
Member Reviews

I was intrigued by this story because it’s set in Texas (where I’m from). I could picture the beautiful Texas Sunsets. I was really into it in the beginning, but it lost me about %25 in. Sonny Bluejacket seemed like a genuine guy. I just couldn’t really attach myself to the characters.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Sharon Sala did it again. If you are a fan of hers, you will not want to miss this one. I loved the fact that the couple fell in love right away as well as never doubted each other. It was such a refreshing change to love stories. Sunset is an amazing place that makes you think that there really could be magic there. If you love cowboys, and horses, and found families this one is definitely for you. I love how Sonny and Maggie are amazing characters, and you fall in love with them right away.

Throw this one into your beach bag! Great characters, setting, and story. A real feel-good book.
My only critique is that parts of the story were repetitive - the same backstory description/story told multiple times throughout - almost like the author cut and pasted paragraphs. This added to the length of the book and could be edited out w/o taking anything away from the story. All it does is slow down the read.
Thank you #netgalley and #sourcebookscasablanca for the eARC.

Two people, who have always been handed a tough set of cards to deal with in their life. Sala knows how to write a love story with suspense and this is no different. A bull rider who had some unique gifts passed down through the generations. Our MMC is gifted a farm due to some circumstances and has to adjust to living without his true passion. Along with living in a small town where he is the outside, fighting for a place for himself. The FMC was a town favorite, but has had a rough life and trouble finding her place. This would have been a 4 star, however this is a insta love which is not my favorite romance, otherwise it was great!

Sunset showcases Sharon Sala's trademark emotional depth and authentic character development. Set in the well-established Blessings, Georgia universe, this novel explores themes of healing, community support, and second chances with genuine heart.
Strengths: Sala excels at creating characters who feel real and lived-in. Maggie's backstory as an abandoned child aging out of foster care provides emotional weight that elevates the entire narrative. The small-town setting serves as more than backdrop - Blessings becomes a character itself, offering sanctuary for those seeking renewal.
Areas for improvement: Pacing issues in the second act, particularly around Sonny's father's arrest, slow momentum significantly. Multiple subplots (spiritual visions, horse theft, various character arcs) sometimes feel scattered rather than cohesively integrated.
Recommendation: Fans of contemporary Southern fiction and the Blessings series will appreciate the familiar themes and setting. Readers seeking emotionally resonant stories about trauma recovery and community healing will find much to value, despite structural weaknesses.
A solid addition to Sala's catalogue that demonstrates her skill with character-driven narratives, even when plot elements don't fully coalesce.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Sunset by Sharon Sala, published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Another wonderful read by an amazing author. Perfect weekend or beach read or anytime. Awesome characters and setting. Everything is well described. I like how the relationships between the characters unfold, they all have great (or not so great) personalities, but they all fit well within the story. I liked the romantic aspect of the novel but that wasn't the sole focus or too descriptive.
Overall great story line, easy to read, and a great ending.

A great story of resilience and opportunity. Sonny inherits a ranch after a career ending bull riding accident. On his way to claim his inheritance he stops at a small restaurant and meets Maggie, a waitress. The connection is instantaneous.
The story builds from there and is a delightful story. There's some suspenseful situations, A lot of romance, and the slow build of love from friendship. As usual another good small town story set in Texas by Sharon Sala.
Although I received a free ARC from Net Galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Sonny and Maggie, I think they hit it off from the beginning. Great characters in story also. Looking forward to next book.
Thanks to the publisher for chance to read ARC

