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Deep Haven #3
The Perfect Match
Ellie Karlson arrives in Deep Haven to fill the job as interim fire chief. The locals in this small town, including Pastor Dan Matthews, a volunteer firefighter, are shocked that a woman would take over this dangerous position. But as Dan and Ellie work together to solve a string of mysterious arsons, their mutual respect for each other builds. Another delightful story of love and forgiveness from rising author Susan May Warren.
330 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2004
103 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
237 books3,721 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 96 reviews
September 24, 2014
This book is entertaining, contains moments of sigh-worthy romance, delivers a few solid morals and faith lessons, includes a few interesting twists and turns, but I don’t know how to rate it. Overall, it was a nice fluffy read with one big caveat: sexism.
While there is a little sexism in all of Susan May Warren’s books (the little fragile woman needs to be saved by the big strong man), this book has some of the most dangerous generalizations of any of her novels I have read. The novel features a woman fire chief--the idea of a strong female lead doing work that goes against her gender stereotype attracted me to the book, but as I read I noticed many disturbing sexist themes. 1) The woman is of course small and fragile looking. Of course having a tall bold woman, or even and average size woman would be out of the question! 2) The female lead, Ellie, falls apart as soon as challenging situations arise and thus needs constant rescuing and reassuring by the male lead. Then she sulks about the fact that most of her all male crew doesn’t respect her. Cmon would you take a leader seriously—one who literally has your life in her hands—if every time you saw her she could barely keep her emotions under wraps? Ellie cries and pouts and looks sad and vulnerable all the time and yet the audience is supposed to believe that this woman is a competent fearless trailblazer who stares down danger on a regular basis! 3) The most dangerous theme in this book is that a woman should give up the thing that she is good at, the thing that forms her identity and makes her unique in order to garner the affections of a man and raise a family. In her conversation, Liza, a business woman and local artist has this to say, “I can’t imagine doing anything other than [her craft and business] but if I met the right man, I might consider surrendering it.” Really this is the message to women!!!! The problem with this book is that it pretends to be progressive all the while delivering a triple shot of outmoded gender roles and gender limitations.
This book is a missed opportunity. Instead of crafting a character than oozes the inner strength, competence, and confidence needed for a difficult job, Susan creates a character than cries, pines, and whines her way through the story. Sure, she says some strong things, but in the end she NEEDS a man in order to meander through her messed up life.
The overarching message seems to be that yes, women CAN do any work that men can do, but that they SHOULDN’T! They need to get back to their pre-assigned gender boxes and stay there. When he sees Ellie mopping the floor, antagonist Mitch says, “Now that looks more like women’s work.” His comments are intended to capture the chauvinistic attitudes of the fictional world of Deep Haven, but they end up becoming a major motif in the book: THAT is a woman’s first place and anything else she achieves is just extra. To drive the point home, when the mayor suggests that a woman leader makes things uncomfortable for a male crew and that Ellie was essentially responsible for her own abduction simply because of her gender, Ellie agrees with him, takes off her fire chief hat, and thanks him for his chauvinism.
Women readers don’t need to support writers that stereotype women. And women writers, even romance writers, need to learn how to create strong heroines that are feminine, yet confident, respectable, bold, and secure—whether they have a man or not.
Like what you read? Visit me at my blog
While there is a little sexism in all of Susan May Warren’s books (the little fragile woman needs to be saved by the big strong man), this book has some of the most dangerous generalizations of any of her novels I have read. The novel features a woman fire chief--the idea of a strong female lead doing work that goes against her gender stereotype attracted me to the book, but as I read I noticed many disturbing sexist themes. 1) The woman is of course small and fragile looking. Of course having a tall bold woman, or even and average size woman would be out of the question! 2) The female lead, Ellie, falls apart as soon as challenging situations arise and thus needs constant rescuing and reassuring by the male lead. Then she sulks about the fact that most of her all male crew doesn’t respect her. Cmon would you take a leader seriously—one who literally has your life in her hands—if every time you saw her she could barely keep her emotions under wraps? Ellie cries and pouts and looks sad and vulnerable all the time and yet the audience is supposed to believe that this woman is a competent fearless trailblazer who stares down danger on a regular basis! 3) The most dangerous theme in this book is that a woman should give up the thing that she is good at, the thing that forms her identity and makes her unique in order to garner the affections of a man and raise a family. In her conversation, Liza, a business woman and local artist has this to say, “I can’t imagine doing anything other than [her craft and business] but if I met the right man, I might consider surrendering it.” Really this is the message to women!!!! The problem with this book is that it pretends to be progressive all the while delivering a triple shot of outmoded gender roles and gender limitations.
