Chasing Sunsets

Angels Walking #2

by Karen Kingsbury

The moment was ending—Mary Catherine could sense it. She took a half step back and looked at him one last time, memorizing his face. "If..." Tears filled her eyes and she had to blink to see him clearly. "If I was going to love someone...it would be you."

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury comes the second novel in the Angels Walking series about divine intervention and the trials and triumphs of life: the dramatic story of a woman desperate to find deeper meaning in her life.

Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

Now Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with baseball coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodgers pitcher Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine's intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she's never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Inspirational and moving, Chasing Sunsets is the story of one woman's deep longings of the soul, and the sacrifices she's willing to make in search of healing.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Audiobook, Romance, Inspirational, Contemporary

316 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...

Reviews

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is 'Wow!' As I've said before, there is a reason Karen Kingsbury is my favorite author and she did NOT disappoint me with this second book in the Angels Walking series.
This book touched me in many ways, a lot of it deeply rooted in experiences and trials in my own life. I found myself tearing up in many moments throughout the book and my heart was racing at times, as I feared what was going to happen next. I seriously can't wait to get my hands on book number three to see how this series continues.
Thank you Karen for your wonderful gift of writing! ❤️

[Callie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, three recent reviews with three stars and under. I'm starting to think I'm just in a bad book mood, at least when it comes to this book. I really enjoy Kingsbury's novels overall, but for some reason I found this one irritating.

This book kept me reading as we followed Marcus Dillinger, a major league baseball player who is trying to form a community center for at-risk kids. He is also intrigued by Mary Katherine, but Mary Katherine is hiding a secret of her own - she is dying, and she doesn't want Marcus to fall for her.

Kingsbury always knows how to keep a plot moving, so that wasn't an issue with this book. I think the problem for me was the characters, in particular Mary Katherine. I just felt like she was being ridiculous. She was creating her own problems and drama in this book by not just telling people about her health problems, and it made me mad that she kept leading Marcus on only to push him away. It was under the guise of being selfless, because she didn't want him to love her if she was going to die, but I really think she was just being selfish. He deserved to know the truth and make his own decision. Her unrealistic medical expectations (i.e.. "My doctors tell me to be careful with adrenaline because of my heart, but I'm going to skydive and swim with sharks and nothing bad will ever happen to me" - okay, she didn't say that, but it seemed to be her attitude), and her harping on natural eating (so adrenaline won't have an affect on your heart, but sugar will?) just overall annoyed me. Not to mention that her attitudes about these different things seemed conflicting. I just didn't understand her, she didn't seem like she could be a real person to me, so I had a hard time relating to her as a character.

I'll probably still read the final book in this series, because the larger plot line with the angels is interesting and I still want to see what happens.

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the second book in the Angels Walking series and just as excellent as the first book.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The core of this story was fantastic. I loved seeing the battle between good and evil presented in the following ways: a baseball player trying to change the inner city; a gang leader’s girlfriend choosing between what’s normal for teens in her neighborhood and an unknown, but better, future; and a woman with a dire health issue figuring out how God wants her to best spend whatever time she has left.

What disturbed me about this story was how humanized the angels were. They experienced anger, revenge, sin, and other human emotions and choices. This was very misleading, as angels are NOT humans and, thus, do not experience life in the same ways that humans do.

Content: teen sex mentioned, alcohol, child rape mentioned, drugs

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touched me. This was the second in a series about Angels Walking. It brings back the characters from book 1 but there is so much more to this book. It is a book about gangs, the hopeless, the believers, God, miracles, and the list goes on and on. Can't wait for book 3.

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
I didnt fall instantly in love with mary Catherine and marcus as i did with sammy and tyler. But still a cute novel and i am very hopeful for the final book.
By the end i did love them and their journey and how their lives intertwined and a new aspect on love and Gods plan.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Sunsets is book #2 in the Angels Walking series. Haven't read Angels Walking? Don't worry! You will be able to follow the story here without any problems. However, I highly recommend reading Angels Walking to have the background stories behind the main characters.

If you read Angels Walking then you've been introduced to Mary Catherine, Marcus, Sami and Tyler. Chasing Sunsets is Mary Catherine's and Marcus' story.

Mary Catherine grew up in a comfortable home and wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with Tyler Ames and LA Dodger Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine's intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

Chasing Sunsets opens with an angels meeting in Heaven. This image is what has stayed with me from the first book in the series. I absolutely love the image of God's helpers joining together to watch over and help us! This time they are together to protect and guide Mary Catherine and Marcus.

