Married 'til Monday (Chapel Springs, #4) in Christian rom coms and romances

Nov 18, 2014 Rissi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: blog-tour, review, 2015, most-anticipated

When ranking Denise Hunter’s novels, like any reader, I certainly have my favorites. But each time I learn of a new novel from this seasoned author, excitement is more than a little off the charts and I am guaranteed a lovely read at the very least. As her latest four-book series draws to a close with this release, I saw my review copy patiently awaiting its turn to be read and after reading it, am left wondering how I delayed cracking open its pages this long. Those who’ve read all three of the When ranking Denise Hunter’s novels, like any reader, I certainly have my favorites. But each time I learn of a new novel from this seasoned author, excitement is more than a little off the charts and I am guaranteed a lovely read at the very least. As her latest four-book series draws to a close with this release, I saw my review copy patiently awaiting its turn to be read and after reading it, am left wondering how I delayed cracking open its pages this long. Those who’ve read all three of these familial novels will know that book four is about Ryan McKinley, the eldest sibling in the quartet of siblings. Ryan is one hero with a darkened past because of the marriage and divorce he proceeded through, now gone three years. When he learns that his ex-wife, Abby, has never confessed their divorce to her parents, Ryan invites himself to tag along on her return home for her parents anniversary party. Feeling led by God to pursue a fresh, mature and healthy relationship with Abby, Ryan sees this as his one opportunity to win back the trust of his ex, but Abby isn’t receptive to the same feelings as Ryan...

Ryan’s story didn’t set out to be a reconciliation story (publicized in the author’s note), however I have to admit even back in book one, I had a sneaking suspicion Abby would work her way back into these books and the life – and heart, of Ryan McKinley. How happy I am to have had that inkling proven right. What’s unique about this story of second chances is that we had no opportunity to form an opinion of Abby. Or not much of one anyway. She was an established character in and to Ryan’s past however to us, the reader, it was as if we were being introduced to a new heroine and had to base our first impression off of that. All we had was the second hand opinions of the McKinley family. Mine would certainly be a favorable one. I adored Abby, and the interaction between she and Ryan is on-point. True she isn’t the most outgoing heroine, but there’s good reason for that. Through loving Ryan and eventually, recognizing the serious flaws she played in their marriage, she learns to live without the dark cloud hovering over her.

Potential readers should know that when this story draws to a close, there are still fractured relationships in place. Don’t misunderstand, there is the happy ending we root for and need, but Denise doesn’t give one specific relationship a dab of super glue for a “quick fix.” No, she leaves this relationship where she found it and I respect that. The rest of the book really needs no more explanation or praise because it speaks for itself. Married ‘til Monday is a remarkably well crafted redemption story that speaks for itself. From the gorgeous image of intimate love on its cover to the final pages, the book shines with the purest kind of emotion. It’s bittersweet that with Ryan’s story, we’re closing out a chapter in the lives of a family we’ve come to love as friends. But fortunately, Denise also sets up her next (presumed) trilogy and with it, the anticipation that the three brothers’ we’re going to meet in Summer Harbor will quickly take up residence in our hearts. Until then, be sure to add Married ‘til Monday to your summer reading lists. Forgiveness, flirty banter and hilarity, emotional tumult and family all co-mingle to make this one of my favorite reads of 2015.

Sincere thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this novel for the purpose of reviewing it. ...more

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Apr 08, 2015 Angela Suzanne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, net-galley

I loved this book. This might be my favorite of Denise Hunter's so far. I fell in love with the McKinley family from the first book and throughout the whole series. I had already gotten to know Ryan through the previous three books in this series, and I was excited to read Ryan's story. I was invested right away in the characters and loved reading a story of reconciliation between a couple who was divorced. The back and forth of their feelings seemed very realistic to me and made me that much mo ...more

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Feb 20, 2016 Andrea Boyd rated it really liked it

This book hit home with me because I know about abuse. I have healed. I can talk about it. God has used it to help others, but it is still hard to read it in fiction. As I went further into the book, I began to fear that the author would not get it right. The healing process was rushed, but overall it did head in the right direction. I would have added more anger toward the mother who had turned a blind eye, but the rest was good.
There was one word used that I feel was done in innocence. For th ...more

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May 27, 2015 Iola rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian-fiction, contemporary-romance, 2015

