Professor Caresse Deveau is all about work and trying to solve the meaning behind her reoccurring dream. Her mother’s interference of getting a son-in-law and a grandbaby is non-stop. Hoping for some rest and relaxation on their mother and daughter cruise, her mother cancels at the last minute. Was this a ploy on her mother’s part to see her find a boyfriend?
Dennie Lang, owner of several vineyards in the US and England, is onboard to train the crew to serve his wines. From the first moment he sees Caresse, he is attracted to her and with the help of the Captain Neil Becker, his ex-brother-in-law, arranges to be seated at a dinner table for two.
When unseen forces worked to bring them together, there is someone trying to make sure it doesn’t happen and sets other events into motion. Will their new-found love at first sight be enough to keep them together?
***PLUS, BONUS SHORT STORY, "LOVE KNOWS NO DEPTH", featuring Captain Neil Becker and Samanatha Fredrick.
Born and raised in the cold and beautiful Minnesota, she escaped to Illinois for seventeen years to raise two boys, and now calls Florida home. She and her husband Andy, who’s always her hero, have a new family to worry about; Cookie, an Assui-Po dog and Chip, a ragdoll cat, that their sons compare to Eeyore. She loves to travel, read, and bowl. You can catch her writing her next novel at the lanes. Sonja encourages you to visit www.sonjagunter.com for more info and don’t be surprised if she lets her Norwegian heritage come through in her stories. You betcha!
Professor Caresse Deveau is in a league of her own. I must admit that I didn’t like her much in the beginning. Her self-righteousness and aloofness did nothing to warm me towards her. But as the story developed, I got to know the woman behind the facade. She is intelligent, straight shooter with a love for history. Caresse’s refusal to see what is happening in front of her, always thinking of her mother, had something to do with the setup, annoyed me. As if she was waiting for her mother to reveal herself, but the story turned out differently than expected. The yearly mother-and-daughter cruise changed at the last minute when her mother excused herself from the cruise. Her father, instead of just leaving it alone, send her a text message to explain that her mother wasn’t sick. This seed of doubt resurfaced throughout the plot. With Dennie Lang, I had a distinct feeling and liked him from the start. His genuine character and flawless manners made him the perfect candidate for a romantic novel. Add his job description into the mix and the blend and aroma of a unique story unfolded. The meeting between the two was a casual introduction, and I could see the scene playing off in my mind’s eye. That encounter promised to have me glued to the book, wondering when and how they would find that moment of realization. Another facet that made this story interesting was the ghost-child that kept on appearing in the most inconvenient times. This puzzled Caresse, as she could not understand the reoccurring dreams or the ghosts. The more she dug into her past, the more the answers eluded her. But an interesting twist revealed it all and led to a significant find. Dennie himself struggled to get past his feelings of guilt against his deceased wife. And the growing feelings that stirred for Caresse. Soon we have a story that brings the reader a wonderful taste of romance with a touch of mysticism as they cruised the Mississippi. Until it came to a halt, and this is where the plot come into its own. Kaimi added another element to the story. With a clever ploy, she tried her best to break them apart. Lies and deceit followed her like a shadow and for a time, I too thought she was telling the truth. But lies have a way to catch up with you, especially when jealousy rears its ugly head. A book I can recommend to all romance readers with a touch of the unnatural to spice up the evening. The dialogue between the two flowed with a comfortable ease and the writing was clear and concise.
Sonja Gunter invites readers on a delightful romantic adventure set against the backdrop of a mother-daughter cruise, where the tides of fate swirl with love and laughter. As I embarked on this literary voyage, I found myself pleasantly carried away by a story that marries engaging characters, vivid descriptions, and a just-right dose of romantic tension.
Professor Caresse Deveau, a woman immersed in her work and plagued by a recurring dream, takes center stage. Her mother, on a mission to see her daughter happily settled with a son-in-law and a grandchild, serves as a comedic force of interference. The anticipation of a restful cruise with her mother takes an intriguing turn when her mother's last-minute cancellation raises questions about ulterior motives.
Enter Dennie Lang, a charismatic vintner with vineyards spanning continents. From their initial encounter, Dennie is drawn to Caresse, and with the unexpected assistance of Captain Neil Becker, his ex-brother-in-law, an intimate dinner for two is arranged.
What ensues is a heartwarming love story tinged with the subtle workings of destiny. Unseen forces conspire to unite the two protagonists, but as in every compelling romance, there are equally mysterious elements trying to tear them apart. Gunter expertly weaves these elements together, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, wondering if love at first sight will be enough to conquer all obstacles.
What truly sets this novel apart is its well-crafted characters. Caresse's relatable personality and her humorous internal dialogue make her instantly endearing. Dennie, the quintessential hero, is a character that any reader would swoon over. The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the story, each character uniquely portrayed and contributing to the plot's richness.
Gunter's descriptive prowess shines throughout the narrative. The cruise experience is vividly detailed, immersing readers in the sights and sounds of life on board. It's a testament to the author's skill that every scene comes to life, leaving readers feeling as if they too are sailing the high seas.
The romance is the jewel in this literary treasure. Gunter masterfully layers attraction, emotion, and tension, allowing readers to fall in love alongside the characters. While conflicts do arise, they are skillfully integrated into the story, adding depth without overwhelming the romance.
"Waves of Chances" is an enchanting romance that promises readers an entertaining journey. Sonja Gunter's storytelling shines brightly in this novel, and I eagerly anticipate reading more from this talented author. If you're seeking a captivating romance that will sweep you off your feet, set sail with "Waves of Chances."
Highly recommended, and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Looking for a romantic adventure? Set sail on the high seas with Sonja Gunter and her delightful romance. I don’t go cruising in real life, but I’ve sailed dozens of times through books. This book whisked me away and I had such an enjoyable time. The characters were engaging while the descriptive narration was immersive. The romance had just the right amount of tension to make it entertaining without too much drama. All in all, the perfect vacation read.
Let’s start with the characters. I connected with Caresse right away. She was such a likable heroine with an overactive matchmaking mother. Her inner dialogue throughout the book had me chuckling. Dennis was a hero every woman ached to fall for. The rest of the characters filled out the plot nicely. Each character was well-written and had a unique voice.
The descriptive narration was so well done, I felt like I was right there with the characters. The nuances of cruising were well detailed, so it felt so real, so vibrant, so fresh. Every scene was immersive and described down to the last detail.
The romance was written with aplomb. The layering of attraction, emotion, and tension allowed me, the reader, to fall in love along with the characters. There was a fair share of conflict, but it was understated and thus, quite enjoyable.
Overall, I found Waves of Chances to be an entertaining romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The book Waves of Changes by Sonja Gunter is a refreshing, interesting and laughter inducing story with just the right mix of comedy, drama, surprise and keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout.
This is the story of Professor Caresse and Dennie who meet on a cruise. While Caresse isn't looking for romance and tricked into going by her matchmaking mother to take the cruise alone instead of with her, Dennie is a widower who did not expect to meet his other half.
Things take an interesting turn after they meet but then it's not always all lush and roses, right? So, what happens when life intervenes? Will their short affair be enough to hold onto to each other and stand the test of time? Learn more about how their story unfolds and enjoy the laughter riots when her mother gets involved. Fair warning, there's a ghost involved but it's a romance and not a horror story.
A relaxing and thoroughly entertaining read, this romance novel is what you need to get a breather from your hectic schedule.