As with all other Kingsbury books you should consider reading Chasing Sunsets in the privacy of your home ... unless you don't mind sobbing in front of strangers! As always, Karen grabs me emotionally and doesn't let go until I've read the last page.

What I take away from Chasing Sunsets is this ... bad things happen, but evil doesn't come from God. We will never understand the heartache of this world. We have to remember to call upon Jesus, he will be there for us. The enemy will win some battles, but not the war. Hearing the angel, Jag say "In Jesus name" gave me chills every time.

What will happen with Mary Catherine and Marcus? Book 3 will hopefully hold the answers as Karen leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger!

Chasing Sunsets is another Kingsbury hit! I highly recommend it.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

P.S. Read Karen's letter to the reader at the end of the book. She tells about her own angel encounter ... I was in tears again!

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of angels and how the intercede with God‘s love in very difficult situations. This book focuses on intercity gang wars and sickness, just to mention a couple.

Like most of Kingsbury’s books, she has made it very easy to read and enjoy.

[Melanie Kilsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury writes her version on Frank Perretti! That is how I would sum up this book. There was a lot or Realism here which I so appreciated. It tells of the raw realities that teens have to face and the thin veil of how God tries to work within our own will. It was very interesting for sure!

I had to give this book a higher rating because of the relationship issues. I was hoping for a more clear christian response from some of the christian characters represented in the book. There was kissing before dating even, which I found odd. There was also no accountability for some of the new relationships forming and some sensitive descriptions to intimacy. Because of that, I rated this lower and raised the age restriction.

Though, I have to say, there was a clear message of Christian faith and coming to Christ! As well as at the end of the book she clearly states her heart for Jesus and the ministry and I love how she gives away free Bibles for those who need them. She details also how this book was written from her own "Angels Walking" experience, which I can relate to.
17+

Recommended as an Adult Contemporary Christian Fiction Novel

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the Angels Walking series. I am loving this series and Karen's writing!

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chasing Sunsets" is a moving follow-up to "Angels Walking", one that had me gripping the pages one minute and battling tears the next. Mary Catherine is an incredible character, one that will inspire you with her selflessness, but also perhaps make you wish you could reach into the pages and talk some sense into her about some of her decisions too! Professional ball player Marcus Dillinger is an equally likeable character, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching his transformation over the pages of this story. Add in some romantic tension between Marcus and Mary Catherine, and readers are sure to be hooked! But I think what I love most about this story is the way the angels interact not only with these characters, but with the dark side of Los Angeles as well, particularly as they are launching the youth centre in the heart of gang territory. There are some truly suspenseful scenes that had me racing through the pages to see how things work out, and while of course I can't say for sure whether angels act in the manner they do in this fictional book, there were many times I was left hoping they do!

Readers will not only be wonderfully entertained by the moving drama contained in the pages of "Chasing Sunsets", and not only captivated by the romance playing out scene after scene, but be left thinking about the impact their own lives are having. Are we making a huge difference in the lives of the lost and the hurting like Marcus and Mary Catherine and their friends are? Are we remembering the power of prayer, and so petitioning God to move in the world around us and bring hope where there is none? I, for one, can heartily recommend this book not only to Karen Kingsbury's already large fan base, but for anyone looking for a great contemporary fiction read that will lift their hearts and stir their minds.

I can't wait to find out where this series goes next! I award "Chasing Sunsets" 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Howard Books (Simon & Schuster Canada), for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another inspiring KK novel, gorgeously written, plainly spoken and immersed in the Holy Spirit. l can brecome a better person by reading it. Lovely story continues... Which is my only complaint. This book has a heck of a cliffhanger at the end.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great read from beloved author Karen Kingsbury.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury is the second book in the Angels Walking series and the first book I've read by Karen Kingsbury.

This is a romance with a supernatural twist as heaven works through an 'angels walking team' makes the connection to happen which is apparently vital for the future. It's an intriguing idea (though I enjoyed Ian Acheson's supernatural thriller, Angelguard, more – a similar concept with more immediate major stakes). Mary Catherine's struggle with a life-threatening (hidden) health issue raised some interesting questions and I particularly liked Marcus Dillinger as a character and the issues around the setting up of the Youth Centre and the program to help new young offenders. However, I struggled to connect with the romance plot and felt let down by the cliff hanger ending. I think, for me the 'angels walking' concept would have worked better without having the romance as the major mission and with more focus Marcus’s youth centre and Lexie and her struggles with the romance more woven in and introduced with great subtlety.

