I always wonder how much of a story is written by each author when it is co-written. I really question it when a more famous name appears on the cover--and that name is bigger than the other. A sales ploy, I'm sure . . . one that irritates me to be honest. I would like to think I'm a little smarter than that!Most of us recognize the name Michael Landon. You know, Pa from Little House on the Prairie. (Still one of my favorite shows--really!) His son, Michael Landon, Jr. has followed in his father's steps, producing and directing family-friendly movies such as the Loves Comes Softly series. Tracie Peterson is a well-known Christian fiction author. I tend to enjoy her books.
The story is set in 1958 rural Kansas. A man is tearing his family apart with his "coulda, shoulda, woulda" look at his past. I found this early part of the novel a bit stale and slow going. Perhaps it's because I personally cannot stand hearing people whine like this in real life. After a few chapters of setting up the plot, the book flows foward into a story of his marriage and family. The evolves to include the entire community when a corporate farming reprentative shows up. Of course the corporate giant tries to take over the farming community, but the people band together.
An interesting spiritual aspect was explored in the story. (Reading the back cover blurb can give you an insight--I don't want to give away everything!) I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it does not sit comfortably with me. Perhaps it's the fact that this part of the story was not as developed and was stuck in there for its purpose.
But the story was entertaining. I found myself connecting with the characters and becoming a part of the community. If you enjoy Hallmark movies (as I suspect this will turn into one), you'll enjoy this book.
Title: One More Sunrise
Authors: Michael Landon, Jr. and Tracie Peterson
Publisher: Bethany House (2008)
ISBN: 9780764203626
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