Faith-Filled & Romantic | Summer on Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren

ABOUT THE BOOK

Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.

Sherriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…

When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.

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MY REVIEW

As I began reading Sharlene MacLaren’s Summer on Sunset Ridge, I couldn’t help remembering Lyn Cote’s abolition-centered Quaker Brides series. Having really enjoyed that series, I had high hopes for this start to the Forever Freedom series—wanting to experience more perspective on both the cause and the Quaker way of faith—and I’m glad to say it doesn’t disappoint.

Set in the mid-1800s, Summer on Sunset Ridge brings an abolition-minded Quaker, Rebecca Albright and a slave-pursuing sheriff, Clay Dalton, together in the most frightful of ways. Yet, chemistry abounds as these two characters each wrestle with faith, purpose, and what the future might hold and experience significant growth over the course of the novel. Their development individually and romantically is emotional, sweet, encouraging and delivers an important message. All in all, this story of Becca and Clay offers a heartwarming historical read.

So, readers in need of fascinating history and sweet romance interwoven with uplifting spiritual reminders, definitely consider Summer on Sunset Ridge. I quite enjoyed it, as I’m sure many readers of inspirational historical fiction will, too.

★★★★

Thanks to Celebrate Lit, I received a complimentary copy of Summer on Sunset Ridge and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. 

Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella); and three historic romance trilogies: Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann), River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret), and Tennessee Dreams (Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace).

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize: Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets AND five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1), Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1), Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1), Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1), Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1).

Second Prize: “Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from A Cheerful Giver AND Summer on Sunset Ridge.

Third Prize: Summer on Sunset Ridge

Click here to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!

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January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses, Genesis 5020

January 24: Pause for Tales, His Grace is Sufficient

January 25: Book by Book, A Simple Life, really?!

January 26: A Greater Yes, Connie’s History Classroom, A Baker’s Perspective

January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath, Splashes of Joy

January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, Christian Bookaholic, History, Mystery & Faith

January 29: Stuff & Nonsense, Bibliophile Reviews

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