Right Here Waiting releases on November 9, and I’ve been waiting for Nick Dahlquist’s story ever since he appeared in the previous Deep Haven novel Crazy for You also by Michelle Sass Aleckson and Susan May Warren. Nick is tall, dark, and handsome, and has an unrequited love for long-time friend Vivien Calhoun. The Vivien who fell in love with Boone Buckam in Then Came You, another Deep Haven novel. Since losing Vivien forever, Nick’s become a bit reclusive as he trains for the Iditarod. The bright spot in his life is his online friendship with LadyJHawk, who seems like a kindred spirit. But LadyJHawk has a secret. She’s really Jae Washington, the new CRT helicopter pilot.

My Favorite Character

My favorite character is Nick. He is misunderstood by his family, and as the story unfolds readers see just how hurtful this is. I liked Jae because she was tough and a little feisty. In many ways she and Nick were very much alike. Both felt they didn’t fit in, so it was easy to see how they could form a friendship and fall in love.

My Favorite Scene

There was a bit of action in this novel that added some tension. I liked it. But my favorite scene was actually between Nick and his father. Poor Nick is having an emotional crises and his dad’s solution is to give him a grilled cheese sandwich. It was a priceless scene.

My Favorite Quote

There’s a secondary character named Ed, who let a broken heart rob him of future relationships. He’s wise and acts a mentor to Nick. Ed moved back to Deep Haven from Alaska, and knows all about dog mushing. He helps Nick see he has value and worth.

“Maybe Ed was right. He wasn’t a joke. And Nick certainly had nothing to offer in this moment. He was weak and needy alright. But if that’s the kind of guy God could love, that God could use, a guy who panics in a crisis…who has spent so much time to prove to everyone that he’s worthy, then there was hope. Maybe he didn’t need to have some amazing legacy to make a difference.” What a great quote.

My Take Away

Nick and Jae reminded me a lot of me. I’ve often felt like the odd person in the crowd. I wanted to belong, but just didn’t. It can be lonely and disheartening, but we aren’t alone. God knows and sees us. He believes in us and values us, and in the grand scheme of things, that’s all that matters.

Final Thoughts

Right Here Waiting makes you think of You’ve Got Mail, only reversed. Jae knows who Nick is, but Nick doesn’t know who she really is. This makes for some interesting moments and quite a bit of tension, especially for Jae.

One of the things I like the most about the Deep Haven books is characters from previous series make guest appearances. Readers get to catch up with old friends.

It’s a sweet, clean, novel with a nice faith message. You’ll find it entertaining and satisfying.

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