A banged up former Pro Rodeo bull rider inherits a ranch in Texas and meets a friendly diner waitress, two wounded hearts cross paths in this first in series small town contemporary romance sprinkled with some indigenous magical realism. I was introduced to Sharon Sala’s writing when I began reading her Blessings, Georgia series and because of how much I loved those books, I was eager to settle in with Sunset for some heartfelt reading.
Sonny Bluejacket left the pro circuit for good when an accident with a bull left him barely alive and dying on the operating table twice. In the last few years, he’s lived quietly with his older brother and family taking local ranch jobs training their horses and biding his time. Then a legal packet arrives with the shocking information that a man he knew through the rodeo work, and indirectly responsible for Sonny’s accident, has left him his quarter-horse ranch down in Texas. Sonny’s life is set in motion again when he packs up and prepares to follow his dreams in Crossroads, Texas.
Nothing’s easy and Sonny’s good for nothing dad who abandoned the family learned of his good luck and is determined to either get something from it or keep his son from something good. And, on arrival, Sonny learns his ranch has been hit by a thief and a squatter. Time to cowboy up!
Meanwhile, Magnolia Brennan has found a small corner of the world to call home for the first time in her life after being abandoned at birth, growing up in the foster care system, and getting dumped by a guy on the porch of the Yellow Rose café. The owner not only took her in to work and give her a place to live, but they share a found family relationship. Maggie loves her sunsets and has a secret hobby drawing and painting them along with the life she observers around her. Her days of merely watching life happen to others ends when big, handsome Sonny Bluejacket enters the door of the café and they forge a connection on the spot.
From the hard past situations this pair overcame, Maggie’s beautiful art, Sonny’s work with the horses and the ranch, the small town, and Sonny’s Muskogee heritage and mystic gift, Sunset was one sensational read. Its big and slow moving, brings in a handful of perspectives as characters move into and out of the story surrounding Sonny and Maggie. There are spikes of suspense and one long-build suspense thread involving Sonny’s criminal of a dad. The slow burn after insta-attraction romance was lovely as these two heal each other and come together in a close partnership. Can’t wait for more books set in the Crossroads series. Definitely recommend Sunset to all the Western Contemporary Romance fans!

This was a great read by Sharon Sala. I really enjoyed the "mystic" part of the book. The couple fell in love very quickly but that all seemed to tie into the mystical feeling that flows throughout the story. It has some parts that were very suspenseful and yet managed to maintain the romantic feeling throughout. It also stressed the importance of not only blood family but family by bonding. All in all a great story.

Wow, how does one put into words to give this story the credit it's due. What a magical storyteller this author is.
Sonny Bluejacket inherited a property, it was time to return to a town that he knew. He never expected to meet his future.
This is a story of family, flaws and all. Sonny's connection with horses and his new found gifts. After an accident where he should have died I feel that Sonny is living a new life full of second chances.
I've been reading this author for decades now and her dreams give her such creativity.
I loved this story, I felt all the emotions and cried at the sad and happy moments.

Wonderful new series!
New series, new characters (except 1), new location...I can't wait for the rest of this series!
Maggie considered herself to have been a "throwaway baby". A tiny baby abandoned, lived in the foster care system and then tossed away again by a boyfriend at 19. Luckily he tossed her where Pearl, a kind-hearted diner owner would find her, and there she stayed, in Crossroads, Texas.
Sonny's father left the family when Sonny and Charlie were young, earning the moniker "Walks-Off". When Sonny unexpectedly comes into an inheritance Walker surfaces and makes a plan to get himself part of it. Sonny moves to Crossroads to claim his inheritance, but winds up with so much more!
This was an easy read, a little drama and so much love! Sunsets too! Give this one a try, you won't regret it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Sharon Sala’s talent just overflows with imagination. She surely could have been a poet with her word scopes and in SUNSET we are once again entertained and enthralled by the way she creates and describes scenes and characters. Like poetry for sure.
Dialog just seems to easily flow from page to page bringing us closer to the central story of Sharon Sala’s newest book. SUNSET gets its title from various references in this tale. Sonny newly inherited ranch was named Sunset by its former owner. Magnolia, known familiarly as Maggie, is utterly enchanting as she seems to devour the gorgeous sunsets in this small town.
References to things like sunsets and butterflies will capture your attention immediately as was Sharon Sala’s intention. Reading SUNSET is like taking a journey through the lives of two incredibly unique folk.
Heartwarming and inspiring memories of challenges that basically shape who her characters have become. We are invited to see how their futures might now be shaped.
Now I have to ask. Are you a believer. I definitely am a believer. Sonny is a Native American and close to his older brother who helped him recover from an awful bull riding accident. He is amazing with animals and sees visions, especially those concerning people he loves. There is lots to pull from folklore and history. But there’s no shortage of stories about the deep connection native tribes had with the land. Sonny comes from that heritage and wears it proudly. This part of American history has always fascinated me and is something I deeply admire. It touches me deep in my soul and I think SUNSET was written with the same respect for the folks that came before us. Don’t you ever wonder how you know something that irreverently pops up. Sonny and his people believe in that belonging. And in SUNSET Sharon Sala let us know that she also believes.
Thematically SUNSET is about the people in whose steps we walk.
SUNSET is beautifully crafted around family, friends, animals, land, and the soul of folks both good and bad. When push comes to shove sometimes believing is the only weapon of choice. SUNSET is a winning addition to the awesome library crafted by this artist, Sharon Sala.

