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Cedar Key #2
Waiting for Sunrise
Life sometimes gets the best of us. For some it's the daily pressures, for others it's the shadows of the past. For Patsy Milstrap, it's both. When she travels to beautiful Cedar Key on Florida's Gulf Coast in search of healing, she never dreams her past will be waiting for her there.
With a large helping of Southern charm, "Waiting for Sunrise" is a touching story of family, young love, and the need for forgiveness. Author Eva Marie Everson expertly draws out the bittersweet moments of life, weaving them into a tale that envelops the soul.
With a large helping of Southern charm, "Waiting for Sunrise" is a touching story of family, young love, and the need for forgiveness. Author Eva Marie Everson expertly draws out the bittersweet moments of life, weaving them into a tale that envelops the soul.
390 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
157 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Eva Marie Everson
63 books363 followersEva Marie Everson is a best-selling, multiple award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. She enjoys teaching and speaking at writers events across the US. Eva Marie was the 2022 recipient of the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the 2022 recipient of the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023 her book, The Third Path, won the Golden Scroll Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 16, 2017
I bought this book a few years ago at Ollie’s and I had forgotten I had it until I was looking through my old books and realized I had never read this one. This book started off with such a sad story line, domestic abuse and the child being “given” away to another family. Parts of it were difficult to read and I felt so sad for the characters going through those horrific things. This book kept me interested but it was just ok in the end. 3 stars it is.
March 20, 2017
This was a hard book for me to read, not because i couldn't get into it...I couldn't put it down. It was hard for me because i found the domestic abuse described hard to hear. I found i couldn't stop thinking about it for days after i finished the book. I'm glad that the author wrote about it though, because i know that the horrible truth is that many families have had to go through this. EVEN believers in Jesus! At the hands of so called believers!
The ending of the story is good, but i was left with such a sadness for all the wasted years and the struggle the victims and their future relationships suffered because of the horrible evil of their past.
Still i recommend this book. The message is clear~ Jesus never abandons those who cry out to Him.
The ending of the story is good, but i was left with such a sadness for all the wasted years and the struggle the victims and their future relationships suffered because of the horrible evil of their past.
Still i recommend this book. The message is clear~ Jesus never abandons those who cry out to Him.
August 30, 2012
Once again, Eva Marie Everson writes an engaging emotional drama within the pages of her latest novel.
Waiting for Sunrise tells a double tale of abandonment and the feelings of neglect that coincide with the act.
Patsy Milstrap finds herself facing her past as she vacations with her husband in Cedar Key, Florida. Patsy’s mother put her on a bus when she was thirteen with no explanation as to why she had to leave. Harboring unforgiveness toward her mother has caused her to curl up inside of herself, unable to focus on life. Internally distant from her husband and children, Patsy struggles to find peace.
Meanwhile, her mother’s tale continues to play out through the eyes of Billy, Pasty’s youngest brother. Watching his father abuse his mother and his brother, Billy shows us just how far a mother’s love will go to protect her child.
Will Pasty ever be able to get beyond the feelings of abandonment she holds so far inside of her? What if Pasty can’t forgive her own mother? How will it affect her children? What if she loses her family, too?
Waiting for Sunrise touches on many issues women may face within their lifetime: abuse, neglect, unforgiveness, and the tough decision to hold a child close or send her away in the name of protection. Eva Marie brings her gentle touch to a tough story and tells yet another tale containing the harsh realities of life.
The only difficulty I had with the novel was in following the double story. The years go by and are noted in bold print throughout the book. But the character viewpoints switched with a lightly noted hard break. Sometimes it took me a moment to catch whose viewpoint I was now reading. This, however, was the only thing I found challenging in reading Waiting for Sunrise.
Eva Marie Everson continues to be one of my favorite authors, and I look very forward to the final chapter of her Cedar Keys novels.
Waiting for Sunrise tells a double tale of abandonment and the feelings of neglect that coincide with the act.
Patsy Milstrap finds herself facing her past as she vacations with her husband in Cedar Key, Florida. Patsy’s mother put her on a bus when she was thirteen with no explanation as to why she had to leave. Harboring unforgiveness toward her mother has caused her to curl up inside of herself, unable to focus on life. Internally distant from her husband and children, Patsy struggles to find peace.
Meanwhile, her mother’s tale continues to play out through the eyes of Billy, Pasty’s youngest brother. Watching his father abuse his mother and his brother, Billy shows us just how far a mother’s love will go to protect her child.
