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Deep Haven #2
Tying the Knot
Following the success of Susan's first HeartQuest release, Happily Ever After, her new novel will delight readers with its well-woven plot and heart-stirring romance. Anne Lundstrom yearns for a safe haven from her painful past. Former gang member Noah Standing Bear is also determined to leave a painful past behind. As Anne's relationship with God and Noah deepens, she realizes that safety is eternal and that God's grace is sufficient to carry her through every moment-and to fill her with the courage to give her heart to the man she loves.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
131 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
218 books3,653 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 29, 2020
My second visit to Deep Haven was a thrilling experience. I thought it was nice to read about people going to The Footstep of Heaven Bookstore to get tea and coffee. Mona and Joe weren't the main characters; however, when they were mentioned along with their well-established bookstore, I knew for sure that I was in Deep Haven again. Also, Mona and Joe were now married. Things obviously progressed, so I was eager to see what would unfold next in this comfortable town.
This visit was not an easy, breezy walk in the park. The emergency alert rang out in the prologue. I thought...wow! I didn't even get to chapter one yet. I immediately began to wonder what was in store.
It all began when Anne, an EMT, walked into a Minneapolis home and dove into action. Noah, a man she didn't know, tackled a teenage boy armed with a gun. Unfortunately, the boy still managed to pull the trigger and shot Anne in the abdomen. Heroic Noah continued to hold her hand, and sang her a hymn, while she was carried away for medical treatment. Noah left a strong and precious impression with Anne. His image and voice remained with her for a year.
Anne fled from Minneapolis leaving her home, job and hoped to leave behind the horrifying memories that held her captive. She traveled to Deep Haven, with her plan to settle into the town she knew would provide her with the peace and safety she so desperately needed. Anne's vehicle broke down as soon as she arrived in Deep Haven. The man who assisted her was no other than Noah. They didn't recognize each other; however, Anne experienced some eerie moments while looking at him. She drove away quickly, as soon as he fixed her vehicle.
Anne began working as an EMT in Deep Haven. Eventually she was assigned to work with Noah as the EMT for his summer camp, Wilderness Challenge. This camp was Noah's dream to bring in kids who were in bondage by gangs, and lead them to find freedom in accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. During this time, Anne still didn't recognize Noah, but she continued to have flashbacks whenever she was around him.
Anne and Noah both had painful pasts. Anne's pain stemmed from having to leave a safe region as a child, due to her father's ministry as a pastor. Her father moved the family to Minneapolis, in order to reach out to the youth, and bring them to Jesus. Anne never understood why God allowed the family move to happen, because they weren't safe. Many years after her father's accidental death, she was still angry with God for being an unloving God. Anne was angry with her mother for continuing her father's ministry. She also had bitterness in her heart and remained crippled by fear.
Noah was weighed down by his past as a gang member. Even though he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and became a pastor who helped troubled youth involved in gangs, he was still held captive by guilt and shame. He held himself accountable because he helped a teenager surrender his life to God, and that same teenager went back to drugs and shot Anne. He also endured painful memories of five years spent in jail, due to gang violence. God saved him from the life he was living, and helped him start a new life. He did his best to progress, but he was constantly in a mind battle. Just like Anne, his mind was in bondage and he struggled to break free.
Anne and Noah lived different lives, had different wounds, and were not on the same relationship level with God, so there was some friction in their relationship.
When Anne found out that the camp kids were from Minneapolis, she was furious and wanted to leave. She ran away from Minneapolis, but she still had to face her fears. Anne, Noah and the staff members went on adventures with the kids. Some of them were fun, and some were near death experiences.
I really like how a few Christian hymns were included. Also, I came across many scripture verses, which were very encouraging! Each verse that Susan Warren included, fit perfectly with each moment. The scripture verses intensified the moments by giving the characters strength, hope, courage, peace, boldness, freedom, clarity of mind, new perspectives and so much more.
