Sunset by Sharon Sala – a Review

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Description:
Crossroads, Texas, just might be the place to settle down and find the love of your dreams in this new small town romance series

World-champion bull rider Sonny Bluejacket was bucked off a bull and critically injured. He died twice on the operating table and then survived. Now retired from the rodeo circuit, Sonny is living with his brother and family in Oklahoma when he inherits a horse ranch outside of a little town in West Texas called Crossroads. The first person he meets upon arrival is an intriguing waitress named Magnolia “Maggie” Brennen, who works in a café called The Yellow Rose. Their attraction is instant. But it isn’t until much later that Sonny discovers Maggie’s secret talent for painting, and a whole new opportunity for Maggie opens up as a result of Sonny’s supportive urging.

Their relationship grows as Sonny wades through taking over the inherited ranch, horses, truck and property. He’s finally finding his place within the surrounding community, only to be accosted by his no-good father who comes looking for a handout, or to destroy everything, including Maggie. But Sonny isn’t about to let that happen.

Review:

Sunset by Sharon Sala is the first book in her new Crossroads series.  We meet Sonny Bluejacket, who was a world-champion bull rider, and is currently living with his brother and family. Sonny no longer does bull riding, as he had a terrible accident (nearly died) that ended his career. We also learn that Sonny has a gift given by his ancestors, which allows him to have visions when bad things happen.  Sonny is shocked to learn that he inherited a horse ranch from Emmet, in Crossroads, Texas.

We also meet Magnolia (Maggie) Brennen who had a terrible childhood, and when ex-boyfriend dumped at the steps of The Yellow Rose restaurant, she was all alone. The owner of the restaurant,  Pearl took her in, and Maggie and Pearl have been together for many years, working the restaurant. She has found friends and built a good life for herself.  Maggie has her own gift, being a secret painter at night, always looking at the sunsets.

When Sonny arrives in Crossroads, he stops at the Yellow Rose, and remembers Pearl, as she remembers him.  He finds himself attracted to Maggie.  Thus begins the wonderful journey between Sonny and Maggie, who are destined to be together; with amazing chemistry between them.

Sonny’s father, who left him at the age of 5, is a horrible evil man.  When he learns that Sonny inherited land, he makes plans to kill Sonny and take over the land.  When he arrives in Crossroads, the father kidnaps Maggie, and it will be Sonny who will save her, and the local police will arrest him.  By the end of the story, the father will get his comeuppance.

I loved how wonderful Sonny and Maggie were together. I also loved Pearl, who was almost like a mother to Maggie.  The whole town was great. I also enjoyed seeing Sonny’s family arrive to visit at Crossroads. 

Sunset was a compelling, heartwarming, captivating, suspense, emotional, small town and a wonderful romance. The suspenseful layer of the story, kept the tension high and keeping me unable to put the book down. Sunset was so very well written by Sharon Sala.  I suggest you read Sunset, and it was a terrific story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher