From this series's prequel (which is a Kindle FREEBIE), entitled If Ever I Would Leave You, I’ve been hoping we would get back to Ian and Sierra's story. This book takes us there. Please, if you haven't yet, read this free prequel. Then, you'll have the background for Troubled Waters, and really, for the rest of the series.

We also get to follow Jess and Pete’s story, which is another reason I love this series—the threads of secondary characters keep us hooked. It’s also a good reason to read these novels in order, which I highly recommend doing. Here’s the list:

Montana Rescue series, titles and release dates:

Prequel: If Ever I Would Leave You (9/15/16)
Book One: Wild Montana Skies (10/18/16)
Book Two: Rescue Me (1/31/17)
Book Three: A Matter of Trust (7/2017)
Book Four: Troubled Waters (1/2/18)

[Note: These links are for the Kindle versions. You’ll find my reviews of these books on this blog (Net’s Book Notes).]

Now, back to my thoughts.

There are so many good things to like about this book! I loved the dynamic between brothers Pete and Sam. I loved the characterization, overall, but especially Susie’s male POVs. (points of view) At difficult points, we see their brokenness, in believable ways. So well done. Though the novel’s level of peril got to me a little bit (because there is a lot of it here), I enjoyed the ride. And oh, the romance! Every couple we focused on had their own romance going, which was so much fun.

Ian is a once-wealthy man who has trusted in his wealth and his own ability to control life, he thinks, to get him through. That’s why the loss of his niece eats him up, I think. (see the prequel) He tried his best to control her future, and his efforts didn’t do any good. Readers may relate with trying to control their lives out of a sense of fear. Ian has skid marks from past relationships, feeling abandoned, and he’s got a fatal flaw (this control issue) that needs to go. But his persistence and drive make him respectable, and I rooted for his success. He’s also broken, especially as his journey gets rough and I felt for him.

Sierra sees herself as second rate. She’s interpreted her life’s events as evidence for that belief. She’s stronger than she thinks and her adventures in this story, including her romance with Ian, will unravel her lie. I loved rooting for her and watching her bravely take on the challenges in her path.

I loved that Susie included herself in this story, incognito! (Read the book to find her.) And I loved the escape of sailing and revisiting summer weather this January while I read. Jesus is present in this story in a way I don’t recall in Susie’s earlier books, and I loved that!

One of the novel’s themes was how life is not easy. Trusting God is hard and even when you do, bad things happen. But how we respond to those times is what counts. That’s a relatable theme. Susie encourages readers to choose faith, another thread.

Troubles hit these characters over and over on their way to the book’s conclusion. I held my breath and cheered and cried. Every emotion. I laughed aloud a few times and delighted in this journey.

Looking back at my highlights in the Kindle ARC version, I think I’m going to want to read this one again. So much to enjoy!

I loved this novel and highly recommend it.

Troubled Water – Susan May Warren

Ian Shaw has basically lost everything. His money. His niece. And the woman he loves. He is stubborn for sure. This is book 4 in the Montana Rescue series and I have wanted this store since maybe the novella -- before the series actually came out I think! Susan May Warren has left me wanting more in the first 4 books about Ian’s story!

Sierra has some guilt haunting her when it comes to Ian and his niece. She also has some personal hardships she is facing.

Through a series of events that threatens to close down PEAK Rescue Sierra finds herself leading a fundraising trip on Ian’s yacht. This is where things get interesting. You need to read the story for yourself to find out.

I still think there are a few stories to tell in the Montana Rescue series, and I can hardly wait to read them!

Read this book!

Wow! This Book! Susan May Warren’s Troubled Waters is everything anyone would want in a great read. Heart stopping danger on the water and then fighting to survive on a deserted island – whoa.

There are multiple storylines here with Sierra and Ian finally getting their story but oh, Pete and Jess and I’m still wondering about Ty and wanting more about Dex.

The book has it all, tortured lives that finally realize their dreams, lost love ones reunited and hopes of future loves still not realized. I love how Susan May Warren always gives us a lesson in faith through her stories. Her characters learn (often the hard way) to depend on God and give Him control by trusting in Him. And that He will make it all work for good.

I loved it all, didn’t want it to end. I tried to read slowly so the story would last – so hard. I highly recommend the entire Montana Rescue series.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review, the opinions are entirely my own.

"It's never a bad thing to have only God to turn to."

Billionaire Ian Shaw could have anything he wants – except a happy ending. His fortune? Liquidated to pay a hefty government fine. He’s searched for years for his niece, Esme, who ran away from his ultimatum to ditch her boyfriend. In his obsession with the search, he loses the one person besides Esme that he’s grown to love – Sierra Rose. He’s never felt worthy of God’s love or attention and he especially feels unworthy now.