Will Pasty ever be able to get beyond the feelings of abandonment she holds so far inside of her? What if Pasty can’t forgive her own mother? How will it affect her children? What if she loses her family, too?
Waiting for Sunrise touches on many issues women may face within their lifetime: abuse, neglect, unforgiveness, and the tough decision to hold a child close or send her away in the name of protection. Eva Marie brings her gentle touch to a tough story and tells yet another tale containing the harsh realities of life.
The only difficulty I had with the novel was in following the double story. The years go by and are noted in bold print throughout the book. But the character viewpoints switched with a lightly noted hard break. Sometimes it took me a moment to catch whose viewpoint I was now reading. This, however, was the only thing I found challenging in reading Waiting for Sunrise.
Eva Marie Everson continues to be one of my favorite authors, and I look very forward to the final chapter of her Cedar Keys novels.
February 14, 2016
An easy read with an ending that was a bit of a let down. The story is wrapped up in a satisfying ending, in that you know what happens, but you don't get to see what most of what the story I wanted to hear about looked like in the details.
This isn't a book I would typically pick up and was surprised that it was one I didn't hate. I wish the characters had been explored more deeply and that there had been more exploration of the character's relationships at the end than there was. It felt like it was written by a man at times - or an older woman who expected that all women would stay home with their children and be fulfilled. Because I couldn't identify with that kind of a character I never felt fully invested.
There is a strong religious tone to the story but wasn't heavy handed enough to interfere with my enjoyment. I think it was also the reason I didn't resonate with many aspects of the story (not being a religious person myself) and could explain why some things were unexplored since many who are religious are content with explaining things as being attributed to god's handiwork.
All in all, it was a nice story about children growing up in an abusive situation and finding ways to rise above it.
This isn't a book I would typically pick up and was surprised that it was one I didn't hate. I wish the characters had been explored more deeply and that there had been more exploration of the character's relationships at the end than there was. It felt like it was written by a man at times - or an older woman who expected that all women would stay home with their children and be fulfilled. Because I couldn't identify with that kind of a character I never felt fully invested.
There is a strong religious tone to the story but wasn't heavy handed enough to interfere with my enjoyment. I think it was also the reason I didn't resonate with many aspects of the story (not being a religious person myself) and could explain why some things were unexplored since many who are religious are content with explaining things as being attributed to god's handiwork.
All in all, it was a nice story about children growing up in an abusive situation and finding ways to rise above it.
May 21, 2023
This book was really good. It dealt with mental health and depression in the 50’s and 60’s It showed pictures of functional and dysfunctional families and the effects on people very realistically. I also thought the inner thoughts and feelings of the person struggling were well done
June 19, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson
After Reading Chasing Sunsets, the first book in this series, I was excited and waiting to read “Waiting for Sunrise.” The main character in this second book is Patsy Milstrap, whom we met in Chasing Sunsets. Patsy and her husband Gil are on the way to Cedar Key for a vacation, but what Gil is really doing is trying to get Patsy away in order to find help with dealing with her past. Even though Patsy is married to a wonderful man with
Again, Eva Marie Everson writes a wonderful story with characters that readers grow to love and believe as though they are real. She writes Patsy’s story in a way that seems so real, I was wanting to pray for Patsy daily as I read this book! I love the beach setting, and Cedar Key sounds just like the place anyone needs to go for healing. And Gil is adorable, and his love for Patsy is so very heartwarming, he was willing to do anything to get help for his wife. And Patsy knew he was trying so hard, it must have hurt her so to know he loved her and was trying to help her. One thought I had as I was reading was that wouldn’t it be wonderful if all husbands and wives had that unconditional love for each other, just as God has for us. Marriages would be able to survive if this were true. This book truly shows the true real love in a marriage that could have easily fallen apart. A love that grows through the difficult times, not one that is torn down. The author had be crying a lot during this book, but I had to smile and even laugh at times as well. Eva Marie Everson is truly a gifted and talented author that will always be a favorite on my reading list.
I highly recommend this wonderful book for anyone to read and enjoy, and especially someone going through difficult situations such as someone trying to deal with their difficult past. Patsy’s story is sure to give you hope as you follow her journey.
