Hook, Line and Sinker

Deep Haven #3.5

by Susan May Warren

The annual Deep Haven fishing contest draws professional and amateur anglers from across the country, but this year, Ross Springer is determined to win the top cash prize. In fact, he has no choice. It’s his last chance to leave a lasting legacy at Bethel College. He just never imagined his fundraising scheme would hook Abigail Cushman, the grad student who reminds him of all they’d had—and lost—every time she glances his way.

Abigail Cushman may not know the difference between a bass and a trout, but how hard can it be to catch a fish? She’s a quick learner, and she’s certain her smarts can net her a win over Ross Springer, the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

In the ultimate showdown between brains and heart, will Ross and Abby reel in more than they bargained for?

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Novella, Christian Romance

40 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

God Bless and Happy Reading!

In His Grip,
Susan May Warren

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hook, Line and Sinker" by Susan May Warren is a sweet novella. I did not find the fishing activity exciting; however, I did like how fishing rekindled the relationship between the main characters, Ross and Abigail. This story is a second chance romance. Due to a misunderstanding in the past, Ross and Abigail's relationship was severed. Ross was upset with Abigail, because of a particular situation. He jumped to a conclusion, and did not give her a chance to explain the truth. This story really highlighted the importance of healthy communication. It was a pleasure reading about the fishing competition taking place, on the campsite where "Wilderness Challenge" took place. The setting made me reflect on memories from book 2, "Tying the Knot." It was nice seeing Noah and Anne again.

I enjoyed the interaction between Ross and Abigail, and I chuckled at some of the funny incidents that occurred. It was interesting reading about Ross and Abigail's interaction with the youth, during their stay at the camp. The campfire setting was so relaxing and cozy. Reverend Maynard Draper delivered a powerful message, when he spoke about how God wants everyone to be fishers of men. "God wants to use all of you, with your different skills, techniques, and passions, to fish for the Kingdom. He'll sort out the fish. He wants you to be obedient in the casting of your nets." That is one quote from his message that I like. I always enjoy reading stories that show God's hand at work, in bringing about restoration and unity. The end of the story was so sweet! I gave this novella 4 out of 5 stars. I am looking forward to reading the following books in this series. It has been an uplifting and exciting journey.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Deep Haven when I first read “My Foolish Heart” and was excited to learn there were more books set in this loveable small community, including this short novella, “Hook, Line and Sinker.”

I like how the plot line is a sweet, simple story, but with a character arc that is indicative of a Susan May Warren novel. Of course because the novella is pretty short it is a quick read and felt a *bit* rushed, but that is the nature of a novella.

I didn’t recognize the two main characters, but I’m wondering if they might have shown up in earlier Deep Haven novels. The novel has a bit of prequel feel, but I didn’t feel lost in previous history while reading.

It’s a love story between two people who - over a misunderstanding - have pushed aside their love, but never forgotten it, only tried to bury it. Seeing them work towards the other were sweet moments in the book.

Combine a love story with fishing and a two college age grads in love and with a heart for God’s ministry you have a quick, fun, but enjoyable novel. The kind that is fun to curl up with and spend an hour or so lost in another world.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2JQ1YMV...
Review on my blog (to be posted 10/12): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

I've only read one or two books in the Deep Haven series, but from what I've read so far, this is a great series and Hook, Line, and Sinker was a really good novella!

The characters were very nice and I loved the whole fishing aspect in Hook, Link, and Sinker. The only read negative I had was that, unlike some other novellas I've read, this one just seemed really short. It was still an engaging read, but very short.

All in all, Hook, Line, and Sinker was a good read and I recommend it to fans of Susan May Warren's novels. I look forward to reading more of the Deep Haven series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this addition to the Deep Haven series! Abby and Ross had such a sweet second chance romance, one of my favorite themes. And even though it was a novella it still had some deep spiritual truths and a good romantic plotline. Very enjoyable read! Recommended!

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, fast read! :)

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale
September 2011
ASIN: B005LXI1WK
Genre: E-short contemporary romance

The annual Deep Haven fishing contest draws professional and amateur anglers from across the country, but this year, Ross Springer is determined to win the top cash prize. In fact, he has no choice. It’s his last chance to leave a lasting legacy at Bethel College. He just never imagined his fundraising scheme would hook Abigail Cushman, the grad student who reminds him of all they’d had—and lost—every time she glances his way.

Abigail Cushman may not know the difference between a bass and a trout, but how hard can it be to catch a fish? She’s a quick learner, and she’s certain her smarts can net her a win over Ross Springer, the handsome charmer she’s tried to forget since grief tore them apart.

In the ultimate showdown between brains and heart, will Ross and Abby reel in more than they bargained for?

HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER is an e-short a couple of years old, but it took me some time to get to a kindle book to read it. I enjoyed getting to know Abby and Ross and the conflicts both faced in this story. It isn’t all about fishing, but they both have hopes, dreams, successes and failures to deal with that may or may not coincide with each other.

HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER is a really cute story set in Ms. Warren’s fictional town of Deep Haven. I recommend it to fans of Ms. Warren. $1.99 ebook. 62 pages.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hook, Line and Sinker – A Deep Haven Novella by Susan May Warren

Abigail Cushman and Ross Springer loved each other. Only problem was they did not know the others feelings. Abby had been around most of Ross's life and he believed she was in love with his brother, Scotty, Ross was three years younger and Abby would come home with Scotty from college to watch him at all his sports. Than Scotty died. Ross heard rumors calling Abby “Scotty's girl”. He decided it was Scotty she loved and not him.

It took a fishing trip with The New Lifers group from college that Ross led against the Sojourner group that Abby led to help them see the truth. After all the time wasted avoiding each and not speaking they finally have a chance to clear the air. Abby had studied all about how to fish, can she know catch Ross hook, line & sinker?

This short novella also portrays how easily it is to compare ourselves to others instead of seeing who God created us to be and to use the gifts He gave us. Abby always feels inadequate to her sister and Ross always feels he is less than Scotty was.

[Brooke (i blog 4 books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I haven't read the entire series, I wasn't familiar with these characters. However, I really enjoyed a brief (only 40 pages!) peek into the history behind some of the characters in Deep Haven. I loved reading Ross and Abigail's story and seeing how God helped them work through their past. Warren did a great job getting my curiosity up about their background and then reveal the reasons for the tension between them. My only complaint is that the book just wasn't long enough (40 pages). I think 100 pages would be the perfect length for a novella, and the extra pages would have allowed a bit more depth to both the characters and the story.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this. The sermon within was a great one. One of those that really makes you think, smile and want to quote it. So many times in my head I was just about shout at the characters to just talk to each other instead of walking away. I love Susie's writing and this novella definitely makes me want to look into the series Deep Haven.

*Thanks to Tyndale for loaning me an ebook copy for review through Netgalley.*

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I love the deep haven series, such a good build up of community. I liked the character builds, they were well thought out. Had good expression, and it wasnt to slow moving because of details. It moved right along.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute love story

I know I've read this story before but can for nod a record of it. Regardless, it's a sweet story with a subtle yet important message.

[Oceana GottaReadEmAll · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute😍

[Beth Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Liked everything about it. Would highly recommend this to my reader friends. I couldn't put it down, read in one setting.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful sweet story!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story about how easy it is to misunderstand other people, and how it is worthwhile to try to repair wounded relationships. It's also about using one's gifts to serve God.

[Paul F. O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite

Wasn t what I thought it was going to be but it was a good clean feel happy good read...amen...😇

[Beverly Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when two people who love each other let a tragedy and misunderstand come between them? That’s the basis for Warren’s novella involving Abigail Cushman and Ross Springer. Ross is three years younger than Abigail who was friends with Scotty, Ross’ older brother. Abigail would come home from college on visits with Scotty and watch Ross play sports. Ross fell in love with “Abby” and even told her he loved her. But then the unthinkable happens – Scotty dies. Ross hears rumors that Abby was “Scotty’s girl” and believes he was mistaken about Abby’s feelings for him.

