Then Came You by Rachel D. Russell tells the story of Boone who’s visiting Deep Haven and Vivienne, a local actress.
My Review of Then Came You
Table of Contents
When Boone was banished (in his mind) to Deep Haven, he only wanted to serve his time so he could get back to Kellogg and the promotion that waited for him there.
But then, Vivien invaded his space and everything changed.
The Characters in Then Came You
Vivien was lively, fun, and everything Boone wasn’t. She had a zest for life that made her keep trying even after she had gotten knocked down. Boone was more steady and while he didn’t have the same fervor Vivien did, he was a fighter. I liked the way he tempered her while she brought him out of his shell and into more vibrant life.
We had seen a lot of Vivien in Crazy for You as Peter’s cousin but in this novel, we got to see a depth to her character that had not been evident in our earlier interactions with her. Persons who read the PJ Sugar series may be familiar with Boone as he was seen in that series but in this story, Boone gets another shot at love.
The Themes in Then Came You
Then Came You had characters who felt like friends while reminding us that we can trust God. We can trust Him not to let us down when everyone else does. We can trust His plans for us knowing He wants to give us only good things. And we can trust Him to redeem what has been broken.
Final Thoughts on Then Came You
I loved this story. It was fun and light-hearted while tackling deep issues like how our experiences shape (and warp) our view of ourselves. Vivien seemed like a girl who was carefree and had no cares but that’s only because she doesn’t allow many persons behind the mask. She had allowed what she had been told as a child to shape her.
Another theme that was prevalent in Then Came You was the faithfulness of God. Can we really trust Him? We get so used to people letting us down especially after we have shown them our true selves that we keep expecting God to do the same. But God is not like man. We can trust Him.
Then Came You is the fourth book in the Deep Haven series but can be read as a standalone though it does continue the overarching story of the formation of the Crisis Response Team.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publishers through JustRead Tours; a positive review was not required. Purchase Then Came You on Amazon.
Then Came You (Deep Haven Collection Book 4)
“So, what’s your name? I mean, if you’re going to be my plus-one for the parade, I should at least know your name.”
“Plus-one?” He shook his head. “Boone Buckam. And I can’t believe you got me into this.”
“Well, Boone Buckam, you’re about to find out exactly how much fun Fish Pic can actually be. Think of it like it’s a happy accident.”
He’s in Deep Haven to relax.
Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb.
But then he meets Vivien.
Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.
Of course, she’s in trouble.
Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.
So much for relaxing.
It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.
About the Authors
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of more than 85 books. With more than 1.5 million books sold, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Rachel D. Russell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy and is a regular contributor to the Learn How to Write a Novel blog. The mother of two teenagers, she often interrogates her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent cantering her horse down the Oregon trails. Visit Rachel at www.racheldrussell.com.
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