Mini Review: I’ll Be There by Susan May Warren

Ok, you all who know my love for everything Susan May Warren won’t be surprised to see this little review! I could’t pass up sharing my brief thoughts on her latest indie novella, I’ll Be There, that brings together some of my favorite characters from different series. (Conner and Liza from the Montana Fire series + familiar faces from Deep Haven, including some of the Christiansens!)

About the book: From a USA Today bestselling and RITA-award winning author, a novel uniting two beloved series:

Smokejumper Conner Young can’t wait to marry the woman who’s stood by him for three years as he fought fires in the forests of the northwest. The only wound in the weekend is the lack of his best man–a brother whose murder is still unsolved. It’s unfinished business that haunts him, keeping him from truly moving on.

Liza Beaumont, long time Deep Haven artist is a survivor of a brutal grizzly attack. Struggling with nightmares, she’s not sure she’s ready to join Conner’s world. He’s a hero, yes, but his life is rife with danger and stress and frankly she’s not sure she has the courage to be the wife of a man who may not come home again.

When Liza’s wedding invitation unearths a witness in his brother’s murder, Conner’s hope of solving the case is reignited. Suddenly, it’s a choice between showing up to help Liza knit together their perfect day–or tracking down his brother’s killer. But when his investigation finds its way to Deep Haven, and Liza’s life is threatened, there may not be a wedding at all.

What happens when the smokejumpers from Montana Fire come to Deep Haven? Sparks, fire and hopefully…a happy ending.

This novella holds everything I love about a Susan May Warren story:

• complex and emotionally dynamic characters
• a fast-moving storyline
  • this time, lots of adrenaline-fueled action! I was pleasant surprised to find it such a page-turner.
• deep faith threads and a message of grace
  • Susan’s not afraid to tackle big subjects in a short amount of time — in this case, fear and the subsequent peace that comes with trusting God
• and last, but not least……. romance (with plenty of tasteful spark)
  • You might need a fire extinguisher for the kisses (fire puns, ha!)

Conner and Liza were my fave couple from the Montana Fire series. I’m so happy their journey was continued with sweet moments of coming home, new depths, and lessons in faith.