Sierra initially kept Esme’s leaving secret from Ian because Esme asked her to. She knew that secrets can destroy trust but she also knew that Ian would never be able to put her first as long as he was obsessed with finding his niece. Even though she’s loved him since almost the first day she walked into his office to apply for a job, Sierra knows he won’t be able to forgive her once he finds out she’s known where his niece is for a while.

When the PEAK rescue chopper crashes, Sierra learns that her job there is in jeopardy. PEAK has become her family and she’s willing to do anything she can to save it. Ian offers the use of his yacht for a fundraising cruise in the Caribbean with some of his good friends. When a rogue wave turns the 3-day excursion into a nightmare of epic proportions, Sierra finds herself washed ashore on an empty atoll near the Bahamas. Dazed and relieved to have dry land beneath her, she is stunned when, hours later, Ian also washes ashore, alive. Can they find a way to survive the elements, relying on God and each other as never before?

I loved all the little “faith nuggets” Ms. Warren includes in this book. The people in Ian Shaw’s life have disappointed him often enough that he depends only on himself. There is no room for even God in his circle of trust. Sierra has put her trust and faith in God so completely that she knows whatever happens to her is in his ultimate plan for her good. She is often the voice in Ian’s head leading him toward a faith of his own. “Your worth to God has nothing to do with your actions. He loves you because he wants to. Because he chooses to.” I also loved that PEAK rescue mobilized to find their own when even the Coast Guard had given up. Even though their “wheelhouse” is air rescue, they took to the sea with the mentality of never leave a team member behind.

While Troubled Waters brings Ian and Sierra’s story to a close, it also moves the story of Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg a little further along. Warren’s Montana Rescue series has been an eagerly anticipated delight, each book interwoven with the ones before and yet, able to stand-alone if someone wants to only read one. Storm Front, Book 5, is expected to be published in May 2018. Personally, I cannot wait!

I love to read Christian Romance and I love to read Susan May Warren Books! Susan brings each character alive and keeps you wanting to know more. I love how she keeps us up to date on characters form previous books in the series. The problem I have is waiting for the next book to be released.
Troubled Waters is book four of the Montana Rescue Series. This book shares the long awaited love story of Ian and Sierra. You will be on the edge of your seat as they are lost at sea, stranded on a deserted island where they share their secrets and still keep secrets and survive a hurricane.
My favorite characters, Jess and Pete also have a great storyline and I cannot wait to find out the rest of their story.
Other characters are also introduced that I hope we will get to hear more from, especially Dex, loved his character!
This book is a must read Christian Romance full of love and action.
Thank you, Net Galley for allowing me to read, review and give my honest opinion.

I enjoyed the latest offering from Mrs. Warren in this series. The story kept me turning the pages and the characters had depth. I do wish that the sole focus of the story would have been Ian and Sierra without the seeming story set up for the next book with other characters. Otherwise, a good read.

I was given a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Readers have been waiting right from the start of the Montana Rescue series to see a conclusion to Ian and Sierra's story, and I'm happy to say that it was well worth the wait.

Sierra's had her fair share of troubles in the last few years, culminating with having her house burned down, but she's finally found the place she felt she belonged as the administrative assistant for PEAK Rescue. However, a rescue gone bad leaves the future of Montana's beloved search and rescue organization uncertain, and Sierra is desperate for a way to keep the crew together. She decides to plan a junket sightseeing cruise aboard Ian's fancy yacht, The Montana Rose, and to invite a few of his well connected friends to hopefully donate enough money to get PEAK Rescue back off the ground, literally.

However, life seldom goes the way we plan it, especially in Sierra's case. And soon the fun, three day sightseeing trip turns deadly, when a rogue wave causes the yacht to capsize, and all its inhabitants are thrown out to sea. After hearing the news, members of PEAK Rescue hop a plan to Florida to try and assist in everything they can to see their friends back safe and sound, but the news isn't optimistic, and it will take strong, and lasting faith for all of them to pull through this horrific situation.

Throughout the course of this series so far, reader's have seen PEAK Rescue navigate snow, mountains, fires, and wild animal attacks, but this book is the first time the team has to deal with a water rescue, and it was written beautifully. Susan May Warren has a way of writing intense, dramatic stories that keep you glued from one page to the next, and this one was definitely no exception. I never knew what to expect reading from one chapter to the next, and her writing had me guessing right up until the last page. Right from book one, Sierra was one of my favorite characters, and I really enjoyed how Susan wrote her overcoming self doubt and disbelief over her shortcomings and feeling like she didn't do enough to truly be considered a valued member of the PEAK team. How she learns to truly give everything to the Lord, and be happy with how He's created her to be was a beautiful addition to the action packed story unfolding around her, and I felt it was blended in to the story line beautifully.

