1. Take a Chance on Me, Christiansen Family Series #1
    Susan May Warren
    Tyndale House / 2013 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$12.49 Retail Price$15.99 Save 22% ($3.50)
    4.7 out of 5 stars for Take a Chance on Me, Christiansen Family Series #1. View reviews of this product. 58 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW378411
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Displaying items 11-15 of 58
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  1. KavR
    Canada
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Amazing!
    January 19, 2015
    KavR
    Canada
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Take a Chance On Me, the first in the Christiansen family saga makes for a powerful start to this stunning series. I'm not quite sure where to begin this review. Perhaps to say that this story portrays one of the most moving testimonies of forgiveness that I have ever read. And the strength of the story is in the fact that the author shows the far reaching effects withholding forgiveness has. Not only for the individual harboring resentment and anger, but for all the people surrounding them, both family and friends and even neighbours. In fact, in a way, an entire community has born the burden of one man's unwillingness to forgive. And that man is our hero, Darek Christiansen.

    Tormented doesn't begin to describe Darek. Mired in past mistakes that led to a fatal tragedy, his unwillingness to forgive extends towards himself as well as a friend turned arch enemy. Bitterness and anger are beginning to twine themselves around Darek's heart but he doesn't see it. Not until Ivy Madison shows up on his radar. And mercy, don't get me started on Ivy because she is exactly the wrong person for Darek, or maybe the right person going about it all the wrong way? However you look at it, be prepared for emotional angst that will churn up your tummy and cause you, the hapless reader, no end of heartache.

    This is a true-to-life love story with none of the gnarly bits edited out. But there's incredibly tender moments too. Along with toe-curling love scenes and larger than life family times. And oh the joy of victory! The Apostle Paul's admonishment to "fight the good fight and finish the race" comes to mind when I think of Darek's journey. Not because he did it particularly well, but because he clung on to shrapnels of truth wherever he could find them. Because he was willing to soften his heart as a result. Because he might not have always" kept the faith" during that difficult journey, but he found it again. Truly inspirational.

  2. Nicki Olsen
    Appomattox,VA
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Take a chance on Susan...you won't regret it!!
    December 3, 2014
    Nicki Olsen
    Appomattox,VA
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: Female
    *Book Description*

    Ivy Madison had been pre-warned of what she was getting into before she bid on Darek Christiansen. The only problem was, she wasn't getting warned and what Noel had told her was true of Owen Christiansen...not his older, more bitter brother Darek! Shocked at her 'mistake' Ivy endures the grump's attitude. She soon learns that he is, however, not a grump but simply a poor, bitter man with a young son hurting over the loss of his wife and essentially his best friend as well. After a disastrous date, Darek begs for a second chance. Will she be able to give it to him even though she's thought of the man ever since their first unplanned encounter? What she learns plunges her into deep caring for the man but will he let her in? And even if he does, what will he say of her decision to help someone he despises?

    Darek Christiansen didn't want to go to the stupid bachelor auction in the first place. If Owen would be more responsible, he wouldn't even be in this mess. At least he considered it a mess before he got to know the illustrious Ivy...he can't let his gaurd down...or can he? Ivy is cute, funny, beautiful, great with his son, and makes his heart skip. When something unexpected happens, Darek is angry. With the situation and with Ivy. Will he ever get over Jensen Atwood? Or will his anger get the best of him? Will he lose Ivy forever? When a tragedy happens to his dear town, they all must pull together. Can he do it?

    Claire Gibson thinks this is a mistake. To let Jenson in like this. She even accidentally called him by his former nickname, Jens, once. She can't let him in...not after what happened to her dear friend Felicity. Is she actually so dear though? Claire has always been jealous of Felicity. Now she's trying to help Jenson because he slacked off during the first part of his probation. Is she making a big mistake? Or could Jenson be the love of her life? And is she getting Ivy into big trouble with the former town grouch?

    Jenson Atwood knows he's in trouble. In more ways then one. First, his probation is almost up and he still has a whopping, almost 100 hours to go. Now, Claire is entering his life again and he can't get her out of his mind. He knows he's going to have big problems with her grandfather if he hurts her but he can't help it. Even though he didn't do what the town accused him of, he can't be trusted. Or can he? Will he let Claire show him he isn't who he thinks he is? Does he want to know?

    *What I liked*

    This book didn't disappoint in this series. In fact it way exceeded my expectations and will definitely make it's way into my own personal library. Susan has this wonderful habit of intertwining two different romances into the same story and I absolutely love it! I couldn't decide which was better. Darek and Ivy's or Jensen and Claire's romances. Both were beautiful with suspenseful moments and some occasional humor.

    *What I didn't like*

    Honestly, Jensen's thoughts scared me a little in the beginning, like any suspense novel would but eventually, since I read books that come after this one first, the pieces clicked.

    *My Rating*

    *Why my rating is what it is*

    My rating is five stars because it had double the romance, forgiveness, and a really creative story line. Plus, Tiger is SO cute on the cover! ;)
  3. T Cramer
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Such a wonderful book!
    November 26, 2014
    T Cramer
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    What a wonderful book! This is the first book in the Christiansen Family Series and the first book Ive read by this author. Wow Ive been missing out. I absolutely adored this book. This series is about a large family, with all of the children now being adults. It is obvious each book will focus on the adventures of each adult child in the Christiansen family and the life path they take. Take a Chance on Me focuses on the Christiansen firstborn, Darek.

    Darek, or Dare, as his friends and brothers call him, is a young widower with a 5 year old son, Tiger. Darek is living with guilt, regrets, and the struggle to forgive. He meets the new County Prosecutor, Ivy Madison, when she accidentally feels sorry for him and purchases him as a date at a charity auction. Ivy grew up in numerous foster homes and specifically planned her life and career so that she could settle into a small town with a sense of actually belonging somewhere, and possibly belonging with someone. This is a fun romance with a strong theme of taking responsibility for your actions as well as the importance of forgiveness. I look forward to every Christiansen family book to come, as this story gives a brief introduction of each sibling. The character development is just spectacular, making the reader feel a real friendship with the cast. I highly recommend this book!

  4. Cassandra
    Maine
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    June 3, 2014
    Cassandra
    Maine
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    I really enjoyed this book. The people were very real, broken and in need of God's grace. I also loved the ending. I think this in one of my favorites.
  5. Glenda Fowlow
    Age: 35-44
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    God is Rooting for Me
    April 28, 2014
    Glenda Fowlow
    Age: 35-44
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    I avoid books that give me an uncomfortable feeling. You know, novels that contain a quiet voice whispering there's room for improvement in my own life. And dang it, this book has that whisper. No escaping this time.

    Because this story sucks you in and won't let you go. There's actually four main characters with their own carefully crafted story set in Deep Haven, Minnesota. Darek grew up here, but has withdrawn from living. Ivy has just arrived and can't wait to dig her roots into small town Minnesota living. Jensen can't wait to escape this hell hole. Claire wants to remain in Deep Haven forever. And young Tiger is always seeking his next adventure here, accidents notwithstanding.

    This is a community story allowing you to meet a wonderful cast of characters. The pace moves well with consistent action. Before you know it, you're cheering them on. Even Jensen. (What?! How is that possible.)

    Dare you to read this book. I've read it three times in less than a year and every time that whisper gets me. It's a keeper alright.
Displaying items 11-15 of 58
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