Cover Image: Sunrise

Sunrise

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Susan May Warren keeps adventure high in her suspense books. In Sunrise, she takes the reader back to Alaksa, my home state.
The fun of a reading a book in your home state is recognizing the town where the story is set and trying to remember that it is a fiction story! Overall, I did enjoy the story of Dodge returning home to help his estranged father flying business after he is hurt in a crash. His high school girlfriend that broke his heart is still in town and carrying her own baggage and trying to help her dad and run a dog mushing team. Together they have to survive all that Alaska gives them in weather and wilderness lifestyles.
The reader will not be disappointed in this page turner and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next books about Dodge's brothers. I love that forgiveness in different types of relationships is woven through the book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

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I love Susan May Warren and was very excited for this book. This first book of her new Sky King Ranch series was not a disappointment. Like many of her books, Sunrise was filled with adventure, twists and turns, romance and great Christian messages.

It was fun to “visit” Alaska in this book with the mushing, the wildlife and the wild terrain. It was a fun setting for this new series. I really enjoyed the range of characters in the book, plus it was fun to hear mention of other characters from Susan’s other series such as Jace Jacobson, the Yankee Bells, Ham and of course Larke and Riley.

This was a fantastic start the series that wrapped up about 90% of the story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens to Colt, Ranger and Jane Doe.

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Pilot Dodge Kingston returns to his stomping grounds after ten years away working as a pararescue jumper. His homecoming comes at the perfect time to help his family out on their Alaskan ranch turning his short trip into an extended stay. His former flame Echo likes to live life on her own terms in the wild, but when her friend goes missing in the middle of a blizzard will he be able to find her in time?

An action packed reunion set in the breath-taking wilds of Alaska. The first in the series this book introduces us to the Kingstons of Sky King Ranch, giving a glimpse into the past where the rift between the brothers began and setting up the next books in the series. I liked the interaction between Echo and Dodge as they reconnected and found trust. I liked that the relationship between Dodge and Echo didn't lean too heavily on the past, as well as how Dodge's father was a wise man of strong faith and gave excellent advice when needed.

Overall, a fast paced read with excellent characters, strong faith, and an excellent plot. Echo is a gutsy heroine, who isn't afraid to face the wilderness and stand her ground. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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I'm excited to begin a new series full of adventure from Susan May Warren! The setting of Alaska is epic, with extreme weather and grizzly bears the norm. The personalities of the characters are vivid, and I was quickly drawn into their world. Dodge and Echo have a difficult history of childhood friendship and young romance gone horribly awry, and it was gratifying to see them begin to heal and forgive their unseen hurts. The angst of their relationship gives way to powerful feelings that are only strengthened through their trials and I loved the way they supported each other as much as their chemistry. They both have complex family dynamics as well that come into play, and the theme of seeking and following God's will helps Echo, Dodge, and their parents envision a new future full of hope. The author skillfully balances the personal drama with dangerous rescues and nail-biting flights that kept me enthralled late into the night, not able to put the book down. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Susan May Warren’s new nail-biting series, Sky King Ranch, is now my favourite series!
This new-to-me author almost had me rushing to put on my jeans and plaid shirt and checking to see if my sled dog team was hitched and ready to mush!

Set in Copper Mountain, Alaska, ‘Sunrise’ features pilot Dodge Kingston, the heir to the Sky King Ranch. Hurt and betrayed after the Kingston Family Feud, he fled Alaska and ended up flying a combat chopper in Afghanistan. After 10 years away, his heart is still bruised. How ironic that he earned a Purple Heart.

Destiny awaits Dodge. Can he pick up the pieces and fit back into his old life? Will he be there for those who need him? This adventure into wild Alaska with rogue grizzlies, immoral poachers, illegal Russians, helicopters with clogged fuel pumps, bullet punctured snowmobiles and huskies cut loose from their sled will have your heart racing and bracing for danger.

I loved the cast of characters in this 5-star adventure romance novel. You’ll meet a true Alaskan - Echo - a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide who drops everything and rushes out into a blizzard to rescue a fellow researcher. Echo, a strong woman with a compass that points towards home, learns what it costs to forgive. Dodge, a triplet named after his Dad’s 1972 D100, has a tough exterior but a heart of gold. I loved watching his growth and the calloused layers peeling away as his heart softened and he listened to his dad’s wisdom. Dodge learns that running away from one’s problems doesn’t help anyone. (Just so you know, I pictured Dodge as Jason Hayes in SEAL team)

Warren has written an intriguing and compelling adventure, a sweet closed-door romance, and a domestic drama then sprinkled it with Christian wisdom from Barry Kingston, Dodge’s dad. It’s one of those books that leaves your heart full and your face sporting a huge satisfied smile.