Sunset is the first book in Sharon Sala’s Crossroads series. Set in Crossroads, Briscoe County, Texas, the fictional town’s name signifies more than location as many of the characters are at a crossroads in their own lives.
Champion bull rider Sonny Bluejacket nearly lost his life when he was thrown and stomped by a bull five years ago. After having died twice in surgery, he retreated to his brother Charlie’s home in Bluejacket Hollow, Oklahoma. After he heals, Sonny helps around Charlie’s farm as well as doing horse training for those in the area. Even so, Sonny is at loose ends until he receives a packet from a lawyer representing Emmit Cooper’s estate. The old rodeo clown had retired to a horse training ranch outside of Crossroads, Texas, after Sonny’s accident. Emmit blamed himself for Sonny’s injuries and because of that he had left Sonny his ranch, home, truck, horses, and all other belongings, thus giving Sonny a new direction in life.
After arriving in Crossroads after a long bus ride from Oklahoma, Sonny made his way to the Yellow Rose Cafe. There he met waitress Maggie Brennen and found an instant connection. The connection they discovered and the support they provided each other forms the backbone of this novel.
With a cast of interesting characters and a lovely high plains setting, this well plotted story takes the reader through many twists and turns until Sonny and Maggie could truly relax and enjoy the sunset. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Sunset by Sharon Sala, book one in the Crossroads series, is a gripping, heart-tugging, heartwarming tale with beautiful, magical sunsets while weaving romance, suspense, and deep emotions that come with love and second chances. From the first page, I was pulled into this world of complex characters, small-town charm, and a story that kept me invested until the very end.
After nearly dying from a bull riding accident, Sonny Bluejacket receives a gift by his ancestors in which he could see bad things happening to the people he loved and warn them He was living with his brother and family on their ranch when he unexpectedly inherited a horse ranch in Crossroads; giving him a chance to restart his life. Walking into the Yellow Rose diner in Crossroads, Pearl the cafe owner, knows Sonny and welcomes him into the cafe. He is immediately he is drawn to sassy and strong waitress Magnolia "Maggie" Brennan. Maggie had a sad start to her life, experiencing abandonment all her life; but is willing to take a chance on Sonny. Maggie and Sonny are perfect for each other as they see each other’s strength; encouraging the other to use their gifts. Life is not totally safe for Sonny with his estranged father posing a danger to his new life.
Maggie and Sonny, watching the magical sunset each day as it paints the sky in Technicolor, were destined to be together. Sonny has unique and special way with animals, an important dimension of his mystical personality. Maggie has her own secret talent. The suspense element adds an extra layer to the story, keeping the tension high and making it impossible to put the book down. Just when you think you know what is coming, Ms. Sala throws in a twist that keeps you on your toes. This was a must-read, captivating, emotional story with a mixture of love, resilience, and suspense. I look forward to the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
# NetGalley #SourceBooks-Casablanca

I always enjoy a Sharon Sala book and this new series, like her Blessings series has relatable characters, an interesting setting, and a nice, easy story. The setting is Crossroads Texas, Sonny has a strong Native American life, and Maggie is the girl who believes she was thrown away as a baby but they make a great couple. Lots of interesting secondary characters who I hope we continue to see in succeeding books. Love her writing with the setting as Ms. Sala does such a good job of describing. All in all, a very satisfying read.

