Step into the cozy, heartwarming world of the Christiansen Family series, where faith, love, and second chances bloom against the stunning backdrop of Deep Haven, Minnesota. Penned by Susan May Warren, this Christian contemporary romance series follows the six Christiansen siblings as they navigate life’s messy moments, finding hope and healing through family and faith. If you’re craving stories that blend small-town charm with deep emotional resonance, this series is your next binge-read!
With its relatable characters and themes of forgiveness, the Christiansen Family series has captured the hearts of readers who love clean, inspirational romance. Let’s dive into how this beloved series came to life, explore its key stories, and uncover why it’s a must-read for fans of faith-filled fiction.
How the Christiansen Family Series Began
Susan May Warren, a USA Today bestselling author, drew inspiration for the Christiansen Family series from her love for Minnesota’s north shore, where she honeymooned and dreamed of living. After writing her Deep Haven series, Warren crafted this spin-off to focus on the Christiansen clan, a tight-knit family running the Evergreen Lake Resort. Launched in 2013 with Take a Chance on Me, the series reflects Warren’s passion for weaving faith into real-life struggles, earning her acclaim as a master storyteller.
Warren’s background as a missionary and her knack for creating flawed, lovable characters shaped the series’ authentic tone. Her goal? To show how faith can guide us through heartbreak and hope, all while keeping readers hooked with romance and small-town vibes.
The Heart of the Christiansen Family
The Christiansen Family series spans seven books, each spotlighting a sibling’s journey. In Take a Chance on Me, eldest son Darek Christiansen, a grieving widower, meets attorney Ivy Madison, sparking a romance tested by past grudges and a looming wildfire. It Had to Be You follows Eden Christiansen, an obituary writer yearning for more, as she teams up with hockey star Jace Jacobsen to mentor her brother Owen, discovering grace along the way.
When I Fall in Love sends timid Grace Christiansen to a Hawaiian cooking retreat, where she pairs with hockey player Max Sharpe, confronting fears and secrets. You’re the One That I Want wraps up with Owen, the family’s black sheep, whose Alaskan adventure with police officer Scotty McFlynn unravels family drama and a shot at love. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and community shine through, set against Deep Haven’s picturesque lakes and forests, with Warren’s warm, engaging style keeping readers glued to every page.
Unlike fluffy romances, these stories dig into real struggles—grief, fear, and broken dreams—while weaving in Christian values without preaching. The small-town setting and family banter add a cozy, relatable charm, making each book feel like a visit home.
Why the Christiansen Family Resonates
The Christiansen Family series has left a lasting mark on Christian romance, with nearly 2 million books sold across Warren’s works. Fans praise its blend of heartfelt storytelling and faith-driven hope, with reviews calling it “unputdownable” and “beautifully real.” Its focus on family dynamics and personal growth appeals to readers seeking more than just romance, offering life lessons wrapped in compelling narratives.
Warren’s awards, including the Christy and RITA, underscore the series’ quality, while its Deep Haven setting has made the fictional town a beloved escape for fans. The series’ legacy lies in its ability to inspire readers to embrace faith and forgiveness in their own lives, proving that even in fiction, hope can transform.
- Publication Years: 2013–2021
- Number of Books: 7, including a prequel novella
- Awards: Susan May Warren won the RITA and Christy awards for her broader work
- Setting: Deep Haven, Minnesota
Ready to cozy up with a heartwarming read? Grab Take a Chance on Me and dive into the Christiansen Family’s world of love, faith, and small-town charm!