Beyond the Setting Sun

Raspberry Ridge #6

by Jessie Gussman

Birdie Pollock just rented a beach house for the summer. She needed to get away from the noise and the lights and the pressure…okay, she’s burnt out and can’t let anyone know. She has to be back to full speed by fall when her big American tour kicks off.

Wesley Moffett is burnt out. He’s lying low after the last game of the hockey season, and trying to write the book his agent is demanding from him.

He used to love hockey, but that love turned to hate and he never did like writing. It’s going to be the worst summer ever. Unless he can con his next-door neighbor into writing his book for him. He can’t teach her how to play hockey in return, but maybe there’s something else she wants…

Genres: Romance, Christian

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2024

Reviews

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grandfather and his grandson & a grandmother and her granddaughter, all hiding in Raspberry Ridge. A sweet inspirational story of how God works in their lives to bring Wes and Birdie together, and how their families complement and complete each other.

[Betty Almes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait til the next one

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book I have read by Jessie Gussman. She writes Christian romance books that always has a lesson in them that I believe God wants her to share. The book is not preachy as some would say. Just a gentle nudge. This book teaches us about following God's leading in our life, relationships, and family.
Beyond the Setting Sun is about two well know people with two different kinds of careers taking a break. God brings them together mostly through the grandparents who are living with them at first then own their own through friendship. I know if God want you with someone He will make it possible.
I recommend this book for everyone.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The residents of Raspberry Ridge never knew that hiding within their small beach town community in cabins side-by-side were two huge celebrities…and the two celebrities spent everyday together for several months and didn’t know for sure who each other were and they didn’t want to know as they fell in love with the real simpler versions of each other. Wesley “Wes” Moffatt, superstar of the professional Virginia Icebreakers hockey team, came to Raspberry Ridge to hide out during his suspension from the league due to bad behavior and to write his autobiography in hopes to repair his reputation. With him in his small cabin was his Gramps who had just lost his wife three months ago. Next door in another cabin was world-famous pop singer Birdie Pollock, known as Polly in the entertainment world, who came to Raspberry Ridge to hide out while trying to rest and recoup after a very long and stressful touring season and she needed to work on songs for her next album. Arriving to stay with her in a flashy red Ferrari was her Grams a go-getter, volunteering for everything and extraordinaire-you’re-not-leaving-empty-handed cook. Wesley might play for the Icebreakers but it will be Grams with her pie that will be breaking the ice between these four and the scene when she does had me chuckling several times.
This delightful Christian celebrity romance has its serious moments and its humorous moments. My favorite serious moment is when Wes and Birdie are on their horse ride and Wes explains what he feels is the biblical guidelines pertaining to dating and getting married. As is common for Jesse Gussman, she again delivers godly wisdom in the most down-to-earth way making it easily understandable and applicable. My favorite humorous scene is when Birdie and Wes have been “voluntold” to babysit Verne’s and Dominic’s six children, neither having had any experience with children before are literally thrown into the lion’s den but I absolutely loved the banter that went on between the two as “Jack and Jill” worked together to make sure the house didn’t burn down. The humorous witty side of Jesse Gussman showed through in this book often. Another highly recommended addition to the series.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Setting Sun is the fairytale love story of Wesley and Birdie. They have escaped their famous lives and both bought a cabin in Raspberry Ridge. She has cut her long hair and colored it to help keep her from being recognized. He has let his beard grow to disguise himself. When they arrived at their cabins is when they found out they would have neighbors. Wesley and his Gramps arrived just a few days before Birdie, and her Grams arrived soon after. Wesley and Gramps are starving from eating burnt food. Their are no restaurants in Raspberry Ridge so they have no choice but to eat what they cook. That is why Grams came was to make sure Birdie ate properly while resting. But with Grams coming, there will be little resting as she is like the Energizer Bunny having herself signed up to be doing something almost all her free time plus cooking for Birdie, Gramps, and Wesley. But the one thing that made Birdie and Wesley good together was they decided not to tell each other who they really was. This lets them act like normal people and they both are enjoying it.