Waiting for Sunrise by Eva Marie Everson
After Reading Chasing Sunsets, the first book in this series, I was excited and waiting to read “Waiting for Sunrise.” The main character in this second book is Patsy Milstrap, whom we met in Chasing Sunsets. Patsy and her husband Gil are on the way to Cedar Key for a vacation, but what Gil is really doing is trying to get Patsy away in order to find help with dealing with her past. Even though Patsy is married to a wonderful man with
Again, Eva Marie Everson writes a wonderful story with characters that readers grow to love and believe as though they are real. She writes Patsy’s story in a way that seems so real, I was wanting to pray for Patsy daily as I read this book! I love the beach setting, and Cedar Key sounds just like the place anyone needs to go for healing. And Gil is adorable, and his love for Patsy is so very heartwarming, he was willing to do anything to get help for his wife. And Patsy knew he was trying so hard, it must have hurt her so to know he loved her and was trying to help her. One thought I had as I was reading was that wouldn’t it be wonderful if all husbands and wives had that unconditional love for each other, just as God has for us. Marriages would be able to survive if this were true. This book truly shows the true real love in a marriage that could have easily fallen apart. A love that grows through the difficult times, not one that is torn down. The author had be crying a lot during this book, but I had to smile and even laugh at times as well. Eva Marie Everson is truly a gifted and talented author that will always be a favorite on my reading list.
I highly recommend this wonderful book for anyone to read and enjoy, and especially someone going through difficult situations such as someone trying to deal with their difficult past. Patsy’s story is sure to give you hope as you follow her journey.
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June 10, 2012I've been waiting for this book to release ever since I finished Everson's Chasing Sunsets. I first got hooked on Everson's writing when I read This Fine Life.
Everson tackles some very tough issues in this novel without making it a total downer. Instead of the romanticized life, her characters are authentic, believable and easy to relate to...the way every character should be, right? Throughout this novel characters deal with the fallout of abusive childhoods and mental illness as well.
In this novel Everson utilizes flashbacks to keep the plot moving as well as keeping it interesting. I love that Everson excels at writing about ordinary people doing ordinary things with the same problems that many people deal with, but don't talk about.
In an age where many Christian authors are not talking about the hard subjects, it's encouraging to read work from an author who broaches such topics with class and grace while maintaining the integrity of the storyline.
While this is the "second" book in the Cedar Key Novels it can by all means be read alone, though if you haven't read Chasing Sunsets yet, I propose it be your next read!
I received a copy of this title for review purposes from Revell Publishing a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
Everson tackles some very tough issues in this novel without making it a total downer. Instead of the romanticized life, her characters are authentic, believable and easy to relate to...the way every character should be, right? Throughout this novel characters deal with the fallout of abusive childhoods and mental illness as well.
In this novel Everson utilizes flashbacks to keep the plot moving as well as keeping it interesting. I love that Everson excels at writing about ordinary people doing ordinary things with the same problems that many people deal with, but don't talk about.
In an age where many Christian authors are not talking about the hard subjects, it's encouraging to read work from an author who broaches such topics with class and grace while maintaining the integrity of the storyline.
While this is the "second" book in the Cedar Key Novels it can by all means be read alone, though if you haven't read Chasing Sunsets yet, I propose it be your next read!
I received a copy of this title for review purposes from Revell Publishing a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2014
A sad tale of abuse, neglect, resentment and forgiveness told largely through the eyes of Patsy. The author vividly describes how wounds we desire to leave in the past can be carried on to the future to our children if not death with in time. A visit to cedar Kay with her husband gives patsy the hidden answers she longed for her entire life. Did her mother really leave her for her own good? Why she had to face her own wedding without her biological mother by her side? If she could have prevented her step father from brutally beating and a using her mother? And ultimately what happened to her brothers Harold and Billly. In a beautifully told story full of suspense, serene scenery and lush wildflowers lies secrets and past neglect and the pain people sometimes feel when abandoned and left all alone..
June 21, 2016
Second book of this Cedar Key series was just as good as the first. Started it this morning and finished it this evening. One more to go. Will be starting the third one in a couple of minutes when I crawl in bed. Will have to seek out more books by this author. Love Christian fiction.
May 7, 2015
A beautiful story of love and grace and faith. I read through my tears, not because I was sad (though there are sad parts) but because I was so moved by the story and the characters.
April 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It's a nice easy read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The author does a good job of shedding light on issues like domestic violence and mental illness.
