life learned.
The adventure continues when the man who broke her heart, Roark St. John, follows her back to Deep Haven wanting a second chance. In the meantime, Amelia’s high school sweetheart, Seth Turnquist, is still sweet on her and wants her to marry him and settle down in their small hometown with him. Though confused, scared, and struggling with feelings of failure, Amelia still wants God’s calling or plan for her life.
The Wonder of You involves all the characters in the Christiansen family, including another strong storyline with Max and Grace. It’s a brilliant book in an awesome contemporary series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
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