This book is a missed opportunity. Instead of crafting a character than oozes the inner strength, competence, and confidence needed for a difficult job, Susan creates a character than cries, pines, and whines her way through the story. Sure, she says some strong things, but in the end she NEEDS a man in order to meander through her messed up life.
The overarching message seems to be that yes, women CAN do any work that men can do, but that they SHOULDN’T! They need to get back to their pre-assigned gender boxes and stay there. When he sees Ellie mopping the floor, antagonist Mitch says, “Now that looks more like women’s work.” His comments are intended to capture the chauvinistic attitudes of the fictional world of Deep Haven, but they end up becoming a major motif in the book: THAT is a woman’s first place and anything else she achieves is just extra. To drive the point home, when the mayor suggests that a woman leader makes things uncomfortable for a male crew and that Ellie was essentially responsible for her own abduction simply because of her gender, Ellie agrees with him, takes off her fire chief hat, and thanks him for his chauvinism.
Women readers don’t need to support writers that stereotype women. And women writers, even romance writers, need to learn how to create strong heroines that are feminine, yet confident, respectable, bold, and secure—whether they have a man or not.
Like what you read? Visit me at my blog
August 20, 2020
Not my favorite book by Susan May Warren. It had the making of a good book but it dragged along for most of the book. The romance in the book was just not getting to me. One head strong women and a pastor could have been something but throughout the book they spent more time not getting along than getting along. The woman in the book even excused the pastor of a series crime and he forgave her, which is good but he keep going back to her time after time when she hurt him over and over. If you are reading the whole series and want to read this because of that then I would recommend to read it, but Its just not her best work.
August 12, 2015
This is another great book by Susan May Warren. She is such an enjoyable author to read!
September 23, 2020
"The Perfect Match" is another Susan May Warren novel that was a delight and thrill to read! I entered the town of Deep Haven, and saw action immediately. I was reminded of my entrance with action in book 2. The only difference with this visit, was that the immediate action and chaos was more intense. I did not sail smoothly into the town seeing a "Welcome to Deep Haven" sign. I saw fire and firefighters running around. I also saw a female Fire Chief, who was a force to be reckoned with! In this book, I definitely felt like Susan pumped up the action and suspense, and I enjoyed it so much. While I was excited about the action, I wondered if I would be interested in learning all of the firefighter details. I actually did enjoy gaining the firefighter knowledge, which was pretty cool. Reading about the walk throughs the firefighters did after they tackled fires was interesting. It showed how thorough firefighters have to be.
The romance was different than the romance in the other two books, but it was sweet! Dan and Ellie had past hurts that hindered them in the process of falling in love. Every time they made progress, their walls would go right back up again, for reasons that were understandable. Pastor Dan being a gentleman and God-fearing man, stood with Ellie and supported her until the end. He did this while he battled with his own concerns of wondering if he was serving God, and the church members to the best of his ability. Ellie was a determined fireball. I liked her motivation and passion. She was also very focused on achieving her goals. As I steadily read the book, I wondered when the romance was going to kick in, like the romance in "Tying the Knot". For any reader who really loves romance, and wants to see if, how and when the couple will finally make that special romantic connection, I get it because I am like that too. That's how it is with any genre because we want to know what in the world is going to happen! However, there are some books that are unique and special like this one. In this book, Susan's readers must be patient, and wait until the very end, to see the couple's full passion and devotion towards each other. The sparks at the end were beautiful. The little sparks and attraction throughout the book were cute as well, even though they were quickly extinguished.
I enjoy reading romance books that show how attraction and love between the characters gradually blossom. It's more realistic and while reading, I get to enjoy the development of their relationship. However, I do like to see some chemistry earlier, just to know that there is potential for characters to form a relationship. Although Dan and Ellie's process of falling in love was different, I still liked it and was intrigued enough to hang in there, in order to see what would happen between them. Susan used internal dialogues for Ellie and Dan very skillfully. When Dan and Ellie were at a loss for words, I always knew what they were thinking.
