You're The One That I Want

Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award-winning author of more than forty novels whose comelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike.  She spent eight years as amissionary in Russia with her husband and four children efore returning to Minnesota's north shore to write full-time.

Visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

You can also connect with Susan on Facebook HERE.

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career.  But a job on an Alaskan crabbing oat offers a fresh start...maybe even a shot shot at romance with Elise "Scotty" McFlynn, the captain's daughter.
Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn't believe in happily ever after - especially with someone like Owen.  Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama - and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.
But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts the brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force.  Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith and fresh starts.  Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending...if she's brave enough to embrace it.

My Thoughts:
You're the One That I Want is the last book in the Christiansen Family series by Warren.  The Christiansens feel like family friends and I really hate to see this series come to an end.  Each book in the series - 6 total - shines the light on one of the Christiansen siblings.
One of my favorite things about the books in this series is the letter at the beginning to each sibling from their mother.  Another thing I appreciate about Susan's writing in this series in particular is the way she effortlessly weaves a strong gospel presentation throughout the story without being preachy. Consider this quote as an example:

"His father had put down the roller and was wiping his hands.  He looked up with solemn eyes.  'So you made some bad choices.  Some of God's best players were His imperfect, broken prodigals.  In fact, iffy players are God's best picks.  He specializes in short-tempered, reckless, flawed people to accomplish His plans.  Consider Moses, the murderer; Rahab, the prostitute; Samson, the playboy; Paul, the terrorist; and Peter...the impulsive.  God is constantly using broken, messy people to restore the world and bring glory to Himself.  To touch other people, like you did with Scott in the raft.  And I'd bet they each thought God couldn't use them before His grace tracked them down, brought them back to His purposes.  You can never outsin God's love, Owen.  Or limit what He can do with you if you let Him."

Warren has touched on Owen's story in all of the books in the series, but closes the series with a picture of the "bad" boy's transformation.  Warren is a master at that...showing a character's struggle with faith and growth during the story.  Owen and Scotty's story is a beautiful picture of how God pursues us with His scandalous love and great mercy.
Don't miss this series.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  A positive review was not expected and I have not been compensated in any way for the review.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer