Warren (When I Fall in Love, 2014) draws readers back into the fold of the Christiansen family. Casper Christiansen has put half a world between him and Raina Beaumont, but when he returns home to Minnesota, there she is again, beautiful, infuriating, and pregnant with another man’s child. After she places the baby up for adoption, Casper struggles with his feelings for Raina and the persistent inkling that he needs to merely be her friend. Raina, meanwhile, faces her harsh perception of her own self-worth, refusing to allow her faith to buoy her spirit. As the two reflect on their predicaments, they find themselves teaming up for an old-fashioned treasure hunt and mystery. Raina and Casper draw close on their quest yet resist the true nature of their attraction, as Raina dates another man and Casper tries to live up to his family’s expectations. Readers will be excited to follow the pair’s sleuthing into the town’s history and will delight in the romance that unfolds in spite of Casper’s and Raina’s intentions.

The novel starts only a few months after the suspense-driven events of When I Fall in Love, picking up the story with Casper working on an archaeological dig outside Roatan, Honduras. Meanwhile, Raina Beaumont continues to hide the truth of her pregnancy from most of the members of the Christiansen family, with the exception of her boss and roommate, Grace. Casper travels back from his failed treasure hunt just in time for the delivery of Raina’s baby, triggering the eventual return of both Casper and Raina back to the safety of Deep Haven. In their individual pursuits for peace, they find themselves searching for the greatest treasure in the history of the region. Facing an extreme winter, the realities of adulthood, and the family dynamics of the Christiansens, Casper and Raina finally find the hope they seek in the love of God and one another. Ms. Warren, a well-established and talented author, continues her amazing multi-book story arch in Always on My Mind. Personally, I felt that the book functioned as an essential piece of the overall book series, addressing key questions and challenges raised in the earlier novels. However, I enjoyed It Had to Be You and When I Fall in Love more as stand-alone novels. Regardless, Always on My Mind convincingly addressed the Casper/Raina storyline that formed a key part of When I Fall in Love, while opening the door for the telling of Amelia Christiansen’s story in the forthcoming book, The Wonder of You (July 2015). The last page or so of Always on My Mind alone would cause almost anyone to pick up the next book. Overall, I enjoyed this entry into the Christiansen Family chronicles. Thanks! Brittany at BooksandBiscuits.com