In the summer of 1917, US troops join the allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she’s determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness. Adding to Anna’s frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot … run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he’s pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn’t seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.
Meanwhile, Anna’s strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman’s presence tests the small town’s tolerance. And Anna’s concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy’s romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.
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“But what I want to know is how do you always get yourself in the middle of these messses? You’re supposed to report the news, not make it.”
Yes, Anna McDowell is once again in the midst of trouble and the police chief is called in to help her one more time. And, as another character remarks, Sunset Cove is still ‘full of ruffians, kidnappers, rum runners, and fisherman.’
In her new book Melody Carlson continues to showcase strong-minded and independent women during a time when women were finally getting a chance to speak their minds! It is 1917 and America has entered the WWI conflict so some of the women of Sunset Cove, Oregon are faced with sending their men off to war. Anna is still the editor of the Oregonian newspaper and she continues to voice her strong opinions; her daughter, Katy, is now the owner of a dress shop and she is eager for the black woman who helped raise her to leave her Portland home and come to Sunset Cove. What Katy doesn’t consider is that her neighbors may not be as welcoming to Sarah Rose as she thought.
Readers are given a lot to think about in this third book of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. Prohibition and its effect on the illegal activities of rum runners is still an issue and racial tensions become apparent after Sarah Rose’s arrival. There is drama and uncertainty but there are also some happy occurences to wrap up what appears to be the final book of this series. However, there are some questions that I would love to see answered so I am hoping for one more story from Sunset Cove.
Carlson has once again proven her ability to use accurate facts and details to create the perfect setting for her novels and she continues to share uplifting and spiritual messages. A character who has been hurt the most reminds Anna that forgiveness should be freely given; we’re supposed to forgive our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I recommend Surf Smugglers for all who enjoy historical fiction.
I received a digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and I am voluntarily sharing this review. These are my honest thoughts.
Surf Smuggles
I am loving this series. The characters have become like family to me. I sit down to read this book and did not get up until I read the whole book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I love Katy, she is growing up throughout this series of books. Then there is Anna ,Katy’s mother, she runs the newspaper. The younger men are all leaving to go to War.
Katy invites a family friend to come stay and work for them. I love the part of story involving Sarah Rose.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my opinion.
I am so glad to be back in Sunset Cove, Oregon in 1917. So much has changed in the small town with women getting the right to vote and hopefully the rum running is over. Anna still runs the local newspaper and people are becoming more accepting of her . The big story is that the US will be putting into place the Selective Service Act. This news has everyone on edge as young men face being sent into battle.
An old friend of Anna and her daughter Katy has been asked to come stay with them to help get her back on her feet. There could be a problem with Sarah Rose coming to town because she has darker skin. Not everyone during this time period was accepting of African American people and they fear that Sarah Rose could be in danger. I liked how several people made her feel welcome and made sure she got to work and home safely.
Katy has sure matured and her dress job is a huge success. She is smitten with Jim and I loved their innocent relationship develop slowly. It is very likely that Jim will be called up for duty and Katy is a bit upset. What will she do when Jim leaves? Will he still be her sweetheart when he returns? Katy is so worried about his safety and does something very spur of the moment that takes her mother by surprise.
The story has wonderful characters and I loved how Anna and Daniel were slowly starting to like each other. He also has news that he has to leave and what the town does to entice him to return is overwhelming. The town is full of people who help each other out and want the town to prosper. There is still a rumor that liquor is being smuggled and Anna is determined to find out who it is. The town has a lot going on and the author keeps the story flowing at a great pace. It is a book that brings people together to celebrate achievements and continue to trust God as they look to the future.
There is a little suspense in the story that was unexpected. Someone is kidnapped and the race is on to rescue this person before a tragedy happens. I liked this part because it part townspeople together and put aside their differences.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
What I think you should know:
Surf Smugglers is The Legacy of Sunset Cove Book Three. This could be your first book in the series but to completely enjoy this story you need to have read the first two stories in the series. We pick up the story after Surf Smugglers, it is the summer of 1917 and the US has joined the war in Europe. While it all seems a world away from Sunset Cove, Sunset Cove is changing too.