Anne and Noah had a major push-pull relationship throughout the entire book. I understood the conflict, but I thought there was too much going back and forth. They were in love one moment, and then they would push each other away in the next moment. I thought it was understandable that their relationship had complication due to their circumstances; however, I would have enjoyed the book more if their relationship had a little more consistency. There were moments when I felt like they could have kept moving forward.
Anne and Noah found out about each other's pasts, and they realized how they were connected. The camp had its ups and downs, but it was a success because it brought everyone closer to God. The time spent at the camp also brought Anne and Noah closer together.
There was a medical mystery that involved missing prescription, that was being sold. I wondered who was stealing the medicine. The suspense was nice. As I got closer to who the culprit was, it wasn't a shock due to an odd interaction that happened, right before another emergency occurred.
I thought it was neat how the story came around full circle. Noah, being Anne's hero for a second time, swapped places with her at the end. He got shot, and she stood by his side singing to him, just like he did for her. At the end, they had a thorough understanding of who they were as individuals, and who they were together as they professed their love to each other. They also understood how they'd be strong together in the future, with God on their side, as they worked for His glory.
My soul rang out a hallelujah at the end, because I loved how the story pointed to Jesus, and I loved that I was able to finish the story without Anne and Noah pushing each other away again. They finally surrendered to God and to each other. I admire Noah for asking Anne, "What do you think about...Anne Standing Bear?" That was a sweet way to bring them together, knowing that they would be moving forward....no turning back!
The note from Susan Warren was very touching. She gained inspiration to write "Tying the Knot" from a tragic experience she endured with her children. She mentioned that the experience left them with spiritual and emotional wounds. Her personal testimony of how God can meet us in our darkest hours, and shine the light of His omnipresence, spoke volumes. This Christian Fiction novel stemmed from an experience that was real. Susan stated, "I wrote Anne and Noah's story while struggling through the dark night of the soul. Amazingly, many times I felt as though the words that appeared on the page were more for me than Anne. I journeyed with Anne until I, too, could see God embracing me in the darkest hour. Her victory is mine."
Susan's testimony gave so much meaning and depth to the novel I read. The characters are fictional, but the battles in our lives are real. The only way to survive, is to conquer our battles with the power we receive from God.
Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, and I look forward to reading more of Susan's books!
This visit was not an easy, breezy walk in the park. The emergency alert rang out in the prologue. I thought...wow! I didn't even get to chapter one yet. I immediately began to wonder what was in store.
It all began when Anne, an EMT, walked into a Minneapolis home and dove into action. Noah, a man she didn't know, tackled a teenage boy armed with a gun. Unfortunately, the boy still managed to pull the trigger and shot Anne in the abdomen. Heroic Noah continued to hold her hand, and sang her a hymn, while she was carried away for medical treatment. Noah left a strong and precious impression with Anne. His image and voice remained with her for a year.
Anne fled from Minneapolis leaving her home, job and hoped to leave behind the horrifying memories that held her captive. She traveled to Deep Haven, with her plan to settle into the town she knew would provide her with the peace and safety she so desperately needed. Anne's vehicle broke down as soon as she arrived in Deep Haven. The man who assisted her was no other than Noah. They didn't recognize each other; however, Anne experienced some eerie moments while looking at him. She drove away quickly, as soon as he fixed her vehicle.
Anne began working as an EMT in Deep Haven. Eventually she was assigned to work with Noah as the EMT for his summer camp, Wilderness Challenge. This camp was Noah's dream to bring in kids who were in bondage by gangs, and lead them to find freedom in accepting Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. During this time, Anne still didn't recognize Noah, but she continued to have flashbacks whenever she was around him.
Anne and Noah both had painful pasts. Anne's pain stemmed from having to leave a safe region as a child, due to her father's ministry as a pastor. Her father moved the family to Minneapolis, in order to reach out to the youth, and bring them to Jesus. Anne never understood why God allowed the family move to happen, because they weren't safe. Many years after her father's accidental death, she was still angry with God for being an unloving God. Anne was angry with her mother for continuing her father's ministry. She also had bitterness in her heart and remained crippled by fear.