This has got to be one of the funniest books of Jessie Gussman. There are moments that are written into this story that not just any famous person would allow themselves to be part of, but Wesley and Birdie does. They laugh at themselves, laugh at the job Grams signed them up to do, and try not to take themselves too seriously. She works on writing a song while he works on his autobiography. And they live in this innocent reality of not telling each other who they really are, but will that blow everything up in their face when they find out?

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie Pollack and her grandmother have bought a small cottage in Raspberry Ridge. It is a place where she can hide away from the millions of fans of her pop music. Birdie is a Taylor Swift type musician and she is desperate to be away from the crowds and stress, and has cut her hair, changed its color, and wears glasses to hopefully keep anyone from recognizing her. Wesley Moffat and his grandfather have rented the neighboring cottage where he is also hiding from his hockey fans. He is on suspension for causing a fight that resulted in injuries and he wants to be away from prying eyes.

It is just like God to bring these two together when they need it most. Birdie’s grandma is soon baking everyone apple pies and chicken dinners, and Wesley and Birdie find they can help each other with their writing projects. They do so without knowing their true identities so that they can have a “normal” friendship that isn’t based on money or fame. Attraction soon blossoms and they both discover what God may have in mind for them.

As with most of the stories in the Raspberry Ridge series, Jessie Gussman writes a gentle and romantic Christian story that looks at the importance of family, relationships, and following God’s leading.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unique book is about 2 young, very popular and talented people, who have hidden themselves away in tiny little Raspberry Ridge; the girl, “Birdie” with her Grams, is a pop superstar, and next door is Wesley, a famous hockey player, with his Gramps. They are both in disguise, Birdie has cut her hair really short, dyed it, and is wearing glasses. Wesley grew a beard, which is funny because, as a famous athlete, one of his sidelines was a razor advertisement spokesman! The guys were starving when Birdie and Grams showed up. Grams immediately started baking pies and inviting them to supper-every night-to which they quickly agreed! They start going to the small church together every Sunday. As the young people start hanging out at the beach, each supposedly being “authors” and writing, they talk about deep subjects, and get to know each other pretty well. Then, through Becky, a poor, young girl who is trying to start a beach horse service, they start riding horses on the beach, at twilight, under the setting sun. Neither had an idea that the Lord had placed them there, at this particular moment in time so that they could find their forever love. I have a feeling that Grams and Gramps are falling for each other, too…This is another MUST READ by the amazing Jessie Gussman! I am a member of the ARC team and this is my personal review of the book. 📖

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Raspberry Ridge, but this time you won't see many characters from previous books because both the hero and heroine are hiding out for the summer. While each of them is famous in their own fields, they don't know one another, and when meeting for the first time they realize that each one is hiding something. They agree not to ask questions, and this allows them to be their true selves, and share their honest thoughts and ideas. They also discover that they can help each other overcome writer's block. The simple times together with their amusing grandparents in the decrepit cottages they are trying to repair lead both of them question their careers and goals.
This is a lovely story about values and commitment, because he has higher standards than she has ever been exposed to before. This both frustrates and challenges her, and she has to choose how to respond. I enjoyed this book very much, particularly their discussions and the humor between them. I recommend it for the quality of the topics, and the unique storyline. This book is a standalone and HEA. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, insightful book was a joy to read. Birdie and Wesley are both famous people doing their best to hide out from the paparazzi and their fans. They both chose a small lakeside cabin in Raspberry Ridge, far away from busy tourist destinations, and definitely not the luxurious accommodations in which they would normally stay. Choosing not to tell each other their real identity or profession gives Birdie and Wesley a chance to get to know each other and to see the true person beneath the very public persona they usually wear. They have so much in common including both being raised by their grandparents, one of whom they still live with now. Birdie and Wesley also share a wish to be of service as well as a faith in God and his guidance. They help each other to relax and find inspiration for their writing task (his autobiography and her songs) while making the other feel heard and safe. Neither was looking for anything beyond a summer friendship, but God had other plans. I loved the humour, warmth and inspiration this book provides.