Ross is in his senior year at Bethel College and is leader of the New Life campus group. Outwardly, Ross appears to be a shining star on campus and has things all together, but in truth, nothing is at it seems.

Abby is the leader of the Sojourner group whose numbers are dwindling. Her plans after graduation include becoming an assistant professor in Greek. Abby sees Ross as a “girl-magnet” and wonders how she ever felt she loved him.

When the two campus groups enter the annual Deep Haven fishing contest, it throws Abby and Ross together and gives them a chance to clear up old misunderstandings. Will they take the bait?

Susan May Warren shows the reader how we easily make the mistake of comparing ourselves to others instead of focusing on who God created us to be. For fans of Warren, the Deep Haven setting will be a familiar one. The book is a treasure to read and I highly recommend it to everyone. Find out more about Susan May Warren by visiting her website, www.susanmaywarren.com.

Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook to review.

[Christina D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I have one, it’s quaint place where I love to go and spend long leisurely days in a comfy spot catching up with friends. If you’ve never been there, I would suggest that you drop by Deep Haven to check it out. Susan May Warren has created a wonderful place to rest and relax in the series.

She recently released an e-novella set in Deep Haven titled Hook, Line, and Sinker. This short trip into the woods is well done and a great quick trip to a quiet retreat that I have come to love. This story is set at a camp with visiting college students. Within the group there are two very different leaders that are working through their shared past to discover what their futures may hold. All the while the group is participating in the yearly fishing contest of Deep Haven. Once the competition is over, there is a wonderful scene with an older pastor speaking to the group. He reminds us that “Jesus doesn’t ask us to fish only with crank bait or live minnows. He tells us to fish…Our job isn’t to narrow down the bait; it is to be obedient with the fishing.” (Location 604 of 739).

Hook, Line, and Sinker is a great quick trip into Deep Haven for those that are familiar with its charm and a wonderful introduction to Susan May Warren’s writing for those that haven’t.

This title was provided to me by Tyndale Publishing House for rewiew purposes. I am not required to provide a positive review.

[Iola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Cushman has been in love with Ross Springer for as long as she can remember, hanging with Ross and his older brother, Scotty. And Ross once told her he loved her too, but that was before Scotty died, before he worked out that Abby and Scotty had been a couple on the Bethel College campus. Now Ross runs the New Life Christian group at Bethel while completing his senior year, even though he is three years older than the other seniors. Meanwhile, Abby is completing her PhD in Greek, running the Sojourners Bible study and resenting Ross for being a girl-magnet who all but ignores her. Friendly rivalry between the New Life and Sojourners groups leads to a challenge to enter the Deep Haven fishing competition in the lakes around Deep Haven, Missouri, a competition which Abby is determined to win.

Hook, Line and Sinker is a straightforward romance than based on a simple misunderstanding, yet still touches on issues of how we see ourselves and how others see us. Timewise, this novella falls sometime after Tying the Knot (the second of the Deep Haven novels), as Ross was one of the college-age counsellors at Noah’s camp in that book. Hook, Line and Sinker has all the charm of the other Deep Haven books, in a smaller package. And how can you not like a romance series where the first book is called Happily Ever After?

Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook to review.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story, and a Christian romance. It's a complete story in itself (though I suspect that some of the minor characters are from the novels). The characters were nice people and had some depth. I enjoyed the story.

The hero and heroine have different ways to attract their fellow college students to their respective Christian groups. One is more about fun and the other about hard-core Bible study. They also have different fishing styles in the contest. They come to realize they have different "fishing" styles but the same overall goal.

The hero and heroine had a misunderstanding back when the heroine's apparent boyfriend (and hero's brother) died in an accident. There's a lot of pain connected to that past event, and they never cleared up the misunderstanding. It's now a matter of having some time together and finally talking about the wrong ideas they got back after the accident. I'm not fond of the "they love each other but won't talk about their big misunderstanding" romance formula, but this worked better for me than most of that style.

[Ashley Rothberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, let me say that I did not realize this was a novela and not a complete novel. That is probably the biggest factor that colors my review here.

