MY REVIEW:

Because I am such a fan of Susan May Warren’s books, “The Shadow of Your Smile” has been lurking on my Kindle for several weeks tempting me at every turn. I have a hard enough time sticking to my review schedule and making the deadlines so it was with great difficulty that I managed to ignore its siren call until finally it was time. This novel was worth waiting for!

In addition to most all of the author’s previous books, I have read all of the Deep Haven series to date and expected another fairly light hearted romance with an awesome spiritual message. “The Shadow of Your Smile” is just a bit different than the earlier Deep Haven novels with a more somber plot line and even some suspense thrown in for good measure.

One senseless tragedy with two deaths has entangled so many people in its aftermath. Because of grief and guilt, bad decisions are made, a marriage is falling apart, a husband is tempted, bad career and life choices are made. But God still has His hand on the lives of His children in Deep Haven and another near tragedy may just be what it takes to turn things around.

“The Shadow of Your Smile” is a beautifully written story that delves deep into the hearts of those affected by the tragic deaths of loved ones. The reader is given an up close and personal look at the struggles and pain experienced by each of the characters. I literally wanted to say “Don’t do that!” more than once but of course I had to let the plot take its predetermined course. In the end, I had to agree that the author knew what was best and the resolution was a satisfying one.

This was an excellent story with a strong message of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation. There are also some very good marriage tips woven into the story if you look for them, especially the one about being more aware of the hopes and dreams of your spouse. Once again I say, “Get yourself a copy of this book asap! You won’t be sorry.”

This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.

A beautiful blanket of snow may cover the quaint town of Deep Haven each winter, but it can’t quite hide the wreckage of Noelle and Eli Hueston’s marriage.

After twenty-five years, they’re contemplating divorce . . . just as soon as their youngest son graduates from high school. But then an accident erases part of Noelle’s memory. Though her other injuries are minor, she doesn’t remember Eli, their children, or the tragedy that has ripped their family apart. What’s more, Noelle is shocked that her life has turned out nothing like she dreamed it would. As she tries to regain her memory and slowly steps into her role as a wife and mother, Eli helps her readjust to daily life with sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-heartwarming results. But can she fall in love again with a man she can’t remember?

Will their secrets destroy them . . . or has erasing the past given them a chance for a future? Read the story behind the story HERE.

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Come Back to Deep Haven and Win a $200 Visa Card from @SusanMayWarren!

Sometimes love requires a little forgetting … Come back to Deep Haven and find out what’s been happening in your favorite quaint hamlet. If you’re new to the Deep Haven series – this is the perfect book to start with – each book in the series is a stand alone story.

Susan is celebrating the release of The Shadow of Your Smile by giving away a prize pack worth over $200 from 1/9-1/28.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Gift Card (Use that to rekindle a little romance, treat yourself to a spa day, snap up those shoes you’ve been eyeing, or purchase a few great books!)

• The entire set of Deep Haven Books 

The winner will be announced on 1/30/12 on Susan’s blog, Scribbles! Just click one of the icons below to enter and tell your friends about Susan’s giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.