What held my attention during my anticipation of Dan and Ellie finally getting together, were all of the unfortunate, yet exciting events that happened in the town of Deep Haven. Susan has a creative way of writing, and she makes visualization easy for her readers. I felt like I was in the book watching from a distance, and witnessing what was unfolding. I really enjoyed Dan and Ellie, but I have to also give it up for two characters from the previous books who added comic relief and spice to this book. Those two characters were..........drum roll..........Joe and Liza!!! Joe's sense of humor was so cute and attractive in this book. That side of him was not displayed in the previous books, so I really enjoyed it. He made me smile and laugh, with the things he said to Dan, while teasing him about Ellie. He also showed this side of himself in other conversations as well. And Liza with her crazy self! Ohmygosh, she cracked me up. She was so blunt, and she is a one-of-a-kind character in Deep Haven. Liza and Ellie became friends. Liza would always tease Ellie in conversations about Dan.
I liked Joe and Liza as supportive friends for Dan and Ellie, because their past hurts and current realities made accepting that they were falling in love very difficult. Dan and Ellie knew that they loved each other, but the second they wondered how a relationship would work out, they stepped back in doubt and fear. There were moments that were very heavy and rigid between them. Joe and Liza helped to shake them up, in order to ease their nerves and tension. This made it easier for them to connect when they were together. Even though I waited to the very end to see their grand finale fireworks, I enjoyed this book because they were a special couple. Towards the end of the book, I felt like I was being pulled in different directions. The suspense! I figured out who the mystery person was beforehand, but the way Susan made everything unfold, added so much intensity. I literally slapped my book down a couple of times in astonishment at how Susan made these events flow into each other. I kept saying "Ohmygosh, I can't believe this is happening!" I was blown away. At this point, my book became a screen. I was not trying to jump into the book at this point, because things got crazy. The screen worked just fine for me. I was reading words, but I felt like I was seeing all of the events happen before my eyes. I've been enjoying this series, because I experienced something new in all of the books. I experienced different types of relationships with God, different romantic relationships, different struggles and different events. I still cannot get over the suspense at the end of this book! I enjoyed it so much. It was a lot of fun. I definitely felt the rush of adrenaline.
The Bible verses shared during times of despair, frustration and uncertainty were powerful. Out of all three books, this book had the most Bible verses, and I believe it was because Dan was a pastor. Bible verses are always comforting to read, and the ones Susan selected to go along with the characters' experiences, were on point. I was happy that Ellie was able to reconnect with God, after many years of being confused with life and feeling guilty. Pastor Dan was able to see that God did not forget about him, and he received reassurance that he was doing exactly what he should be doing in ministry. This book is a great example of how God works behind the scenes. Even though situations were shaky with Dan and Ellie, God was up to something that would finally bring them together. It took a lot of twists, turns, hurdles, and ducks to see how they would come together, but it was so worth the wait, especially with the mind-blowing suspense at the end. How many times did I mention suspense?! Dan and Ellie were opposites who gradually attracted, and made a perfect match! Oh, Jammie Girl! I just had to include that somewhere in this review!
Susan has a warm and heartfelt way of closing her books with sharing something personal about her life, and how her stories came about. This part is called "A Note From the Author." I enjoy reading this part because it's such a blessing. I always find myself looking to make sure that section is there without reading it, because I don't want it to spoil anything that I'm going to discover in the book. I enjoy shared testimonies because they are proof that we serve a God who cares about every detail in our lives. He sees the full picture even when we can't, and He has blessings in store for us. We just have to trust and believe Him during the process, knowing that His plans for us will come to fruition in His timing. He wants what is best for us, nothing less. Also his timing of giving us revelations is always perfect. Susan shared her revelation and peaceful words that God spoke to her. I always think it's so deep and touching when authors use inspiration from their lives to create a work of fiction, and also give their readers encouragement. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I am excited to read more books by Susan May Warren!
The romance was different than the romance in the other two books, but it was sweet! Dan and Ellie had past hurts that hindered them in the process of falling in love. Every time they made progress, their walls would go right back up again, for reasons that were understandable. Pastor Dan being a gentleman and God-fearing man, stood with Ellie and supported her until the end. He did this while he battled with his own concerns of wondering if he was serving God, and the church members to the best of his ability. Ellie was a determined fireball. I liked her motivation and passion. She was also very focused on achieving her goals. As I steadily read the book, I wondered when the romance was going to kick in, like the romance in "Tying the Knot". For any reader who really loves romance, and wants to see if, how and when the couple will finally make that special romantic connection, I get it because I am like that too. That's how it is with any genre because we want to know what in the world is going to happen! However, there are some books that are unique and special like this one. In this book, Susan's readers must be patient, and wait until the very end, to see the couple's full passion and devotion towards each other. The sparks at the end were beautiful. The little sparks and attraction throughout the book were cute as well, even though they were quickly extinguished.
