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Cedar Key #1
Chasing Sunsets
Divorced mother of two, Kimberly Tucker travels to her family's vacation home on Cedar Key Island to try and reinvent herself and move on with her life.
373 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
353 people are currently reading
1840 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 217 reviews
March 14, 2012
Hate, hate, hate the ending. Left hanging by something that occurred in the past.
May 1, 2015
Though I don't read a lot of Christian fiction/romance novels these days I used to back when I was in college. I liked reading chaste romance novels since sometimes all I would read would be sex scene after sex scene with very little plot left over. A friend recommended this book to me since she thought I may enjoy since she reads nothing but Christian fiction books. However, this book was a struggle to get through from beginning to end and I really didn't enjoy it.
The main character Kimberly worked my nerves from beginning to end. Kimberly is still reeling from her divorce and trying to understand why her husband left her to apparently go off and "be with" other women. Kimberly is upset about her young son's seeing their father with so many other women. At first you think that Kimberly is jealous and there are shades of that. However, it was also because she doesn't believe in having sex if she's not married to the person which no problem if that's her belief. Her trying to enforce that behavior on her ex though was wrong and ends up making her look vindictive. Due to Kimberly not being able to see her sons for most of the summer goes down to her father's old vacation home in Cedar Key Island and runs into her long-lost love.
Kimberly just seems really naive about life in general. She apparently had a number of years teaching so she had to be around younger people and know all about addictions and other things that occur in others lives. She just appeared to have blinders on at all times about everything around here whether it was her ex, family, sister, ex-boyfriend, etc. And at times Kimberly was just thoughtless about what she said and even did when it came to a plot point involving her sister and brother-in-law.
I found myself more interested in Kimberly's sister's story-line than Kimberly forgiving her teenage boyfriend for going to college, falling for someone else, and breaking up with her. And yes that is the main plot. Kimberly forgiving her ex for breaking up with her almost 20 years ago and getting over her resentment of his now teenage daughter (I wish I was kidding).
We also had several shifts of points of view through the story and I found myself growing more and more disinterested as the story went on. One of the points of view was Kimberly's ex, Steven who we get to see through flashback how he came to meet and marry his first wife. It just didn't mesh very well with the overall story I think. Maybe this could have been a prequel to the series since it took away from the main plot of this book. We also have an ex-friend of Kimberly's who I thought was acting the way she was because of a potential story-line, but actually just acted horribly, because, reasons.
The writing was not that great in places and the pacing was off. I think that it dragged a bit because I think with so many plot elements Ms. Everson didn't know exactly what she should do with everything. I would also say that for a Christian novel there really didn't seem to be much information about Christianity besides people talking about it is Christian to forgive and some characters going to Church.
The setting of Cedar Key could have been anyplace in the world since it didn't really sound distinctive at all. If there are going to be future books in the series, Ms. Everson may want to include the local townspeople a bit more so that the reader can get a sense of the place.
The ending when it came just kind of happens. I think readers are supposed to think there was this great outcome, but the way I read it, is that things are sort of up in the air.
The main character Kimberly worked my nerves from beginning to end. Kimberly is still reeling from her divorce and trying to understand why her husband left her to apparently go off and "be with" other women. Kimberly is upset about her young son's seeing their father with so many other women. At first you think that Kimberly is jealous and there are shades of that. However, it was also because she doesn't believe in having sex if she's not married to the person which no problem if that's her belief. Her trying to enforce that behavior on her ex though was wrong and ends up making her look vindictive. Due to Kimberly not being able to see her sons for most of the summer goes down to her father's old vacation home in Cedar Key Island and runs into her long-lost love.
Kimberly just seems really naive about life in general. She apparently had a number of years teaching so she had to be around younger people and know all about addictions and other things that occur in others lives. She just appeared to have blinders on at all times about everything around here whether it was her ex, family, sister, ex-boyfriend, etc. And at times Kimberly was just thoughtless about what she said and even did when it came to a plot point involving her sister and brother-in-law.
I found myself more interested in Kimberly's sister's story-line than Kimberly forgiving her teenage boyfriend for going to college, falling for someone else, and breaking up with her. And yes that is the main plot. Kimberly forgiving her ex for breaking up with her almost 20 years ago and getting over her resentment of his now teenage daughter (I wish I was kidding).
We also had several shifts of points of view through the story and I found myself growing more and more disinterested as the story went on. One of the points of view was Kimberly's ex, Steven who we get to see through flashback how he came to meet and marry his first wife. It just didn't mesh very well with the overall story I think. Maybe this could have been a prequel to the series since it took away from the main plot of this book. We also have an ex-friend of Kimberly's who I thought was acting the way she was because of a potential story-line, but actually just acted horribly, because, reasons.
The writing was not that great in places and the pacing was off. I think that it dragged a bit because I think with so many plot elements Ms. Everson didn't know exactly what she should do with everything. I would also say that for a Christian novel there really didn't seem to be much information about Christianity besides people talking about it is Christian to forgive and some characters going to Church.
The setting of Cedar Key could have been anyplace in the world since it didn't really sound distinctive at all. If there are going to be future books in the series, Ms. Everson may want to include the local townspeople a bit more so that the reader can get a sense of the place.
The ending when it came just kind of happens. I think readers are supposed to think there was this great outcome, but the way I read it, is that things are sort of up in the air.
