When I Fall In Love by Susan May Warren

Book Description

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.

My Review

My first trip to Deep Haven is not one I will ever forget, I can't wait to return! I am aching to get back there!

I saw the title and instantly began humming the beautiful, romantic, melody of "When I Fall in Love" by Nat King Cole. We all probably know that song from Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble keeping such a timeless song alive. But I'm here to tell you, this book is just as amazing!

As soon as I started, I was sucked into the world of Deep Haven and the Christiansen family. Grace is back in the kitchen (more like hiding away), catering for her brother Darrek's wedding. Grace is a home girl, she never wants to leave Deep Haven (though I can't blame her; I don't want to leave Deep Haven!) but its fear that is holding her back not the deep love and connection she has with her home. When she gets to the reception, she's surprised with a trip to Hawaii. I instantly felt like I became Grace. She was so relatable, because like Grace I don't like venturing out on my own. I'd rather stay at home where I know its safe and familiar. I loved what I learned from Grace's story. As she grows, she learns that she needs Christ first before she can even dream of Max, but that she will also need Jesus if she has to let Max go. She finds strength in Him to do what's best and right and that included loving Max. 

Max Sharpe was such an amazing character. You saw two different sides to him. This funny, charming, caring man and the man who was afraid of living because there might not be enough time. I saw him do things I've never really seen other characters do in the stories I've read but that you would see in real life. I don't want to spoil for you. But Susan May Warren knows how not only how to write but make her characters and stories believeable and relatable and addicting. Not like soap opera drama, but you genuinly love the entire book and all its characters.
Speaking of characters. I love how Susan May Warren preps everything for the next book. That's right, this book was not solely about Grace and Max, but a few other characters had their own stories. Specifically, Grace's brothers Owen and Casper, and friend Raina. Their stories were just as captivating and don't end with this book. Oh no, those are just the tidbits to get you hooked so you come back for more.

All these other pieces are just in perperation for the next book! Always On My Mind comes out January 1, 2015 and I will most definitely be getting it some way, somehow!

I didn't know this was the third book in a series, I almost couldn't tell it wasn't a stand alone except for all these characters that just kept popping up and I wondered who they were. You could read this alone and almost not miss a thing. But I am dying to read the previous two novels!

Thank you Susan May Warren, you have captured me into your beautiful world!


I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Tyndales Blogging Review program.