Book 2, Sunburst, will be published on June 7, 2022, and features Dodge’s triplet siblings, Colt and Ranger, in Boko Haran territory in Nigeria. I’m hooked on this globe-trotting high-stakes romance series!

I was gifted this copy by Susan May Warren, Revell, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

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Sunrise was a very fun read for me because I lived in Alaska for close to five years. My husband took me flying for the first time from Merrill Field. We both worked at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, I attended the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and we've had grizzlies on our lawn. On one occasion, we abandoned our flimsy tent for the safety of his 4-Runner, and on another, we discovered we were being followed by a bear while geocaching. These and a host of other memories came flooding back as I drank in Warren's writing. 

While I'm not well-read in the contemporary romance genre, I do love suspense and the author delivers a lot of it through various search and rescue missions and man versus nature scenarios. The reunion of Dodge and Echo and the subsequent rekindling of their relationship is nestled perfectly within this high-action, fast-paced story. Echo is often the damsel in distress while Dodge plays the role of a night in shining *aircraft* well. 
Speaking of aircraft, this story seems like it was written with aviation geeks in mind. A Piper 14 Super Cruiser, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-2 Beaver, and Bell 429 chopper are all mentioned or flown by characters in the story. I'll bring up my (pilot) husband once again only to say that I asked him to fact-check a few scenes and he gave them the thumbs up. This makes me wonder if the author really did her homework or if she is a pilot herself. 

One critique I share with early reviewers is that there is a large cast (small-town high school reunion big). In fact, I read as far as chapter three before I returned to the beginning to start writing down names. In the end, it was unnecessary because the key characters soon broke away from the pack. I also trust Warren as an experienced author to remind readers of any crucial connections as the series progresses. 

Nothing says Alaska like bush pilots, bear maulings, miners, and mushers and Sunrise has them in spades. I highly recommend this first book in the Sky King Ranch series. 

I received this book from the publisher through their review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Dodge Kingston has been gone from his family ranch for a long time, and probably wouldn't have returned now, except for the fact that his father is in the hospital. With an offer in the wings, a strained relationship with his father, and an unknown status with his high school sweetheart, adding in disaster after dangerous disaster, what will he choose for his future?

This was a fairly typical storyline for this author: lots of dangerous, life-or-death situations, a harsh environment, pasts that need dug up in order to move forward, and big decisions to be made. I really enjoyed the Alaskan component of the story; the terrain and character of the land played such a big part in shaping the story and the characters. The side characters, especially, were rooted in Alaskan culture and the lifestyle and gave a good picture of the wildness of the land.

The one issue I took with this story was that the relational drama of the main characters seemed to take precedence over what would have likely been forefront in their minds in reality. They seemed to care more about their romance than their friends and family in danger.

I give this book 3.5 stars: engaging, high action, good elements of faith, but too much unrealistic drama.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

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This first book in a brand new series by Susan May Warren was such a good read.
Set in Alaska.
Main character - Dodge Kingston.
Other main character - Echo Yazzie.
These two have a history. From a decade ago. What happened between them? Each one has tried to convince themselves they are over the other. But neither one has had closure. And now....Look out! There are bound to be some sparks flying!
Susan May Warren is a master at writing beautiful love stories. This one includes a second chance at love, forgiveness, and redemption. All with the lovely backdrop of the vast Alaskan wilderness. Blizzards, grizzlies, poachers, piloting small aircraft, and more.
This story is action packed and fast paced. One you won't want to put down until you've read the very last page!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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Award-winning author Susan May Warren kicks off a new contemporary series featuring the Kingston triplet brothers.

In Sunrise, Air Force pilot Dodge Kingston returns home after ten years, and finds his childhood friend (and former love interest) dogsledder and DNR researcher Echo Yazzie homesteading on the Alaskan range. When Echo’s fellow researcher goes missing, she sets off to find her friend, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly, and some dangerous men in the area. Concerned for her safety, Dodge goes searching for her, but will he find her in time?

The Kingston brothers (Dodge, Colt, and Ranger) are triplets who joined different branches of the military. They are also the younger brothers of Larke Kingston – Larke and her husband Riley were main characters in Warren’s earlier book, Some Like it Hot (Summer of the Burning Skies series) and readers will be delighted to catch up with their storyline.