Noah was weighed down by his past as a gang member. Even though he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and became a pastor who helped troubled youth involved in gangs, he was still held captive by guilt and shame. He held himself accountable because he helped a teenager surrender his life to God, and that same teenager went back to drugs and shot Anne. He also endured painful memories of five years spent in jail, due to gang violence. God saved him from the life he was living, and helped him start a new life. He did his best to progress, but he was constantly in a mind battle. Just like Anne, his mind was in bondage and he struggled to break free.
Anne and Noah lived different lives, had different wounds, and were not on the same relationship level with God, so there was some friction in their relationship.
When Anne found out that the camp kids were from Minneapolis, she was furious and wanted to leave. She ran away from Minneapolis, but she still had to face her fears. Anne, Noah and the staff members went on adventures with the kids. Some of them were fun, and some were near death experiences.
I really like how a few Christian hymns were included. Also, I came across many scripture verses, which were very encouraging! Each verse that Susan Warren included, fit perfectly with each moment. The scripture verses intensified the moments by giving the characters strength, hope, courage, peace, boldness, freedom, clarity of mind, new perspectives and so much more.
Anne and Noah had a major push-pull relationship throughout the entire book. I understood the conflict, but I thought there was too much going back and forth. They were in love one moment, and then they would push each other away in the next moment. I thought it was understandable that their relationship had complication due to their circumstances; however, I would have enjoyed the book more if their relationship had a little more consistency. There were moments when I felt like they could have kept moving forward.
Anne and Noah found out about each other's pasts, and they realized how they were connected. The camp had its ups and downs, but it was a success because it brought everyone closer to God. The time spent at the camp also brought Anne and Noah closer together.
There was a medical mystery that involved missing prescription, that was being sold. I wondered who was stealing the medicine. The suspense was nice. As I got closer to who the culprit was, it wasn't a shock due to an odd interaction that happened, right before another emergency occurred.
I thought it was neat how the story came around full circle. Noah, being Anne's hero for a second time, swapped places with her at the end. He got shot, and she stood by his side singing to him, just like he did for her. At the end, they had a thorough understanding of who they were as individuals, and who they were together as they professed their love to each other. They also understood how they'd be strong together in the future, with God on their side, as they worked for His glory.
My soul rang out a hallelujah at the end, because I loved how the story pointed to Jesus, and I loved that I was able to finish the story without Anne and Noah pushing each other away again. They finally surrendered to God and to each other. I admire Noah for asking Anne, "What do you think about...Anne Standing Bear?" That was a sweet way to bring them together, knowing that they would be moving forward....no turning back!
The note from Susan Warren was very touching. She gained inspiration to write "Tying the Knot" from a tragic experience she endured with her children. She mentioned that the experience left them with spiritual and emotional wounds. Her personal testimony of how God can meet us in our darkest hours, and shine the light of His omnipresence, spoke volumes. This Christian Fiction novel stemmed from an experience that was real. Susan stated, "I wrote Anne and Noah's story while struggling through the dark night of the soul. Amazingly, many times I felt as though the words that appeared on the page were more for me than Anne. I journeyed with Anne until I, too, could see God embracing me in the darkest hour. Her victory is mine."
Susan's testimony gave so much meaning and depth to the novel I read. The characters are fictional, but the battles in our lives are real. The only way to survive, is to conquer our battles with the power we receive from God.