What you might want to know:
This book is not a fluff read, it still contains the strong suffragist and rum runners, but also deals with abuse, kidnapping and racism.
What you touched me about this book:
Katy is growing into such a strong Lady, however this novel shows that she has been sheltered to some the cruelty of the world. I felt sorry for Anna in this story, I don’t know if she was as true to character in all of her choices. Melody Carlson has written a series that has me waiting for the fourth book and hoping that she will spare the characters that I have grown to love.
Who will enjoy this book just to name a few:
If you are a fan of historical fiction
Love a strong female lead.
Enjoy danger and mystery
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This is the third book in Melody Carlson’s The Legacy of Sunset Cove series and the three books should be read in order since the sequels start off immediately where the previous book ends. This book follows the lives of Anna and her daughter Katy as Anna continues on as the chief of the town’s newspaper and Katy works as the owner of a dress shop in the small Oregonian coastal town of Sunset Cove. Rum running in 1917 is still rampant in Sunset Cove as the country prepares to enter WWI and politics run hot. All the characters from the previous two books return to propel the plot forward and they stay true to character even as they mature. Anna and Katy both have romances that bloom and other social issues of the day like racism are addressed in the book. The plot moved a bit slowly for me this time around but those who enjoy historical fiction will surely enjoy this entire series.
I received a copy of the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Surf Smugglers is the third installment from Melody Carlson’s series, The Legacy of Sunset Cove. I have not read the first two books of the series and feel that this one can be read as a stand alone. It begins in the summer of 1917 when the United States enters the Great War.
I enjoyed Surf Smugglers. There is a lot covered in this book, such as, bootlegging, prejudice, racism, and war. I loved the beautiful setting of Sunset Cove in the state of Oregon. The characters of Anna, Katy and Sarah were wonderful and admirable. The story has a wonderful lesson to learn for all readers in the end.
I am giving Surf Smugglers four and a half stars. I would love to go back and read the two previous books from The Legacy of Sunset Cove series to see what happened prior to this. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy good, clean historical fiction.
Although this is likely not a series that I would necessarily gravitate toward on my own, I am glad that I have had the opportunity to read and review each of the three books thus far. Ordinarily, I prefer action and some mystery or suspense when reading fiction, and while there is arguably a bit of this in the Legacy of Sunset Cove series, the true foundation is built on relationships and people. In the first book, I admittedly had a somewhat difficult time connecting with and truly engaging with the characters. This improved in book two, and “Surf Smugglers” presents a blossoming and maturation of the central figures that is realistic and endearing.
If there is a single word that captures the spirit of “Surf Smugglers”, it is “change.” Melody Carlson draws credible parallels between the United States entering the war in 1917 and the battles that each character, as well as the town of Sunset Cove itself, likewise faces. There is a suspicion of continued rum-running, and with the war coming closer to home due to the draft, shortages of both employees and goods become more common. Even women’s fashion adapts, becoming more austere and less frilly. Developing a local Red Cross chapter and making other amendments to the town further highlight how war influences even more backwater locales.
Most compelling, however, is Carlson’s portrayal of the community. The people reflect the challenges and transformations of the time period, because “history did not change itself overnight.” In “Surf Smugglers”, I appreciated the inclusion of a colored woman as one of the important secondary characters, and the ensuing implications. Similarly, there is a theme of second chances and of not judging or forming an opinion too hastily. I know that I have struggled with this myself, and having it raised as an issue in the novel is a reminder of how we should model the redemption that our Savior has given us. One of the characters who matured the most is Katy. Her approach to life, “Take chances and make changes”, leads her to plenty of new experiences. The spiritual element in the narrative is light, and I think that this series would appeal to any readers who enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, and coming-of-age stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is the third book in this series and it would be smart and enjoyable if you read all three books in order. You should read at least one other book in the series since these have the same main characters throughout the series. I loved how they brought in WWI, rum running and rights for all people. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Surf Smugglers is Book 3 in Melody Carlson’s series “The Legacy of Sunset Cove.” It can easily be read as a stand alone, but it would be much better if you read the first two books in the series first. This book is utterly captivating.