Dodge had a falling out with his dad and his brother Colt ten years earlier and left Echo behind. When he returns, they have to deal with past hurts with each other, as well as their families, before they can move forward with a relationship. Forgiveness and redemption, heartbreak and love, and healing from the past and dealing with family issues are all part of the storyline.

Warren is known for her inspirational novels, filled with realistic & flawed characters and a storyline that captures the reader’s attention from the first page. Like her other books, Sunrise has faith journeys, adventure, danger, clean romance, suspense, and a teaser for the next book, Sunburst, coming in June 2022 (and Ranger will be the main focus of this book).

Recommended for adult collections and high school readers, as well as Susan May Warren fans.

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.

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This is a beautifully written novel by Susan May Warren. She captures the expanse and splendor of Alaska and juxtaposes it against was it also often harsh, isolating, and unforgiving. There are a lot of characters to get to know in this new series, but if you find that tripping you up as a reader, persevere. It's well worth it. It has all the action, adventure, and inner journey readers expect from a Warren novel. And, likewise, you'll find some tie-ins to other characters/stories that set up future plots. (But you don't have to have read any of those stories--there are just a couple breadcrumbs.) The characters of Echo and Dodge grew on me and I love the re-romance/ friends-to-more trope. A very satisfying read.

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With breathtaking imagery of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, one can easily get lost in this epic story of loss, family and how love is the best and only way, no matter the cost.

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Sunrise is the first book in Susan May Warren's new series, Sky King Ranch, and a fantastic read. When I first started reading the book I felt like I had missed a story on certain characters that were introduced and, after doing a little searching, I figured out that Larke Kingston and Riley McCord had indeed had their own book - Some Like It Hot. I'm happy to say that the author did a good job filling in details, so it didn't bother me too much not having read that book. ;)

I don't know how to describe Sunrise. In some ways it was a slower read for me in the beginning, and yet it wasn't a slow read. Once I got familiar with the characters and setting, I grew to love it and couldn't read fast enough!

I loved the characters. Dodge and Echo were such complex characters and I enjoyed seeing them work through struggles and past hurts. The romance was definitely a good one and I loved the ending...even the cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book!

All in all, I loved Sunrise and definitely recommend it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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"Sunrise" by Susan May Warren is a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. The two main characters are Dodge Kingston and Echo Yazzie, a true Alaskan woman who, when her best friend and former flame, Dodge, left her just like her own mother did, settled bravely into life in Alaska, strong enough to stand on her own and live without them. This novel teaches us about the unbreakable bond of love and the power of forgiveness, which are inextricably linked forever. Absolutely nothing can separate them, try as we might. When we forgive, we free ourselves up to love. We open ourselves up to freedom. True love sets us free. Such is the amazing power of forgiveness. I highly recommend this book to all readers who battle with heartbreaking issues of love and forgiveness. As with "Sunrise," the apt name of this book, may the Sun of righteousness arise for you with healing in its wings. May the love of God comfort you and give you peace. May He heal the aching hurt and pain in your heart. And may God give you the brand new beginning promised to all who forgive those who hurt them. Forgiveness can only happen with God's love. Open your heart to Him and allow Him to heal your wounds. Thank you, Susan May Warren, for this healing book of love and forgiveness.

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Alaskan Dodge Kingston is a great protagonist in Sunrise! Dodge has never felt like he met his dad's expectations after the death of his mother when he was a child. One of triplet boys, Dodge enlisted in the military, became a pararescue jumper and stayed away for ten years. Dodge's old girlfriend, Echo, is a strong woman who dogsleds, homesteads and carries around a lot of bitterness. They both learn that things are not always the way they appear. They also learn about forgiving. Sunrise will have you fighting grizzly bears, fighting poachers, searching for a lost friend and experiencing close calls in a helicopter and an airplane! You will enjoy experiencing Alaska! I recommend Sunrise to anyone who wants to experience Alaska! I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

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Sunrise follows Echo and Dodge and their return to each other after many years apart. The backdrop of Alaska is beautifully written and the danger that lurks in the wilderness there is evident throughout the novel. This is part one of a series about the Kingston brothers so it does end on a couple of cliff hangers that will be resolved in the future books of the series. This is a great suspenseful yet romantic read that will keep you from wanting to put it down.

