“Have you ever felt like there was something more for you, but it seemed just out of reach? Like, you know you want it, but somehow, you’re scared to reach for it?” Grace asks in Susan May Warren’s love story, "When I Fall in Love." Third book the Christiansen Family series, this four hundred page paperback targets those who love sweet romance with relational conflicts, confrontation, and forgiveness. With no profanity, overtly sexual scenes, or extreme violence, the story focuses on God’s direction and learning not to fear life’s changes. Continuing the story of the large Christiansen clan, this current-day tome has young Grace questioning if there is anything more to her life living with her family at their Evergreen Lake Resort in Deep Haven, Minnesota. Dreaming of a future of love, marriage, and children, she clings to fears of the unknown, paralyzed about thinking outside her sheltered box. Being the fabulous chef in the family, Grace prepares dinner for Darek and Ivy’s wedding reception, trying to accept her failing getting into a prestigious culinary school. When she is surprised by the family with a three week vacation to Hawaii to attend a cooking retreat, she is afraid going on her first plane ride. Pushed by her sister, Grace agrees at least to meet Max Sharpe, a professional hockey player that is afraid to commit to anything that involves the future. Also loving to cook, Max has the same passion for food as the insecure woman. As the two are thrown together in cooking classes learning exotic ingredients that make mouth-watering native Hawaiian dishes, they wonder if they have more in common than being in the kitchen. As each works through fears and insecurities, they must realize God has placed them there for a purpose. Threaded throughout the story are updated relationships of other family members from prior books and their joys, frustrations, and responsibilities, setting up the next romantic tale in the family’s saga. Warren’s writing shows the power of true love that surpasses fear and forgiveness when God is the focal point. By letting go of being in control, the characters find meaning and romance in their lives in this fun romantic read. Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for furnishing this complimentary book in exchange for a review based on the reader’s opinions.
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren is a decent book, but it features unrealistic romance & the stereotypical drama that comes from not being open with one another. It ends with loose threads. It was hard to put down while I was reading it, but it left me frustrated over the lack of closure.