I will happily recommend this book the those who prefer sweet, clean Christian romance.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Beyond the Setting Sun' was entertaining. Its delightful plot was filled with renting a cottage, burning food, meeting the neighbors, making pies, bits of levity, writing a memoir, spirituality, hiding out, having aspirations, wanting a family, spending time together, gram's home-cooked meals, intimating at each other's careers, reminiscing about loved ones, signing up for church committee positions, meeting more townsfolk, giving a cooking lesson, relaxing and writing on the beach, trying to figure out each other's livelihood, babysitting, horseback riding, conversing pensively, pondering Christian values, oh no! A fractured leg, some interesting revelations, and a sweet proposal.
Moreover, Wesley (a professional hockey player on suspension) and Birdie (a world-famous pop singer) were the protagonists and gushed with chemistry. Grams and Gramps were a plus! Additionally, I liked the author's vivid descriptions, including imagery, figurative language, and perfect word choices that created an upbeat tone. Overall, I liked the scintillating narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wesley and Birdie each are trying to keep secrets—their identities—from one another. Wesley is a famous hockey player who is on suspension for the first month of the season and Birdie is a famous pop singer known internationally (like Taylor Swift). They have made some cosmetic changes to their appearances and although they look familiar to one another, they have agreed not to try to solve the mystery so that they can enjoy a friendship just like regular people while they are in hiding in cabins next door to one another. I really enjoyed the story of their romance and their awakening to what is really important in life. The secondary characters, Gramps (Wes’ grandfather) and Gram (Birdie’s grandmother) added a lot to the story with their lively personalties; they almost stole the show and I loved them. This book captured my attention from the first chapter and kept me entertained and thinking until the very end. I recommend it! I received an ARC from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two superstars choose Raspberry Ridge to hide out from paparazzi. One, Wesley Moffat, is a hockey superstar temporarily on suspension for brawling. The other superstar is Birdie Pollock who wants to rest and recover from her active music career. Birdie and Wesley discuss, and try to live biblical principles of dating with marriage in mind. I learn something new in each of Jessie Gussman's books, and this story is no different.

The following will give you an idea of the personality of Birdie's Grandmother (Gram): "And if she knew her Gram, she would sign up for every volunteer spot available where they would allow a nonmember to participate. And if they wouldn't allow nonmembers, Gram would join." It was mentioned that Gram was an Energizer Bunny. A fitting description. Wesley's Grandfather "Gramps" was an interesting character too.

I definitely recommend this clean, Christian romance with a tender happy-ever-after.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie and Wesley are both hiding out from their celebrity status while they clear their minds and recenter their lives. They just so happen to be neighbors. To protect their identities, they do not reveal clues about their lives prior to meeting each other. The beauty is that they get to know each other for who they are at that time in their lives without the pomp and circumstance of what high profile careers usually generate. Seeing each other at least twice a day brings them close. They are comfortable enough with each other to share their feelings, hopes and dreams. Will those be enough to allow them to pursue a relationship even though they both lead famous lives? Grab this book and find out! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.
P.S. This book made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes at the part where they were volunteered to watch younk children together. Great job, Jessie Gussman! That scene was priceless!

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie is a famous pop star who is burnt out. She buys a small cottage in Raspberry Ridge to hide away and rest up. Her Gram comes to stay with her. Wesley is a famous hockey star who got a little too aggressive on the ice when his grandmother died. He and Gramps have bought a cottage in Raspberry Ridge. He is writing an autobiography. HIs agent thinks it will help his image when the season starts again.

Birdie and Wes end up as neighbors. They know that the other has secrets. They agree to just be friends and not ask probing questions. Wes is hoping that Birdie will help him write his autobiography. Grams told Gramps that Birdie was a writer. She didn't mention that Birdie wrote songs. They get involved in the community and meet the people and become friends. A sweet and funny story. So many funny scenes with the townspeople.

I loved how they figure out who each other is in the end.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie grabbed her grandma and they went to o a secluded spot so Birdie could rest and relax. Birdie was a famous singer and she needed time away from the publicity. So they have rented this cabin where hopefully they could go unnoticed. Wesley and his grandpa were also hiding from the press and publicity. Wesley was a hockey player and he was trying to write a book. It was so funny because neither one of Birdie or Wesley would say what they did for a living. And, poor Wesley and his grandpa were starving for some good food. Neither one of them cooked very well! Luckily for them Nora’s grandma prided herself on her cooking and entertaining. I love this story and I want to know if in the future we will see a romance between the grandparents.

