Sled dog musher and vlogger Nick Dahlquist has simple goals—teach outdoor survival, run the Iditarod…and chat with online friend, LadyJHawk. Sure, he’s starting to like her more than he wants to admit, but has no capacity for an in-real-life relationship.
Chopper pilot Jae Washington has been an avid follower of Nick’s DogQuest vlog since inheriting a military working dog. Now, his online friendship has made her wonder if he could be more than a friend. Getting a job on Deep Haven’s Crisis Response Team seems the perfect next step—so long as he doesn’t think she’s stalking him.
Nick is pretty sure petite Jae won’t last a moment in the brutal cold—a fear he shares with LadyJHawk. Meanwhile, Jae decides to keep her avatar a secret until she can prove to Nick she’s not a stalker. But as he trains her—and the chill between them begins to thaw—what if he discovers the truth she’s hiding?
When a blizzard strikes, and the CRT is deployed, more than just their relationship is at risk…
Cozy up to this delightful twist on You’ve Got Mail set in the snowy escape of Deep Haven.
Author writes under the penname Michelle Aleckson as well.
After growing up on both the east and west coasts, Michelle now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80's music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you're wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name.
She writes contemporary romance with a dash of sass and suspense. Connect with her on her website: michellealeckson.com
I enjoyed getting to read about Deep Haven as winter approaches and seeing how the Deep Haven Crisis Rescue Team is growing and filling a much needed place in this isolated community. Jae Washington joins as a helicopter pilot and lightens the load.
Dog musher, Nick Dahlquist was a great addition to the series. He’s training for the Mush Puppies dogsled race with hopes to place and train for the Iditarod in Spring. He’s determined to make his own legacy and grow his kennel into something impressive.
I’m sorry to see this series come to an end! I loved spending my winter break virtually in Deep Haven, reading about the community through the various seasons.
Characters: I enjoyed reading Nick's and Jae's perspectives. They both had flaws to make them human. But I did find one thing a little annoying. In a vast majority of Susan May Warren's books, the main guys have this fear of not being a hero. I'd understand if one guy had this problem, but it's really, really weird to me that a majority of her guy characters are so worried about their hero status. And of course, Nick was afraid he wasn't a hero in this book ...
Language: Clean.
Moral: I believe the main theme was asking for help when you need it. Both main characters were believers.
Plot: This was one of those books where the characters knew each other online but had never met in person. Of course, that led to some trouble, but it was kind of humorous to see it all play out.
Romance: Clean. Just a few kisses.
Writing: Michelle Aleckson's writing fit this story well, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next!
Overall: Right Here Waiting was an entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and contemporary romance.
It was so lovely to return to Deep Haven. This is the final book in this Deep Haven collection, but hope it won't be my last visit to this lovable town. Even though this is a collection/series, and the characters we've met throughout the series makes appearances, you can read this as a stand-alone. But I will recommend reading the whole series (and in order - but I'm OCD with reading series in order.)
Nick was one of those characters where everyone can see how great a person he is, except for him. He has such a big heart, and who can not help and love a hero who has a soft spot for dogs! Jae had a lot to learn as well, and her learning had more physical and serious consequences.
I loved how the author smoothly used the physical and emotional challenges of these characters to bring the characters (and reader) to learn deeper lessons in their spiritual journey with God.
“Faith is not about being strong, having all the answers, or having our act together.”
Oh, and if you have some of an obsession with Star Wars, you will love Nick and Jae.
Highly recommended of fans of Susan May Warren and anything Deep Haven.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
“When we are courageous enough to be honest about our weakness, to be vulnerable and yet willing to say, ‘Here I am, Lord’ that’s true faith.”
What a fun journey it’s been to revisit Deep Haven. I’m sad to see this series come to an end but super happy to have been here for all the adventures, especially this one with Nick and Jae. Between dog sledding and rescue chopper flying in Minnesota’s glorious winter, there is never a dull moment in the story. Nick is so sweet and tender and his care for his dogs is truly inspiring. Jae is cute and spunky and her Korean heritage is accurately and heartwarmingly portrayed. They both harbor brokenness in regard to relationships but how they overcome it is quite romantic and endearing. And there are some cameo appearances from characters in Susan May Warren’s other books so be on the lookout!
