• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Summer on Sunset Ridge: a book review

by Chautona Havig · 16 Comments

.Summer on Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren intrigued me from the moment I read the synopsis. Quakers? I don’t believe I’ve ever run across Quakers in Christian fiction, so I had to try it. See, my knowledge of Quakers is severely limited to Thee Hannah, Friendly Persuasion, and Miss Alice in Christy. Not exactly an expert here, just sayin’.

summer at sunset ridge review

(note: links in this post may be affiliate links which will give me a small commission for the Denny’s fund at no additional cost to you!  Thanks!)

So what’d I think of Summer on Sunset Ridge?

Sharlene MacLaren took several popular story lines, runaway slaves, the Underground Railroad, amnesia, love triangles, the fear of spinsterhood, and somehow wove them into a new story that kept my attention the whole way. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure it would. However, to my surprise, I found myself rooting for characters, cringing at others, and kind of hoping that she tells the stories of the rest of the Albright family. Okay, not “kind of”.  Totally.

What I loved:

The characters: MacLaren wrote intriguing, complex characters who are just as lovable and flawed as we all hope to find in good fiction. Rebecca is a lovely blend of submissive daughter and independent young woman, and considering her faith, her independence isn’t really out of character for the time. I really enjoyed the turmoil she felt in reconciling fealty to her parents, honesty about her feelings, and doing what is right even when your heart cries for wrong. Not once did the author skim over the serious temptations facing the characters, yet not once did she gloss over the seriousness of being tempted to do wrong.

Each family member holds a distinct and consistent personality—engaging. I want to know what happens to Levi, Lydia, and Frannie. I loved to see Rebecca’s father grow as a person, and while her mother did grow as well, that change is the only one I found a bit forced. Then again, she does have that sort of personality that would take a long time to come around, but once she did, she’d embrace it wholeheartedly. I think.

The setting: A Quaker farm isn’t that different from an Amish farm, but something about it felt quite different. I can’t decide if it’s because of the period (1855) or if the author fought to show that Quakerism is not the same as Amish. Additionally, showing town life in Pennsylvania during that era gave the story variety and realism that I found refreshing. MacLaren wrote her book with an eye to detail but without excessive description that drags down the pacing.

What disappointed:

It helped not knowing much about Quakers. For all I know, the author has every fact exactly correct—or wrong! I don’t know. Several times, however, I was jerked from my reading by occasional modern phrasing both in speech patterns and things mentioned. It was all minor—things that many people wouldn’t know. But when Rebecca pulled out a “skirt and blouse” I cringed. It’s not accurate. They called blouses “waists” back then. It’s where the term “shirtwaist” came from—from “waists” that were made to look like men’s shirts.  But not until just twenty or thirty years after this book took place. It’s also related to the word “waistcoat” which was a word for vest. Blouses were actually “blousy”, which is what the term blouse was for.

I loved the deep, rich, faith-building sections of the book—until they turned preachy. It was the weakest part of the book for me. Instead of natural conversation, as soon as faith was brought into it, we got a miniature history lesson about the Quakers and/or a sermon. Many people, again, won’t have problems with it, but it became weary to read—not because Scripture is burdensome, but because it isn’t! And I felt like the author made it so. I think the author tried to avoid “info dump” sections to share the history of the Quakers and their faith by weaving it into conversation. And it’s a brilliant way to do it. I just found it a bit too “dumpy” to unload it in large chunks of monologue during what was supposed to be dialogue.

My rating?

Amazon has a five-star rating system. Loved it (5), Liked it (4), Okay (3), Didn’t Like It (2), Hated It (1). This one was difficult. A lot of this book fell into “loved it.” I really just loved the characters and their realness. However, the preachiness and the very modern feel to some of the terms (the faith sections and clichés, in particular, sound so very modern) bumped that down a bit.

If I could, I’d give it 4.5 stars just for originality, great characters, and using familiar “tropes” in a new, refreshing way. Since I can’t, I gave it four stars. If the author chooses to write some of the other characters’ stories, particularly Levi’s, I’ll definitely buy the book!

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews

Previous Post: « To Binge or not to Binge: Is there even a question?
Next Post: Why My Editor Is Losing Hair: & other stuff »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Linda Finn says

    January 28, 2017 at 7:07 am

    A very nice review and I appreciate your honesty in it as well.
    It is rare to read a review that also tells the lesser points but still is a great review of the book.
    Linda Marie Finn
    Faithful Acres Books

    Reply
    • Linda Finn says

      January 28, 2017 at 7:09 am

      http://www.faithfulacresbodysoulspirit.wordpress.com

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        January 28, 2017 at 9:50 pm

        Thanks for sharing your website!

        Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 28, 2017 at 9:49 pm

      I try to only post “negative” things that either are my personal issues with a book or are things I think others might find a problem. When I adopted Amazon’s Loved, Liked, Okay, Didn’t Like, Hated reviewing system, that became so much easier because this book I ALMOST loved. I might have still given it five stars even with the same caveats. I just REALLY liked it. It was nice to have a book that was similar to an Amish story and totally different at the same time. Being a historical novel helped with that, I’m sure.

      Reply
  2. Cathy Hickling says

    January 23, 2017 at 6:02 am

    Loved your first paragraph wrap-up. Totally. (I also love your little blue typewriter.) Excellent review!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 23, 2017 at 6:44 am

      Thanks! (sneaks out to see what that wrap-up was!)

      Reply
  3. Emma says

    January 21, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    She’s a new author to me! I loved Thee, Hannah, too–when my mom came to visit, that’s one of the purchases I made on AbeBooks for her to bring me.

    Reply
    • Sharlene MacLaren says

      January 22, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      I hope you will have a chance to read my book, Emma. Thanks so much for your comment.

      Reply
  4. Sharlene MacLaren says

    January 21, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Chautona, thanks so much for featuring my book on your site. Loved your honest review and excellent insights. By the way, just thought you’d like to know that your favorite secondary character, Levi, IS my leading man in the second book. The next book takes place 8 years later. He breaks covenant with the Religious Friends Society and joins the Union Arm. Time period is 1863. My leading female character is a woman who also joins, but disguised as a man. Boy, has this book ever required HOURS upon HOURS of research. I swore I’d never do a war story, but here I am entrenched in the middle of the Civil War! Having fun writing it, and when I’m done, it will probably be my most researched book yet. (grins)

    Blessings on all you do for readers and writers alike. How we appreciate you!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 21, 2017 at 3:59 pm

      SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! You have no idea how excited I am. And this is big, because I usually don’t read stories about the War between the States. I’ll be reading this one!!!

      I know what you mean about research. It’s crazy having to look up a single word to make sure it was USED at that time. By SOMEONE! LOL.

      When I did research for Deepest Roots of the Heart (well over 100 hours of research on the 19th century alone), I was stunned to find out that the battle of San Jacinto only lasted 20 minutes. Made for a much more fun scene to write, but wow!

      Reply
      • Sharlene MacLaren says

        January 22, 2017 at 5:26 pm

        Now I must look up “Deepest Roots of the Heart”!!!

        Love and Hugs to you…

        Reply
  5. Olivia says

    January 21, 2017 at 6:49 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this author. Nice review 🙂 I don’t know a whole lot of the Quakers either. Loved your explanation of “blouse” verses “shirtwaist” :))

    Reply
    • Sharlene MacLaren says

      January 22, 2017 at 5:30 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Olivia. I hope you’ll give Summer on Sunset Ridge a try. (Hugs)

      Reply
  6. Cathe says

    January 21, 2017 at 5:29 am

    Interesting! I don’t think I have read about Quakers, either. Thanks for the review.

    Reply
    • Sharlene MacLaren says

      January 21, 2017 at 6:58 am

      Thanks for your comment, Cathe. I hope you’ll give it a try. 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!