I enjoy reading romance books that show how attraction and love between the characters gradually blossom. It's more realistic and while reading, I get to enjoy the development of their relationship. However, I do like to see some chemistry earlier, just to know that there is potential for characters to form a relationship. Although Dan and Ellie's process of falling in love was different, I still liked it and was intrigued enough to hang in there, in order to see what would happen between them. Susan used internal dialogues for Ellie and Dan very skillfully. When Dan and Ellie were at a loss for words, I always knew what they were thinking.
What held my attention during my anticipation of Dan and Ellie finally getting together, were all of the unfortunate, yet exciting events that happened in the town of Deep Haven. Susan has a creative way of writing, and she makes visualization easy for her readers. I felt like I was in the book watching from a distance, and witnessing what was unfolding. I really enjoyed Dan and Ellie, but I have to also give it up for two characters from the previous books who added comic relief and spice to this book. Those two characters were..........drum roll..........Joe and Liza!!! Joe's sense of humor was so cute and attractive in this book. That side of him was not displayed in the previous books, so I really enjoyed it. He made me smile and laugh, with the things he said to Dan, while teasing him about Ellie. He also showed this side of himself in other conversations as well. And Liza with her crazy self! Ohmygosh, she cracked me up. She was so blunt, and she is a one-of-a-kind character in Deep Haven. Liza and Ellie became friends. Liza would always tease Ellie in conversations about Dan.
I liked Joe and Liza as supportive friends for Dan and Ellie, because their past hurts and current realities made accepting that they were falling in love very difficult. Dan and Ellie knew that they loved each other, but the second they wondered how a relationship would work out, they stepped back in doubt and fear. There were moments that were very heavy and rigid between them. Joe and Liza helped to shake them up, in order to ease their nerves and tension. This made it easier for them to connect when they were together. Even though I waited to the very end to see their grand finale fireworks, I enjoyed this book because they were a special couple. Towards the end of the book, I felt like I was being pulled in different directions. The suspense! I figured out who the mystery person was beforehand, but the way Susan made everything unfold, added so much intensity. I literally slapped my book down a couple of times in astonishment at how Susan made these events flow into each other. I kept saying "Ohmygosh, I can't believe this is happening!" I was blown away. At this point, my book became a screen. I was not trying to jump into the book at this point, because things got crazy. The screen worked just fine for me. I was reading words, but I felt like I was seeing all of the events happen before my eyes. I've been enjoying this series, because I experienced something new in all of the books. I experienced different types of relationships with God, different romantic relationships, different struggles and different events. I still cannot get over the suspense at the end of this book! I enjoyed it so much. It was a lot of fun. I definitely felt the rush of adrenaline.
The Bible verses shared during times of despair, frustration and uncertainty were powerful. Out of all three books, this book had the most Bible verses, and I believe it was because Dan was a pastor. Bible verses are always comforting to read, and the ones Susan selected to go along with the characters' experiences, were on point. I was happy that Ellie was able to reconnect with God, after many years of being confused with life and feeling guilty. Pastor Dan was able to see that God did not forget about him, and he received reassurance that he was doing exactly what he should be doing in ministry. This book is a great example of how God works behind the scenes. Even though situations were shaky with Dan and Ellie, God was up to something that would finally bring them together. It took a lot of twists, turns, hurdles, and ducks to see how they would come together, but it was so worth the wait, especially with the mind-blowing suspense at the end. How many times did I mention suspense?! Dan and Ellie were opposites who gradually attracted, and made a perfect match! Oh, Jammie Girl! I just had to include that somewhere in this review!
Susan has a warm and heartfelt way of closing her books with sharing something personal about her life, and how her stories came about. This part is called "A Note From the Author." I enjoy reading this part because it's such a blessing. I always find myself looking to make sure that section is there without reading it, because I don't want it to spoil anything that I'm going to discover in the book. I enjoy shared testimonies because they are proof that we serve a God who cares about every detail in our lives. He sees the full picture even when we can't, and He has blessings in store for us. We just have to trust and believe Him during the process, knowing that His plans for us will come to fruition in His timing. He wants what is best for us, nothing less. Also his timing of giving us revelations is always perfect. Susan shared her revelation and peaceful words that God spoke to her. I always think it's so deep and touching when authors use inspiration from their lives to create a work of fiction, and also give their readers encouragement. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I am excited to read more books by Susan May Warren!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2016
4.5 stars
This is a deeply Christian book about a pastor/volunteer firefighter and a woman fire chief. Both have issues from their past to work through as they hunt down an arsonist and begin to fall in love. But can they trust God enough to give Him their issues? And what is the arsonist going to destroy next?