Author Carlson has published over 200 books and her style of writing is flawless. Characters are so realistic they practically jump off of the pages. It is easy to become friends with them and imagine their lives as well as feel their emotions. I was happy to visit with my friends Anna and Katy again.
This is the tale of Anna McDowell, her daughter Katy, and parents Mac and Lucille. The United States is passing the Selective Service Act as the it joins The Great War in Europe. I gleaned some historical details from this book, which for me is always a bonus. The author did her research well.
Set in Oregon in 1917, this is filled with timely issues of war, prejudice, race, NAACP, journalism, and women’s rights and independence. Brimming with mystery, romance, intrigue, adventure, suspense and drama, this novel grabbed my attention early and held it throughout the entire book. It was easy to become invested in the exceptional story.
The element of faith and inspirational is present. A strong lesson of forgiveness is presented as well as grace. Even everyday Christian life is portrayed. It is nice to not need to seek the faithful message in a Christian novel but have it upfront.
I highly recommend this historical Christian fiction. It is engaging, enlightening, and encouraging. From me it gets a five out of five stars. I received a copy of this from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my own honest review.
Surf Smugglers by Melody Carlson is the third novel The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. This series needs to be read in order as each book builds upon the previous one. It is May of 1917 in Sunset Cove, Oregon where Anna McDowell is the editor-in-chief of Sunset Times. Her father, Mac is doing recovering nicely from his stroke and Anna’s daughter, Katy is busy with Kathleen’s Dress Shop. Katy is still dating Jim Stafford, a newspaper reporter and second in command at the Sunset Times. Katy has invited Sarah Rose Lewis, her childhood caretaker, to come to Sunset Cove when she learns of the difficulty the woman is experiencing in Portland. Katy has a big heart, but she failed to take into consideration that Sarah Rose will be the only woman of color in their town. Anna does not want Sarah Rose hurt by small minded people. Dr. Daniel Hollister is upset over losing a patient and learns that his father is ill. Anna believes the town needs its own hospital and wonders if she can rally the support needed for the project. I thought Surf Smugglers was well-written and it proceeded at a thoughtful pace. I have enjoyed this series with its heartwarming characters from multiple generations which provides different perspectives. I like the dialogue between the characters as well as the interactions. The author captured the time period with references to events taking place at that time as well as the clothing, conveyances and attitudes. The Conscription Act has been passed, war is waging in Europe, Woodrow Wilson is president, the change in clothing styles, women’s right to vote, and prohibition are all included in Surf Smugglers. Local men will be heading off to war and one woman makes an impulsive decision. I am eager to read the final book in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series to find out what happens next in Sunset Cove. They have endured so much in their little town, but now their men are off at war and those at home must hope they will return safely. Hope and forgiveness are two of the themes present in the story. Surf Smugglers is a lovely historical novel with illegal hooch, express enlistment, hasty nuptials, fluctuating fashions, and worried women.
Surf Smugglers by Melody Carlson is a fantastic historical romance and the third book in the Legacy Of Sunset Cove series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I loved returning to familiar faces. The year is 1917 and the war that was far away overseas has finally caught up with the American people as the draft is introduced. It is a difficult time waving young men off to war. The patriotic American spirit is alive for all to see.
There is a strong female camaraderie running throughout the novel. There are huge hearts who see the plight of others. Brave, forward thinking modern women are not afraid to rock the status quo.
Family is important. “Family… some we are born with and some we gather along the way.” What a beautiful image.
Racial prejudice was rife in the twentieth century America. “Do you think we’ll ever live in a world where people aren’t judged by exteriors?” Many are open hearted but some still judge people by the colour of their skin and not the content of their character.
Forgiveness, trust and new beginnings are major themes. Those associated with the rum runners threaten the stability of a community.
Life was hard. The First World War was never far from the thoughts of the people. Instead of worrying, we should pray. “Whenever you get worried for him, you need to realise that’s just a reminder to pray.” This is a lovely idea that we would be wise to all adopt.
