Book Review: Take a Chance on Me

http://www.tyndale.com/Take-a-Chance-on-Me/9781414378411#.UWJDVpMp8Vk

Take a Chance on Me

(Christiansen Family Series #1)

by Susan May Warren

published by Tyndale House Publishers

Book Description:

Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. 

New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case. 

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.

My Review:

From the moment I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down (and I know I'm a cover sucker, but it was more than that). As soon as I started reading, I could tell directly that there was a depth to these characters.  It was more than a fluffy romance, it was a story with deep emotional connection.  The twists and turns of the plot as Darek tries to put away his hatred for Jensen, as Ivy tries to hide the truth to protect the one she loves most...it was pretty moving.

Susan May Warren is a master writer.  She brings the characters alive in beautiful ways.  They are imperfect, unique, loving and flawed.  I don't know how to say much more about this book, because there really wasn't anything at all I disliked about it.  It was beautiful, masterfully written, moving, and one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read in 2013 so far!

Should you pick it up, ladies?  I would say, emphatically, YES!   Please do!

Rating: 9

*I received this book free for my honest review by Tyndale House Publisers

Monday Movie Quote

One last Monday Movie Quote before I take off for a while! :)

{Bingley, Lost in Austen 2008}

Amanda Price finishes playing a "piece"...a.k.a. Petula Clarks "Downtown" from what I can gather. lol

Bingley, staring in amazement: 
"Whenever life is "gettin' me down" I shall be sure to "go down town"

I love this quote...because I think it all the times. :D
Love you all, and see you around!  I will still be sure to comment back if you say anything in the comments, so don't worry about that!  I'm just taking a sabbatical from writing and whatnot.  Don't forget to enjoy life daily, and love others!  Loving someone else can turn an entire day around!

Peace out!
(and all my love!)

1. Write your own blog posting Monday on your favorite movie quote.

2. Nab a "Monday Movie Quote Link Up" button below and stick it on the bottom of your post.

3. Return to my Monday Movie Quote and post your link in the Link Up list below!

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The Sabbatical

It's true.  I've been a failure at blogging for the last month.

I have a billion reasons, but the truth is I just need a sabbatical from blogging.

Life is beautiful right now, but it is busy beyond all busy-ness.  I'm moving (again), repainting the place before I move, family, work, life, God, a very nice man...

Life is a little too much to keep up with at the moment, so I'm going to take a brief break (a few weeks?).

Love you all and shall miss you!  Keep up with me on twitter, or shoot me an email if you have any questions or comments on life in general!

Twitter: @micahelisabeth

Monday Movie Quote: Guest Post by Journee

Today's Monday Movie Quote Linkup is brought to you by our own Little Lady's big sister, Journee.  Our authoress is off saving the world or running Red Cross packages to the Middle East or on a hot date... who knows.  Well, I know.  Enough intro already!

If a Man Answers - 1962

Chantal:  Well you were in such a hurry, that the only thing to do was to get engaged first, and sort them out later!

John Stacy:  ...Now Charlotte, the only thing to do is to return the rings!

Chantal:  But I...

Germaine Stacy:  You heard your father.  Besides, from a man you're not desperately in love with, these rings are much too small!

Chantal (with three rings in hand):  Well I thought that maybe if I bunched them up...

This is one of my favorite movies of all time.  It's the story of a young French-American and her marriage to a New York photographer.  Some of it is completely ridiculous, lots of it is incredibly quotable, and there is a great message about making marriage work woven throughout.  Check it out!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to link up!

-Journee 

(You can read about my own marriage and new-mommy journey at: journeelbk.blogspot.com)

Love to all, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the tragedies in Boston today.

1. Write your own blog posting Monday on your favorite movie quote.

2. Nab a "Monday Movie Quote Link Up" button below and stick it on the bottom of your post.

3. Return to my Monday Movie Quote and post your link in the Link Up list below!

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Monday Movie Quote: Guest Post by Charity

"I am most seriously displeased."

Lady Catherine deBourgh in Pride and Prejudice 1995



Lady Catherine deBourgh is an epicly quotable lady. And yes, I know epicly isn't technically a word...but it fit just right. This lady is simply amazing in this particular version of Pride and Prejudice!

Got a quote? Little Lady and I would love to see it! Tweet it to her (@MicahElisabeth) or me (@CharityUAusten).

A little about Charity: That is, about me. :) I'm an avid reader and book blogger. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, hence my blog's name. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. And of course, you'll want to check out the blog itself! Just click the button on the right. You'll find book and movie reviews, obsession with Lord of the Rings and Jane Austen, Monday Movie Quotes weekly (thanks to Little Lady), and giveaways! Speaking of which, there are two giveaways going on right now -- check them out on the blog.

Thanks for reading, and Little Lady, thank you SO much for inviting me to guest post and accommodating my crazy schedule! :) You're awesome, girl. And so is your blog...and your Twitter!

_______

Thanks SO very much for coming over to my little corner of the world and sharing one of your favorite quotes Charity!  So great to hear a little more about you!

All my love!

Little Lady

Life's Guilty Pleasures

Because it's (not) Valentines Day (because I procrastinated and eventually forgot about this post)...a list of my "guilty pleasures" in life.

1. Mexican Food...especially Tijuana Flats.

2. Movies based on Jane Austen's novels.

3.  Tea.  I really love tea.  A LOT.

4. Pink Peonies.  I really reeeeally love peonies.  Pretty much my favorite flower.

5. Sad music.  I love sad music not because it's sad, but because it pulls heartstrings.

6. Old classic books.  When I look at old books, I think of all the people who must have read them as ragged as they are.

7.  The little things in life.  Hugs.  Smiles.  Coffee.  They make life worthwhile.

Off to bed now!  Tweet me @micahelisabeth with your "guilty pleasures" (as long as they aren't creepy lol).

All my love!

Monday Movie Quote Double!

{ How to Steal a Million - 1996 Nicole Bonnet & Simon Dermott}

Nicole Bonnet: For a burglar you're not very brave, are you?

Simon Dermott: I'm a society burglar. I don't expect people to rush about shooting me!

{ How to Steal a Million - 1996 Nicole Bonnet & Simon Dermott}

Nicole Bonnet: I didn't want to keep you waiting, so I got engaged to him. Is it alright? Am I on time?

Simon Dermott: Perfectly. In fact, we have ten more minutes, so if you want to go back and marry him?

❤

Hello dear friends!  Yes, today you get double the quotes, 1) Because I skipped a Monday or two in March, 2) Because this movie has SO many hilarious quotes!  If you have not seen it, you really really reeeeeeeeeally should.  I swear it is utterly hilarious.  Audrey Hepburn is fabulous in this film!

I loved all of your fabulous suggestions for next week, keep an eye out, they may make it in yet!  Tweet me @micahelisabeth, or comment below, or better yet...link up below! 

Love to all, hope you had a beautiful Easter!

1. Write your own blog posting Monday on your favorite movie quote.

2. Nab a "Monday Movie Quote Link Up" button below and stick it on the bottom of your post.

3. Return to my Monday Movie Quote and post your link in the Link Up list below!

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