This is a deeply Christian book about a pastor/volunteer firefighter and a woman fire chief. Both have issues from their past to work through as they hunt down an arsonist and begin to fall in love. But can they trust God enough to give Him their issues? And what is the arsonist going to destroy next?
October 12, 2008
i loved this book and the fact that it was part of a series. You just get a better glimpse into the characters and love them even more. Pastor dan was the main character this time trying to avoid getting his heart broken once again, but he can't help to notice the new fire chief when he flys off the roof of a burning building trying to save the kids of one of his members. He called her his dream, but would she be? She is trying to pay for her past mistakes and is a tough women who is slow to open up about the past.
September 21, 2018
Wow! What a book!
Loved this book with its uncommon heroine and a hero I fell in love with! Ellie and Pastor Dan just stole my heart. There were also deep spiritual truths to absorb, heart stopping romance and suspense that had my heart pounding with a great mystery thrown in. Highly recommend!!
Loved this book with its uncommon heroine and a hero I fell in love with! Ellie and Pastor Dan just stole my heart. There were also deep spiritual truths to absorb, heart stopping romance and suspense that had my heart pounding with a great mystery thrown in. Highly recommend!!
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this story of Dan and Elle and how they met when Dan, a pastor and volunteer firefighter. literally lands near Elle, the interim fire chief, at a fire scene.
Elle has baggage from her past, and the journey to find emotional and spiritual freedom was well done. Dan had faith struggles and had to learn to become more selfless and authentic.
Dan and Ellie's relationship developed nicely after Dan finds out that Ellie is the interim fire chief, and they search for the arsonist who has been starting fires.
Elle has baggage from her past, and the journey to find emotional and spiritual freedom was well done. Dan had faith struggles and had to learn to become more selfless and authentic.
Dan and Ellie's relationship developed nicely after Dan finds out that Ellie is the interim fire chief, and they search for the arsonist who has been starting fires.
September 27, 2025
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads. I really liked the spiritual threads of this novel. That was my favorite part of this story. The story was good, I just never 100% connected with it. Liked overall.
February 3, 2025
Another captivating story! This one really kept me on edge with the firefighter storyline and mental health aspects.
August 24, 2020
Ellie was a great, strong, driven women. The baggage she had to deal with was really heartbreaking and I enjoyed reading about her journey to emotional and spiritual freedom. I quickly connected to her character. Dan, oh Dan - he made me question him from prior books when he made a few "old fashioned" type of comments. I enjoyed seeing him becoming a more selfless in his journey and more true to who he was - it was quite refreshing to see a Pastor also struggling with some faith challenges and questioning God's plan.
From the start to the end, I was taken on a thrilling ride with the firefighters fighting one fire after another. The action at the scenes, the knowledge about fighting fire and the danger added to thrill. I did guess who the arsonist was about halfway, but the reason and the ending was quite surprising. I do wish that we could have had a bit more detail on the motives.
I enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
From the start to the end, I was taken on a thrilling ride with the firefighters fighting one fire after another. The action at the scenes, the knowledge about fighting fire and the danger added to thrill. I did guess who the arsonist was about halfway, but the reason and the ending was quite surprising. I do wish that we could have had a bit more detail on the motives.
I enjoyed this story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 1, 2010
Title: THE PERFECT MATCH
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
December 2008 (reissue)
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1385-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Ellie Karlson has something to prove. And now she has landed her almost-dream-job of being interim fire chief in the small town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. She arrived just in time to arrive on the scene of a structure fire where the volunteer fire-fighters are trying to save a family of five trapped in the burning house. As Ellie watches, one of the fire fighters gets blown right off the ladder, landing at her feet.
Dan Matthews is the town pastor and a volunteer firefighter. He is heartbroken when one of his parishioner’s homes catches on fire and frantically tries to save them, putting desperation ahead of safety. He isn’t prepared to land at the feet of a beautiful woman who can only be a dream come true for him.
The dream turns into more of a nightmare as Ellie turns out to be anything but the sweet-tempered woman he’d imagined. Instead, Ellie is a fireball, spunky, and argumentive. But someone is out to destroy Ellie’s dreams of being the new permanent fire chief—as the town as more structure fires in a month than it had in all the previous years. Who is out to get Ellie? Could it be Dan, who’d made it more than clear that he wanted her out of the firehouse? Or could it be one of the other firefighters, none of which react well to having a female boss?
