Susan May Warren’s Christiansen novella, “Evergreen” picks up shortly after her recent novel, “When I Fall in Love.” John and Ingrid Christiansen are experiencing empty nest syndrome — all of their children are either married, about to be married, or away from home for work and school. Just when life should be getting good for the two of them, troubles begin to brew.
John has a secret plan to whisk them away to a European trip for Christmas. But unbeknownst to him, Ingrid is harboring anger and frustration toward her husband — emotions that really began 16 years ago.
As they deal with organizing the community’s Living Nativity, health problems for their 16-year-old dog Butter, and a new addition to their family — 16-year-old nephew Romeo, John and Ingrid have to learn how to salvage their fractured family and rekindle their passion for one another.
“Evergreen” is a very raw and honest portrayal of what can easily happen within a marriage — even a marriage that has lasted decades and seems rock solid to those on the outside. Susan May Warren also writes about such real and relatable characters in her Deep Haven and Christiansen Family novels. She takes on topics of bitterness, resentment, forgiveness, lack of communication, assumptions and loyalty.
It may be a short read, but with “Evergreen” you will laugh. You will cry. You’ll groan in frustration. And you’ll cheer in excitement.
Five stars out of five.
Tyndale House Publishers provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“Evergreen” (a Christiansen winter novella) by Susan May Warren