Still the One: A Deep Haven Novel

Confession I haven't read Susan May Warren's Deep Haven books yet. I found out about her books after those released, I first read her Heirs of Anton series followed by several other series. And finding out there will be more of the Deep Haven books from Susan May Warren and new DEBUT authors like Rachel D. Russell makes me very happy to dig into all of the books! Still the One is the kind of book one cannot help relating to since there is such hope, faith, and love in the pages of a novel that grips your heart and refuses to let go. As I haven't read any Deep Haven books (YET!) I was somewhat lost when it came to some things and characters that you were supposed to know things about, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. The fact that Cole is a veteran was no small pull in my want to read this story, and I loved finally getting to meet him, Megan, Josh, and the others. The wedding planning, my goodness, can I be a wedding planner, pretty please?! I loved every detail, it was just so cool to read about weddings being plan amidst a romance of the characters' own. The conflict was done in such a way that I did shake my head but I didn't want to hunt the character down to make them see what was going on … I loved seeing what happened with Cole, his past, and healing from the mistakes of his family. Since this is a romance, it is not for everyone however those who enjoy small-town romance, family ties, and hope in their literary indulgences will find this a need to read. I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This was a delightful book for many reasons. One, fans of the Deep Haven novels will enjoy returning to one of our favorite towns and catching up with some of our most loved characters. Two, there’s hockey. I love hockey. Three, Cole Barrett and Megan Carter are believable characters. I liked Megan for her strength, for her love of her son, and for the tenderness she displayed for our hero. Cole was a complicated character, and at times I found myself a bit annoyed with him. I think that just shows that Russell does a great job of reeling in the reader and eliciting emotional responses. By the end of the book, I was a Cole fan. It was fast-paced, funny at times, and heart-tugging at other times. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Rachel Russell.

“Forgiveness isn’t about justice. It’s about freedom. Forgiveness doesn’t negate justice. It simply puts it in the hands of God, where it belongs. Allows you the ability to move on.” What a delightful debut by Rachel D. Russell. If you’ve been a fan of Susan May Warren’s Deep Haven novels, you’ll love the addition of Cole into the mix of this tightly knit small town community. Even if you’ve never read any of the Deep Haven novels, Still the One is an excellent place to start to meet the wonderful people who habit this tourist town in Minnesota. Megan is a single mom and a wedding coordinator extraordinaire who’s only wanted to feel loved and treasured. Cole is her childhood friend who’s been through tough circumstances personally and professionally. When he returns to Deep Haven to sell his grandfather’s home, old feelings flame to life as insecurities wrestle for first place against their pull toward each other. Forgiveness and redemption from past mistakes are two major themes in the story that are heart-stirring and encouraging. And for those who’ve been faithful followers of Susan May Warren, there are plenty of appearances of her beloved characters from the Deep Haven series and others. If you enjoy beautifully written contemporary romance, you will totally love this book. I’m so looking forward to other Deep Haven novels by up-and-coming authors. I received a copy of the book from Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.