Philippians 4:13 We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, and I look forward to reading more of Susan's books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2012
I actually can't get through this book. I loathe the main character. I realize that at some point she will have a turning point, but I can't keep reading until I get to that. I really liked the first Deep Haven book and I am so disappointed that I can't stand this one. Where to begin...Anne is blaming her behavior on the shooting, but she wasn't a very nice person before that. She was full of prejudice and disgust for the people of inner city Minneapolis. I was put off by her attitude then. After she is shot, she is full on hateful to Noah simply because he is Native American. This makes no sense when she knows her "savior" from the shooting was Native American and that Noah has his same eyes. Her whole condescending attitude can't be chalked up to just fear or PTSD. I was absolutely in shock when she hauled off and slapped Noah after all he did was fix her car and offer her a ride home. The most unbelievable part is that he seems to like her and even says he doesn't blame her for her actions. What?!? I read the author's note that she suffered a traumatic attack in Russia, but this character goes beyond that to just plain rude and hateful. I am sorry that I know she will end up with Noah because I don't think she deserves him.
July 30, 2020
This book challenged me. Through Anne’s journey and the strong and beautiful message of judging people by first impressions made me wonder how many times I have done this. Instead of first getting to know someone judging them and placing them in a a box society created.
Noah’s journey was also a great example of 2 Cor 5:17 - we are a new creation in Christ. He came from such a bad past but just like us, we sometimes get stuck on what we did and feel unworthy of God and His plans for us. I loved his heart to do what God called him to do.
I loved Noah a bit more than Anne but enjoyed their story.
There was also a bit of a suspenseful plot which I guessed before it was revealed but still an enjoyable part of the story.
I enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next stop in Deep Haven.
Noah’s journey was also a great example of 2 Cor 5:17 - we are a new creation in Christ. He came from such a bad past but just like us, we sometimes get stuck on what we did and feel unworthy of God and His plans for us. I loved his heart to do what God called him to do.
I loved Noah a bit more than Anne but enjoyed their story.
There was also a bit of a suspenseful plot which I guessed before it was revealed but still an enjoyable part of the story.
I enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next stop in Deep Haven.
December 10, 2015
4.25 stars.
I really enjoyed my second "visit" to Deep Haven. I didn't bond quite as seeply with these characters as with the ones in the first book, but still enjoyed it a lot and am really looking forward to the next one.
Warren always includes a deep Christian message and I loved this one, about facing your greatest fears and learning to trust that God won't lead you where you don't need to be.
I really enjoyed my second "visit" to Deep Haven. I didn't bond quite as seeply with these characters as with the ones in the first book, but still enjoyed it a lot and am really looking forward to the next one.
Warren always includes a deep Christian message and I loved this one, about facing your greatest fears and learning to trust that God won't lead you where you don't need to be.
August 12, 2015
This was a pretty good read, though definitely not my favorite book by Susan May Warren. I'm looking forward to finishing the series! I actually read book three first; but I really enjoyed it, so I think I might read it again...
April 25, 2020
A fun book about love after tragic incident. I love how she writes about both characters suffer from their past and work together through love to forgive and forget their past. At the end the male character saves the female character twice to show how much he truly loves her. Love can change anything. A great uplifting book that I'm sure you will fall in love with.
January 31, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! So many good reminders about how God makes us into a new creation when we follow Him and the important of loving people from all backgrounds! The nature camp ministry was also super fun to read- Susan made me feel like I was sleeping under the stars!
December 1, 2016
I decided to read another Susan May Warren book and I tried to understand this book.
Let me see if I can sort out my thoughts.
Anne was just awful. I know I'm saying this but I live in a place you wouldn't even believe. I am a African living in another African country that isn't all that pleasant so I can relate with living somewhere you don't want to but I have to ask why is she so uppity? Even before her gunshot wound she hated the inner city kids couldn't she see that they're 11, 12 and 13 year old. My brother is 13 if he's even in the company of people like Anne I'd remove him immediately. It's not easy to live in hot button places but she acted like a petulant child. Does that mean that she never saw any decent person on the streets? Or does she have a special right to be rude just because she wasn't part of the decision to leave? And after the gunshot oh I had sympathy for her I wanted her to rest and have peace but she was just determined not to like Noah. You know the scene that really struck me as funny was when she said he was using her to make money. She's an intern assigned somewhere to finish her masters. She's getting paid he's not. Whenever he mentions how grateful he is for her help with the program she gets sad that he doesn't want her there for him. It's so silly.
