Customer Reviews

One More Sunrise

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Wow... is this a debut novel or what? Michael Landon, Jr., has found one more calling to add to his creative legacy -- author. "One More Sunrise" is a beautifully written book which, unlike so much of the romantic fiction that is published these days, reads like we're watching a movie. It is cinematic in its story-telling and character growth. If this novel does not become a movie no book should. "Sunrise" is part homage to "It's a Wonderful Life" and part celebration of the values of an America we long to recapture in this fragmented age -- an America of hearth, home, family, patriotism and redemption. There is not a cynical bone in this very wonderful book.

Michael Landon, Jr., who's directed some great movies, proves to be a surprisingly insightful author. This is a beautiful tale of a man who is living through the dark depression of dreams deferred and how, through the grace of God, is shown the path to recovery and new life. Although it's set in the 30's, it feels a lot like a story about the malaise of modern life. I particularly loved the romantic story of the rekindled love between husband and wife -- a storyline we see far too seldom. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in lyrical tale of hope and redemption.

In 1941 Kansas, Joe Daley dreams of becoming an Army Air Force fighter pilot. However he never achieves his aspiration when he fails his physical. He settles for being a dust cropping pilot. However, he never moved past his failure, which has permeated his life and his marriage to Meg.

In 1958, Luke Ramsey, who courted Meg in high school, offers a lot of money to the local farmers as the Vanguard corporation he represents wants to buy up all the land; Joe has doubts that the big farm firm cares about the locals and decides to oppose the venture. Meanwhile his plane hits a large bird and begins to dive towards the earth; Joe thinks of Meg and their two kids as he prays for a chance for ONE MORE SUNRISE with them.

This entertaining inspirational historical fiction enables the reader to fully understand the hero who lost his zest for life when he failed the military physical. Between his passion to prevent the Vanguard takeover and realizing the failure of his life is not that physical but his relationship with Meg and his kids as his plane falls, Joe prays for a second chance with his family. Fans will enjoy this fine redemption tale as Joe finally moves on, but it appears too late for him to tell Meg, Danny, and Christy.

Harriet Klausner

How refreshing in this day and age to read a book about a love that will persevere; a love story that encompasses faith, trust, and patience when you think that it would be easier to give up and move on to the next best thing. The expression, "the grass is always greener... well, it eventually needs to be mowed". How many Hollywood relationships as well as personal ones do you know, when no-one sticks through the tough times and couples don't look at their marriage as a blessing? The author Michael Landon takes you on a journey that you don't want to end, and I am hoping for more stories like this one! The only thing I wish that was included with this book was a box of kleenex and many of those tears I shed was for joy and the beauty of believing that love does endure.

Joe and Meg were "made for each other" since high school, but after two children and Joe's drinking, things are getting more difficult. Joe's dream was to be a war hero, flying to make his father proud. Failing to get that opportunity, Joe settles for crop dusting. He cannot find a reason to feel successful, and cannot face his family, so the local bar becomes his hangout.

When an old friend from high school suddenly appears and seems to have the answer to the town's every problem, the mystery begins. It deepens when Joe has a collision with a very large "bird" while flying, and neary dies. He still loves Meg, and despite his best efforts, he wants to change but is unable to stop drinking.

A young boy pays for the actions of another kid, and shortly thereafter has a horrible accident with the wrongdoing never settled.

Snippets of jealousy, distrust, honesty and community all ad up to an interesting read, and I will be looking for more books by this duo.

This was a great story of enduring love; a love that survives the hardest of times. Through the many twist and turns in the plot, the authors kept me riveted. It was a real page turner as well a refreshing read.

What a beautiful story! It's so refreshing to read a book that shows the true spirit of friendship and family. From the first chapter to the last, I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful characters and beautiful storytelling. I hope this is the first of many novels for Michael Landon, Jr.

