Sundown

Sundown closes out Susan May Warren's Sky King Ranch trilogy in fine fashion. Sunrise told us Dodge Kingston's story, Sunburst Ranger's. (You can read my reviews for those two books here and here.) Sundown gives us the scoop on the third Kingston brother, Colt.

Tae, the mysterious woman who helped nurse Colt back to health when he returned home from Nigeria seriously injured, is regaining her memories and her voice. The book opens with a bang, as they place themselves in harm's way to try to salvage Tae's backpack from the wrecked plane that brought her to Alaska. She's insistent that it has her research, and she's also looking to prove to the Kingston clan that yes, she did break free from a Russian who kidnapped her, by finding the plane, and hopefully, a body. Colt doesn't know the details of what she's involved with, but he is determined to protect her.

The tension ratchets up when we learn that Tae is a medical researcher, working on a vaccine to protect against an ancient strain of smallpox that the Russians are getting ready to unleash on the world. Where will they strike? When? Can Tae recreate her vaccine research in time to protect people if the virus gets loose?

The use of a virus that's going to cause a lot of trouble if it gets loose is a timely background. There are plenty of opportunities for heroics from the Kingston brothers, and plenty of bad guys who need a good butt-kickin'. But the story isn't all shoot-em-up action. Tae and Colt are both wrestling with their faith and their feelings, wondering whether the other would be better if they just disappeared back into their old lives. Colt is the kind of man who runs toward the trouble when it starts, always in the thick of things. He isn't convinced that God is really looking out for him, and isn't sure he can find purpose if he isn't actively defending against evil.

Warren focuses not only on the action and suspense, but also the importance of family and faith. The Kingston brothers have had their problems, some bigger than others. But when it comes down to it, they've got each other's backs. Their faith isn't something taken out for show on a Sunday morning. It's down in the nitty gritty, dealing with questions of God's love, relationships, God's purpose for their lives – real issues that any of us may struggle with. Colt and his brothers are a little bit larger than life, and a regular day at my house doesn't look much like some of the situations they find themselves in. But it's nice to be reminded that the God who cares about Colt Kingston, Delta Force tough guy laying it on the line for his country, also cares about me, fighting my way through traffic to go to a job I'm not crazy about.

If you like a story that's chock-full of action, with clean romance and characters that are easy to relate to, and one that brings a touch of “happily ever after” into your everyday routine, you'll love Sundown. Read the whole trilogy (heck, scroll on down and enter to win it!). Susan May Warren may just become one of your new favorite authors. She's certainly one of mine!