June 20, 2011
I got way more than I bargained for in this novel. Usually my reads aren’t as emotional as this one is. The post for Chasing Sunsets was supposed to have been up last week, but with my laptop getting hit with a bad virus I didn’t get to put it up so I am sorry and can only apologize to Revell and Eva Marie Everson. Back to the novel at hand, here is the synopsis:
“Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would. A divorced mother of two, Kim resents her ex-husband for moving on with his life and living it up while she struggles to understand what went wrong. When her sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim's own father suggests a respite in the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key Island. As Kim revisits her childhood memories and loves, she soon discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and mistakes--both past and present--become redeemable in God's hand.
Readers will be swept away to an island retreat where they walk alongside Kim as she discovers that God's answers may not come easily, but they do come. “
I am huge fan of this publisher, huge. I just am blown away at how they can blend modern life and its many foibles and combine that with belief in God and carry off not just a good read but a great read. Props to all from top to bottom! Eva Marie Everson took me on an emotional journey that I really wasn’t prepared for. The spectrum of emotions she was able to guide and pull me through left me wiped out at novel’s end. This not the same old same old here. My suggestion is that if you haven’t had a chance yet to get a read on this novel, go into with eyes, heart and soul wide open; it is much easier that way. The emotional white water of this novel may just sweep you away to places you haven’t ventured in quite some time.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye and the soon to be released “Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel. All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
“Kimberly Tucker's life hasn't turned out the way she thought it would. A divorced mother of two, Kim resents her ex-husband for moving on with his life and living it up while she struggles to understand what went wrong. When her sons end up spending five weeks of summer vacation with their father, Kim's own father suggests a respite in the family vacation home on tiny Cedar Key Island. As Kim revisits her childhood memories and loves, she soon discovers that treasures in life are often buried, and mistakes--both past and present--become redeemable in God's hand.
Readers will be swept away to an island retreat where they walk alongside Kim as she discovers that God's answers may not come easily, but they do come. “
I am huge fan of this publisher, huge. I just am blown away at how they can blend modern life and its many foibles and combine that with belief in God and carry off not just a good read but a great read. Props to all from top to bottom! Eva Marie Everson took me on an emotional journey that I really wasn’t prepared for. The spectrum of emotions she was able to guide and pull me through left me wiped out at novel’s end. This not the same old same old here. My suggestion is that if you haven’t had a chance yet to get a read on this novel, go into with eyes, heart and soul wide open; it is much easier that way. The emotional white water of this novel may just sweep you away to places you haven’t ventured in quite some time.
Things have changed around here. I am now the published author by Trestle Press of “I Have Chrome Balls, Don’t You?” an “In Between The Collaborations”, “Down Low- Dead” with Vincent Zandri, “The Jersey Shore Has Eyes” with Big Daddy Abel”, “G.S.I Gelati’s Scoop Investigations Psychotic Detectives” with Thomas White, “Who Whacked The Blogger” with Benjamin Sobieck,“Thad and The G-Man’s Most Awesome Adventure” with Thad Brown , “Hotel Beaumont” with B.R. Stateham, “Bring Us Your Living…Now!” with HR Toye and the soon to be released “Edge of Cataclysmic” with Big Daddy Abel. All the stories are available @ Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords. I am also the host of the wildly popular The G-ZONE blogtalk radio show. Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
June 13, 2011
“Do you remember those things we used to play with as kids? You’d draw on them and then shake them and everything would disappear?”
“An Etch A Sketch?”
“Yes. An Etch A Sketch. Sometimes I wish life were like one of those.”
“Just shake and start over . . .”
This conversation from Eva Marie Everson’s latest novel, Chasing Sunsets, illustrates what many of us experience in real life: reaching a point in our personal histories where we’re longing for a do-over. This is the central desire of the main character, heart-broken divorcee Kimberly Tucker, and many of the secondary characters she encounters when she spends the summer on idyllic Cedar Key Island.
Happily, some of those desires are realized as Eva Marie Everson reminds us that Christ is still in the business of making all things—and people—new. Characters receive forgiveness, new beginnings, and second chances at love as they draw closer to the Lord and allow Him to work in their hearts and lives. There’s lots of family drama, a sweet romance, poignant flashbacks, and great descriptions of the sea, the beach, and the sunsets.
My favorite character in the book was Patsy, the seventy-eight year old woman who is computer savvy enough to facebook with her grandson and yet has My Utmost for His Highest, a Daily Guideposts devotional, and a well-used Bible piled up on her nightstand. The intriguing glimpse into her past made me eager for the second book in the Cedar Key series, which will reveal Patsy’s life story.
Chasing Sunsets is not a light read, but to me, it’s a true beach read. Perhaps because I teach and our school year ends in June, I find this slower-paced time of year more conducive to making resolutions than January 1st. So I can totally relate to characters who find that a beach in the Gulf is the perfect place to re-examine their lives, allow God to point out the areas that need to change, and then use the rest of the summer days to gear up for a new year and a changed life.
“An Etch A Sketch?”
“Yes. An Etch A Sketch. Sometimes I wish life were like one of those.”
“Just shake and start over . . .”
This conversation from Eva Marie Everson’s latest novel, Chasing Sunsets, illustrates what many of us experience in real life: reaching a point in our personal histories where we’re longing for a do-over. This is the central desire of the main character, heart-broken divorcee Kimberly Tucker, and many of the secondary characters she encounters when she spends the summer on idyllic Cedar Key Island.
Happily, some of those desires are realized as Eva Marie Everson reminds us that Christ is still in the business of making all things—and people—new. Characters receive forgiveness, new beginnings, and second chances at love as they draw closer to the Lord and allow Him to work in their hearts and lives. There’s lots of family drama, a sweet romance, poignant flashbacks, and great descriptions of the sea, the beach, and the sunsets.
My favorite character in the book was Patsy, the seventy-eight year old woman who is computer savvy enough to facebook with her grandson and yet has My Utmost for His Highest, a Daily Guideposts devotional, and a well-used Bible piled up on her nightstand. The intriguing glimpse into her past made me eager for the second book in the Cedar Key series, which will reveal Patsy’s life story.
Chasing Sunsets is not a light read, but to me, it’s a true beach read. Perhaps because I teach and our school year ends in June, I find this slower-paced time of year more conducive to making resolutions than January 1st. So I can totally relate to characters who find that a beach in the Gulf is the perfect place to re-examine their lives, allow God to point out the areas that need to change, and then use the rest of the summer days to gear up for a new year and a changed life.
July 20, 2016
Book review
Good book. You never know if you seek out your past what you may learn about yourself and others. God id directing our lives. He is showing us the way.
Good book. You never know if you seek out your past what you may learn about yourself and others. God id directing our lives. He is showing us the way.
December 8, 2016
Christian fiction is an interesting genre. You can trust that it will be clean, but you can't trust that it will be well written. This one was okay. Not really good enough for me to keep reading the series though. Maybe that is partially due to the subject matter, which was divorce and custody wars.
June 26, 2014
Not a huge fan of all the divorce and remarriage drama this book includes. It wasn't terrible, but I don't think I liked it much either. There wrre too many different character's flashbacks, and the one that ended the book made it even more confusing. Not sure if it's worth finishing the series.
September 10, 2017
Secrets, wrong choices, and jealousy can change people's lives forever. But second chances can redeem them. Four sisters, Kimberly, Heather, Ami and Jayme-Leigh, are all affected and make choices based on what happens to them in their formative years. Kimberly returns to the family's summer home in Cedar Key at her dad's request after her divorce while her 2 sons are spending time with their father in order to find a new caretaker. She does not know that her first love, Steven, has returned to Cedar Key to take care of his ailing father. Her best friend, Rosa, is now married, working as a real estate agent, and living in Cedar Key as well. The tangled past begins to unravel as Kimberly stays and begins to fall in love with Cedar Key all over again.
This book contained a depth of character and emotion as the secrets, wrong choices, and jealousy begin to unravel and truth begins to heal Kimberly's family and her relationships with Steven and Rosa. Steven's honesty and faith was evident in his renewing relationship with Kimberly. The fact that they both were willing to take their relationship slowly and consider their children was nice. Kimberly definitely grew and matured as she realized that she had lived her life very much as a controlling/fix-it person. I loved Patsy, the elderly next door neighbor. Her spirit and wisdom were both important to the change in Kimberly.
I felt that the flashback at the end definitely left several sub-plots hanging which caused me to give this book a 3.5 instead of a 4. In order to find out what happened with any of them, the reader is forced to read the second book. I would have liked to see at least one of the sub-plots brought to a conclusions.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "My eyes took in....a thick, white-leather Bible with a tattered cover and pages dislodged from the spine. I couldn't help but think that God must find this the most beautiful book of all--His Word read so many times, it looked abused."
"If you let go and let God, as the old saying goes, everything really will work out okay."
"I'd come to realize that not all of life was in my control, that some things happen seemingly for all the wrong reasons but, in reality, for all the right. If only we let go and let God."
This book contained a depth of character and emotion as the secrets, wrong choices, and jealousy begin to unravel and truth begins to heal Kimberly's family and her relationships with Steven and Rosa. Steven's honesty and faith was evident in his renewing relationship with Kimberly. The fact that they both were willing to take their relationship slowly and consider their children was nice. Kimberly definitely grew and matured as she realized that she had lived her life very much as a controlling/fix-it person. I loved Patsy, the elderly next door neighbor. Her spirit and wisdom were both important to the change in Kimberly.
I felt that the flashback at the end definitely left several sub-plots hanging which caused me to give this book a 3.5 instead of a 4. In order to find out what happened with any of them, the reader is forced to read the second book. I would have liked to see at least one of the sub-plots brought to a conclusions.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "My eyes took in....a thick, white-leather Bible with a tattered cover and pages dislodged from the spine. I couldn't help but think that God must find this the most beautiful book of all--His Word read so many times, it looked abused."
"If you let go and let God, as the old saying goes, everything really will work out okay."
"I'd come to realize that not all of life was in my control, that some things happen seemingly for all the wrong reasons but, in reality, for all the right. If only we let go and let God."
July 30, 2011
Chasing Sunsets, Book I in the Cedar Key Series by Eva Marie Everson, released June 1, 2011, by Baker Publishing. It's 35 chapters that will sweep the reader to an island time hasn't touched, Cedar Key. Relax with a summer island read where Kimberly Tucker, a divorced mother with two sons, struggles with loneliness when they spend five weeks of the summer with their father. When her father sends her back to the family vacation home in Cedar Key, she encounters her first teen love, Steven Granger, and an elderly wise woman of God, Patsy. Patsy might be old, but she's computer savy and facebooks with her grandson, and Kim finds herself seeking advice from the woman who has done some living and trusts God.
Steven is also divorced and a single father, but is he the island playboy an old childhood friend claims, or has he truly become an adult and man of God? The old flame still sparks embers, and Kim dares to believe her first love might become her last, but her youngest son wants to see his mom and dad reunited, though his dad has moved on with his life and has become involved with many other women. Will she let her son and her ex decide her future, or will she learn to let go of what she can't possibly control and let God? Can she trust the man who broke her heart as a teen, or will he rip her heart to shreds once again?
This Christian novel is different in that two divorced people find grace and redemption and this makes it a realistic novel in today's world, a book with the potential to reach hearts for God. It illustrates how people live through mistakes and find it's never too late to turn to God, and change can be good. I loved the single father aspect, but most of all, I love the author's beautiful island description of Cedar Key. Her vivid detail makes the sights, sounds, and colors come alive for the reader. I can just see the marsh from the slider and envision those sunrises and sunsets that make Cedar Key famous along with the seafood, and as the author says, ". . . the island that time forgot."
I've been to Cedar Key and can identify with every inch of amazing sensory details, and I love the island that remains untouched by today's standards. This novel is available in paperback or eBook formats at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com. I enjoyed the read on my Nook. If you'd like to visit an island paradise through the pages of a great novel, let Chasing Sunsets sweep you to another world and way of life. Relax and enjoy a virtual paradise, one where life is slower paced and filled with the sweet peace nature offers through God's creativity.
Steven is also divorced and a single father, but is he the island playboy an old childhood friend claims, or has he truly become an adult and man of God? The old flame still sparks embers, and Kim dares to believe her first love might become her last, but her youngest son wants to see his mom and dad reunited, though his dad has moved on with his life and has become involved with many other women. Will she let her son and her ex decide her future, or will she learn to let go of what she can't possibly control and let God? Can she trust the man who broke her heart as a teen, or will he rip her heart to shreds once again?
This Christian novel is different in that two divorced people find grace and redemption and this makes it a realistic novel in today's world, a book with the potential to reach hearts for God. It illustrates how people live through mistakes and find it's never too late to turn to God, and change can be good. I loved the single father aspect, but most of all, I love the author's beautiful island description of Cedar Key. Her vivid detail makes the sights, sounds, and colors come alive for the reader. I can just see the marsh from the slider and envision those sunrises and sunsets that make Cedar Key famous along with the seafood, and as the author says, ". . . the island that time forgot."
I've been to Cedar Key and can identify with every inch of amazing sensory details, and I love the island that remains untouched by today's standards. This novel is available in paperback or eBook formats at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com. I enjoyed the read on my Nook. If you'd like to visit an island paradise through the pages of a great novel, let Chasing Sunsets sweep you to another world and way of life. Relax and enjoy a virtual paradise, one where life is slower paced and filled with the sweet peace nature offers through God's creativity.
June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson
Ok. Do you want the perfect summer read? This is it!
Chasing Sunsets is the story of Kimberly Tucker. Kim is a newly divorced woman who can't seem to let go of the past and move forward with her life. Until... her father suggests she return to her childhood vacation home to 'take care of the house'. It seems the perfect opportunity to get her mind off things while her boys are with their father for part of the summer. Planning to stay only a few days to get things in order, Kimberly goes to work to find the help that is needed. While she's there, her plans slowly begin to change. She meets with her closet childhood friend, Rosa, only to find she is not the same girl she remembers. Her new neighbor Patsy brings much insight into her life and then of all the unexpected... she is reunited with her first love, Steven Granger.
The story takes place in a tiny beach town called "Cedar Key", and all I have to say is... now I want to live there! The scene is painted so clearly it feels as if you are right there with the characters, which by the way, are all so lovable. I can see the birds fly by, feels the ocean breeze, the humidity... even see the sunrise and sunset which are in great detail. Did I say I wish I was there? Yep. I can dream.
Turns out that Cedar Key is an actual place that the author visited for this book. She even says that some of the places mentioned in the book are actual businesses in Cedar Key. There really is a Dilly Dally Gally, a Cook's Cafe, Cedar Key Market, a Kona Joe's and others. How wonderful it would be to see these actual places. You want to go now too, don't you? If not now... you will after reading this book.
I highly recommend this book for your summer reading list. It's a great story with characters you can't help but like. It's very relaxing with the beautiful setting. Just a fun, easy read. I can't wait for the next in the series of the Cedar Key Novels. This is one series I will be sure to follow. Thanks Eva Marie Everson... I loved it!
*Revell Books and Baker Publishing Group have provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!
Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson
Ok. Do you want the perfect summer read? This is it!
Chasing Sunsets is the story of Kimberly Tucker. Kim is a newly divorced woman who can't seem to let go of the past and move forward with her life. Until... her father suggests she return to her childhood vacation home to 'take care of the house'. It seems the perfect opportunity to get her mind off things while her boys are with their father for part of the summer. Planning to stay only a few days to get things in order, Kimberly goes to work to find the help that is needed. While she's there, her plans slowly begin to change. She meets with her closet childhood friend, Rosa, only to find she is not the same girl she remembers. Her new neighbor Patsy brings much insight into her life and then of all the unexpected... she is reunited with her first love, Steven Granger.
The story takes place in a tiny beach town called "Cedar Key", and all I have to say is... now I want to live there! The scene is painted so clearly it feels as if you are right there with the characters, which by the way, are all so lovable. I can see the birds fly by, feels the ocean breeze, the humidity... even see the sunrise and sunset which are in great detail. Did I say I wish I was there? Yep. I can dream.
Turns out that Cedar Key is an actual place that the author visited for this book. She even says that some of the places mentioned in the book are actual businesses in Cedar Key. There really is a Dilly Dally Gally, a Cook's Cafe, Cedar Key Market, a Kona Joe's and others. How wonderful it would be to see these actual places. You want to go now too, don't you? If not now... you will after reading this book.
I highly recommend this book for your summer reading list. It's a great story with characters you can't help but like. It's very relaxing with the beautiful setting. Just a fun, easy read. I can't wait for the next in the series of the Cedar Key Novels. This is one series I will be sure to follow. Thanks Eva Marie Everson... I loved it!
*Revell Books and Baker Publishing Group have provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!
June 12, 2011
Title: CHASING SUNSETS
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: Revell
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3436-7
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Kimberly Tucker’s ex-husband, Charlie, has just petitioned the courts for an extra week of visitation time with his sons. Kimberly is furious, he doesn’t spend the time with the boys anyway, he’s hanging out with other women. But Charlie lies to the judge, and the extra week of visitation is awarded to him.
At a loss what to do with her time, since, as a school teacher she’s out of work for the summer, Kimberly’s dad decides she needs to go to their vacation home in Cedar Key, Florida. Allegedly, it is to hire a new housekeeper. Kimberly’s plan is to get in, get the job done, and get out, so she’ll at least be in the same city as her sons.
But things don’t exactly work out that way. Housekeepers aren’t that easy to come by. And while Kimberly is in Cedar Key, she must face the past, the present, and the future… and possibly find a second chance at love.
Oh, my word. CHASING SUNSETS is your classic example of not judging a book by its cover. I read the back cover copy; decided this was a facing-your-demons type of women’s fiction, a divorced woman trying to find a new start. But this is so much more. A teenage romance grown up, family issues, and new friends make this a three dimensional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down. I fell in love with Kimberly and I had to keep reading until the end… but speaking of the ending, that kind of confused me. I’m not sure why the author chose to end the book the way she did (I’m still thinking about that) but for whatever reason, this book was stellar. 5 stars. $14.99. 373 pages.
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: Revell
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3436-7
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Kimberly Tucker’s ex-husband, Charlie, has just petitioned the courts for an extra week of visitation time with his sons. Kimberly is furious, he doesn’t spend the time with the boys anyway, he’s hanging out with other women. But Charlie lies to the judge, and the extra week of visitation is awarded to him.
At a loss what to do with her time, since, as a school teacher she’s out of work for the summer, Kimberly’s dad decides she needs to go to their vacation home in Cedar Key, Florida. Allegedly, it is to hire a new housekeeper. Kimberly’s plan is to get in, get the job done, and get out, so she’ll at least be in the same city as her sons.
But things don’t exactly work out that way. Housekeepers aren’t that easy to come by. And while Kimberly is in Cedar Key, she must face the past, the present, and the future… and possibly find a second chance at love.
Oh, my word. CHASING SUNSETS is your classic example of not judging a book by its cover. I read the back cover copy; decided this was a facing-your-demons type of women’s fiction, a divorced woman trying to find a new start. But this is so much more. A teenage romance grown up, family issues, and new friends make this a three dimensional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down. I fell in love with Kimberly and I had to keep reading until the end… but speaking of the ending, that kind of confused me. I’m not sure why the author chose to end the book the way she did (I’m still thinking about that) but for whatever reason, this book was stellar. 5 stars. $14.99. 373 pages.
August 31, 2011
Kimberly Tucker is living a life that she never expected. Her failed marriage has left her wondering what went wrong. Her ex-husband seems to be living it up while she tries to keep her two sons close. So when a Family Court judge decides her children should spend five weeks of their summer vacation with their dad, Kimberly is at loose ends.
Then, Kim’s father asks her to go to the family summer home in Cedar Key, to spend a few weeks finding someone to keep the place up since the previous caretaker has died. It is a place she always loved until her mother died and a place she has not been to since. Kim balks at the idea of spending time in Cedar Key even though it was where she was happiest and where she found her first love. She will soon find that life is always changing and that second chances really can happen for the best.
Chasing Sunsets is not only a life story, but also a fabulous love story. It is told in first-person so the reader gets a great feel for exactly how Kim is processing everything that is happening in her life. The characters are well done and make the reader feel as if they could easily be someone they knew in their own life. The story is sweet and the reader will cheer for Kim as she moves to change the parts of her life that can never work and become the person she always thought she was—all while coming to grips with the reality of her mother’s life and death.
Ms. Everson has written a great story that will take you back to your youth and make you wish for second chances—Chasing Sunsets is a fabulous read and will truly touch your heart.
5 Spiders for Chasing Sunsets and Eva Marie Everson.
DJ Weaver
Then, Kim’s father asks her to go to the family summer home in Cedar Key, to spend a few weeks finding someone to keep the place up since the previous caretaker has died. It is a place she always loved until her mother died and a place she has not been to since. Kim balks at the idea of spending time in Cedar Key even though it was where she was happiest and where she found her first love. She will soon find that life is always changing and that second chances really can happen for the best.
Chasing Sunsets is not only a life story, but also a fabulous love story. It is told in first-person so the reader gets a great feel for exactly how Kim is processing everything that is happening in her life. The characters are well done and make the reader feel as if they could easily be someone they knew in their own life. The story is sweet and the reader will cheer for Kim as she moves to change the parts of her life that can never work and become the person she always thought she was—all while coming to grips with the reality of her mother’s life and death.
Ms. Everson has written a great story that will take you back to your youth and make you wish for second chances—Chasing Sunsets is a fabulous read and will truly touch your heart.
5 Spiders for Chasing Sunsets and Eva Marie Everson.
DJ Weaver
June 7, 2011
I have read many of Eva Marie Everson’s books and I have always loved the books I have read. One thing I have noticed about her books is they always have their own special feel. They don’t all seem to blend together. Eva makes each of her books a separate and special experience for her readers. I think though, that of all her books so far, Chasing Sunsets is my favorite.
I am a reader who appreciates a good setting and you can’t go wrong with a beach setting, especially in a summertime read. The setting of Cedar Key was a focal point of the story and provided the perfect backdrop for healing and romance. The characters enhanced the peaceful and tranquil setting in a delightful way. Kim was a character who was so easy to like. From the very start of the book, I wanted only good things to happen for Kim. She deserved so much better than the grief her ex-husband was giving her and I just wanted to see her happy and healed. Eva wrote a woman that other women will root for and readers will be very satisfied by the end of the book. And, I don’t want to forget about Max. I love books with dogs. Kim needed her little buddy with her and he made the story that much more special.
Chasing Sunset is the perfect summertime read. It is relaxing, romantic and with just the right amount of drama to keep the book from feeling like fluff or too tense. With each of her books, I become a bigger fan of Eva Marie Everson. Chasing Sunsets is a winner and a new favorite of mine.
I am a reader who appreciates a good setting and you can’t go wrong with a beach setting, especially in a summertime read. The setting of Cedar Key was a focal point of the story and provided the perfect backdrop for healing and romance. The characters enhanced the peaceful and tranquil setting in a delightful way. Kim was a character who was so easy to like. From the very start of the book, I wanted only good things to happen for Kim. She deserved so much better than the grief her ex-husband was giving her and I just wanted to see her happy and healed. Eva wrote a woman that other women will root for and readers will be very satisfied by the end of the book. And, I don’t want to forget about Max. I love books with dogs. Kim needed her little buddy with her and he made the story that much more special.
Chasing Sunset is the perfect summertime read. It is relaxing, romantic and with just the right amount of drama to keep the book from feeling like fluff or too tense. With each of her books, I become a bigger fan of Eva Marie Everson. Chasing Sunsets is a winner and a new favorite of mine.
June 16, 2011
Kimberly Tucker doesn’t want her ex-husband, Charlie, to have more time with their two boys, Chase and Cody. The boys are her life, and it’s come to her attention they spend more time with their grandparents when visiting their father, who is once again enjoying the dating scene. What she can’t understand is why they divorced in the first place. Their life represented the picture-perfect American family.
When the judge awards Charlie the right to keep his boys over the summer, Kimberly is faced with coming to terms with the situation. At her father’s request, she heads for the beach house in Cedar Key, where she will work at finding a replacement housekeeper. Kimberly doesn’t want to be there, and she plans to return home, close to her boys, within a week or two.
What Kimberly doesn’t expect is to befriend the older woman next door, run into her first love, and have a second chance at the life and love she’s desired all along.
Eva Marie Everson shows us that love still prevails in her Cedar Key novel Chasing Sunsets.
Perfect for that summer beach read, Chasing Sunsets is filled with Eva’s wonderful descriptions and characters we can relate to and fall in love with. If you can’t make it to the beach, no worries, she’ll take you there!
Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
If you desire a summer’s worth of great reading material, be sure to pick up copies of Eva’s novels Things Left Unspoken and This Fine Life, as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
When the judge awards Charlie the right to keep his boys over the summer, Kimberly is faced with coming to terms with the situation. At her father’s request, she heads for the beach house in Cedar Key, where she will work at finding a replacement housekeeper. Kimberly doesn’t want to be there, and she plans to return home, close to her boys, within a week or two.
What Kimberly doesn’t expect is to befriend the older woman next door, run into her first love, and have a second chance at the life and love she’s desired all along.
Eva Marie Everson shows us that love still prevails in her Cedar Key novel Chasing Sunsets.
Perfect for that summer beach read, Chasing Sunsets is filled with Eva’s wonderful descriptions and characters we can relate to and fall in love with. If you can’t make it to the beach, no worries, she’ll take you there!
Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
If you desire a summer’s worth of great reading material, be sure to pick up copies of Eva’s novels Things Left Unspoken and This Fine Life, as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
May 16, 2019
Everson's evocative writing puts the reader in the midst of the gorgeous seaside setting. It takes a while to connect with the characters, but after a few chapters they seem like real people. The abrupt ending leaves you puzzled, but possibly a sequel is in the works to further explore this wonderful family saga.
SUMMARY: A year after a divorce that Kimberly Tucker did not want, she is required to surrender her two sons to their father for five weeks during the summer. Depressed about the situation, Kimberly's father encourages her to spend the time at the family's seaside summer home on Cedar Key Island. While there, she reconnects with Stephen, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Can Kimberly learn to surrender control to God in order to experience love once again?
SUMMARY: A year after a divorce that Kimberly Tucker did not want, she is required to surrender her two sons to their father for five weeks during the summer. Depressed about the situation, Kimberly's father encourages her to spend the time at the family's seaside summer home on Cedar Key Island. While there, she reconnects with Stephen, the high school sweetheart who broke her heart. Can Kimberly learn to surrender control to God in order to experience love once again?