ONE MORE SUNRISE by Michael Landon Jr and Tracie Peterson

April 19, 2008

Rating *** ½ (3.5 Stars)

Michael Landon Jr's debut novel ONE MORE SUNRISE focuses on a man, Joe Daley, whose life did not follow the route that he had mapped out as a young man. The story opens in August of 1941, and young seventeen year-old Joe is intent on sneaking out of the house in order to meet his girlfriend Meg. He is in love and wants to surprise her with a plane ride and a marriage proposal. It is a romantic scene out of the movies, and at this point in his life, Joe feels that he has the world at his feet, a future bride, and a promising future.

Chapter two jumps forward to the summer of 1958, and Meg is reminiscing about high school, remembering the joy she had felt before she and Joe were married. However, the years since then have been difficult. Meg rarely sees Joe, and when she does they argue. Joe spends most of his time either at work (if there is any) or in bars, and all he can think about is how pitiful his life has become. Meg does her best to keep the family together, but the longer things continue the more frustrated and unhappy she becomes.

Luke Ramsey, a former admirer of Meg's, shows up in town after having moved away with his family due to something his father had done. Luke claims he wants to make up for his father's actions years ago. He is offering the farmers in town a better life, and this includes Joe and Meg. However, Joe doesn't want anything to do with Luke, not at first. He isn't sure he can trust a Ramsey.

What really changes Joe's life happens while flying his plane. He nearly loses his life, but when something hits the plane in flight, he promises God that he will change his ways if he lives. Joe does survive the crash, but finds it hard to keep his promise to God, and unfortunately Meg doesn't believe he will keep his promise either.

This reviewer found ONE MORE SUNRISE a good inspirational story aimed at an audience that also enjoys historical fiction. While it's not the best Christian fiction this reviewer has read, Michael Landon Jr. shows promise as a Christian writer and may make his mark in the world of Christian fiction. Choosing a time period from the past probably helped Landon write a better-suited story line for the Christian reader. His style is reminiscent of the type of television programs his father was famous for, family-oriented stories with sometimes a moral at the end.

The overall story was strong enough to keep this reader's interest, with various story lines coming together to make one cohesive tale. The characters, while in some ways clichéd, were developed enough that they felt real, with the dialogue realistic as well. Some readers may find they will have to suspend disbelief at times, but these events in the story line are crucial for the over-all novel to work.

What was probably most important in the book that kept this reader's attention was the main character, Joe. He was a man who had a promising future, but failed miserably to take the path that God gave him, and make it the best he could. Instead, he could only see the bad side of things, and was having a hard time letting go of a past that kept him from succeeding in life. Joe was not a perfect person, and with his failings he helped make this story of redemption work. In real life, however, the outcome of his life may have turned out differently, but this reviewer felt that the story ended properly for the type of book it was.

Minor characters stand out, especially Joe's son Danny and Zach, one of three foster sons that move to town with Meg's high school friend Norma. They make up a subplot that is as important as the one that follows Joe's story.

For readers who enjoy Christian fiction as well as historical fiction, ONE MORE SUNRISE is a good choice. While not the perfectly written book, the story is solid enough to keep the reader's interest. Some may not find that all the characters in the story are perfect Christian role models, but this reviewer feels that these characters were realistic and are the type of people we would encounter on the streets. Portraying less-than-perfect people is what makes this a real story, and not a fairy tale. ONE MORE SUNRISE is recommended. - Courtesy of Love romances and More - M. Lofton

I so enjoyed reading One More Sunrise. It was well written, easy to read, good morals,and a real live struggle with different personalities. The plot was engaging and very real. I would read another book by Michael Landon, Jr. and Tracie Peterson.

Set in Kansas in 1941, ONE MORE SUNRISE, is a wonderful book of hope and promise.

Joe Daley never achieves his dream of becoming an Army pilot. This throws him into a tailspin which spans out over the course of his life, draining his zest for life and, over time, affecting his marriage, job, outlook and relationships.

When a sudden accident causes him to realize that he may never see his wife or kids again, he prays to be granted one more sunrise with them.

ONE MORE SUNRISE is a beautiful story of hope and grace. Author Michael Landon, Jr. has done a wonderful job of creating a truly inspirational tale.