I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
Right Here Waiting was a great story! What a sticky situation Jae has gotten herself into with a cross country move to Deep Haven, only to feel as if she can’t share who she really is with Nick right away without him thinking she is a stalker!
Nick and Jae had a rough “meet cute”, however, it quickly became clear as the book moved on that these two hit it off well together. Both Jae and Nick had some self esteem issues. Nick felt like people all over town looked down on him and judged him for his failures, when really it was quite the opposite. Jae had experienced the bitterness of never really fitting in with others, even her extended family, and it made her feel as if she had to prove herself again and again.
I loved learning more about Nick and his dog sledding lifestyle. It was clear that he had a big heart for his animals. It was tough to know that Nick was falling for Jae without knowing her secret, however, it really worked for the story. The Deep Haven Collection of books have been a joy to read. It is hard to say goodbye to all of these characters.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A charming romance set in the snowy landscape of winter in the Midwest.
Jae and Nick met online through Nick's vlogging, bonding over their loved of working dogs and training. When Jae get's the opportunity to move her job to Deep Haven she wonders if she and Nick could be more than just friends. A delightful You've Got Mail style romance for the modern day.
I loved how Nick and Jae bonded over dogs, and I think that the author did a great job of showing how relationships look different in reality versus online. I liked how Jae learned a lot from her mother and father, blending the cultures and traditions from both sides. Nick is very knowledgeable about survival in sub zero conditions, he and Jae have great interaction and I liked seeing them get to know each other in person, as well as his passion for what he does.
Overall, a charming romance set in Deep Haven, filled with familiar faces and humorous misunderstandings. I loved this charming read full, of faith, family and romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In some ways, Jae was a contradiction. She moved from Texas to Deep Haven without any encouragement from Nick thinking they could have a physical relationship but she doesn't want to open up. She joins the Crisis Response Team because she wants to help but she doesn't want to accept help from anyone...
In a lot of ways, I understood where she was coming from but her determination to be independent was off-putting and in at least two cases, dangerous.
Nick was also somewhat contradictory. He was about to go broke but did not want to use the skills he'd acquired, outside of mushing or breeding puppies, to finance his life. I understand that he just wanted to share his love of the outdoors with others but I felt that he could have found someone to give him some good business advice since that wasn't his strength.
Nick and Jae's online relationship was sweet and I would have liked to see more of that on the page without the big secret hanging over them.
Towards the end, both Nick and Jae will find new depths in themselves and you see a glimmer of what they'll become if they can remain free of the lies that had kept them entangled for much of the book.
A major theme in Right Here Waiting was finding a place to belong. Jae was searching for a home and a family since she felt out of place among her extended family.
Readers will be reminded that home isn't some elusive thing or place. Rather, home is found wherever you choose to make it.
I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through Just Read Tours; a positive review was not required.
Right Here Waiting is the perfect conclusion to the Deep Haven Collection! I love the way that this book snuggles into the winter season and really revels in it. Warren and Aleckson make winter an exciting character that makes pushes the others to the extremes.
Nick enjoys it. Winter is his season and when he comes into his own, but this year is a bit harder. This dichotomy sets up Nick’s struggle and gives him the opportunity to shine. That’s also how Jae meets him – and winter presents a unique set of challenges for her, too.
While I personally love winter, and so am opposite of Jae in some ways, I could really identify with her refusal to ask for help. I love her independent streak and have been known to take that too far, as well. The lessons that both Nick and Jae need to learn in Right Here Waiting are relevant and applicable to many of us – and that makes the story all the more fun.
Right Here Waiting is a book you don’t want to wait for – get it on your TBR pile and into your hands today. It’s the perfect blend of winter adventure and steamy romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
‘I Thought isolation would bring healing, prevent more pain. I was wrong.'
I adore diving into a Deep Haven novel. There's just something about it from the first page that makes me feel so good. This is one little fictional town I'd love to visit! Susan May Warren and Michelle Sass Aleckson are quite fine here. Great characters and a super good plot. I loved the interaction between Jae and Nick with their online back and forth. And seeing old friends is always just wonderful. I also very much enjoyed the dog sledding angle and the rescue operations. This is an exceptional series. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Sunrise Publishing for a copy of this book. The opinion is my own.