THE PERFCT MATCH is the third book in Ms. Warren’s Deep Haven series, but it easily stands alone. I read this book when it first came out in 2004, and it was a pleasure to get this book in a box to review again.
Ms. Warren’s writing style is very well developed, though I did find this book a bit more introspective, with not near the action as Ms. Warren’s more recent releases. Still, the story telling is excellent, with characters that could almost be real, a setting that one can see, and realistic events. If you are looking for a good romance then definitely pick up THE PERFECT MATCH. $12.99. 324 pages.
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
December 2008 (reissue)
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1385-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Ellie Karlson has something to prove. And now she has landed her almost-dream-job of being interim fire chief in the small town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. She arrived just in time to arrive on the scene of a structure fire where the volunteer fire-fighters are trying to save a family of five trapped in the burning house. As Ellie watches, one of the fire fighters gets blown right off the ladder, landing at her feet.
Dan Matthews is the town pastor and a volunteer firefighter. He is heartbroken when one of his parishioner’s homes catches on fire and frantically tries to save them, putting desperation ahead of safety. He isn’t prepared to land at the feet of a beautiful woman who can only be a dream come true for him.
The dream turns into more of a nightmare as Ellie turns out to be anything but the sweet-tempered woman he’d imagined. Instead, Ellie is a fireball, spunky, and argumentive. But someone is out to destroy Ellie’s dreams of being the new permanent fire chief—as the town as more structure fires in a month than it had in all the previous years. Who is out to get Ellie? Could it be Dan, who’d made it more than clear that he wanted her out of the firehouse? Or could it be one of the other firefighters, none of which react well to having a female boss?
THE PERFCT MATCH is the third book in Ms. Warren’s Deep Haven series, but it easily stands alone. I read this book when it first came out in 2004, and it was a pleasure to get this book in a box to review again.
Ms. Warren’s writing style is very well developed, though I did find this book a bit more introspective, with not near the action as Ms. Warren’s more recent releases. Still, the story telling is excellent, with characters that could almost be real, a setting that one can see, and realistic events. If you are looking for a good romance then definitely pick up THE PERFECT MATCH. $12.99. 324 pages.
April 7, 2021
4.25 Stars!
Woohoo I finally found a heroine I like in this series. Team Ellie over here! She wasn’t moanie or dramatic. She was strong and determined but had a loving heart.
This is definitely my favourite story of this series so far. I enjoyed the use of scripture and Bibical principles.
I really liked both Pastor Dan and Fire Chief Ellie. They both worked out their own salvation and found each other along the way. I loved the different topics explored: forgiving self, stereotypes, self worth, mental health and many more.
I enjoyed the mystery although I kinda knew who the suspect was. I also enjoyed reading a little bit more about the continued journey of the previous main characters from the series.
Definitely looking forward to book four in this :)
Woohoo I finally found a heroine I like in this series. Team Ellie over here! She wasn’t moanie or dramatic. She was strong and determined but had a loving heart.
This is definitely my favourite story of this series so far. I enjoyed the use of scripture and Bibical principles.
I really liked both Pastor Dan and Fire Chief Ellie. They both worked out their own salvation and found each other along the way. I loved the different topics explored: forgiving self, stereotypes, self worth, mental health and many more.
I enjoyed the mystery although I kinda knew who the suspect was. I also enjoyed reading a little bit more about the continued journey of the previous main characters from the series.
Definitely looking forward to book four in this :)
October 14, 2021
I “rescued” a pile of Susan May Warren books from a church library that was closing. Even though this book is close to 20 years old, it still spoke to me. Susan crafts grappling with inadequacy and learning to accept who we are in Christ into the compelling story in such a way that it doesn’t feel preachy.
February 6, 2008
The third book in the series. I liked the main character - a pastor. I liked the strong female character - a fire chief. I liked the lesson learned in this story, you can be a strong person, but make sure you turn your efforts the way God can use them. Don't just keep spinning your wheels.
July 18, 2008
This book is an amazing one. I learned from this book to let yourself love and be loved in return. Love is not a thing to fear, love is an amazing gift from God. I also learned that everything happens for a reason. This book will lift you up on wings and send your spirits and your heart soaring.
May 10, 2008
I really liked how this book mixed a love story with the teachings of the bible. It was a different way to look how what God's scriptures can actually do to effect someones life.
September 8, 2009
Not a good book.
June 24, 2016
She gave up her JOB to BE WITH A MAN.