[Ann Mulholland · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't put it down

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Angels have a tough job for their current assignment. Mary Catherine has a serious health issue, and she has determined that while she will enjoy a full life, she won't open herself up to the possibility of love. But when pro ballplayer Marcus enters her life her conviction becomes so much harder to keep. New to his faith, Marcus is drawn to Mary Catherine's enthusiasm and the strength of her faith. By their sides are Sami, Mary Catherine's best friend and Sami's boyfriend Tyler. They are committed to the success of the youth center opened by Marcus in a gang invested neighborhood. Shootings are far too frequent, and the girls are treated like property of little value. Can good and Angel intervention defeat the evil that is everywhere?
I liked that the book dealt with the issue of gang violence, and programs to give hope to those who want out. I felt, though, that Mary Catherine's decision to not share her health problems seemed dishonest and not befitting of her character. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Really 3.5 stars.

[Carmen Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury's Chasing Sunsets took me by surprise. I am not sure what I expected but a story about angels was not it. I was entranced and could not put it down. After reading it I realized this was book two in a series. I can attest to the fact that this book stands alone but was thrilled to purchase the first one and dig it.

I am now a Karen Kingsbury fan and if you havent read anything by her, I suggest you start with this series. If you already are a fan, then you are sure to be delighted. It is a faith based book but don't let that deter you if you are not a fan of Christian fiction. It is a great premise.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Howards Books for the opportunity to read in exchange for this review.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt Karen Kingsbury's fans will eat this up like its the best thing ever. For me however, it fell short. I'm not a fan of overly dramatic sad fiction but I've accepted her books are like that and I read her rarely (just preference) however, while I loved the first book in the series you should know this book leaves you completely hanging. There is no happy ending, there is no completion at all. Total.hanging. Also I found myself bothered beyond belief by Mary Catherine REFUSING to tell Marcus the truth about her health. In fact she never does. Her reasoning is stupid, imo. I'm now on the fence on reading the final book :/

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury's 2nd novel in Angels Walking series, Chasing Sunsets, was inspiring.
Divine interventions, triumphs, and turning your life over to God was enhanced in this heartbreaking book. Mary Catherine lives life as if it's her last, because it Very well could be with her failing heart.
Marcus Dillinger wants to give back to others through helping as God would want him too.
Danger lurks and his days are numbered too, but will two very special angels watch over these two and lead them down the path God has chosen?
Truly an inspiring book that will leave you believing.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time I rated a book 1 star for anything other than rage triggers, but the writing here is just...so...very not good, on top of being plagued by the most ostentatious, cheesy and over the top televangelist-level proselytizing that I was howling roughly every other page. ("Leave! IN THE NAME OF JESUS" is gonna be my new catch phrase)

I suffered through in order to have context for the book I really want, with Mary Catherine and everything about her heart condition, because she is a beautiful light amidst the drudgery, but wow.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Catherine receives devastating news from her doctor. Her future is altered, one that forces her to make a rash decision.

I love this series. It takes me deeper into the love of God, and the Bible. Angel do walk among us, that I believe.

As always Karen creates characters that the reader grows to love. The plot kept me reading and thinking when I wasn't reading.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a lot of Christian fiction but this one was too much even for me. It was extremely preachy and the use of "In Jesus's name" was excessive. It was just too much.

I liked the storyline in general. 2.5 stars

[Vicki Klemm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry, but I couldn’t get past the beginning of the book where the author is praising every member of her family with religious fervor. I couldn’t get to the actual book. I was attempting to listen while on a long drive and the beginning irritated me and I couldn’t listen any more.

[Matambrn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I refuse to read another Karen Kingsbury book. I cannot stand the decisions she has her characters make. They are unrealistic and downright stupid.

[Patreesha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost feel I shouldn't review this book as it is aimed at a certain type of person who will truly love it -- not me. Painfully dragging and dry.

[Rianna *Hermione* B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've wanted to try Christian fiction out. This was such a hard-hitter. The guy who the main character is trying to avoid is a baseball player. lol
Rating PG-13.. just because the content was intense. There is no cursing.

