Joe once dreamed of becoming a World War II flying ace. But instead he's crop-dusting his neighbors' farms and drinking in the local tavern---until one morning when his beat-up Stearman plane begins a long nosedive. Joe doesn't die, but he does begin a miraculous and meandering odyssey toward life, love, and true devotion. 384 pages, softcover from Bethany.
One More Sunrise by Michael Landon, Jr. and Tracie Peterson takes a look at what it might be like to have a special visitor next door. What would happen if a rural community was touched directly by a messenger from God? How might that look? How would people’s lives be changed?
Joe Daley is the pilot of a crop duster in rural America. He has a wonderful family, but he remains detached from almost every aspect of their lives. His disappointment in dreams that failed to materialize and depression about his past drive him to the bar every Saturday night. A sudden, enigmatic brush with death makes Joe realize things have to change. That’s not as easy as it may sound. Joe still struggles with feelings of jealousy over one of his wife’s high-school suitors, a man who makes a sudden reappearance. But when a mysterious stranger, a visitor from God, drops in, Joe finds his life inexplicably altered.
Angels are difficult characters in Christian fiction from all ages. I couldn’t help but notice as I read that Michael Landon, Jr. seems to travel, perhaps a bit too closely, in the footsteps of his father with the writing of this story. There’s a strange sort of kinship between this book and Michael Landon, Sr.’s popular television series of the ‘80s, Highway to Heaven, as well as a rather heavy-handed effort to sell a trite brand of Christianity that seems to allow everything in Joe’s life to make a complete, utter turnaround after he has an encounter with an angel.
In spite of this, the characters in this book are relatable, and the setting is very secure in the small-town countryside. Readers from similar areas in the U.S. will find their own communities mirrored somewhat in this setting. Conversations are lively and keep the story flowing. Despite its flaws, the book does demonstrate some good writing.
The writing style is engaging and keeps the reader turning pages. However, many of the plot points are predictable and obvious. Moreover, the difficulties that come with dealing with angels in fiction become very evident, and theology suffers. Looking past those issues, however, readers who want a light, touching story will find a good one in One More Sunrise. – Lyndi Markus, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 12 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Elizabeth (Ringgold, GA), September 04, 2008
This was a very good book for Michael Jr.'s first writing. I would recommend anyone read this book if you are looking for one that is heartwarming and uplifting.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by MaryBeth Draxler (Chesapeake, VA), August 01, 2008
A breath of fresh air, Mr. Landon has paired up with the best of the best and done an a fabulous job. Verbage, description, detail make this another stand out novel. May it be only the first of many
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Lodema Nafziger (Pettisville, OH), July 18, 2008
The book was a little slow at first, but then I could hardly put it down it got so interesting. We all need to trust in God more in our lives.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Wanda (Demorest,Ga), July 01, 2008
Loved this book. Didn't want to put it down,couldn't wait to see what happened next. Great story about faith, love and forgiveness. Hope to see more books by Michael Landon Jr.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jo Anne (Prince George, VA), June 13, 2008
This book was great! I, too, couldn't bear to put it down, and finished reading it in about 1-1/2 days. Great story of faith, redemption, love, and victory over evil. I hope Michael Landon, Jr., doesn't stop writing, but keeps on producing great novels like this one!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Terri (New Hampshire), May 07, 2008
I'll be honest.. I read this book in one day! I couldn't put it down.. I was VERY impressed with the writing and the story line. I felt that this book was like no other that I have read!I Loved the focus of FAITH!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by mikayla (syracuse, UT), April 14, 2008
Great book. Really, really enjoyed this book. The story line was interesting. There were several twists and turns in the plot, so you couldn't predict what was going to happen. The message was great. There were several good Christian messages presented in the story, without being preachy. A very enjoyable read.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sherry (Littleton NC), March 29, 2008
This was a great book. I did not want to put it down. It's mystery, romance, and history all in one book. You will be talking about this book months after you've finished it. Buy it today. . .you will love it!
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