I love this story! Nick Dahlquist is down on his luck. He races sled dogs, but business has been rough these days. Chatting with an anonymous friend online is the one thing that brightens his day. Jae Washington arrives in Deep Haven to take a position as a pilot for the Crisis Response Team but decides to keep her real identity a secret. She’s the one that’s been chatting with Nick online.
I love getting to go back to Deep Haven, seeing some old characters but falling in love with the new ones. I love Jae’s tenacity as she tries to remember how to work as a team as the new girl in town. Of course, I love an underdog, and Nick (with actual dogs) makes the perfect hero as he tries to keep his kennel and pursue his dreams.
Definitely check out the entire series for the full Deep Haven effect!
RIGHT HERE WAITING is a heartwarming story about a woman and a man who both feel they need to prove that they're capable. It's about an online friendship and what happens when that friendship has the possibility of becoming real and in person. It's about a tight-knit small town and its group of crisis responders. It's about forgiveness and learning to trust all wrapped up in a sweet love story.
For fans of Deep Haven and this group of characters, this final book is definitely icing on the cake. There are engagements, marriages and babies on the way for prior characters in the series with lots of cameos from them all. This story focuses on two different characters so that if readers haven't read the other books, they can still enjoy this one.
I love both Nick and Jae and all their inside Star Wars lingo. I also love the dogs in this story and how much they are weaved throughout. Nick is a great guy who is in a rough spot. He's at a bit of a crossroads with letting go of a past dream and trying to make another turn out. Jae is at the start of a new dream and finding her place. She already knows who Nick is and is already half in love with him, but he doesn't know who she is. It felt a bit like a modern You've Got Mail. Things end up going a bit south and it's rather entertaining as these two try to figure things out. The chemistry is great as is the friendship and the way this story feels genuine. The small town is a huge plus as well.
I did have some issues with parts of the story. Some of the messages or conclusions for the characters felt too forced - the author really spelled them out for the reader instead of letting them be felt and discovered along with the characters. There were also some parts that were unrealistic and cheesy. Those parts pulled me out of the story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a wonderful story, especially for dog lovers. The small-town setting with its characters from past stories was perfect. The characters were likable and easy to cheer on. Recommended to fans of the genre and of Deep Haven.
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy from JustRead Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Maybe it was just me, but I never totally got into either of these characters (Nick or Jae). The backstory for both of them felt incomplete and a little too desperate. Nick because he was still pining after another woman, and Jae because she was willing to move to a tiny town because of someone she met online. Jae has some rather unusual traits (including a particular dog) that surely Nick should have connected to his online ‘friend’ which made him seem especially clueless (you could see the train wreck coming from a loooong way away). And I’ll be honest: I was really annoyed with Jae going out in a snowstorm on her own (especially after her previous faux pas). The first rule of any first responder is you can’t help someone else if YOU’RE injured… or dead.
However, I loved the message that attempting big things even if you “fail” still puts you *way* ahead of most people. Also, that as scary as it is, you have to risk revealing your true self to others in order to have a meaningful relationship. And that it’s OK to ask for help when you need it (I could totally understand how Jae’s experience as a female pilot in the military would enforce the need for that can-do image). And, of course, I loved a FEMALE chopper-pilot character and the DOGS! Even if some of these ‘realizations’ felt like they were being spelled out by the author rather than experienced through the characters. 3.5 STARS.
This is a wonderful, heartwarming story! I loved getting to know Nick & Jae, and see their journey unfold. Jae is someone who is used to starting over, which has taught her not to hold on too tightly and has made her feel like she has to be strong, not opening herself up to others or allowing herself to be vulnerable. Nick is a dog sledder who feels like a failure and is barely hanging on. Watching Nick & Jae learn more about themselves and each other throughout the story was so moving. I love how real the characters felt and was so interested in seeing how everything would play out. Deep Haven is such a delightful town, that I love getting to visit through books! I thought this book did a wonderful job of bringing back characters from other books, in a way that wouldn't make you feel like you've missed anything, but also, if you remembered them, made you smile. I would definitely recommend checking this one out, even if you haven't read any of the Deep Haven books yet- you won't regret giving them a try! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Another visit back to wonderful Deep Haven and if seems this might be it for a while. I enjoyed this series and I'm definitely sad to see it end. Nick is a wonderful person and everyone seems to know that except him. He struggled to fit in since he took a different path from the family business working with sled dogs. Jae is spunk and character and a delight to behold. She struggles with having to prove herself to others because it seems like it's all she's known. They both have an online relationship that they don't know about but I love how they worked at their relationship in the physical after butting heads. It's a beautiful story of how our limitations can be used for a purpose but also push is to trust God more I loved every bit of the story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
Firstly the cover is enough to entice you to read and if you can't tell I am obsessed with Right Here Waiting. The book follows sled dog musher and vlogger Nick and chopper pilot (yes you can gasp too) Jae who met online through Nick's vlogging, bonding over their love dogs and everything in between (cue every online meet cute vibes). This meet cute turns even sweeter when Jae gets an opportunity to move to Deep Haven and how exciting for us to watch two people perfect for each other make it happen.