July 3, 2015
Faith can support us and carry us through some of the toughest times in life. This belief and the true love of family is demonstrated throughout this story.
October 27, 2020
The writing is actually better than most books of this type and at times I thought it would be a four or even a 3.5. However the end is as if the spinner had taken all of the strands of a rich tapestry, gathered them together, tied them in a knot and said "finished". The characters are developed slowly and we see their pains and struggles and victories Gilbert becomes a supportive attentive husband only after he has blissfully ignored his wife's pain and struggles and she finally collapses.
We are really only given insight into two characters and one feels abandoned and the other wonder why he was not sent away. This is a rich topic that could have been explored and discussed from both sides. I would have loved to see them sit down and talk this out as two adults but their reunion is rushed and only surface deep.
I would read more books by this author and recommend this book, but I feel as if I was somewhat deprived of so much more that could have been included.
We are really only given insight into two characters and one feels abandoned and the other wonder why he was not sent away. This is a rich topic that could have been explored and discussed from both sides. I would have loved to see them sit down and talk this out as two adults but their reunion is rushed and only surface deep.
I would read more books by this author and recommend this book, but I feel as if I was somewhat deprived of so much more that could have been included.
January 20, 2020
3.5 stars, really. Had the ending not felt so rushed and full of extra sad, just to be sad, I'd have given it 4. I liked this one better than the first one, actually. Maybe because my mom had a similarly upsetting childhood and then also had five children? That could be it. It just seems more well-written, until the end, I guess. I like these books because they're easy reads and good stories. Very sad, though. Be prepared.
June 22, 2021
I liked the first in this series better than this #2. I will still be reading #3. This was a nice jaunt through the early 20th century and the child care gymnastics some families went through. This story explores its impact on the grown adults - weaving a touching story of their connections lost. It explores lasting love, abandonment, and recovery. I love a clean romance with plenty of heart-stopping drama. This was it.
June 4, 2018
Why a pleasant surprise
When I first purchased this book it was expecting a continuation of the first Cedar Keys novel and was surprised to see it was all about Patsy’s past. In the end I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. What a lovely surprise. I highly recommend this book.
When I first purchased this book it was expecting a continuation of the first Cedar Keys novel and was surprised to see it was all about Patsy’s past. In the end I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. What a lovely surprise. I highly recommend this book.
May 28, 2020
I'll be the first to admit this book had some flaws. The author skipped over things that shouldn't have been skipped and just jumped to the next step (instead of actually resolving it). That said, I liked it a lot. I enjoyed reading it and will read other books set in Cedar Key. (This is book #2)
November 28, 2022
Another refreshing book
Once again, I embarked upon a 'light story' and founder myself enjoying it. I was a bit disappointed as I bought the second book to see where the main character of the 1st book was going. This book actually developed a secondary character and her life in Cedar Key.
Once again, I embarked upon a 'light story' and founder myself enjoying it. I was a bit disappointed as I bought the second book to see where the main character of the 1st book was going. This book actually developed a secondary character and her life in Cedar Key.
July 28, 2023
I liked the ending but the middle was confusing and somewhat slow. This is the story of Patsy whose mother gave her to another family at the age of 13. It is the story of a disfunctional family vs a loving family and the effects it has on Patsy.
August 9, 2017
Favorite in the series
November 4, 2017
I could hardly put the book down. Sad and stressful but a very touching story. Left me with a good feeling in the end.
March 12, 2018
Sad story but a good read. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars was the ending was a bit of a letdown and felt like there was more I wanted to know. It didn’t feel finished.
July 3, 2018
Very sad story but I liked the characters a lot, except Ira!
July 11, 2018
The book is great. The characters are believable. I think the ending could have been better. But it did make me cry and laugh and sigh.
December 23, 2021
Good book, riveting, well written, but extremely somber. Don't look for any light moments in this novel.
April 11, 2023
Hoopla ebook. Good series, may read all her books again.
April 29, 2023
I did not like this one as well as the first book in the series. I felt it dragged at times. I will look into the next book, not sure if I will read it or not.
August 25, 2023
I really enjoyed the storytelling and writing of Patsy’s story in this book.
September 15, 2023
Good series hoopla e book
August 26, 2024
Great read in this 3 series of books ( No #2). Good depth of characters and moving story.
About to start the next book as I really enjoy this author.
About to start the next book as I really enjoy this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews