June 1, 2014
Award-winning Warren (It Had to Be You, 2014) continues her string of stand-alone novels about the Christiansen family. Grace Christiansen has convinced herself that she enjoys her quiet life at home in Deep Haven, Minnesota, but when she is presented with the opportunity to go to Hawaii for an intensive culinary course, she realizes that fear governs her choices. Max Sharpe lives in fear as well, avoiding intimate relationships to concentrate on his pro hockey career. When Grace and Max come together during the cooking course, both realize that their flourishing feelings will be forever stunted if they don't let go of fear and trust that God has bigger plans than they can perceive. In her latest heartwarming tale of love, faith, and courage, Warren reminds us that although we all put up barriers to protect ourselves, we thrive most when we're open to both God's plans and people's love. Readers who are already enamored of the sprawling Christiansen clan will feel even more connected, while those new to Warren will be brought right into the fold.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)