I received this ARC from the author,and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christian romance. Our main characters are celebrities incognito who bond over writers block (and their grandparents and food). It was a peaceful read taking place on the shores of a Lake Michigan and a small town.

I completely related to the small town church and needing volunteers. Gram sure is a go getter. Small town churches always need more hands and sometimes things go by the wayside. A lot of times it’s the same core people doing all of the things (and getting worn down). Gram is an inspiration.

Oh man. The kids. I was in stitches. So glad my chaos isn’t the height of imagination!

This was a lovely read and I’m loving how this series is going.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Amy Petrowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will their secrets tear them apart or bring them closer together?

Birdie and Wes each know the other is hiding something. Their secrets only make getting to know each other more fun. With so much hanging in the balance, can they put their faith in God and trust each other with the secret that could put an end to the beautiful relationship they are building?
I loved how honest this couple was even while keeping secrets. Their grandparents added a depth that was so much fun.
I’m not a fan of secrets, but the secrets in this book were what made it so great. And the fact that they were open about having secrets.
Just read the book. Even if you haven’t read any others in the series, you can read and enjoy this one.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story of two famous people meeting as neighbors on Raspberry Sands. Without recognition, they decide to know each other by only their first names to keep their privacy. Getting to know each other, they discussed many things, but often about their desires for the future. They made each other think and, as Christians, they often discussed God and what he wanted for them. Such a gentle story of two people learning to live as God intended while discovering that God’s way is best, although challenging. Their grandparents living with them provided good examples and the book was also humorous.
Received an ARC and this is my unsolicited honest review.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really touched me. Two people, Wesley and Birdie are both hiding from the public eye. Birdie is a pop superstar who is burned out and Wesley is a hockey player that is also going through some tough times. They end up in cabins right next to each other. They develop a friendship, even though they don't know who the other one really is. I loved how the author had them grow and learn to lean on God. This is a beautifully written story of two people that need God's help to get back on track and they do end up where they need to be.
I highly recommend this book. I did receive a copy from the author, but this review is my own opinion.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun premise for this story as two well know celebrities in their unique fields needed someplace to recharge for the summer. Raspberry Ridge became the place they both ended up, where no one realized who they were and they could just be real people as they rested from their busy schedules.
Their cabins were right next door and they couldn't avoid seeing each other so the situation actually brought them together.

Birdie Pollock is a well known pop singer who has a different stage name. She cut her hair and changed the color hoping to hide her identity. Her latest tour had burnt her out and she was physically exhausted. She just planned to rest and write new songs while her grams came to take care of her and cook for her.

Wesley Moffett got penalized from his Hockey team for starting some fights and was forced to take a break from the game. He was falling apart after the death of his grandmother who was like a mom to him and he was burnt out. He purchased the cabin in Raspberry Ridge and was trying to write the book his agent demanded from him. His gramps was also missing his wife and he came with him. Neither one of them could cook so they were desperate for a solution to burnt food. Birdie's gram loves to cook and give her food away so she sends a pie to her new neighbors then begins to invite them to join them for meals.

Birdie and Wes start to meet on the beach for writing sessions with the stipulation that they won't ask any questions about each other. As the summer passes they both progress in their writing and begin to have a connection.

With both their demanding schedules that had them constantly traveling would Birdie and Wes be able to continue their relationship after their summer in Raspberry Ridge ended?

I received a copy of this book form the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet romance for two celebrities, Birdie and Wes, who are in hiding for the summer in beach houses they bought in Raspberry Ridge not knowing their houses were side by side. Wes has his Grandfather with him and Birdie has her Grandma staying with her. When Gram arrives no one goes hungry and she introduces herself to the male neighbors by baking them a blueberry pie then inviting them for supper every night. I love these characters and there were several funny segments. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a clean Christian romance. It is especially enjoyable in audiobook format. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in Raspberry Ridge. What happens when two people who are trying to escape their fame for a little while end up spending the summer next to each other. This is how Birdie and Wesley come into each others life. Throw in a meddling adult living with each one of them and life takes a turn neither was expecting or looking for.
I enjoy the way these books always teach us lessons from the bible about how we should live our lives in a christian way. Sometimes these books give me a new and different way of looking at something that reminds me of places they I have been slipping in my life.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Jessie Gussman! Birdie Pollock and Wesley Moffat are two celebrities needing to hide out and away from the public eye. They just happen to be living next to each other in Raspberry Ridge. They both agree to not pry into each other’s lives and to keep their identities secret from each other. Both need to write, so they make a standing time to meet on the beach. As they become comfortable together, they express their feelings for each other. After Birdie’s gram has an accident and needs to be taken to the hospital, they realize who each other is. Can they still have a future together?