Ryan and Abby McKinley divorced three years ago, but Ryan is still in love with his wife. A chance telephone call from her parents provides him with the perfect opportunity to spend time with Abby and try to find out what went wrong. He and Abby embark on a road trip to visit her parents for their wedding anniversary … with Ryan tagging along because Abby never told her parents she was divorced. Hmm …

It’s tempting to think Ryan is too-perfect. After all, he’s the perfect gentleman, a strong Chr Ryan and Abby McKinley divorced three years ago, but Ryan is still in love with his wife. A chance telephone call from her parents provides him with the perfect opportunity to spend time with Abby and try to find out what went wrong. He and Abby embark on a road trip to visit her parents for their wedding anniversary … with Ryan tagging along because Abby never told her parents she was divorced. Hmm …

It’s tempting to think Ryan is too-perfect. After all, he’s the perfect gentleman, a strong Christian, loves and supports his family, and spends hours working with his high school football team to teach them about both football and life. But he has one fault: he takes everything at face value and doesn’t see beyond the obvious (something I’ve found is common to the male of the species). This is illustrated early in the book when he’s thinking his younger sister, PJ, “had always led a charmed life”: anyone who has read the earlier books in this series will know that’s not exactly true. As we find out, you can’t take everyone at face value in life or in marriage.

Abby first appears to be normal, but as she takes her unplanned and unwanted road trip with Ryan, we (and Ryan) gradually discover that her normality is a façade that’s so well constructed even Abby doesn’t understand it’s there. It’s a powerful story with lessons for all couples, married or not, and I especially liked seeing a Christian romance novel showing that love and romance is about more than the wedding—it’s about the marriage, and the baggage and brokenness we each bring into that relationship.

I’ve been looking forward to reading Married 'til Monday since I finished the third book in The Chapel Springs Romance Series and realised the fourth story was going to reunite Ryan and Abby. It didn’t disappoint me. I’ve enjoyed all four books, but I think my favourites are this and Dancing with Fireflies, because they both step out of the Christian norm in terms of plot, while still delivering a strong Christian message. Recommended.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. ...more

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Jun 08, 2015 Heidi rated it it was amazing

Every time I start reading a new Denise Hunter novel, I tell myself I’m only going to read a couple of chapters and really enjoy the experience of being drawn into the story. Once again, it was the middle of the night and I was devouring the remaining pages. I just had to get to the happily ever after. I’ve read all of her books and this just might be her best one yet. As I’ve read each book in the Chapel Springs series, Ryan’s story has intrigued me the most. Who buys a house his ex-wife loved Every time I start reading a new Denise Hunter novel, I tell myself I’m only going to read a couple of chapters and really enjoy the experience of being drawn into the story. Once again, it was the middle of the night and I was devouring the remaining pages. I just had to get to the happily ever after. I’ve read all of her books and this just might be her best one yet. As I’ve read each book in the Chapel Springs series, Ryan’s story has intrigued me the most. Who buys a house his ex-wife loved and then lives in it alone? This tidbit has been alluded to in previous novels, so I was anxious to hear the rest of the story. The hallmark of a well-written novel, in my opinion, is when the author steps aside and lets the reader fall right into the story world. Denise Hunter is a master at constructing such an inspirational romance. Writers call it deep point of view and it’s what makes Hunter’s work so enjoyable. The heartache of Ryan and Abby’s failed marriage was almost palpable … the regrets they mulled were so poignant, I felt like I had a personal stake in their circumstances. When Abby’s forced to deal with her complicated relationship with her father, I felt myself rooting for Ryan to step up and defend her. Which he does, of course, because Denise Hunter always crafts a flawed yet somehow incredibly awesome hero. The characters walked a tight rope for most of the novel, struggling with the reality of their situation, yet longing to be loved and known like they had been early in their relationship.
I found the inspirational elements of the story relatable yet subtle. In our faith walks, we often think we’re following God’s plan for our lives, only to wrestle with doubt as circumstances turn out different than we planned or the obstacles still seem insurmountable. This was definitely Ryan’s experience and I think most seasoned readers in this genre will empathize with his struggles. Also, he defends his bride repeatedly but also heeds the wise advice to let go and see what happens.
The McKinley family members make some appearances in the story, but most of the events occur during a road trip between Chapel Springs and Maine, so we see less of the usual cast of characters than in previous novels. I found that refreshing as it left space for us to really journey with the hero and heroine. The author does offer a tease of what’s to come: Beau, the sheriff turned owner of a Christmas tree farm in Maine. I can’t wait for that.
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