I love Christmas books! Evergreen by Susan May Warren exceeded my expectations! Ingrid and John Christiansen are approaching their first empty nester Christmas. As an empty nester myself, I identified with their emotions. Both of them have differing ideas about how to spend the season. At times their conflicts are humorous and other times you can feel something simmering underneath the surface. An unexpected guest arrives which adds to the dilemma of the holidays for the Christiansen family. Will Ingrid and John find their way to a Merry Christmas this year or will they even part ways? This book is truly a treasure! What a joy to add it to my collection!
This was my introduction to the Christiansen family. I have not read any of the other books in this series but now I can't wait to read more about them and their children. Susan May Warren has a new fan!
I was given a copy of this book by The Book Club Network for my honest review which I have given. ( )

I wasn't sure how I'd fare, jumping into what is, technically, the fifth book in a series from which I've read no other books, but no concern was necessary. In Evergreen by author Susan May Warren, John Christiansen is facing an empty-nest holiday season with excitement, while his wife, Ingrid, is a different story altogether.

Yes, I like boy-meets-girl, new-relationship kind of reads, but it's also refreshing reading about couples who've been married for a while, who are still navigating the ins and outs of living an ever-unfolding life together. I had the pleasure of stepping into what felt like the middle of a family saga, without getting lost. The author doesn't labor over stretches of backstory that aren't pertinent to the present plot, but she deftly hits on the right key points from the past to make it all complete.

And this isn't just a light and fluffy helping of Christmas Corny. I mean, Christmas Corny does have a place with me, in its place, but this tale isn't corny or shallow. There's depth here, a distinct understanding of the human experience, and the age-old Christmas story is woven into this Christmas story in a way that's real, relatable, and not just confined to a baby in a manger.

For those who are familiar with the Christiansen Family series and those who are not, I highly recommend this warm, poignant, wise, and uplifting holiday novella.
____________
I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I've given an honest review, through a rewards program from the publisher. I received no monetary compensation. ( )

I enjoyed reading this novella. I read it in one sitting feeling that if I put it down I may miss something. I feel for this couple John and Ingrid being empty nesters and all the changes that come with it. They are not only dealing with being empty nesters, they are dealing with the pain of a sick pet and loved member of the family. Also ghosts from their past are bringing up sad and painful memories thought lost forever.
John tries to do something special for Ingrid during the holidays because he knows this will be the first without everyone home. Problem with this plan is that Ingrid other things in mind. John is a fixer and protector and doesn't understand why he is not able to fix the problems in their family as well as their marriage. Then God has other plans for them that totally throws John for a loop. Will they start listening and letting God lead them? Will their family ever be whole again?
This was my first book by author Susan May Warren and it will not be the last. I am hooked. Thank you for letting me read and review this wonderful book. God Bless
I recieved a copy to review from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )

This book is very well written as it deals with the empty nest syndrome. Ingrid and John are facing a Christmas alone, since their children can't make it home to spend the holidays with them. It is especially hard on Ingrid as she feels the emptiness of the house closing in on her. There also seems to be a bit of a misstep in their marriage. Perhaps it is the past that is coming between them. Can they work through their pain and find happiness again?

I loved the story as it showed the struggles an older couple may encounter in their marriage. Can they trust God to help them? When an unexpected guest arrives during the holidays, what impact will it have on the couple? Can John help his wife smile again and embrace the holiday? The characters are well written with a depth of strength and hope. I love the author's books because they always have a way of bringing you into the story with a calmness and gracefulness. This is one author you don't want to miss reading. She brings a story to life and keeps you mesmerized till the end.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )

Evergreen by Susan May Warren
Wanted to read this book because it's about a married couple who are now empty nesters and it's the holiday season.
He has a secret trip for her and she's in the dumps and just can't find the holiday cheer as all the kids will not be around for the holiday.
We have experienced this ourselves and try to make the best of it. Interesting to see the chain of events, very similar to ones we have had in the past. Further crises occur and you wonder if they will ever have a happy holiday again.
Enjoy hearing of the picnics on the benches while watching the game.
Real start to Christmas is told and the live nativity and much more does happen...Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
I received this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest review. ( )