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Raspberry Ridge series by Jessie Gussman.
Wesley is a suspended hockey player who is in town to write his autobiography in hopes of helping his reputation so his career isn’t destroyed by his earlier actions.
Birdie is a world famous singer who Needs a break from her career to recharge her energy and emotions. Both have arrived in Raspberry Ridge with their grandparent and just happen to be neighbors.
They agree to not try and uncover each other’s secrets and discover how fun it is to help the other through their writer’s block.
God has a plan if you let Him.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not certain I can wait until the last book in the Raspberry Ridge series is published, and yet, I don't want the series to end! I discovered Jessie's books while working for my church library. These stories are not my usual historic, romantic, clean, Christian fiction, but, since I am a librarian, I thought I needed to branch out and read something different so that I can make thoughtful recommendations to our patrons. The Strawberry Sands series was the first series I picked up; I quickly devoured those, and moved on to this Raspberry Ridge offering.

The people and town are believable and lovely. Each episode leaves me smiling and wanting more. More, please, Jessie!

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out with a little different twist than the others in the series but it was a sweet story as it unfolded. I especially loved how God's plans and the Christian walk was threaded throughout the story. I always like series stories where characters from other books are in the story. This is a delightful community to read about. There are some humorous scenes and you will fall in love with the grandparents that are a part of the story. I hope we will see the main characters in the future!

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birdie, and Wesley both had major problems that they had to work out, Birdie overworking herself until she almost collapsed, turning, deathly pale, and loosing 10-15 pounds she didnt have to loose. Wesley lost his Grandmother that raised him as a mother, and never had the chance to grieve, also seeing his Grandad falling apart from the loss of the love of his life. His emotions snapped and took out his anger on his teammates or anyone opening thier mouth about him. Both needed time away from the public eye to reset and this is thier story that finds love. An excellent book that will touch your heart and is a definite five star for laughs and love

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story from Jessie Gussman. Birdie and Wesley are both well known in their chosen careers. Birdie is on the brink of burnout and Wesley hasn’t really been able to grieve the loss of his grandmother while worrying about his grandfather at the same time. They both retreat to Raspberry Ridge for solitude and recuperation. As neighbors Birdie and Wes strike up a friendship, but don’t confide in each other about their true notoriety. Will their new relationship be able to withstand the truth or will it fizzle at the end of the summer? Will the their faith help them make the correct decisions?
I received this story as an ARC and am giving my honest review.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two famous people hiding out away from their sand. Birdie is burned out she needs time away from her life to distress. Wesley, bad boy on the ice, was greeting for his grandmother that he had lost. He made some bad choices and was suspended for a month. They ended up buying cabins next-door to each other. Gramps and Wesley could not cook. Everything they cooked was burnt or dried out.Birdie’s grandmother comes to stay with Birdie in the cabin that she bought. Turns out Gram took a blueberry pie over to Wesley and Gramps as a neighborly jester. After that, Gramps and Wesley ate dinner with Birdie and Gram in return for some work around the house. Good clean Christian story. I do recommend the book. I love reading Jesse’s books.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of Birdie, a pop singer superstar and Wesley, a NHL hockey superstar. They both are hiding in the wonderful small town of Raspberry Ridge. I think if they had their way, they never would have met but with her gram and his gramps they were brought together daily. They didn’t tell each other what their careers were and just got to know each other by who they were out of the spotlight. Jessie Gussman writes stories with a gentle reminder of how to let God and faith help us to make the best decisions. This is another beautiful story that I really enjoyed reading!