I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend.
**I received a complimentary copy from Just Read Tours. All opinions are solely my own.**
I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to get enough visiting Deep Haven and all of the old & new characters who show up on the scene. What I need is for the creator of Deep Haven to create a family tree that includes not only the family, but ex girlfriends & boyfriends as well as friends and other large families like the Dahlquists.
In Vivian's story we all could tell how much Nick liked her, but she just wasn't that into him. Now he got his own story. If you like a story where characters feel like they have to constantly prove themselves to others, but end up seeing they never needed to, then this would be a great story for you.
Nick feels like the town joke, and it's easy to see why. He didn't go into the family business and how many people dream of sled dog racing? Then there's Jae. She's new to town, has a mixed heritage, and is pretty much on the petite size. She's definitely out to prove herself. A history with her extended family has shown that this needs to be done. One would think these two are on a collision course!
I enjoyed the flow of the story and how all of the pieces came together. While it stuck to the CRT crew, because Jae is their new chopper pilot, I loved how Nick's dog sledding was woven in. It doesn't seem like it would make sense, but it fit perfectly from beginning to end.
I always say that if you want a sense of what it's like to live in MN, you need to read the books in the Deep Haven Collection. The authors all grasp it fully! I'll be adding a quote so you'll see what I mean. Be sure to check that out!
*I received this book for review. This is my personal opinion.
Oh Nick, you have my heart. From the cute online messages, to the way you are around friends, to even the way you treated Jae the first time you met her (hilarious first in-person meet!). He was just this fun character that I LOVED getting to know. Being back in Deep Haven again was a dream, and I do not want it to end! But alas, all good series have to end at some point. That's why we have books to reread!
Let's talk for a moment about how Michelle Sass Aleckson was able to bring all these characters together that the authors of this series have brought to life, and kept them true to their character in their mannerisms and speech. Her ability to do this, and effortlessly (at least from my perspective), speaks volumes of her writing abilities. And the way she wrote not only the in-person back and forth between Jae and Nick, but the online messaging. Oh yes I am all about it. **sigh**
And don't forget the faith theme - another thing present in this book as well as the series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. It's not in your face at all, just a natural part of the storyline at just the perfect moments. It's inspiring to me to witness these characters have fears, doubts, needs, and watching them reach out to the Lord. A reminder that we need to do the same!
I highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series. It's been such a joy to read! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ever since I was introduced to the hero of thos book in Crazy for you I was definitely looking forward to reading his story. I was really looking forward to reading a story with lots of dogs! And sledge dogs to boot! With the promise of a bit of hidden identity.....yep, sounds like a great read! . That this type of story takes place in Deep Haven, one of me favorite fictional places, where I have spent a good portion of the year in was another enjoyable part of this book. . This is the kind of book you want to curl up within a cold winter day with hot coco nearby! . This story was quickly paced and kept my attention. There were a few things that had me questioning the probability of that happening but it was still an enjoyable read. I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and all the opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.
I’ve been waiting for Nick Dahlquist’s story ever since he appeared in the previous Deep Haven novel Crazy for You also by Michelle Sass Aleckson and Susan May Warren. Tall, dark, and handsome, Nick is a giant teddy bear. He’s a bit of a recluse preferring to hang out with his sled dogs instead of humans, except for his online friend LadyJHawk. Nick’s nursing a broken heart, but he's starting to develop feelings for the mysterious friend. Jae Washington shows up in Deep Haven to fly the CRT helicopter, but she has a secret, and it has the power to destroy the relationship she’s developing with Nick. With one harrowing rescue scene and a hilarious grilled cheese moment, readers will thoroughly enjoy this sweet, clean romance.