July 8, 2014
This book was sadly a let down. The first half was great and enjoyable but then the second half spiraled into a bad Hallmark movie. One of the characters even commented that and it was so true. I also didn't care for how quickly the main character decided to remarry. In a matter of a week?! And she has children to consider? There was also way too much kissing for a Christian novel and about the Christian theme? It was very Christian light. Thrown in there but no real evidence of the characters actually communing with God in thought or action. The ending was so strange. It knocked a 4 star down to 3. I DO like how the author writes and I would read her again because she is talented but I am not interested in finishing this series, even with the cliff hanger at the end.
June 24, 2017
Kimberly Tucker, divorced, mother of two boys, struggles. Her father suggests she visit their family vacation home on Cedar Key Island.
As I read this book, one thought kept coming back to me. What happened to us as children, affects our adult life, if hidden and left undealt with.
Traveling down the road of memories, Kimberly makes discoveries, some great, some not so good.
Parts of this book felt like bitter medicine, but then the difficult things in life do. Each person has a choice, stay where it’s familiar or move toward the answer.
Anyone that has been through a tragic situation would do well reading this book. God plows through the mire and brings his children to the other side—if we hold his hand.
As I read this book, one thought kept coming back to me. What happened to us as children, affects our adult life, if hidden and left undealt with.
Traveling down the road of memories, Kimberly makes discoveries, some great, some not so good.
Parts of this book felt like bitter medicine, but then the difficult things in life do. Each person has a choice, stay where it’s familiar or move toward the answer.
Anyone that has been through a tragic situation would do well reading this book. God plows through the mire and brings his children to the other side—if we hold his hand.
June 15, 2011
Who says you don't get a second chance???? When Kimberly's husband convinces a judge to give him a longer summer vacation with his sons, Kimberly finds herself realing and decides to go on vacation herself at the family vacation home in Cedar Key, Florida. While she is there she runs into her first love, Steven . . . I'm not going to say any more as it will give it away. I give this book 5 lighthouses and highly recommend it! This is a great summer beach read!!!!
July 20, 2012
I guess I'd really give this book a 3.7 if I could. The story kept me reading, but I found myself more interested in the subplots than the main plot. Author did a great job on the setting - made me want to visit. Love that she finds out some interesting things about her own history, but the ending was almost too perfect.
A nice, lite read - great for the beach!!!
And the next book in the series actually takes my favorite subplot and tells that story - so I think I'll check that one out.
A nice, lite read - great for the beach!!!
And the next book in the series actually takes my favorite subplot and tells that story - so I think I'll check that one out.
May 18, 2015
a great vacation read, especially while sitting in a lounge chair on a beach in Florida! It is the typical summertime romance novel but with a few twists to keep you guessing just a little bit. It does a little time hopping with the actors in the book so that you are hooked into the second book by the time you finish with the first. But that's ok because Eva Marie has definitely crafted the art of a beautiful life/love story that occurs even amidst the ashes of failure.
February 16, 2014
Eva Marie Everson charms her readers with characters you'd love to have as friends. Then she places them in a setting where you'd love to be. Chasing Sunsets is a compelling love story that will have you coming back for more from Everson's pen. Novel Journey and I give it a high recommendation. It's the perfect book to take to the beach with you.
March 28, 2018
This satisfying story provides a sympathetic snapshot into the lives of a tight-knit community of friends, the secret family struggles they faced, and how they found the courage to overcome them. It's a story of second chances set amid the sunsets of Cedar Key. I recommend it for adult readers as it deals with the topics of divorce and alcoholism.
March 10, 2016
This was a good read. You can stop here and use your faith or imagination how things completely work out or move on to a new novel that also expands another character in this book. Glad to have found Eva's novels.
July 14, 2011
Great book! Wonderful setting, nice love story, lots of twists and turns...very inspiring read. Made me ready to pack up and move to Cedar Key.
December 16, 2016
Lovely, Sweet Series
You will fall in love with the characters and Cedar Key in this finely crafted novel! You'll never want this series to end.
You will fall in love with the characters and Cedar Key in this finely crafted novel! You'll never want this series to end.
May 12, 2017
Not what I expected.
I expected 2nd chances in their marriage. The preview wasn't clear that thus was a love after divorce story, especially since it was in the Christian genre. I started reading about the ex wife saying little prayers to God and looking at her ex husband across the courtroom, admiring his body and remembering her love for him. The accusations against him could have had other explanations if he was wanting to reconcile, as I hoped. He told the judge he wanted to raise his boys with Christian values, and it was acknowledged that his parents were strong Christians. So why the break to a new man? It was all set up for a chance to renew the first marriage! I quit when I realized that there was really no hope for this couple, and just to be sure I checked the last pages of the story. Not what I wanted. Yes, a person is free if there's adultery, but God hates divorce, and I hate reading happiness-after-divorce stories. If it happens, keep it to yourself and not make a romance out of it. As a grand daughter of someone whose first marriage was to a divorcee, who was happy in their first and only marriage, wouldn't you know that the kids of that marriage, who were happy with both their parents, grew up "secure in the knowledge" that there is happiness after divorce. In that generation there is over a 200% divorce rate, plus the extra relationships without marriage. I guarantee, there was no true happiness in any of them in the later relationships. There is extreme danger in writing these kind of stories as it teaches a lie to the younger generation.
