Jamie K. (ctfdevourer) reviewed on 8/13/2014 + 5 more book reviews

Shes a disaster, and we just got our lives back.
She frowned at him, and he realized that he hadnt come out right. As usual.
I didnt realize they were ever taken from us.
Ingrid, I didnt mean it like that. Its just with the kids gone, we have a chance to really have fun, you know? Take vacations
I dont want to go to Europe.
Okay, so maybe Florida or California.
She shook her head and left the room. Sorry but he wasnt giving up that easily. Or maybe we start doing something fun lie like dance lessons!
Even to his own ears he sounded desperate, but it stopped her and she turned, staring at him. Seriously? Dance lessons? Thats what you want?
No. He wanted he wanted He couldnt put it into words maybe, but he wanted what hed always thought they had but couldnt enjoy because, well, life took over. Kids and mortgage and running the resort. He wanted to hear her laugh and to know hed made that happen.

Book: Evergreen by Susan May Warren, Tyndale House Publishers, 2014
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Men and Women 40+
Subjects: Empty Nest, Forgiveness, Foster case, Family Relationships, Marriage
Summary: John was confident they were ready for this new phase of life. He had everything all planned out. Tickets to Paris, days enjoying being alone in the house, trips to see their kids scattered about and more. But Ingrids priorities are quite different than his: dog, nephew, chance of kids coming home, volunteer work at the church and more. The more Johns plans get thwarted by Ingrids plans, the closer to the truth they come. Unforgiveness and fear took charge sixteen years ago and lay hidden under the surface until now. Unless John and Ingrid can both let love conquer their sinful attitudes, this may be the worst holiday season theyve ever had.
Notes: A novella to add to the continuing Christiansen Family series, Evergreen focuses on John and Ingrid after all their children have finally moved out of the house. As far as the timeline, it takes place at least after the 3rd, if not the 4th book from the main series. In this book another character is added to the family as John and Ingrid take in the son of Kari the sister from the first novella in the series. Kari has led a very troubled life and was arrested and is now going into rehab and asks for the Christiansens to take care of Romeo until she can get out again. Ingrid, not ready to become an empty nester, is all for the idea. John, on the other hand, is not even remotely interested in anything having to do with Kari or a thwart to his plans for adventure and freedom. Eventually he learns that Ingrid is still mad at him for making the decision to not have any more children after his miscarriage sixteen years ago. She wasnt done being a mom, but he was terrified of losing her and made the decision on his own. An old dog, a troubled teenager, and a fire point them back to the truth of their love and commitment to one another and to Christ.
Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a free review copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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