Surf Smugglers was another wonderful offering from Melody Carlson. I look forward to the subsequent books in the series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Great read!! really enjoyed it
My Thoughts on Surf Smugglers:
I have read the first two books so I was really looking forward to continuing the story in Surf Smugglers. I’ve fallen in love with Anna and her family. Even after reading this book I can’t wait for the next book because they left me hanging as to what will happen next and what will come for the ending.
This book sees the introduction of race and the role it played during the pre and early days of American involvement in WWI. Not a time period I’ve spent a lot of time studying so I’m learning more from reading these books than I have from previous knowledge.
Anna loses her right-hand newspaper reporter and friend when he signs up to avoid the draft and possibly get a commission or even a correspondent role in the war. But what she doesn’t count on is losing her daughter too. Well, she doesn’t really lose her but a lot of stuff changes from this one twist in life. And another thing changes from that but I don’t want to give too much away!
Sarah Rose is a lady of color who relocates to this quaint little town. Life isn’t peachy for her in the big city but neither is it in a small town. While most seem to take her appearance in stride there are a few who resent her presence and don’t take any pains to hide it.
When Anna writes an inflammatory article about the rough treatment she and Sarah Rose received at the hands of two men, it seems they will stop at nothing to make them pay. Well, that and get revenge for Anna putting a stop to their illegal activities.
Can everyone come out of this book alive? What will the war bring? Will Katy make the right choice?
Definitely a great read and I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Love these characters and can’t wait to see where they end up in the next book.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Melody Carlson’s Sunset Cove series is one you will definitely want to read in order as Anna McDowell and her family star prominently in each book. Surf Smugglers (book three) takes readers to the brink of America joining World War I, the age of prohibition, and tense racial relations.
Through Anna and her daughter Katy’s perspectives, readers feel the uncertainty and changes of a world at war, the tensions around racial prejudices, and the criminal element of the rum runners. Each of those issues, combined with some romance, family relations, and small-town politics and friendships create a quick-moving story that engaged me throughout.
While most of the large issues were resolved, the war continues, leaving some uncertainty of what the future holds for Anna, Katy, and Sunset Cove. Since there’s one more book to come in the series, there’s hope of full resolution.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
More adventure on the Oregon Coast
It seems there aren’t as many books about the time surrounding World War I as there are for World War II. And of those, fewer that take place here in the United States.
I enjoyed seeing this coastal town in Oregon at the beginning of our involvement in the Great War. In Surf Smugglers, the town continued to have problems with rum running and it was dealt with a little. Bigger issues were prejudice, lack of adequate medical care when more than just a doctor was needed, and the entry of the US into the war resulting in the implementation of the draft.
Katy’s complete lack of prejudice towards Sarah Rose and her obliviousness to the fact that people had prejudices was refreshing. I liked Katy’s fierce love for the woman who had helped raise her and how protective she was.
The concept of standing up for what is right and calling attention to it can occasionally have the opposite effect from the one you are expecting was intriguing. Anna’s editorial on the evils of rum-running and the one on prejudice had the best of intentions. And received some less-than-favorable results.
The undercurrent of faith throughout the story is more along the lines of what is found in “Inspirational” fiction instead of the more overt way it usually appears in Christian fiction.
The story was good, though it felt like it was lacking depth. Scenes that could have been charged with emotion or filled with action weren’t. I did feel for the characters in their various predicaments but found myself checking to see how much further I had until I was finished.
I did realize before I read this that I went from Harbor Secrets, the first in this series, to this one, book 3. While there is an assumption that you know the background, I didn’t feel lost having not read the second book. I do recommend, however, that you start with the first before reading this one.
If you enjoy historical fiction and would like to learn more about what life was like on the Oregon Coast during this time, this could be a fun read for you.