She later realised that Christian life isn't supposed to be a bed of roses just that you have to trust God hence the three stars.
Let me see if I can sort out my thoughts.
Anne was just awful. I know I'm saying this but I live in a place you wouldn't even believe. I am a African living in another African country that isn't all that pleasant so I can relate with living somewhere you don't want to but I have to ask why is she so uppity? Even before her gunshot wound she hated the inner city kids couldn't she see that they're 11, 12 and 13 year old. My brother is 13 if he's even in the company of people like Anne I'd remove him immediately. It's not easy to live in hot button places but she acted like a petulant child. Does that mean that she never saw any decent person on the streets? Or does she have a special right to be rude just because she wasn't part of the decision to leave? And after the gunshot oh I had sympathy for her I wanted her to rest and have peace but she was just determined not to like Noah. You know the scene that really struck me as funny was when she said he was using her to make money. She's an intern assigned somewhere to finish her masters. She's getting paid he's not. Whenever he mentions how grateful he is for her help with the program she gets sad that he doesn't want her there for him. It's so silly.
She later realised that Christian life isn't supposed to be a bed of roses just that you have to trust God hence the three stars.
March 30, 2016
This book was absolutely amazing! It spoke to my heart on such a deep spiritual level. Not because it was preachy but because it showed how God is with you during the really difficult times. The challenges the hero and heroine had encountered in their past and present were heart breaking. I loved how the author showed their growth as people and in their relationship to God. The hero was absolutely swoon-worthy...sigh. Noah (hero) was a previous gang banger and excon. He had surrendered his life to God, and had became a true warrior for Christ. And oh my was he a hottie ;). Anne (heroine) was wounded and guarded because of tragic events from her past. I loved watching her spiritual reawakening. Noah and Anne's love story was one of the best I have ever read. I read this book slowly because I truly savored every page. A great book I very highly recommend!! One if my favorite reads ever!
April 7, 2016
I really disliked the heroine and the hero wasn't much better. Both really frustrated me with their emotional seesawing, happy one minute and crying the next. It was annoying to read. I wanted some action and dialog, instead I got to read how they felt all the time. Finally closer to the end some stuff happened, but this little bit just couldn't save the story for me. So many of the relationship issues could have been avoided by simple honesty. The message focuses on facing your greatest fears and learning to trust God to lead and protect you. The point of the story is a message we all need to hear, I just didn't feel like the story, characters and plot wasn't as likeable as other stories I've read.
July 31, 2023
This was not a 'gentle, sweet read' by any stretch of the imagination. This book dealt with some very real, and very hard things (life on the inner-city streets, for one). And yet?
Almost never have I read a book that was so grace-filled. The characters not only talked the talk about life with God, they walked the walk, even while they wrestled with some very serious, REAL questions about where God is in the midst of tragedy.
There were some scenes that absolutely gutted me; but, at the same time, woven through those scenes was the refrain 'it is well with my soul'. This world can be very ugly, and heartbreaking, and downright scary. But, Christ has overcome the world, and in Him, we can ALWAYS find peace.
Almost never have I read a book that was so grace-filled. The characters not only talked the talk about life with God, they walked the walk, even while they wrestled with some very serious, REAL questions about where God is in the midst of tragedy.
There were some scenes that absolutely gutted me; but, at the same time, woven through those scenes was the refrain 'it is well with my soul'. This world can be very ugly, and heartbreaking, and downright scary. But, Christ has overcome the world, and in Him, we can ALWAYS find peace.
March 15, 2016
2.5 star. I keep hoping her earlier books will love up to the level of her more recent and I've yet to find that to be the case. Interesting setting. She addresses some tough topics, but I had a difficult time appreciating the hero and heroine they really had a lot to work through to get to the point they needed to be. It was just not as smooth and they weren't quite as likable as later plots/hero heroines. I didn't hate it - it was just meh - ok.
