Meet Mr. Charming & Impulsive in
Susan May Warren’s
contemporary romance
Always On My Mind
Tyndale House
*********
The Story
After a failed dig in Honduras, aspiring archaeologist Casper Christiansen heads home to Minnesota to face his unresolved feelings for Raina Beaumont, the woman of his dreams. But when he arrives unannounced on her doorstep, he receives the shock of a lifetime: Raina is pregnant with someone else’s baby.
Heartbroken, especially when he discovers the identity of the baby’s father, Casper tables his dreams and determines to be dependable for once, helping his older brother, Darek, prepare the family resort for its grand reopening. Casper longs to be the hero of at least one family story, but a never-ending Deep Haven winter and costly repairs threaten their efforts—and the future of the resort.
Worse, one of Casper’s new jobs constantly brings him into contact with Raina, whom he can’t seem to forget. A tentative friendship begins to heal fresh wounds, but can they possibly overcome past mistakes and current choices to discover a future together?
Introducing Casper
From Susie May: I’m so thrilled to introduce you to my friend (okay, hero in my newest book, Always On My Mind) CASPER Christiansen!
Brief physical description
Casper Christiansen, is the family scamp. The middle child in the Christiansen family, Casper can’t seem to do anything right. When he falls for mysterious Raina Beaumont, he seems to have found the ‘one’…until he discovers her terrible secret that just might tear him – and his family – apart.
Casper is wide-shouldered, fit, blue-eyed, with dark semi-curly hair and a smile that can turn a girl a little weak. An outdoorsy guy, he drives a motorcycle, and helps run the family resort. He’s also a treasure hunter, so he runs on optimism and an undeflatable hope.
Resembles…
Zachary Levi was my prototype for Casper!
Strengths and weaknesses
Casper is the life of the party. He’s the guy most likely to put the furniture on the roof at a party, or suggest an impromptu roadtrip. He’s also fiercely loyal and the guy who refuses to give up on someone, even if he should. Which is why he has such a hard time letting go of the woman he loves.
Quirk (if any)
Casper has a few impulse control issues. Like his issues of taking off when he feels overwhelmed. Or perhaps, swinging first and asking questions later. He’s the guy most likely to run off and join the circus.
Your inspiration for the character
My middle son, Peter. Charming adventurous, a little impulsive and like a dog with a bone when he has a goal.
Background to the story
I came upon this story idea after hearing about a woman who had inadvertently walked into an abusive relationship. She didn’t exactly know how she got there—just that one day she opened her eyes to the truth. But she’d told herself so many lies that tracing her path toward this abuser seemed almost natural. She accepted abuse because of her inability to believe she was worthy of anything else.
Those outside the horror warned her. Wanted—tried—to wave her off. And watched with torn hearts as she entwined herself in a situation that nearly cost her—and her children—their lives.
Eventually, the abuser hurt someone else—someone less afraid, less intimidated, less willing to believe lies—and was imprisoned. Justice, finally.
So often, believers are like this woman—we stand in our mistakes, our sins, our regrets, and determine that we don’t deserve love. So we accept less—even abuse—because we can’t lift our eyes off ourselves and onto truth.
I wanted to write a story about a man who couldn’t escape the pull of love God had for the broken, the lost—and yet depict the agony of seeing them run away into destruction. Just as God must feel when we push Him away and stubbornly head into darkness. Casper seemed exactly the right person to shoulder this task—even though it cost him so much.
Just as it cost Jesus everything.
But Jesus, like Casper, is a treasure hunter, who has come to seek and save the lost. I love the fact that He believes we are worth the search.
Thank you for letting me share a bit about this story – and my hunky hero, Casper Christiansen! You can read an excerpt of the book at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/books/always-on-my-mind
Warmly,
Susie May
Thank you, Susie May!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on John Christiansen
Character spotlight on Lilly
Character spotlight on Jinx Worth
Reviews of When I Fall in Love, It Had to Be You, Take a Chance on Me, The Shadow of Your Smile, Hook, Line, & Sinker, Waiting for Dawn, My Foolish Heart, Baroness, Heiress, Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
Visit Susie’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Always on My Mind (Christiansen Family) or Koorong
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January 20, 2015 at 11:08 am
My favorite Christiansen is Eden!
January 20, 2015 at 2:36 pm
That’s tough… I’m going to have to choose Grace, even though Casper is a close second.
January 20, 2015 at 11:08 pm
I really liked Darek’s story. Thanks for the giveaway!