A heartwarming new series by one of my favorite authors. After his last devastating ride, when he almost died, world champion bull rider Sonny Bluejacket has retired. When he receives an unexpected inheritance, he heads for his new ranch in Crossroads, Texas. This just might be the beginning of his new future and a way to leave behind the father who wants him dead. Meeting Magnolia “Maggie” Brennen, at the Yellow Rose Café, adds to his thoughts of a new beginning. Maggie, familiar with the ranch and the former owner, offers to tell him what she knows about the ranch operation. Learning that horses were stolen, he involves law enforcement to get them back. When he has a vision about his young niece, he believes that the “Old Ones” are responsible for his visions as well as his miraculous recovery. With their combined desire to watch evening sunsets, a simmering attraction slowly develops between Sonny and Maggie. He makes her feel as if she “belongs” for the first time since she was abandoned at birth. When he learns of her painting, he encourages her to show the world her amazing work and talent. Will his father finally track him down and will Sonny be able to keep them both safe from his father’s wrath? The author is experienced at weaving a story with characters who will stay in your thoughts long after you finish the book. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Sunset is Sharon Sala’s first book in her new romantic suspense series, Crossroads, which is set in Texas. This book is a must-read for all fans of Sharon Sala and romantic suspense. The story contains a sweet romance between a Native American hero and a resilient waitress. Unlike her Blessings and Jubilee series, Sunset contains some supernatural and tribal magic elements like what was in Legend, Tallchief, The Healer, The Warrior, and Touchstone.
Sonny Bluejacket was a world-champion bull rider until he was bucked off a bull and critically injured. He died twice on the operating table and was revived. Now he’s retired from the rodeo circuit, living with his brother and family in Oklahoma. When his good friend, Emmet Cooper, passes away, Sonny inherits a horse ranch outside of Crossroads, Texas. When Sonny arrives in Crossroads, he stops to eat at The Yellow Rose, a popular café. His waitress is beautiful, and he’s instantly attracted to her. Her name is Magnolia "Maggie" Brennen, and she has a tragic background. Maggie was taken under the wing of the café owner, Pearl.
When Sonny gets to the ranch, he discovers that Emmet’s horses have been stolen. While organizing all the paperwork related to his inheritance, Sonny contacts the local sheriff regarding the horses. Sonny and Maggie begin a relationship, and he discovers that she’s a talented painter. He encourages her artistic pursuits, and she gets a good opportunity as a result. Sonny is busy with ranch duties and becoming part of the Crossroads community, but he is devoted to Maggie. Soon enough his no-good father comes around looking for a hand-out and threatens Sonny’s newfound happiness.
Sunset is an engrossing story because of the wonderful characters and the author’s amazing ability to describe scenes so clearly. Readers will fall in love with the characters in Crossroads; Sonny is a dreamboat and Maggie is so resilient. Readers will stay up all night reading to find out if Sonny and Maggie get their happily ever after and Sonny’s father gets his comeuppance. Sunset is a must-read for romantic suspense fans!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and SourceBooks-Casablanca for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sunset by Sharon Sala
Crossroads, Texas series #1. Contemporary romance. Diverse.
Sonny Bluejacket has inherited a ranch in Texas. On his way into town, he stops at a small local restaurant and meets Maggie Brennan, a waitress, full of sass and a secret talent for painting. They fall in love, survive a few road bumps and aim for the future.
Absolutely lovely. There was a bit of suspense in the first quarter, then the rest is life, love and created family. Sonny and Maggie in the happily ever after. Tears of happiness for them and their future.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased multiple formats of this novel to keep.
A feel good, feel happy, low angst, small town, Native American cowboy romance.

When I'm find out Sharon Sala has a new book I need to get my hands on it as soon as possible! This is the first book of a new series and it is everything that I expected and more. I relished the sweet and instant romance between Sonny and Magnolia and the challenges that they both face with grace and dignity is beyond the scope. Now I am so eager to read the next book. I can't wait!!!