Best-selling author Susan May Warren and author Michelle Sass Aleckson take readers back to the tightly-knit community of Deep Haven, MN, with this contemporary novel, filled with a clean romance, light faith elements, and suspenseful moments.
In Right Here Waiting, sled dog musher Nick Dahlquist moves to Deep Haven, hoping to show his hometown (and family) that he is not a failure by training his sled dogs and winning the big race. Helicopter pilot Jae Lynn Washington lives in Texas and follows Nick’s vlogs. They become online friends, sharing from the heart, but never meeting.
When her dream job opens on Deep Haven’s Crisis Response Team, Jae jumps at the chance. But Nick doesn’t know that Jae is his online friend LadyJHawk, causing some confusion and misunderstandings. A blizzard throws them together in a dangerous rescue operation, but will it draw them closer?
Michelle Sass Aleckson creates a strong Asian heroine in Jae, bringing more diversity to Deep Haven (love the mentions of Korean comfort foods). Jae and Nick have past hurts, but they find healing as they learn to accept help from others and trust in God. Love, family, and acceptance are themes that permeate the story, especially that home is not a place but a situation you choose. Recommended for adult readers and Susan May Warren fans, especially her Deep Haven & Christianson Family series. Readers will enjoy a return to Deep Haven and this nod to the You Got Mail! storyline.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors.
Right Here Waiting was another fun return to Deep Haven! There was so much to love about this story. Nick's care and devotion to his dogs, Jae's bond with her pup, Seymour, their sweet online relationship (their back and forth was so cute!), "seeing" old friends drop in around town-I enjoyed all of it. My heart went out to Nick from the beginning and I was rooting for him throughout. He really was a great guy! Jae was a character that I found myself cheering for as she sought a place to belong. I admired her courage to face new places full of new faces, especially considering her childhood. Admittedly, her insistence on not needing help was frustrating as a reader as it caused the character to put herself in unnecessary danger and make reckless choices. It was satisfying to see Jae work through that some by the end of the book.
Overall, a fun addition to a series I've enjoyed this year.
The latest contribution to Susan May Warren's Deep Haven Collection, Right Here Waiting, is authored by Michelle Sass Aleckson and connects the town's Dahlquist family with mushing, the Iditarod, and rescue helicoptering. Nick Dahlquist has the perfect team of sled dogs. But that's all that's perfect. He's lost a sponsor; is late on his balloon mortgage payment; his dream of the Iditarod seems even further away; and the girl he carried a torch for since grade school has taken up with someone else...and she's wearing his ring.
Jae Washington has had a lot to prove since her childhood days of frequent relocation as an Army brat, as she and her Korean mom followed her Texan army commander dad around the world. She's only just over five feet tall, but she's been proving herself for years. A deep loss left her with a wound in her heart plus a retired military Belgian Malinois. And while she loves both Korea and Texas, neither has really ever felt like home to her.
But now, maybe she'll finally find a place to call home. During her own Army tours, she learned to fly Bell helicopters. And, having just been hired by Deep Haven's rescue squad, she's about to learn what real cold weather is.
But she has a secret...and it has to do with Nick.
She settles into the warm, welcoming town and gets to work immediately. She and Nick are immediately attracted to each other. But he's got a lot of challenges to overcome...and there's still that secret.
Before them are danger, snow rescues, a loss that neither expected; and when Nick discovers what Jae is hiding, it may just torpedo their budding romance.
