Picture a storyteller who weaves faith, romance, and heartwarming drama into every page—meet Susan May Warren! This USA Today bestselling Christian romance novelist has captured hearts with her authentic characters and compelling narratives, earning her a RITA Award and a legion of devoted readers. From her bestselling Christiansen Family series to her role as a mentor inspiring new writers, Susan’s journey is as inspiring as her stories.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Susan’s love for storytelling sparked early, with a first-grade story contest win setting the stage for her future. Her path to becoming a celebrated author is a tale of faith, resilience, and a passion for crafting stories that resonate with readers worldwide.
The Making of Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren grew up in Wayzata, a Minneapolis suburb, where her love for the outdoors and Minnesota’s north shore shaped her storytelling. A BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota laid the groundwork for her writing career, but it was her time as a missionary in Russia for eight years with her husband and four children that deepened her perspective. There, she penned newsletters that honed her ability to capture human experiences, planting the seeds for her fiction career. Returning to Minnesota in 2004, she settled in the north woods, a setting that inspired her Deep Haven series and beyond.
Susan May Warren’s Unforgettable Stories
Susan’s novels blend Christian faith, romance, and relatable struggles, creating stories that feel like a warm hug on a snowy Minnesota night. Her Christiansen Family series, set on Minnesota’s north shore, follows a family navigating love, faith, and life’s challenges. Take a Chance on Me (2013), the series opener, introduces Darek Christiansen, a widower grappling with loss, and Ivy Madison, a lawyer seeking redemption, earning a Christy Award for its heartfelt narrative. It Had to Be You (2014) dives into Eden Christiansen’s dreams of journalism while mentoring her reckless brother, Owen, a hockey rookie.
Beyond the Christiansen series, Susan’s versatility shines in series like Montana Rescue and Deep Haven. Happily Ever After (2003), her debut novel, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year and was a Christy Award finalist, setting the tone for her emotionally rich style. Finding Stefanie (2008) from the Noble Legacy series clinched the RITA Award, showcasing her knack for weaving suspense and romance. With over 90 novels translated into eight languages, Susan’s stories resonate globally, praised by Library Journal for their well-developed characters.
Her writing style is cinematic, blending humor, heartfelt moments, and spiritual depth. Themes of forgiveness, second chances, and trusting God’s plan run through her work, making her novels both entertaining and uplifting. Fans love her ability to craft relatable characters who grow through real-life struggles, as seen in the Christiansen family’s journey of balancing faith and personal dreams.
Why Susan May Warren Matters
Susan May Warren’s impact extends beyond her books. As a writing coach, she’s empowered aspiring authors through Novel.Academy and MyBookTherapy.com, earning the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year Award. Her Story Equation method has demystified novel-writing for countless students, making her a beacon for new talent. With nearly 2 million books sold, her stories have touched readers with their messages of hope and resilience, cementing her as a cornerstone of Christian fiction.
Her ability to blend faith with universal themes has broadened the appeal of Christian romance, inviting readers to explore spirituality through relatable narratives. Susan’s legacy is one of inspiration, both in her storytelling and her mentorship, encouraging readers and writers to embrace their own journeys of faith and creativity.
- Born: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: Christiansen Family series, Deep Haven series, Finding Stefanie
- Awards: RITA Award (2009), Christy Award finalist (multiple), Carol Award winner
- Notable Fact: Former missionary in Russia for eight years
Snag Take a Chance on Me and dive into Susan May Warren’s heartwarming Christian romance world! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her stories, her tales of love, faith, and second chances are sure to warm your heart.