Ian is a character who's doubted God's place in his life, thanks to the numerous harsh life circumstances he's been dealt, and he'll truly hit rock bottom before he finally comes to realize that he's nothing without God on his side. The way this book dived into second chances, and how redemption can only come from God's never failing grace left a huge impact after I'd finished it, and I was beyond impressed with just how well Susan May Warren concluded Ian and Sierra's explosive story line that began right from the start of this series.

As well, Jess and Pete were characters that I'd come to really care about throughout the last few books, and it was like being reunited with old friends as I read more of their story in this one. While they still have many challenges and obstacles left to face together, I'm definitely rooting for them, and I'm excited to see how their story will play out when the next book releases later this year.

Without a doubt, Troubled Waters is my favorite book in the series so far. It was the perfect blend of action, romance, drama, heartfelt moments, friendship, God's grace, and a little humor for good measure. I've come to really appreciate the way that Susan May Warren's characters are described in a manner that feels like you're right there with them, and experiencing everything as they are. I gave this beautiful story five out of five stars, and I can't possibly recommend it enough. I will definitely be looking forward to the next novel releasing, as not only can I not wait to find out about Pete and Jess, but I'm also anxiously awaiting more of Ty and Brette's story! I'm so glad I chose this one as my first read of 2018! It really got my reading year off to a fantastic start!

So. Much. Angst. I loved that Sierra and Ian finally got their happy ending! It was in the prequel novella that their relationship was introduced and they have had ups and downs in the three books since. They have definitely been put through the wringer, and Troubled Waters is no exception. Their feelings are strong yet they haven't communicated with each other in a year or so, and building trust again is awkward and painful. I liked their experiences on the island since their guard and walls were finally down and they relied on each other for strength and support, including faith.

The other relationship this book focused on was Jess and Pete's, another one that has spanned across the last couple books... and still doesn't get completely resolved, although they made some headway in communication. I think this book was bogged down a bit by the relationship drama because these two couples have so much time lapsing between their hot and cold phases. The first three books have a relationship introduced and resolved with a HEA (happily-ever-after) within their pages, so in comparison this one felt different. Also with the main emergency and rescue happening in tropical waters instead of the mountains gave it a different vibe. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since switching up the setting brings variety, but I do prefer the mountains and seeing the PEAK team in their element. Overall, a crazy adventure and plenty of romance! I love this series and can't wait for more!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

This is Ian and Sierra's story. To save PEAK Rescue, Sierra plans a 3 day cruise (think Gilligan's Island) as a fundraiser. Through the course of events, Ian and Sierra discover their love for each other but they must overcome their past mistakes and work through forgiveness. Esme, Ian's "lost" niece returns to Mercy Falls to reveal the truth of why she left. I enjoy this series, Susan's writing takes you right in to the story and you feel like you are there with the characters going through the events that they are living out.

For years, Ian Shaw and Sierra Rose have danced around the invisible, but very real obstacles, that prevent them from having a relationship. However, when both find themselves in crisis, they are pushed together. Ian's received a massive fine that has crippled his finances. Sierra may lose her job if PEAK Rescue is shut down due to damages the team's chopper has incurred. With no chopper, PEAK is no longer. Ian offers Sierra the use of his yacht to raise money from his very wealthy friends. However, a rogue wave sinks the ship, sending its passengers to fight for their lives. When Ian and Sierra are stranded on a island together, the obstacles between them shrink and they begin to honestly engage each other. Still secrets, lies, and danger threaten their tenuous relationship. Read more in Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren.

Troubled Waters stands as the fourth novel in Susan May Warren's Montana Rescue series. I think it could be read alone, but the entire series is amazing and I recommend reading them in order, beginning with the free prequel, If Ever I Would Leave You. The prequel is where Sierra and Ian's story starts and they feature prominently in Wild Montana Skies.

I read Troubled Waters in two long sittings. It was so, so good. It seems that Susan May Warren likes to commence a story by dropping the reader right into a tense situation. It's a pretty effective hook and the tension continues throughout the story both externally and internally for the characters. I stayed engaged, wanting more, turning pages late into the night. I enjoyed the development of Sierra and Ian individually as well as a couple. There were twists that I didn't see coming and secondary characters that added more to the story. Overall, Troubled Waters is a great read.