With that being said, I really did not enjoy this book. I did not think there was enough character development to really get any enjoyment out of the characters. I never really liked Abigail, the heroine and Ross, the hero never really seemed to live up to that role. The story was so quick I never got the chance to become invested or involved. The big scenes where the couple declared their love was far too short with mo explanation and no build up. Furthermore, I understand that the auhtor wants to keep suspense by not telling us what happened in the past but there was too much suspense to enjoy the present story, it really detracted from the story line. From what I read in this novela I am not interested in locating any of the other in this set.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Susan May Warren story to fit in the middle of the Deep Haven series!! This book is available as an ebook but I actually ended up reading it as part of a romance collection called "Change of Loving You" that Tyndale put out that includes short books by Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert, & Susan May Warren.

I was lucky to receive this book for free through the Tyndale Rewards program. You receive points for submitting reviews on Tyndale books & you can cash your points in on free books. I learned about Susan May Warren through this program along with Janice Cantore, Randy Singer, Jason Elam (former Broncos kicker), Chris Fabry, & Catherine Palmer. If you are interested in joining the program follow the link below & you will automatically start out with 25 points & by the time you complete a few of the joining surveys you will have enough points to get this book or one of the many others offered for free!!

www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=8bb...

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute, short romance in the Deep Haven series. Ross Springer and Abigail Cushman are the leaders of different youth groups at Bethel College in Minnesota and decide to enter a fishing contest to raise money. They're also trying to forget what they once were to each other. Is is too late for them or will love win in the end?

For such a short story, Susan does a wonderful job of creating well-rounded, real characters. There are sweet and amusing moments and real depth to the character's struggles. This is easily read as a stand-alone, but reacquaints you with some characters from her other books. This is a great series you won't want to miss! Only available as an e-book from Tyndale House Publishers.

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hook, Line and Sinker, written by Susan May Warren, is a fun, cute, quick read.
My favorite character has to be Ross...He's not jock, an all-around good guy, who really can't get over his crush on Abby...who just happened to be his older brothers best friend. I thought the spiritual implications were great in describing out we should all be fishers of men for Christ even if we use different tactics to get the Word out, we need to be faithful to the Lord.
As always, I enjoy Warren's style of writing as she always put the fun into each page with a truth that will encourage a closer walk with the Lord. Fun Inspirational read! Recommend for teen and adult readers.

[K P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hook, Line and Sinker is a novella that is part of Susan May Warren's Deep Haven Series. When you are introduced to Ross Springer and Abigail Cushman on the opening pages of this tale, you immediately sense that there is some bad history between them. You will soon learn that they lost their friendship the day that his older brother, Scotty, died!

When suddenly Abigail and Ross are competing against each other in a fishing contest, you have no idea what will happen to their struggling relationship by the end of this endeavour!

Hold on and to see where Abigail and Ross land by the final pages of this short novella!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ross Springer is the leader of the New Life campus group at Bethel College in Minnesota, but he is in over his head…in more ways than one.

Abigail Cushman leads the dwindling Sojourner group on campus and has plans to stick around after graduation to become an assistant professor.

When the Deep Haven annual fishing contest throws Ross and Abigail back together after their time apart, they may end up reeling in more than they bargained for.

Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOOK,LINE & SINKER by Susan May Warren is an interesting e-book novella set in Deep Haven. It is a short,quick,simple story with misunderstandins,misjustments,faith,and buried love. It includes a fishing trip,hearts, two college grads,and faith. This story is only about 38 pages,but is a great story.Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Tyndall and My Book Addiction Reviews.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 2 out of 5]

My husband loves to fish for walleye, thus it was fun to see the references about them in this book, along with the other fish that he likes to catch, i.e. crappie, muskies, etc. That said, I'm not a romance genre person and found the "back and forth" (misunderstandings) between the 2 main characters a little over the top. But I certainly appreciated the Christian elements of this clean read. Bummer that it had some typos though.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short read! I liked how it was to the point and the characters were likable. If you love the Deep Haven series, this is a must read. Characters from the other books make cameos in this story, which I liked.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4.5 of 6.5