January 21, 2015 at 12:04 am
My favorite Christiansen so far is Grace.
January 21, 2015 at 12:19 am
This series is new to me. I am looking forward to discovering my favorite Christiansen…;) Thank you for the giveaway.
psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
January 21, 2015 at 1:16 am
My favorite Christiansen is Derek (though I’m pretty sure when I read the newest one it’ll be Casper) but my favorite character in the series is absolutely Jace!
January 21, 2015 at 1:17 am
My favorite is the chef Grace. I love the books so far is this series and look forward to reading this newest one!
January 21, 2015 at 1:19 am
Zachary Levi. 🙂
January 21, 2015 at 1:42 am
I’ve not read any of this series, so I couldn’t say a favorite…
January 21, 2015 at 2:44 am
I really enjoyed Eden’s story! And I am looking forward to Amelia’s story. 🙂
January 21, 2015 at 3:03 am
Oh goodness, how can I choose. I love them all for different reasons. It you twisted my arm and made me choose, I’d have to go with Grace. Can’t wait to read Casper’s story!
January 21, 2015 at 3:18 am
I haven’t read the series yet but looking forward to finding my favorite!
January 21, 2015 at 4:00 am
That’s like asking who your best friend is. Not fair! But if I have to say one…Casper.
January 21, 2015 at 4:47 am
I am going to go with Casper.
January 21, 2015 at 5:31 am
I have not started this series yet; although I have a couple of the books on my Kindle. I loved Susan’s Deep Haven series and also her Josie series along with others. Great author!
January 21, 2015 at 5:40 am
What a pleasure to “meet” Casper. This family is fantastic. 🙂
January 21, 2015 at 6:28 am
Ugh I don’t know if I can pick a favorite Christiansen! I love them all so much! I will say that I do have a soft spot for Casper and I can’t wait to read his story!
January 21, 2015 at 6:42 am
I haven’t read any yet.
January 21, 2015 at 8:36 am
My favourite Christensen so far is Grace. I think that she’s the one I can relate to the most, And she also gets together with the gorgeous Max 😉
January 21, 2015 at 8:55 am
Eden! Though I really do love them all!
January 21, 2015 at 10:08 am
My favorite character is Ingrid 🙂
January 21, 2015 at 10:27 am
I have not read this book yet so can’t day who my favorite would be. But would love to win Susan’s book. Thanks for the chance. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
January 21, 2015 at 10:33 am
I only read the first book in the series, so I can not say that I have a favorite yet. Would love to read about the rest of the family.
January 21, 2015 at 11:13 am
Eden is my favorite Christensen! I loved her story! I feel like I fell in love with Jace too while reading their story.
January 21, 2015 at 11:31 am
I like them all but I think I relate a little more to Grace. I really like this series.
January 21, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Eden, but that’s the only one I’ve gotten to read yet….
January 21, 2015 at 4:10 pm
I like them all… EXCEPT Owen! But I identify with Ingrid and her empty nest. :-/
January 22, 2015 at 12:05 am
Goodness, I’m not sure who my favorite Christiansen character has been–the whole series has been great. But I think Casper might be up there since one of my favorite actors shares his face. 😉
January 22, 2015 at 2:41 am
I’m still waiting to decide on who my favourite Christiansen character is! Thank you for the opportunity to win a lovely new book.
Much appreciated, Rel!
January 22, 2015 at 3:55 pm
My favorite Christiansen? That’s a tough one. I think I’d have to pick Eden, though I love them all! 🙂
I am so looking forward to reading this book — can’t wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
January 22, 2015 at 4:42 pm
I’m sad to say I haven’t read any of them yet, even though Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors.
January 22, 2015 at 11:56 pm
I really liked Eden and Jace’s story, but I have to say, I haven’t read this book because I’m a bit nervous with how the previous one left one. Anyone else feel like that/felt like that?? I need some reassurance!
January 23, 2015 at 1:40 pm
I totally understand, and I’m curious as to how Susan May Warren will write Owen’s redemption too. However, she’s blessed with tremendous talent, and I have a gut feeling that God will use her pen to bless us with this story.
January 24, 2015 at 6:26 am
My favorite Christiansen is either Grace or Darek.
January 24, 2015 at 6:29 am
Tough one…I’d say Eden or Grace.
January 26, 2015 at 6:31 am
I have not read any of the series . I look forward to reading the whole series and forming my own opinion of whom my favorite is.
January 26, 2015 at 2:46 pm
I am behind… can’t wait to read all the books, they sound terrific!