About the Book

Book: Shoot at the Sunset

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Will love survive when truth takes aim at their secrets?

Sharpshooter Preston Baker has spent a lifetime confronting danger head-on. So when a heartfelt letter arrives from his big sister asking for help, he doesn’t hesitate to put his traveling show career on hold and journey to her remote desert ranch, determined to make amends for past failures. What he doesn’t expect is to discover his long-lost little sister and her best friend, Lucy, are both hard at work on the ranch.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucy Arlidge’s decision to travel to a remote desert ranch was born as much from desperation as friendship. Fleeing San Francisco may have saved Lucy’s life, but the decision left others in danger. To thwart the evil plans of those who pursue her and her family, Lucy must keep her new gem-mining operation concealed and her secrets safe.

Preston is drawn to the mysterious woman, despite her plans to marry the neighboring rancher. Lucy’s quiet strength and undeniable beauty beckon him like a campfire in the wilderness, offering light amidst the dark memories and deepest fears resurrected by the presence of his sisters. But as danger closes in, Preston and Lucy must confront their pasts to save not only their own futures, but the lives of everyone they love.

My Review:

In this Christian fiction story of the Wild West, Lucy Arlidge is on the run from some very dangerous, murderous, and ambitious men. Desperate to escape them, she finds herself with her best friend on a ranch. I enjoyed the characters who make up the cattle ranch and how they work out their differences to become a place for people to be healed from their past mistakes.

This story emphasizes that each of us are unique and just because your parents acted a certain way does not mean you are sure to do the same. We each have a will and can use it for good or evil. The power of forgiveness, both by God and others, can change us.

This is the fifth book in the Chaparral Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone, but I wish I had read the other books because some events from previous books were mentioned and I didn’t have a full understanding of what had occurred. I liked the generous nature of the Davidson family and Fletcher and his wife. They were truly saints and examples to others. If you like danger, mystery, redemption, and romance in the stories you read, consider reading this.

I appreciated that the author has a foreword about some delicate issues and trigger warnings. You can decide whether you want to read the book, or pass on it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

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About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.