Read my review of Surf Smugglers by Melody Carlson at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I was delighted to return to Sunset Cove, Oregon for this 3rd in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series by Melody Carlson. Reading about the McDowell Family and their friends is like going to spend time with old friends! This time, Anna McDowell, her daughter Katy, and parents Mac and Lucille face the days of the US passing the Selective Service Act as the US enters The Great War in Europe as well as ongoing home front challenges. The characters are three-dimensional, the plot captured and held my attention throughout, and I really like the historical aspects included.
Mac and Lucille had been divorced since Anna was a child and her mother left without explanation to her. Lucille is back in Sunset Cove and lives near Mac. Anna was estranged from Mac since he didn’t want her to marry at age 17; he had never met his granddaughter Katy. Anna grew up with printer’s ink in her blood from her much younger days of working for her father at the family newspaper, and when living in Portland, became the first female editor on the staff of the Oregonian. This had served her well, as she could step in for Mac due to health challenges that brought her home to visit and perhaps make peace.
The changing times bring many trials to Anna, her 17-year-old daughter Katy, and the woman who had been like a second mother to Katy when she was growing up in Portland. Not understanding why Sarah Rose might be uncomfortable, Katy invited Sarah to come to Sunset Cove and work for her in the dress shop she and her grandmother are partners in. Sarah Rose is a woman of color and would be the only non-white resident in Sunset Cove should she accept the offer. The last time a person of color lived in Sunset Cove, Big Ben, who had worked for Mac, was found murdered.
The early 1900’s in the US is an era that I am not very familiar with, but in this series the author demonstrates it so well through the McDowell family that I am interested in learning more. The challenges faced include many of the young men enlisting in the army, how African Americans were treated and the laws that failed to protect them, Prohibition and illegal booze running, establishing a well-equipped hospital, and changes to supplies and necessities due to the war.
I appreciate that there are spiritual lessons that may resonate with many readers as they certainly did with me. Anna, her family, and many of their friends are Christians who live out their faith even as they continually learn through day-to-day circumstances. I appreciate how Anna is willing to look at herself when challenged on attitudes and make changes when necessary. I highly recommend this novel and the series to fans of the author and those who appreciate well-written Women’s Christian historical fiction enhanced with people of faith, romance, grace, and second chances. I so hope there will be more in this series!
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my honest review.
I am enjoying this “The Legacy of Sunset Cove” series by Melody Carlson and following the story of the McDowell family. This book is the third book in the series and, to this point, it’s my favorite one. You can certainly read this book on its own and easily follow the story, but I’d recommend reading the books in order if possible.
This part of the McDowell’s family story takes place just as the United States is entering World War 1. As the nation’s young men are both enlisting and being drafted into the war, it causes many adjustments in the lives of those who live in Sunset Cove. Swiftly moving events cause the community to pull together to fill in the gaps left in their absence. Some of the characters we’ve grown to love head off to war, and young couples are making decisions about their futures. Anna, Katy, and Ellen find themselves praying for loved ones who are headed off to war, and discovering that their own circumstances have significantly changed.
As always, this book resolves around the town’s newspaper and the events happening in the community. Anna, as the newspaper’s editor, finds herself tackling racism as this problem now enters their small community. As with the other books, there’s an element of suspense that keeps the reader one their toes and makes the story one that kept me turning pages to the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to see what happens with the McDowell family and their friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1917 and the Great War is still in progress. However, the Selective Service Act has now been passed. Sunset Cove, on the Oregon coast, is no different than any other small town – those between the ages of 21 and 30 were required to register for military service. Suddenly jobs that have been filled by capable young men are available, young ladies are lost without their boyfriends, and weddings are being planned in a hurry. Those not of conscription age are questioning if they should volunteer.
Some things, however, have not changed. Rum-running and smuggling are still happening since prohibition is still in effect. Another less than positive thing is happening in town, since the arrival of Anna and Katy’s friend from Portland. Sarah Beth is colored, and there are those that feel discrimination is acceptable. Kidnapping brings the whole town together, but will they survive if their boys don’t return from the war?
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series, and am looking forward to reading more about this charming small town situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. A copy of this novel was received through CelebrateLit. The five star rating was in no way solicited and all comments and opinions are my own.