Grace Christiansen loves to cook. It's always been her dream to become a chef. However, Grace lacks confidence in herself to carry through with her dream. She is also afraid to wander very far from Deep Haven, and that would be necessary to fulfill her dream. When her family gives her a three-week vacation to Hawaii to attend a culinary school, Grace is overwhelmed. She doesn't think she can fly that far away or face the pressure.

Maxwell Sharpe has been to this same school three times and is heading back again. It's his reward/vacation to himself for a month-long getaway after each season as a hockey pro. Grace and Maxwell sit next to each other on the plane out of LA, and he helps her conquer her fear of flying. When they learn they are attending the same school, Max becomes her "swim buddy" to watch after her, encourage her and see her through her vacation. He's fighting his own demons, as well. Can they keep their relationship just a friendship, or will either of them want more? Max makes it very clear to Grace that he doesn't date at all. Hockey is his life, or what's left of it to live.

WHEN I FALL IN LOVE is a truly inspirational story about facing our struggles and moving forward, not just living in the present or in the past. It's about trusting God with an open heart, reaching out and living the life He intended for us to live. Grace and Max are the main characters, but there are many supporting characters that each have a story to tell of their own struggles. Susan May Warren masterfully weaves the plot along, toggling back and forth from Minnesota to Hawaii as she tells each character's story. Ms. Warren brings awareness to Huntington's disease and how devastating it is for a family to go through. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE is a great read filled with weddings, food and hockey. What a combination! I was a bit disappointed that there were no recipes at the end of the book of the amazing dishes Grace and Max prepared.

Book Summary

Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she'd vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled, or maybe yanked, away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.

Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.

Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace's faith will face its toughest test yet.