I have a horrible habit of not reading the last book in a series I love... it's completely irrational, but it's like I subconsciously think that if I don't read that last book the series won't end yet. I recently read a novella by the author set in Deep Haven, and it put me in the mood to *finally* finish the Christiansen series with You're the One That I Want. I had mixed feelings of course about Owen, who is a bit of a punk in previous books. The author did a great job of showing Owen's redemption process, peeling back a layer at a time, showing us the new Owen through Scotty's experiences with him. I thought it was smart to show how major aspects of his personality didn't change- that he is still the same person, but more mature, with a broader perspective, and the desire to be a better man.

I loved reading the scenes set on the fishing boat, reminding me of the show Deadliest Catch, and the danger and adventure there. Owen and Scotty's life changing experience together bonds them, and it was fun to see how their dynamic shifted as their roles changed off the boat. The remainder of the story in Deep Haven was wrought with family drama- both angsty and healing. Lots of faith talk helped Owen, Scotty, and Casper as they worked to resolve the complications that have their relationships tied in knots. A strong ending to a memorable series! Now I want to binge read them all over again...

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Owen Christianson hasn’t been home for quite some time and feels like an outsider looking in when it comes to his family. Now Owen finds himself back home with his brother being accused of murder and the woman he loves, a cop, is not convinced of Casper’s innocence.

The Christiansen family and Deep Haven are a family that I will never tire of visiting. Warren has created such a dynamic family and characters, Owens story does not disappoint and provides a reminder that even though we make mistakes and don’t always feel like we belong, we will always be welcomed home. I loved this story and this series as a whole and can’t wait to see what Warren has planned next.

Owen Christiansen has always been a problem. Wild, impulsive...good-looking trouble. But mistakes know how to get us, finally. And now, Owen is on the run - from his destroyed career, from his broken relationships, from his wild self. Can a no-nonsense girl save him? Can he let himself be saved? By God?

Wow, Ms Warren knows how to write an exciting males!
Am I shallow here? Yes and not. Because I think it is truly hard to write an exciting man. The one who can move you from your surefire ways, whom you wish to kill and to kiss. Whom you can trust with your messed-up self and scared soul. Whom you can protect, support, heal and get healed by whom.

And while I truly think that I have never met such a messed-up family like the Christiansens (whom are loving people, yet they mess up ginormously and consistently :)), I would like to have such support and love around me.

And, for the recird, I don´t like Casper and Raina. What this says about me? :)

You're the One That I Want is the sixth book in the Christiansen Family series and I absolutely loved it. I have been enjoying this series ever since the first book, but I was a little nervous about Owen's story (didn't know how things would turn out). I shouldn't have been worried because it was a fantastic story about grace and was just amazing.

The story grabbed my attention from the first chapter. I loved how much spunk the MC had and the way she interacted with Owen was hilarious. There was also a scene early on that really had me on the edge of my seat and that made the pages fly by.

All in all, You're the One that I Want was phenomenal and I definitely recommend it. I feel like you should definitely read the prior books first so that you fully understand the backstory.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

I am thrilled to announce that You’re the One that I Want, the conclusion to the Christiansen Family Saga by Susan May Warren DOES. NOT. DISAPPOINT. Other than, you know, the fact that it’s the conclusion. The end. A minor detail that made me very sad as I turned the last page.

Good thing I liked the redeemed version of Owen Christiansen, as well as his lady love, Scotty McFlynn. A worthy novel to conclude the tale of the Christiansen family, indeed! I was so proud of Owen for becoming the man God and his family knew he could be.

This was a fun, uplifting read - set in a very unique (crabby!) location!

Susan May Warren concludes her series set in Deep Haven, Minnesota, featuring the six adult children in the Christiansen family and their relationships. Each book opens with a letter from their mother, giving insight into the main character. Owen has been the prodigal since the second book in the series, but he is “more than the sum of his mistakes” (back cover).

In You’re the One That I Want, Owen Christiansen works on an Alaskan crabbing boat, and becomes attracted to the no-nonsense Elisa “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter and former police officer. A near-death accident at sea changes their relationship.

His brother Casper arrives in Alaska to bring his brother home, unaware he is wanted for questioning in connection with a murder back in Minnesota. Scotty is hired to escort Casper back to Deep Haven. Prodigal son Owen returns back home, bringing the issues that have been dogging him since his career-ending injury. Will he forgive himself and accept God’s forgiveness as he finally faces his past and a future with Elise?

Warren writes character-driven, contemporary books that make readers care about the family. The faith element is evident but not preachy. Warren also does an excellent job of building

This latest from Susan May Warren has been the 2 Chicks' most highly anticipated book of the year! The conclusion to the Christiansen family stories does not disappoint and was everything we hoped it would be.

Storyline
Owen Christiansen has a lot of apologizing, explaining and reconciling to do - even more so than he is aware of. For the last few years, he has been MIA from his family and hometown of Evergreen Lake, Minnesota, where he left behind broken relationships and hearts. Now working on a crabbing boat in Alaska, he is struggling to find his way back to God and a chance at happiness. Could it happen with Elise "Scotty" McFlynn, a no nonsense girl who has her own learning to do about family? The last time Casper Christiansen saw his brother, a heated argument that led to blows erupted between them . But now, hoping to reconcile and receive Owen's blessing, Casper has trekked all over the country searching for him. Just as he's about to give up and go home, he finally catches a break to learn of Owen's whereabouts. But seeing him again - and bringing him home to face the damage he has left behind - will not be easy, pleasant or quick to resolve.

This story's action begins on the first page and does not stop until the end. The plot, characters and storyline kept us up for a few late nights!

Depth
As readers, we kept asking ourselves how on earth Owen - the wild, lost prodigal - was ever going to find his way back to the family. With a trail of damage in his wake, would it be too late to repair the burned bridges and broken hearts? Given this and the family drama that's been building up in the last five books, we were afraid this final book would tie it all up in an easy, neat little package - so unlike real life. We knew Owen's story deserved a thorough, difficult, challenging, and in the end, triumphant, conclusion - and that is exactly what author Susan delivers. She masterfully weaves the joy and the pain of the ramifications on the family when a prodigal comes home. It isn't easy, clear or predictable. Everyone wrestles with the right things to do at different times, and the issues are real. In addition, Scotty is welcomed into the Christiansen family as one of their own - and it scares her to death. Will she be brave enough to embrace what it means to finally be a part of a family?


Faith
Scotty thinks that Christianity is only for the weak. Being raised by a single father, she values being tough-as-nails and independent above all else. But she is inspired by Owen's admonition to "have a little faith" and slowly begins to realize her need for a Savior. This story is all about grace and faith, and being accepted into earthly families and into the family of God. One of our favorite lines was, "A life committed to God requires us to live uncomfortably, accountably, bravely, transparently, vulnerably. It requires us to love without rules. Welcome to grace."


Squeal Factor
As is usual in this series, the couples in this book sizzle with their cute chemistry. Owen and Scotty have several very touching scenes and their romance sparkles! This book has powerful emotions the readers can actually feel.


Overall

It took six novels to tell the stories of the Christiansen family and we are sad to see them go! This series is full of faith, depth, squeal factor and is written at a pace that kept us running toward the end. The family has real problems and real love, all tied up together, and gives a great example of what a wonderful family can look like. In fact, these 2 Chicks loved both this book and the entire series so much, we are declaring the series as a whole the newest addition to our Golden List. It's worth it to pay full retail price and give up a little lot of sleep for!