May 26, 2017
i enjoyed the story, and wanted to keep turning pages, but the basis was the same exact thing from the first one. Also, too often I found myself wanting to hit the main characters over the head with the book they were in. smh
yes, i still enjoyed it and am not sad i read it, but I'm stepping away from the series now.
yes, i still enjoyed it and am not sad i read it, but I'm stepping away from the series now.
January 21, 2020
Aw a sweet ending, and quite the twist! I enjoyed it but there were enough things like the cheesy dialogue and Anne’s emotional highs and lows that weren’t super enjoyable. I’m glad I finished it, and thanks for the buddy read Nicole!!
January 3, 2015
Lovely story. I started reading the Deep Haven series after discovering Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family Series. I'm enjoying the Deep Haven stories and background.
July 8, 2015
This book made me cry and made me sigh. I was reminded of St. John of the Cross's Dark Night of the Soul. Beautiful book.
December 13, 2015
skimmed... bored
May 18, 2017
A great story of triumph over tragedy, with some romance thrown in.
May 25, 2024
This was a good Contemporary Christian fiction book; 2nd in the series. The story was believable and some of the characters were heartwarming. The true story behind this book was as heartbreaking as the fictional one. Parent Guide: due to some situations, including suspenseful events, I would encourage you to preread this book before sharing with your older teens and above. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2017
Beyond a romance, this book deals with redemption, grace, trust in God, hope, fear, and getting to the point of knowing all is well with your soul. As Anne and Noah grapple with these issues, the reader is invited to examine themselves as well. It made me want to read the other Deep Haven novels.
October 12, 2013
I enjoyed Susan May Warren’s writing when I had snagged one of her novels. So when I encountered several others at the library I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for more magic. Tying the Knot did not disappoint.
This is not a new novel. It was published ten years ago. The fact that it is an earlier work can be seen in the style of her writing. It’s still Susan’s voice, but it is not as layered as more recent offerings by this author and in some places a bit redundant. In spite of that, it was a delight to read.
Anne Lundstrom is running from her past as a former EMT as well as a pastor’s kid living in the inner city of Minneapolis. Having suffered a near-fatal gunshot wound a year before she has purposefully taken an internship as a community nurse in a small northern town, Deep Haven (future Warren novels take place here).
The last thing she anticipated was that the man who sang a hymn to her in her darkest hour would be the tool that God uses to help her face her fears. Noah Standing Bear was there that fateful day and felt like he had failed that EMT as well as the boy who shot her. As a youth pastor struggling to reach young kids before the gangs did in the inner city, he has come to Deep Haven to run a camp that could help bring those kids to Christ. Unfortunately the one thing he needs to get his funding, is a nurse, and Anne has been assigned the job.
Misunderstandings, fears and attraction all complicate things in the woods as Anne and Noah flirt with the potential of a relationship. As truths become revealed, however, could they actually form a partnership. Can Anne accept God’s gift of the same man who would in more ways than one, rescue her from her past?
This is not a new novel. It was published ten years ago. The fact that it is an earlier work can be seen in the style of her writing. It’s still Susan’s voice, but it is not as layered as more recent offerings by this author and in some places a bit redundant. In spite of that, it was a delight to read.
Anne Lundstrom is running from her past as a former EMT as well as a pastor’s kid living in the inner city of Minneapolis. Having suffered a near-fatal gunshot wound a year before she has purposefully taken an internship as a community nurse in a small northern town, Deep Haven (future Warren novels take place here).
The last thing she anticipated was that the man who sang a hymn to her in her darkest hour would be the tool that God uses to help her face her fears. Noah Standing Bear was there that fateful day and felt like he had failed that EMT as well as the boy who shot her. As a youth pastor struggling to reach young kids before the gangs did in the inner city, he has come to Deep Haven to run a camp that could help bring those kids to Christ. Unfortunately the one thing he needs to get his funding, is a nurse, and Anne has been assigned the job.