I'm not such a big fan of secrets. (My brain keeps saying as I read, "Tell him! Tell him!") But I totally loved Jae even as I understood her reluctance to come clean. (And honestly. I'm almost ALWAYS going to support a gal who loves Dr Pepper!) Nick's super-easy to cheer for as well. He's great to his dogs, a faithful friend, and someone who's also trying to deal with his own issues rather than ignoring them. And, I love Deep Haven! So my recommendation to you is: Come back to Deep Haven. Meet Michelle Sass Aleckson's new characters and reacquaint yourself with Susan May Warren's familiar ones. You'll love this new peek into a world of beautiful snow, fantastic food, and a loving community. And Jae and Nick are awesome. You'll hope for them to succeed as well!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
*happy sigh* We’ve come to the end of the Deep Haven series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and meeting all these new characters! These authors have beautifully taken Ms. Warren’s work and added their own spin on it. I am so happy Nick finally got his own book! And I loved that a little bit more diversity was added to this series too :) Nick Dalquist’s life has fallen apart. Not only does he have to watch the love of his life fall in love with another man, he also is in danger of losing his entire business. The only person he can open to is LadyJHawk, an online friend that he’s chatted with for years. Jae owes Nick Dalquist her life. He’s the one who inspired her to start living again, but he only knows her as LadyJHawk. When she gets the opportunity to move to Deep Haven, she jumps at the chance. It’s not just a desire to meet Nick though Jae longs for a real community, one where she would finally fit in. But will Jae and Nick have the courage to step out of an online relationship and into a real one? I loved how Ms. Aleckson handled Nick’s character! To be honest I totally thought he was going to end up with Vivian, but once I met Jae, I realized they made so much more sense together. Nick had never really opened up to Vivian. He put up a front for her instead of showing her who he really was. On the other hand, he showed Jae everything whether by telling her or LadyJHawk. He did have to learn to take risks though in the real world and believe that love was worth the risk of trying and failing. I loved Jae’s character! I am a bit biased because I’m so happy that an Asian American character was added, but I also just love her! As you can probably tell by all the exclamation points :) I loved how strong she was even though she was struggling with a lot of different things. Jae was searching for her community, but she had to learn that if she wanted a community, she had to let people in. This was a super satisfying end to a wonderful series! Everyone is happily paired off, and we are once again saying goodbye to Deep Haven. Fingers crossed that we get another series though! I would personally love to see any of the main character’s kids. This is a clean, Christian romance that I would totally recommend to anyone who wants the small town feel! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I have truly enjoyed the Deep Haven series thus far, so I was a little surprised that the beginning of Right Here Waiting was lackluster to me, but when Jae and Nick meet for the first time, in the most disastrous way possible, I was hooked. It is because of this first meeting that I wasn’t too fond of Nick’s character, but he did redeem himself as the novel went on, and I was able to see his heart and motivations. Jae I instantly adored, though I will say she is stubborn to a fault, and it’s her stubbornness that really gets her into trouble.
Nick and Jae are two flawed individuals who’s eyes are opened to the truth that’s been there all along, but it takes tough times, and rough circumstances for them to see it for themselves. Sometimes that’s what it takes for all of us, a good, long look in the mirror when life gets tough.
Right Here Waiting has a wonderful pace, with the exception of the beginning being a little on the slow side for me, but the middle and ending more than make up for that small detail. The writing is on point, and the imagery truly puts you into the middle of the action. Seeing Nick and Jae together is so heartwarming, which is why the main conflict was hard for me to deal with at times. I wanted nothing but the best for these characters, and truly craved that happy ending!
I adore this series so much! The overwhelming love of community, family, and each other in Deep Haven resonates so strongly with me that it makes me want to pack my bags and brave the icy tundra that is Minnesota myself! We need more towns and more people like this in real life! People who would do whatever it takes to help someone in need or to boost someone into realizing a lifelong dream. So utterly heartwarming and the perfect escape from reality.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson, presented by Susan May Warren, is book 6 in the Deep Haven Collection. I have read several of the books in this Collection and I am always excited when a new book comes out.
Nick Dahlquist is a Sled Dog Musher and a Vlogger. He enjoys his online world and has a good online friend, that he knows as LadyJHawk. LadyJHawk is actually Chopper pilot Jae Washington and since getting a Military Dog, she has had a strong interest in Nick's Vlog. They have never met in person and both are having thoughts that the online friendship could lead to something more. Jae decides to get a job at Deep Haven’s Crisis Response Team and she is offered the job. Jae moves to Deep Haven to begin her job and discovers that Nick will be training the Crisis Response Team. Their first "In Person" meeting didn't go all to well. Training begins and they begin spending more time together and it seems the pair are getting along better. Nick is warming up to the idea that they could have a romantic relationship, but what if he discovers Jae is hiding the truth. Will Nick and Jae ever have a romance? Will there be a happy Deep Haven Couple?