I expected 2nd chances in their marriage. The preview wasn't clear that thus was a love after divorce story, especially since it was in the Christian genre. I started reading about the ex wife saying little prayers to God and looking at her ex husband across the courtroom, admiring his body and remembering her love for him. The accusations against him could have had other explanations if he was wanting to reconcile, as I hoped. He told the judge he wanted to raise his boys with Christian values, and it was acknowledged that his parents were strong Christians. So why the break to a new man? It was all set up for a chance to renew the first marriage! I quit when I realized that there was really no hope for this couple, and just to be sure I checked the last pages of the story. Not what I wanted. Yes, a person is free if there's adultery, but God hates divorce, and I hate reading happiness-after-divorce stories. If it happens, keep it to yourself and not make a romance out of it. As a grand daughter of someone whose first marriage was to a divorcee, who was happy in their first and only marriage, wouldn't you know that the kids of that marriage, who were happy with both their parents, grew up "secure in the knowledge" that there is happiness after divorce. In that generation there is over a 200% divorce rate, plus the extra relationships without marriage. I guarantee, there was no true happiness in any of them in the later relationships. There is extreme danger in writing these kind of stories as it teaches a lie to the younger generation.
September 6, 2017
SPOILER ALERT*****
I started this book several months ago. Read a little here and there. But honestly the main character, Kim, AKA Boo was super annoying. She was a micromanager/control freak. She wanted everyone to do exactly as she wanted them to, to act a certain way and life just isn't like that. She's in her mid forties for most of the book, but it flips back to earlier times in hers and other characters pasts. For being as old as she is, you would have thought that not only would she know herself well enough to know how she wants everything and everyone under her thumb, but she doesn't. She also dresses like someone stuck in the 1980's. She still has her hair long and wears scrunchies. By the end of the book she has chilled out a bit. But her and someone she dated when she was 17 have only dated for less than two weeks and are already engaged!
The next book sounds like it is about the neighbor she met on the island, Patsy. And then the third book goes back to the Claybourne family. I liked this book well enough that I have put the next one on hold from the library.
I started this book several months ago. Read a little here and there. But honestly the main character, Kim, AKA Boo was super annoying. She was a micromanager/control freak. She wanted everyone to do exactly as she wanted them to, to act a certain way and life just isn't like that. She's in her mid forties for most of the book, but it flips back to earlier times in hers and other characters pasts. For being as old as she is, you would have thought that not only would she know herself well enough to know how she wants everything and everyone under her thumb, but she doesn't. She also dresses like someone stuck in the 1980's. She still has her hair long and wears scrunchies. By the end of the book she has chilled out a bit. But her and someone she dated when she was 17 have only dated for less than two weeks and are already engaged!
The next book sounds like it is about the neighbor she met on the island, Patsy. And then the third book goes back to the Claybourne family. I liked this book well enough that I have put the next one on hold from the library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2018
What a lovely book about recovering from a divorce that the heroine did not want. It also works well as a book about recovering from any tragedy you did not want. (Job loss, dissolved friendship, family troubles, etc.).
Kimberly is at her wits end because her former husband has taken her to court, lied to the judge, and gotten their sons for 5 instead of 4 weeks. Devastated, she ends up at the family cabin in Cedar Key, a place where she used to vacation as a child. In Cedar Key she faces a lot of unfinished business and, because it's fiction, things work out but it is CLEAR that Ms. Everson has started a series.
I have heard of Christian fiction and faith based fiction. I would say that this book is both as most of the characters are Christians, pray and try to live good lives. I would not say that it is an in your face sort of thing and believe that this book could be enjoyed by people who like romances of a different faith.
Kimberly is at her wits end because her former husband has taken her to court, lied to the judge, and gotten their sons for 5 instead of 4 weeks. Devastated, she ends up at the family cabin in Cedar Key, a place where she used to vacation as a child. In Cedar Key she faces a lot of unfinished business and, because it's fiction, things work out but it is CLEAR that Ms. Everson has started a series.
I have heard of Christian fiction and faith based fiction. I would say that this book is both as most of the characters are Christians, pray and try to live good lives. I would not say that it is an in your face sort of thing and believe that this book could be enjoyed by people who like romances of a different faith.
November 27, 2017
I gave three stars because of the Christian writing and the fact that it was a clean book. The story was okay I guess but I found myself skimming when she wrote about details of her the surroundings. A little of that goes a long way. And I did a few eye-rolls at the way Kim treated her sons like babies.
I did find it a little hard to believe that they would get engaged that quickly, especially since their earlier romance happened in their teenage years and didn't seem like it was a long term relationship.
The best part was Patsy's story.
I'll read the next one to see if it gets any better.
I did find it a little hard to believe that they would get engaged that quickly, especially since their earlier romance happened in their teenage years and didn't seem like it was a long term relationship.
The best part was Patsy's story.
I'll read the next one to see if it gets any better.
September 21, 2018
Uplifting and Inspiring
I loved this book from the very beginning! This is a refreshing story of heartbreak and loss, healing and blessings. The story about a relationship that comes full circle in a believable and heartening way! I must read more by the amazing Eva Marie Everson!
I loved this book from the very beginning! This is a refreshing story of heartbreak and loss, healing and blessings. The story about a relationship that comes full circle in a believable and heartening way! I must read more by the amazing Eva Marie Everson!
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