Misunderstandings, fears and attraction all complicate things in the woods as Anne and Noah flirt with the potential of a relationship. As truths become revealed, however, could they actually form a partnership. Can Anne accept God’s gift of the same man who would in more ways than one, rescue her from her past?
March 25, 2017
Originally published in 2003.
I think this is one of the earliest Christian Fiction novels I've read so far and I noticed a few differences in the genre now that more than a decade has passed. The most obvious is the solid inspirational thread that boldly shares faith and scripture throughout the read. It's not overdone or preachy, but it is deeply embedded in the text. There is no way you can mistake this for anything but a Christian novel. One of my favourite takeaways in that respect is this gem of wisdom: "God doesn't deal in fair. He deals in hope." (p 277)
And despite some dire circumstances and painful pasts, that's what Anne and Noah's story delivers. Hope. And goodness, are they ever in need of it. This hero and heroine are definitely heading in opposite life directions. They are miles apart on all the important stuff. Made me wonder how on earth are these two going to come together for their happily after? Well, Warren makes them work for it, let me tell you!
An emotionally-charged roller coaster of a read that will leave you blissfully satisfied by the end...if a little worse for wear :-)
I think this is one of the earliest Christian Fiction novels I've read so far and I noticed a few differences in the genre now that more than a decade has passed. The most obvious is the solid inspirational thread that boldly shares faith and scripture throughout the read. It's not overdone or preachy, but it is deeply embedded in the text. There is no way you can mistake this for anything but a Christian novel. One of my favourite takeaways in that respect is this gem of wisdom: "God doesn't deal in fair. He deals in hope." (p 277)
And despite some dire circumstances and painful pasts, that's what Anne and Noah's story delivers. Hope. And goodness, are they ever in need of it. This hero and heroine are definitely heading in opposite life directions. They are miles apart on all the important stuff. Made me wonder how on earth are these two going to come together for their happily after? Well, Warren makes them work for it, let me tell you!
An emotionally-charged roller coaster of a read that will leave you blissfully satisfied by the end...if a little worse for wear :-)
February 2, 2015
Wow! What a great follow up to "Happily Ever After" (Book #1 of the Deep Haven series). With a new set of characters (mainly Noah Standing Bear & Anne) Susan May Warren crafted a great new story but kept a few of the characters from the previous book. This book, like the first one, was a real page turner that I could hardly put down. I am looking forward to starting book #3 (The Perfect Match) tomorrow!!
I actually got hooked on this series by Susan May Warren by reading book #5 (The Shadow of Your Smile) first after receiving it free through the Tyndale Rewards program. With the Tyndale Rewards program you receive points for submitting reviews on Tyndale books & you can cash your points in on free books. If you are interested in joining the program follow the link below & you will automatically start out with 25 points & by the time you complete a few of the joining surveys you will have enough points to get one of many the Tyndale authored books for free!!
www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=8bb...
I actually got hooked on this series by Susan May Warren by reading book #5 (The Shadow of Your Smile) first after receiving it free through the Tyndale Rewards program. With the Tyndale Rewards program you receive points for submitting reviews on Tyndale books & you can cash your points in on free books. If you are interested in joining the program follow the link below & you will automatically start out with 25 points & by the time you complete a few of the joining surveys you will have enough points to get one of many the Tyndale authored books for free!!
www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=8bb...
May 19, 2016
Gosh...this book was hard to get through. The main thing I disliked about this book was the female protagonist, Anne. She was annoying and hateful. I found it hard to care about any of her issues. She just went around assuming and couldn't get off her butt to ask the important questions and then she would get angry. Her emotions went from one end to another. It was almost like she had physiological issues, which should have been dealt with in counseling through her previous job. Her shooting did not excuse her behavior with Noah. She should have suck it up and done the nurse job for the kids. It's not like this job was not advancing her career.
At the end of the day, I would rather that Noah have gotten with someone else. To me they don't have the right stuff (together) to make the relationship work in fiction and in real life. If another major personal issue hits them as a couple and they would fall apart. The Darrin station does not count.