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I am usually a stout Susan May Warren fan but this book just wasn't for me. I could not connect with either of the two main characters. There is a whole lot of adventure in an Alaska setting but even with all that I just could not get past how I disliked the characters. I think most people will enjoy this book so please don't stop reading because of my poor attitude.

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This book will suck you in quickly and keep your attention until the final pages! I enjoyed this fast paced, adventure romance! The setting of rural Alaska gives this story a wild and rugged adventurous vibe that really made me invested in this story. There are definitely multiple suspenseful moments where the characters face dangerous situations ranging from hypothermia to grizzly attacks! What can I say, it’s wild Alaska and perils seemed to be at every turn of the page. The romance was definitely slow coming as the characters had to work through a very complicated past. I didn’t like Echo at all. She clung to her past hurts like Saran Wrap. She had a lot of things that she needed to confront from her past and it definitely affected her approach to forming a relationship. Dodge was easy to like and easy to root for. He was flawed, but still had that layer of good guy that will always show up. The faith thread in this book was strong, which I really appreciated. Themes of forgiveness and Gods protection were really prominent in the circumstances of these characters and it was really genuine to the story also. Overall o really enjoyed this story and am hooked into the next book for sure!

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Susan May Warren is one of those authors whom I'll read anything by. Anything. And I'll usually end up dropping everything to do so, and quite happily at that. :D

_Sunrise_ is no exception to that rule, and I'm quite happy about that fact! It's action packed, as I'd expect from Warren (though perhaps stepped down a bit from the Global Search and Rescue series, which I'm also okay with--gives me a bit of a breather, lol).

I loved the Alaska setting, and frankly, the read makes me want to go back and explore some of the more inland places. (Just ... maybe any bear experiences could be through a zoom lens very, very far away.) Readers of Warren's other recent series (Global Search and Rescue, as well as the Marshalls) will see some familiar names in passing; I may have personally squee'd a bit myself! (No need to have read those first, though, just an Easter egg if you have.)

I'll admit there are a _ton_ of characters in this particular read, and it took me a while to start keeping them all straight--especially since a good number of them had unique names: Echo, Winter, Ranger, Colt, etc., etc. Once I got it down, all was well, but that did take me longer than expected.

As ever, Warren admirably weaves through heavy topics. She's never one to shy away from a theological challenge, and I really appreciated her take on those raised here. Thought-provoking indeed!

Well worth the read, and I'm super excited for book 2. (Side note, there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, soooooo know that going in, if you read it before the next book releases.)

4/5 stars.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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4.5 stars ✨

I haven't been picking up Susie May's books in a while but wow am I missing out! This may be my favourite of her novels yet!

The main reason I was hesitant to pick up another of her books is after reading the Montana Marshalls series, I felt like the writing was becoming formulaic and over-dramatic and done before. But after reading Sunrise, I'm wondering if I should revisit my opinions on that.

Again, another second chance romance that I ended up loving! And even rooted for the couple from the very beginning. I think the marketing got it wrong when they put contemporary romance on the back, because it sure feels like action/adventure + romance!

One thing Susan does very well is deep POV. After a few chapters, I could tell which character's POV we were getting from the way the chapter started. And boy, do you ever feel the emotions the characters experience.

And this book is one more reason I'm adding to the list of why I need to visit Alaska at some point. The descriptions of this breathtaking frontier are enough to have you, the reader, shivering in your house and so vivid you could picture exactly what Dodge sees from his aerial viewpoint high above the mountain range.

The only reason this book gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that I felt the faith content lacking, in general and from what I expect of Susan based on the books I've read previously. There was one vague reference made by a MC about 'your God', which sounded to me like that MC didn't share the same beliefs. Yet the ending has me thinking they both believed the same. I'm sad to see how vague faith plays out in christian fiction lately, with the reasoning to market to bigger audiences.

However, I still thoroughly enjoyed this novel and after that ending, I need the next book!


*I received a copy of Sunrise from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Another fantastic book from Susan May Warren! Echo and Dodge were life-long friends, but haven’t seen each other in ten years till Dodge returns home due to his father’s accident. Many suspenseful situations in the book bring them together. Echo and Dodge have so many dimensions to them and I loved seeing their growth throughout the book. What really sets this book apart from other books in the Christian romantic suspense drama is they each work through so many things in their own lives besides just their relationship. Both characters have difficulties with their parents and I enjoyed reading about how they overcame them. There were several twists in the book that I did not see coming and I can’t wait till the next one in the series!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Revel publishing but the opinions in my review are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58301634-sunrise

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