Always on my Mind by Susan May Warren

Book Description

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?

My Review

I couldn't wait to wait to return to Deep Haven. But boy, was I in for a treat of a lifetime! This book had so much to give, I wish I could talk about it all day without wearing you down. Haha. 

Casper has runaway in search of a great treasure. That's been his life's passion; to find something that every one else over looks. In "When I Fall in Love", he thought he found that treasure in Raina, but when he discovered she had relations with his brother, Owen, she broke his heart. He ran away to escape her, his family, his feelings. But, he couldn't get her out of his mind even thousands of miles away. 

When he comes back to Deep Haven, he's shocked to see she's having a baby. Owen's baby. But she refuses to let the rest of his family know about the baby because she is giving the baby up for adoption. Rains believes it's the best thing to do for her daughter. But, truth is, she is afraid she will make a terrible mother, isn't good enough, and wants to give her baby the best. 

In the middle of all this, another Christiansen is having his own troubles. Darek is drowning with responsibilities, and feels he is failing his family in all directions.

Months after the baby, both Raina and Casper have new jobs. Raina an at antique shop and Casper at a Sport shop. But both are pulled together in a common mystery.

The legend of Duncan Rothe!

But what I found truly profound in this book was something Darek said when Casper became really upset over Raina and who she was dating, etc,.

"The fact is, when God brings Christians into the lives of the hurting, it's because he intends to use us to be light and truth to them. Not fix their problems but to point to the One [God] who can."

It just pinged to very the core of my heart. 

Watching Casper pray for Raina whenever he thought of her or passed by her, had an uplifting affect on me as a reader, not just in the story. 

At first, I thought the title "Always on My Mind" was the essence of the characters and their current story, but I saw something more. I felt, and saw, it's about God and how we are always on his mind. He never forgets us. He is always planning for us with us in mind. 

Really, this book has left me pretty speechless, which is terrible for writing reviews. But, it's a testimony to how beautiful this book, and series, truly is. You won't want to put it down once you start. It has a wonderful message and an amazing love story. 

By the way, I am so glad Casper kicked Monte's BUTT! Thank you Mrs. Susan!

For everything. 


I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended to all. 

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.