June 23, 2019
This couple should never have gotten together. The annoying guy dates a girl presuming that for the right guy she would, of course, give it all up - her career, dreams, and life purpose. Beyond not respecting her authority as his boss, he physically blocks her from doing her job and lambasts her verbally over her vocation. No one should ever date someone with the express idea that they will make them change, knowing that the relationship is only viable if they will surrender who they are.
In a few months she increases the efficiency of her crew and handles more problems than the last chief did in fifteen years, all while working against stiff opposition due to her gender. Many of the men come around to respecting her skills, but it is clear her "hero" will never be happy letting her do her dangerous job. The town leaders blame HER for a maniac choosing to abduct her. While her crew repents of their earlier insubordination and even drunken sexual assault, the town official decides that she shouldn't be chief because as a woman SHE causes too many problems! So the only way to resolve this fictional set into a couple is for her to finally decide that all the chauvanistic men in town are correct and a female for fire chief is a bad idea.
In a few months she increases the efficiency of her crew and handles more problems than the last chief did in fifteen years, all while working against stiff opposition due to her gender. Many of the men come around to respecting her skills, but it is clear her "hero" will never be happy letting her do her dangerous job. The town leaders blame HER for a maniac choosing to abduct her. While her crew repents of their earlier insubordination and even drunken sexual assault, the town official decides that she shouldn't be chief because as a woman SHE causes too many problems! So the only way to resolve this fictional set into a couple is for her to finally decide that all the chauvanistic men in town are correct and a female for fire chief is a bad idea.
May 28, 2020
This was a 4 star until I got to the end. I loved watch Ellie and Dan give into their hearts...especially seeing Dan walk through this process (I feel like so many books it takes the characters 3/4 book to decide they can't live without the person!). But **spoiler** how Ellie completely turned on Dan and blamed him got under my skin....I could move on and see her as someone who has some soul wounds that God needs to heal (if I really want to analyze a fiction book!)...however; when Dan suggested that Guthrie may be the arsonist - Sam is quick to say, "Guthrie is a churchgoing man. You know that." Then within seconds Sam "remembers" a NOVEL of all the crimes Guthrie has commited (and ones that Sam was involved in arrest wise)....he just "forgot" pages and pages? It felt so rushed and like Warren had to wrap it up ASAP.
Perhaps I'm overreacting but I loved the book until this one point. *shrug*
Perhaps I'm overreacting but I loved the book until this one point. *shrug*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2021
5 things from The Perfect Match by Susan May Warren
1) Ellie Karlson, interim Fire Chief has a fight on her hands to prove her capabilities to the firemen and herself.
2) Pastor Dan has been burned by a strong woman before.
3) A series of arsons spread across the Deep Haven Community, along with danger and intrigue.
4) Learning that God is enough. He loves you and already proved your worth.
5) "I think that's how it's supposed to be, whether you are a missionary or not. Hanging on to God one day at a time, so we can see Him in our lives."
As always, Susan May Warren delivers an action-packed story with intrigue, romance, and dependence on God in a tangible way. She is able to pack so much research and information into each of the characters, I learned about fires, not because she told me about fires, but because this was Ellie's everyday life.
September 11, 2019
The author did a good job of illustrating how hard and intense a firefighter's job is. The fires were nail bitters. The Christian theme throughout the book was a great message - we are good enough. God made us just the way he wanted us and it's our goal to find that path in life that one is suppose to be on to be one with God. Dan & Ellie's love story was touching. True love is giving up all you desire to be with the person you love. Dan gave up his firefighting job so Ellie could be fire chief and in the end Ellie didn't want to be fire chief but wanted to be Dan's wife. The depth of feelings the author wrote about really strengthened my desire to be one with God and one with my mate. Very good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
I loved finding this older Deep Haven book that I had not read! Ellie Karlson is the new interim fire chief in town and arrives when her crew is battling a house fire that results in a death. Fire fighter and pastor, Dan, may have saved three children's lives but he does not follow safety procedures so Ellie rakes him over the coals! Not all of the sparks between the two are bad though! I wondered, along with everyone else, if the fires were accidents or arson. I admired Ellie for her determination to do her job correctly but felt sorry for her feelings that she had to make up for her brother's death. I admired Pastor Dan for his patience with Ellie. I recommend The Perfect Match to others!
February 15, 2018
Powerful!