I recommend Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren to fans of contemporary Christian romance. The Montana Rescue series is permeated with themes of redemption and plenty of romance. They occupy precious space on my bookshelf and will be read again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

I have anxiously been awaiting Ian & Sierra’s story ever since reading the prequel, If Ever I Would Leave You, to this series last year. I can’t really explain it but there was just something about these two that touched my heart and I was definitely cheering for them to work through their challenges and get together. Over the past 3 books they have had a really precarious relationship, making me wonder if they could ever move past the hurts between them.

Their story took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride, but oh it was so very good! Once I started I could not put it down and finished it in a day. I was just so connected to the characters and absorbed in what was happening. A 3 day yacht cruise goes from a fun lighthearted time to a nightmare and leaves Ian & Sierra fighting for their lives. This adventure had me biting my nails in anticipation. There was a point where one character’s thoughts echoed my thoughts exactly when their inner voice said, “this was not how the story ended for Ian. Or Sierra.” Even though the book focuses on Ian & Sierra, there is more of Pete & Jess’s relationship and it was just as emotional, I cried for Pete. The mystery of Esme’s disappearance is finally solved (but not concluded). Ms. Warren shares the message of God’s unending love for his people through a captivating story. The characters grow as they learn to depend on God, trust him and turn control of their lives over to him.

I thought I had favourite characters in this series, but nope, I am cheering for each character just as much as the next. I now anxiously await the next addition to the series in order to spend more time with the members of PEAK rescue. This book could be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the characters I recommend reading it in order.

Troubled Waters is the 4th in the Montana Rescue Series and I have the honor of saying that I have read all 4 books as a reader/reviewer.

Ian is a billionaire who has been the "money" ( and friend) behind the local PEAK rescue team. They are first responders that help find and rescue people who have gotten lost in the trails of Montana's mountains. Ian has provided PEAK with a helicopter and other supplies that keep them able to do their jobs.
Sierra was Ian's assistant who kept him on course in everything he does. She is also trying to figure out what comes next in her life since being fired by Ian.
Ian and Sierra have fallen for each other but both are too nervous to give a relationship a chance. But when Sierra decides to have a fundraiser to raise money for PEAK in order to further the help they can provide to those that need it, disaster strikes and Sierra and Ian are forced to rely on God to get through this ordeal.
And although things seem impossible God excels at the impossible. And both of them are forced to give up control to the Lord.

This story had me on the edge of my seat not sure if it would end the way I wanted it to. Thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait for Ty's story next.
Thank you for allowing me to participate!

Troubled Waters is the fourth book from Susan May Warren's exciting Montana Rescue series. I believe this one is my favorite of the series. It is full of action, adventure, faith, inspiration, and, of course, good, clean romance. It was just so easy to keep turning the pages and hard to put down. I had it read in a few hours. My favorite character of the book would have to be Sierra. I just felt connected to her. The book ended with a few loose ends and I am hoping this means there will be a book five in the series.
I give Troubled Waters 5 plus stars and highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Yes! Finally, Ian and Sierra have a story! We've seen bits and pieces of their story in the other books, but now it is their turn, and what a turn they have! I hate to say this is my favorite book of the series, because there are still two more books to come, but the adrenaline ride in this book was better than sleep, and if you know me you know that I love my sleep.

Ms. Warren knows how to ramp up the drama, suspense, romance, which keeps you reading, and barely breathing. Besides her ability to ramp everything up, she pours so much heart into her stories that you can't not care about the characters. She is great at highlighting the supporting characters giving a sneak peek at where the next story may go. I love the way she adds the spiritual element. In this book it was very apparent that the need for God and faith was very real.

I have enjoyed this series, and I will be acquiring all of the books, just so I can go from one book to the next. Plus, I think my husband will enjoy them, which is a perfect excuse to purchase them.

I am a huge fan of Susan May Warren. One of my favorite series' of hers before reading this one is her Daughter's of Fortune, she is a versatile author and one I look forward to read. I highly recommend this book. While it could be read as a stand alone, I'd definitely start with the first book in the series.

Susan May Warren is one of my all-time favorite authors. I think I've read all but two or three of her books (and she's written a lot!), and I always preorder her new releases so I'll have them as soon as they come out. As you can imagine, I was so excited when I had the chance to read her newest book, Troubled Waters, before it came out on January 2nd!

Troubled Waters is the fourth book in the Montana Rescue series, and it follows the members of the PEAK Rescue team in Montana, near Glacier National Park. The main characters in this book are Ian Shaw, the billionaire who founded PEAK to search for his niece when she went missing, and Sierra Rose, Ian's former assistant and current assistant to the team. We've been getting parts of their story all through the series, and we finally get some resolution in this book!

