Chasing Sunsets Down I-80

by Jennifer Birn, Dhani Jones

Frederic and Charlotte Rosenthal finally took their first steps toward a new life in Three Oaks, Michigan, when they boarded a boat bound for Ellis Island one year, six months, and eight days after the end of the Second World War. Holocaust survivors with barely a penny in their pockets, they feared so many unknowns, but what terrified them most was the birth of their first child, due only three months later. They weren't ready for what happened next.



Chasing Sunsets takes place over three generations, told through stories shared by Frederic and Charlotte's granddaughter Sarah Emma, in her conversations with Liam, a local reporter. It's a story laced with secrets, the good and the bad that lives inside us all, class divides, and family bonds. But most of all, it's an exploration of different kinds of love and how far we'll go for "what's best" for the ones we love.

318 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Kimberly Birn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Sunsets Down I-80 takes you on a transformative trip cross-country as well as through stages of life. Set against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic highways, the story follows characters as they search within their lives for meaning and closure. This book is a heartfelt and reminiscent road trip novel that captures the beauty of chasing dreams, healing old wounds, and finding yourself along the way. The writing is rich with emotional depth and vivid detail, making every roadside diner, motel stop, and sunset feel like part of something bigger to discover.
The characters grow not just because of where they are going but because of what they are willing to leave behind. As the characters travel westward on I 80, their emotional journeys unfold with depth and sincerity, making this a moving exploration of love, loss, and the power of starting over. Chasing Sunsets Down I-80 is a beautifully written journey you won’t want to end.

[Amber Feld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with a great twist I wasn't expecting!

[Doug Still · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! The story was emotionally engaging, and the characters were well-developed and three-dimensional. This is the perfect beach read: a compelling story with a touch of historical context. I highly recommend it for any reader who likes a quick read with substance.

[Jennifer Birn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book…Reading it, and writing it :)