WOW, what a way to end the Deep Haven Collection Series. YES, Book 6 is the final book in this series and I will miss reading about Deep Haven. I have to say this particular book was probably ranked 1 or 2 as my favorite in this series. I really thought the way they became friends, Jae being a follower of Nick's Vlog, was really awesome. The fact that they had common interests in Dogs and Animals, is sweet. I did think the way Jae applied for a job to be close to Nick, was a little strange, but also cool. The whole book seems like something that happens in real life and I enjoy that in a book. The Author does a wonderful job at showing the strengths of the characters in the book. A truly AMAZING book and I highly recommend it to anyone who like a Christian Romance story set in a small town! WONDERFUL book!
As a fan of Susan May Warren’s Deep Haven books, it has been such fun reading the latest series where she joins forces with new writers to create new Deep Haven novels. In my opinion, this venture has been a total success and I have enjoyed each and every one of the books in this endeavor.
Right Here Waiting may be my favorite of the series. Rae and Nick have been communicating online anonymously for quite some time when Rae accepts a job in Deep Haven as the new helicopter pilot for the Crisis Response Team. Her first meeting with Nick does not go well at all and Rae hesitates to identify herself as the person he knows as LadyJHawk. As they become better acquainted and their friendship begins to develop into stronger feelings, Rae never seems to find the right time to tell Nick the truth.
The plot of Right Here Waiting moves along at a steady pace with plenty of action, relationship challenges, and eventually romance. It was fun touching base with characters not only from previous books in this particular series but longtime favorites from earlier SMW series. As always a subtle message of faith was woven throughout the story. Set during the Christmas season, this book would be perfect to add to your holiday reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustReads Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I'd be hard pressed to think of a take on You've Got Mail (or The Shop Around the Corner) that I didn't like ... so You've Got Mail set in Susan May Warren's Deep Haven? Sign me up!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Jae and Nick - both the online relationship and the real world one. The two had obvious chemistry and clearly each made the other better. I absolutely loved - and flew through - the first half of the book. But the longer it took Jae to come clean about her identity, the more it felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion - I could see they were headed for disaster, but I was powerless to do anything about it. I also found Jae to be too stubborn and self-reliant to be someone I wholeheartedly rooted for. I want to be clear - the book is engaging and well written, and I liked most of it; just because I had some hangups with Jae doesn't mean other readers will. I absolutely loved Nick, hated how his family treated him, and enjoyed watching the town rally around him. And it certainly was fun to visit Deep Haven again and see some other beloved characters. While this installment isn't my favorite of the Deep Haven Collection, I'm still glad I read it; it's a fitting conclusion to the series. 3-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Minnesota winters, sled dogs, and Deep Haven’s Crisis Response Team will keep you turning the pages of Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson and Susan May Warren. Returning to fictional town of Deep Haven is like visiting some favorite friends. And the final book in the Deep Haven Collection is no exception.
I am so glad Nick Dahlquist got his own love story. This guy is a quiet hero. One who simply believes he’s living the best life he can without realizing how much he encourages and inspires others around him. It takes some tough words from different people in order to get the truth through his head so it can sink into his heart.
Jae is independent and determined to prove herself (sometimes to her detriment) but she is likable and I was rooting for her from the beginning of the book.
Aleckson and Warren add some adventure with the dogsledding and emergencies the CRT are called to during harsh winter weather in a way that the cold and harsh conditions seep into the reader. So cozy up with your blanket and favorite hot beverage for Right Here Waiting.
This has been a wonderful series that has introduced me to three new authors, and I look forward to returning to Deep Haven again soon.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What an excellent conclusion to the Deep Haven Collection! This book completely captures the essence of life in Deep Haven and the feeling of home that this town and community offers to do many people, those who have grown up there and those who have recently moved there. Jae has never felt as if she belongs of fits on and she jumps at the chance to move to Deep Haven and be a part of the Crisis Response Team. This is partly due to Nick living there; however Nick doesn't know who Jae really is. Their online relationship offers friendship and comfort, but it is now a complication as Nick and Jae are forming a relationship off the screen as well. This book has so many layers to it with Nick and Jae at its core as family roles and interactions play a huge piece as do past loves and loss and hurts. Throughout this series I have loved reading about characters with whom I was familiar from earlier book series and also brand-new characters moving to town and this book is no exception. However I felt like this book took it even a step further as the feeling of home really shone through and it was a great way to wrap up the collection. This book had me laughing out loud at times, fighting tears at times and smiling. Most of all it left me wanting more time with the families in Deep Haven, and feeling hopeful.