At first, I thought, gangs... uhh. what? You're trying too hard. Then I remembered that I visited the LA Dream Center for the past 2 years on a mission trip, and I realized this stuff is definitely happening: Gang violence & teenagers falling into this 'fame' death trap on the streets. It's sickening. I related to the main character, Mary Catherine, pretty often. She avoided this guy thinking "nope, he's too cool & handsome. He's got tons of other ladies he'd rather be around." She also serves with youth/ teenagers. She had a lot of similar thoughts that I do when around an attractive guy. lol. I related to her spirit of doing things, not caring what other people would possibly say.
I don't have a medical ailment (to my knowledge) that may cause a real issue if I get in a serious relationship, but sometimes I feel like there could be. It's weird, but anyway.
Back to the story, I found myself really enjoying it. I hate the violence in it, but it wasn't exorbitant or anything. It all made the story believable and helped get the desparateness and ruthlessness that is happening in LA & other cities. It stresses how important prayers are, how each person makes a difference, and puts this idea of God assigning angels that appear as humans. That was really cool. It reminded me of "Touched By an Angel" (tv show in the '90s).
I liked having the guy perspective, too. How much will they really do when they're intrigued by a lady & from the Christian PoV? It's really cool to hear/read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Angels Walking Series was just as good as the first. This one focused more on Mary Catherine and Marcus Dillinger. He has just opened a youth center in an unsavory neighborhood in the midst of two rival gangs, but in a way, this is a perfect spot for the center as it will hopefully be a venue where the troubled teens can gather and be encouraged to change their lifestyles. Mary Catherine hopes to keep her distance from Marcus since she is struggling with some personal issues. The ending of the book left things open to develop more in the third and final book of the season, but Mary Catherine is determined to hold Marcus at arms length. It will be interesting to see what develops. As in the first book, this one is filled with angels encouraging everyone and the principle characters stepping out in faith and developing more of a Christian life with prayer becoming a key component of their lives. Very uplifting!

[LINDA BOURG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another amazing book by Karen Kingsbury. I have to say this is one of my all time favorites. It had a little bit of an edge to it with street gangs and the angels on assignment. At times my eyes were clouded with tears and i could hardly read the page. Karen Kingsbury is good a writing tear jerkers.
I fell in love with the characters i was soooooooo engrossed in the story the book was hard to put down. I felt like i was part of the story and i was fighting evil and praying right along with them. I can not wait to read the next one in this series i just ordered it. It needs to get here ASAP i need to know what happens with Mary Catherine.
This is why this author is my favorite.

[Loredana Mariana Bublitchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Jocul îngerilor” și “Un licăr de speranță” au fost titlurile ce mi-au ținut companie duminica aceasta, le-am citit pe amândouă în doar câteva ore, le-am ales acum pentru că știam că-mi permite timpul să le binge-uiesc, deși le-am amânat încă de anul trecut 🙈. Nu am simțit că e momentul lor, dar am zis că acum e timpul, aveam mood de ceva ușor, care să nu mă solicite foarte mult psihic și asta am primit ☺️.

Cele două volume fac parte din trilogia ce poartă numele primului volum, “Jocul îngerilor”, și spun poveștile a patru personaje, în primul sunt protagoniști Tyler și Sami, iar în cel de-al doilea Marcus și Mary Catherine. Fiecare personaj este pus la grele încercări, au parte de piedici în viață, se luptă cu problemele, dar își doresc să dea ce au mai bun din ei pentru a le merge bine și a fi fericiți.
Multe nu vreau să vă împărtășesc, să nu mă scape vreun porumbel 🫢 și să spoiler-esc totul, dar poveștile sunt unele emoționante, din care poți trage diverse învățăminte, vorbesc despre durere și respingere, despre regăsire și a doua șansă, fie că este la iubire sau la viață. Destinele celor patru personaje se împletesc și sunt influențate, mai mult sau mai puțin de îngeri, de aici si micile inserații despre credință în poveste.

Nu pot spune că sunt fană a acestui gen, dar să mai ies din zona de confort prinde bine și mă bucur că am avut ocazia de a citi aceste două volume datorită celor de la @actsipoliton 🤗.
Al doilea volum m-a lăsat cu multe semne de întrebare, dar bănuiesc încotro o va lua povestea, însă rămâne să-mi confirme sau nu bănuiala volumul trei, atunci când îi va veni timpul ☺️.

[Alexa Bombich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is so easy to relate to and is so well captured. I’ve always believed in angels but this series makes me want to believe this is how it works. It may be a work of fiction but it doesn’t mean it isn’t real and I choose to believe it is. It’s something the human mind can understand.