Susan May Warren's books keep getting better the more she writes, and this one is no exception! She is a master at creating characters who seem authentic from the first page, and who really come to life, with real challenges, struggles, uncertainties, joys, and successes. Every detail serves to add to the story rather than distract, and there's enough action to keep things interesting, but none of it seems unrealistic. Most of all, I just love the stories she weaves... they make me want to move to Montana and meet the team! The best part is, we will have two more chances to catch up with the team with the last two books in the series. The next one, Storm Front, releases on May 1, 2018. I can't wait! :)

The publisher provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to give a positive review; I just truly love Susan May Warren :)

Ian Shaw is a laser-focused, take charge kind of guy with brains, business savvy, and an insatiable adventurous streak. He's definitely a man in need of an anchor. Despite her flowery name, Sierra Rose is an anchor. She managed Ian's life with her professional assistant superpowers before shifting gears to take care of the PEAK team with those same skills.

These characters are my forever fictional friends and I love the way their stories and lives are so authentically intertwined. Montana Rescue series is worthy of reading over and over again and without a doubt one of my favorite series of all time!!! I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate the final two installments.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another amazing addition to this fast-paced and high-suspense series.

It seems Ian Shaw always has everything in life he wants. But, maybe it will take losing it all to find the truth. Sierra is sure any feelings shared with Ian in the past will be just that, in the past. When an accident seems to shut down the PEAK rescue team permanently, Sierra is determined to do everything possible to save the team. Including a fundraising cruise on Ian's yacht with his closest friends. When the trip turns disastrous, both Sierra and Ian find themselves alone. Sierra already knows she can't survive alone, and turns her faith to God. Will Ian finally learn that he can't control every outcome in life, and put his own trust in God?

This series continues to be an exciting adventure. We learn more answers about Ian's missing niece. There is also a lot of interaction between Pete Brooks and Jess Tagg, as Pete learns the truth of her past. Another 5 stars read!

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren is book four in a series that gives spiritual truths while being a compelling read. The main story concern characters, Ian and Sierra that I had learned to care for from the previous books in the Montana Rescue Series. It takes them away from the mountains for a while as far as the danger goes. Plus, there is a second story line that is one I had also been following with Jess and Pete.

It has a plot that grabs your attention from the beginning with authentic characters even with Ian being a billionaire. There is suspense, dangers from the elements plus more, romance and God’s leading hand creating one of the best books of the series. I can recommend this book to all suspense books fans but especially to those who enjoy the Christian mystery suspense books.

There is no question that the author is a gifted writer. She writes clean, Christian romance with engaging characters, action, sometimes some elements of suspense. Her work is well-edited.
The difficulty I had in reading this book is that it cannot be read as a stand-alone. There are too many interwoven characters with too many backstories to be able to pick it up and really understand what is going on without previously reading the entire series. Even the prequel to the Montana Rescue series, If Ever I would Leave You, is not the first book in the series. Although it apparently starts the Montana Rescue series, all of these characters had previous stories and histories that I wasn’t aware of. I went back and read that book, hoping it would answer some questions for me about the current story, but it was clear that many other events happened to these main characters in between the books I read so I was quite lost. For that reason, it took me much longer to get through this book than would normally take for me to read a book of this length. I wish that her books were available on Kindle Unlimited so that I could go back and read them all in order so that I could catch up with the full story. Unfortunately, they are not. The books are quite pricey as well so I cannot afford to purchase them all.
I recognize that Ms. Warren has a huge fan base and I can clearly see why as her writing style is excellent. However, I find it hard to give an accurate rating for this book based on my own experiences. For writing style, I would give 4 stars. For my own experience, 3 stars. For the fan who has read them all, I’m sure they would give 5 stars. At the risk of reviewer backlash and being unpopular, I’m sticking with my 3 star rating. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of this book. I received no compensation and my thoughts and opinions are clearly my own.

I never thought I'd enjoy a series more than Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family novels, but after reading Troubled Waters, I think Montana Rescue just took the podium for my new favorite series. Susie takes her romantic suspense storytelling to a new level with this one. The setting, the obstacles the characters must battle (both externally and their own internal struggles), the carefully woven details of other beloved characters' subplots...all makes for a compelling page-turner. Ian and Sierra's story arc throughout the previous novels has kept me enthralled, and I'm glad they were able to take center stage with this novel.
Susan May Warren also sets the stage for more epic adventures and sweet romance coming in book #5, and I'm excited to read it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary digital copy of this novel.