At the end of the day, I would rather that Noah have gotten with someone else. To me they don't have the right stuff (together) to make the relationship work in fiction and in real life. If another major personal issue hits them as a couple and they would fall apart. The Darrin station does not count.
June 26, 2011
This was the second book I have read by Susan May Warren. I enjoyed it very much. It was set around the community of Deep Haven, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. The story of an EMT who completes her training as a nurse after a terrible accident on the job. Anne is a very believable character who obviously suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, although the book doesn't give that specific diagnosis. Anne moves from the big city to do her internship and to heal from her "accident." This book shows Anne's struggles to let God heal her and make everything all right once again. I enjoyed this book very much. Susan May Warren is a very good writer and has a lot to offer her readers. You will enjoy this second book in the Deep Haven Series.
December 18, 2015
Tying the Knot is books 2 in the Deep Haven series, written by Susan May Warren.
Noah Standing Bear is a youth minister from Minneapolis, MN, trying to build a youth camp near Deep Haven, MN. The only way he can get church backing is by having a camp nurse.
Anne Lundstrom was shot while answering an EMT call in Minneapolis . She is moving to Deep Haven, near her aunt, to start a new life and further her nursing career in Deep Haven.
Against Anne's wishes, she is assigned to be the camp nurse. Noah and Anne develop a friendship and manage to work together, until a youth is injured. The youth is hospitalized, Anne is taken hostage and Noah is shot.
I really like this series. The story enforce the fact that God is in control of our lives, not us.
Noah Standing Bear is a youth minister from Minneapolis, MN, trying to build a youth camp near Deep Haven, MN. The only way he can get church backing is by having a camp nurse.
Anne Lundstrom was shot while answering an EMT call in Minneapolis . She is moving to Deep Haven, near her aunt, to start a new life and further her nursing career in Deep Haven.
Against Anne's wishes, she is assigned to be the camp nurse. Noah and Anne develop a friendship and manage to work together, until a youth is injured. The youth is hospitalized, Anne is taken hostage and Noah is shot.
I really like this series. The story enforce the fact that God is in control of our lives, not us.
February 6, 2008
Second book in a three part series. I actually read it third which worked nicely too. This one is about gang activity in Minneapolis - Phillips neighborhood, where I went to anesthesia school! It is interesting as this is a love story as well as missionary vision of reaching the inner city youth for Christ. I probably liked this one best of the three books. The heroine is a little whiny for my taste, but it does show how Christ can change a person's heart, and do great things for His glory.
"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
"We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
September 13, 2008
I've read several of Susan May Warren's books and I have found all of them engaging and worth reading. They are easy reads and the characters are likeable. In a way when I got to the end of this book I wished there was more because I was enjoying the characters so much. I also liked that even though this was a Christian fiction book with lots of references to scripture it didn't feel like a book about one character being converted and then off to lead a great life. These characters were flawed and even though Christians still struggling with certain things in their lives. I would highly recommend this book!
October 12, 2008
great book about facing your fears head on. Annie isn't any stranger to the christian faith as she has grown up under the direction of her minster father. since she grew up in the hood living next door to drug lords and gangbangers, she is no stranger to rough life. However, when her father is killed by a drunk driver, she vows to get out of the minniapolis area forever. While working on her nursing degree she gets shot and has a year recovery. An internship brings her to deep haven where she wants to reside forever. However, trouble happens even in small towns. Noah is a youth minister and has crossed annie's path before and this time he wants to stay.
August 21, 2012
This was a little slow-going at first but got better as I got into it. There were too many coincidences in the story line to make it realistic, but the plot was interesting. Warren is mistaken in her Minneapolis neighborhoods, however; 2135 Franklin Avenue is not in Phillips neighborhood, it is in the Seward neighborhood (if it is East Franklin Avenue and Kenwood neighborhood if it is West Franklin Avenue). Since so much of the story talked about reaching teenagers in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, this error detracted from the story. She should have left out an address and just mentioned the Phillips neighborhood.
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