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shelfaddiction's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty cute and light book. Easy read with likeable characters. This book was a nice change of pace.
bibliophile24's review against another edition
4.0
A Christian book. I really wish they would start marking these as Christian books so that I know what I'm reading. I'm a Christian, but I don't always want to read the sermons. Sometimes I just want a lighthearted romance.
kimsbookmoon's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
A Christian fiction romance. I really enjoyed how the Christian prayers were spread throughout the book. The main characters are struggling with forgiveness.
Although I did not like some of the choices the characters made, I still found the book enjoyable.
Trope: Found Family
Although I did not like some of the choices the characters made, I still found the book enjoyable.
Trope: Found Family
nicolesnook's review against another edition
3.0
It's been Mona's dream to open a bookstore, but it's going to take a lot of work. There are so many setbacks that it is soon apparent that someone is sabotaging her. Fortunately, handyman Joe Michaels is there to fix her problems. The two can't deny their attraction, but both have parts of their past that keep them from trusting love. The story was a sweet christian romance, even if it was very predictable.
kbcozy22's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A sweet story, this book makes for a nice christian fiction read. The setting is stunning, great scripture, and you definitely root for the main couple. It is far from perfect. Mona's easy way of assuming Joe was guilty multiple times infuriated me and the story dragged a bit long. Other than that a nice, chill read.
shammons's review against another edition
This is my first book by Susan May Warren, but I'm definitely going to look for more books by her in the future. This is just good, old-fashioned Christian chick-lit/romance. I don't know which genre to call it, maybe a mix of both. I think I'm going to count this one for my chick-lit challenge for 2009.
The premise was a good one - Mona Reynolds has a dream to open a combination bookstore/coffee shop in the small town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. A mysterious handyman, Joe, shows up in the answer to a prayer, since Mona has a huge job ahead of her to repair and get the old Victorian home she bought ready in time to open her store. The story goes on from there and it's one I really enjoyed.
The premise was a good one - Mona Reynolds has a dream to open a combination bookstore/coffee shop in the small town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. A mysterious handyman, Joe, shows up in the answer to a prayer, since Mona has a huge job ahead of her to repair and get the old Victorian home she bought ready in time to open her store. The story goes on from there and it's one I really enjoyed.
anke_books's review against another edition
3.0
Ooit al eens in dit boek begonnen maar toen na een paar hoofdstukken weggelegd. Nu nog eens opgepakt, ik heb de 6 delen van de Familie Christiansen gelezen en was benieuwd naar de eerste trilogie die zich afspeelt in Deep Haven. Nu ik de setting beter voor me zag en mensen herkende die terugkomen in de Familie Christiansen, boeide het verhaal me al veel meer! Bovendien had ik meteen de link door tussen de schrijver Reese Clark en hoofdpersoon Joe Michaels. Ik denk dat ik dat bij de eerste keer lezen niet zo beseft had.
Toch blijft het verhaal een beetje kabbelen en zijn sommige scènes iets te zoet naar mijn smaak. Voor mij als lezer was het al gauw duidelijk wie er achter de mysterieuze gebeurtenissen zat, en na verloop van tijd was ook zijn motief duidelijk.
Ik kon me niet voorstellen waarom Joe zijn broertje geheim hield. Ik snapte Mona's trauma ook niet helemaal. Daar wordt dan allemaal geheimzinnig over gedaan terwijl ik het niet zo spannend vond.
Aangezien ik de link tussen Reese Clark en Joe Michaels al snel doorhad, wist ik eigenlijk ook al in het begin wat de slotscène zou worden. Kortom: het boek miste echte spanning en diepgang.
Omdat ik nieuwsgierig ben naar de voorgeschiedenis van de Deep Haven personages in de Familie Christiansen, ga ik toch deel 2 en 3 nog lezen denk ik.
Toch blijft het verhaal een beetje kabbelen en zijn sommige scènes iets te zoet naar mijn smaak. Voor mij als lezer was het al gauw duidelijk wie er achter de mysterieuze gebeurtenissen zat, en na verloop van tijd was ook zijn motief duidelijk.
Ik kon me niet voorstellen waarom Joe zijn broertje geheim hield. Ik snapte Mona's trauma ook niet helemaal. Daar wordt dan allemaal geheimzinnig over gedaan terwijl ik het niet zo spannend vond.
Aangezien ik de link tussen Reese Clark en Joe Michaels al snel doorhad, wist ik eigenlijk ook al in het begin wat de slotscène zou worden. Kortom: het boek miste echte spanning en diepgang.
Omdat ik nieuwsgierig ben naar de voorgeschiedenis van de Deep Haven personages in de Familie Christiansen, ga ik toch deel 2 en 3 nog lezen denk ik.
55bookworm63's review against another edition
5.0
This was a wonderful book. It reminded me of God's grace and how much He loves us. It was a wake-up call to me and I plan on going back to church tomorrow!
funsizelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this one up not realizing it was Christian fiction. I finished it because the writing was so good, the story was well told, the characters were engaging, and the "morality" was subtle. I will pick up more of this author's books and continue to follow her career.