I've read thousands of Christian books in a variety of genres, yet this one though it took me a bit to get into the story line has truly impacted my relationship with God! The Biblical truths found in this storyline (&I am very much like Ellie) taught me some truths I've been looking for since feeling called to move across the U.S. & away from my family! I didn't know a soul here & I've struggled with the new culture, yet God brought me here for a purpose. This i believe! Still in the 4 1\2 months I've been here in finding i really need to learn how to truly BE or Abide in Christ! Thank you Susan Mae Warren!
I've read thousands of Christian books in a variety of genres, yet this one though it took me a bit to get into the story line has truly impacted my relationship with God! The Biblical truths found in this storyline (&I am very much like Ellie) taught me some truths I've been looking for since feeling called to move across the U.S. & away from my family! I didn't know a soul here & I've struggled with the new culture, yet God brought me here for a purpose. This i believe! Still in the 4 1\2 months I've been here in finding i really need to learn how to truly BE or Abide in Christ! Thank you Susan Mae Warren!
November 24, 2021
Leuk om het verhaal van pastor Dan Matthews te lezen, die we ook terugzien in de familie Christiansen. Ellie is een powervrouw die ook een portie onzekerheid met zich meedraagt. Dan is meteen van slag als hij haar ziet, maar weet ook niet meteen hoe hij met haar om moet gaan als nieuwe baas.
De boekwinkel uit deel een speelt weer een rol, en ook het huis waar het broertje van Joe woont, komt voorbij. Daardoor voelt het boek ook echt als een Deep Haven-verhaal. Jammer dat we weinig meer horen over Anne en Noah uit deel 2.
Ik tastte tot het laatst in het duister wie de geheimzinnige brandstichter was en waarom. Goed gedaan!
De boekwinkel uit deel een speelt weer een rol, en ook het huis waar het broertje van Joe woont, komt voorbij. Daardoor voelt het boek ook echt als een Deep Haven-verhaal. Jammer dat we weinig meer horen over Anne en Noah uit deel 2.
Ik tastte tot het laatst in het duister wie de geheimzinnige brandstichter was en waarom. Goed gedaan!
May 31, 2024
Ellie Karlson arrives in Deep Haven as the interim fire chief. She has been working her way up the ranks and fighting fires for fifteen years, trying to be worthy of her brother's sacrifice. Pastor Dan Matthews is one of her volunteer firefighters. Although he respects her job, he wants to protect her, too.
The Perfect Match is the third book in the Deep Haven series by Susan May Warren. This story feels more like the author's current novels. Except for Ellie's impulsive actions, I liked this contemporary romance. All the previous characters from the first two books were present and made for an enjoyable read.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
The Perfect Match is the third book in the Deep Haven series by Susan May Warren. This story feels more like the author's current novels. Except for Ellie's impulsive actions, I liked this contemporary romance. All the previous characters from the first two books were present and made for an enjoyable read.
I purchased a paperback copy of this book.
March 8, 2021
Ellie Karlson has come to Deep Haven, Minnesota, to serve as the interim Fire Chief. In addition to the deep-seated prejudices of her all-male fire crew, Ellie is battling her guilt over the death of her firefighter brother, Seth; her own insecurity over her attraction to Pastor Dan Matthews; and the possibility of a serial arsonist on the loose.
Dan has been attracted to Ellie since he first saw her. But every time she rushes into a fire, doing her job, Dan has to fight the instinct to rescue her. Can Dan and Ellie find a way to compromise and make a life together?
Dan has been attracted to Ellie since he first saw her. But every time she rushes into a fire, doing her job, Dan has to fight the instinct to rescue her. Can Dan and Ellie find a way to compromise and make a life together?
July 26, 2020
About Finding Oneself and Purpose
What I enjoy most about the author’s books is her interjecting humor along with some very serious theology. The Perfect Match is about someone pursuing something because she felt she wasn’t enough. It’s also about grieving and putting that person’s death in perspective. Elle could not admit her love for Dan until she could first realize the love for herself.
What I enjoy most about the author’s books is her interjecting humor along with some very serious theology. The Perfect Match is about someone pursuing something because she felt she wasn’t enough. It’s also about grieving and putting that person’s death in perspective. Elle could not admit her love for Dan until she could first realize the love for herself.
September 13, 2021
The characters Dan and Ellie took me on quite an emotional journey. Even though the endgame is known from the beginning, reading the process kept me glued. This book is a reminder that God is always there, we just need to reach out. I love how previous characters from the former two books were fused into it, felt like I was getting updates on the lives of old friends. I really do hope there's a book about Liza, i already look forward to reading about her. Great job by the author.
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