Shoot at the Sunset

Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Chaparral Hearts #5
Pages: 377
Release Date: April 6, 2024
Publisher: Wild Heart Books

Will love survive when truth takes aim at their secrets?

Sharpshooter Preston Baker has spent a lifetime confronting danger head-on. So when a heartfelt letter arrives from his big sister asking for help, he doesn’t hesitate to put his traveling show career on hold and journey to her remote desert ranch, determined to make amends for past failures. What he doesn't expect is to discover his long-lost little sister and her best friend, Lucy, are both hard at work on the ranch.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucy Arlidge’s decision to travel to a remote desert ranch was born as much from desperation as friendship. Fleeing San Francisco may have saved Lucy’s life, but the decision left others in danger. To thwart the evil plans of those who pursue her and her family, Lucy must keep her new gem-mining operation concealed and her secrets safe.

Preston is drawn to the mysterious woman, despite her plans to marry the neighboring rancher. Lucy’s quiet strength and undeniable beauty beckon him like a campfire in the wilderness, offering light amidst the dark memories and deepest fears resurrected by the presence of his sisters. But as danger closes in, Preston and Lucy must confront their pasts to save not only their own futures, but the lives of everyone they love.

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Reviewer: Diana Lea

As Preston returns to help his sister on the ranch, he is reminded about things from his childhood that he would rather keep behind him. It turns out that Lucy and the others on the ranch are also hiding their inner turmoil about past events. So many lessons are learned through hard work and dealing with dangers in the remote desert. It is as if God’s hand is truly leading these many characters to His truth of forgiveness, love, and redemption.

Kathleen Denly is able to weave a story with many characters and plot lines and keep the reader’s interest. Many twists and turns were found and enjoyed. 

I found the first few chapters slower to read, but once Lucy ventured out to the desert, the story flowed well. The characters and their struggles seemed very real. Issues of life traumas were treated in a respectful manner. The story flowed well, and the various plot lines led to great conclusions. 

Those who look for faith-filled, inspirational stories will find this suspenseful, intrigue-filled romance staged in the old west one that they will want to read. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Adriann Harris

Kathleen Denly gives her readers a gripping, heartfelt Historical Christian Romance story in Shoot at the Sunset, the fifth book of the Chaparral Hearts series, a fictional story set in the 1870s in California inspired by real people and places. This book has something for everyone, filled with adventure, gem mining, suspense, murder, and romance, all while dealing with sensitive issues too. I highly recommend this captivating, thrilling, and inspiring story filled with hope and redemption.

Denly’s expressive, exquisite prose pulled me into the depths of the story, allowing me to feel the emotions of the characters and experience the sights and sounds of the beautiful California Wild West frontier. Her meticulous research and attention to detail shows just how much she loves to make the story more compelling, and the way she slowly builds the suspense of the story kept me turning the pages.

In this book, Denly has her characters dealing with some very tough issues: abuse, addiction, rape, and PTSD, and through faith, they finally find healing. My heart went out to Lucy and Preston as they journeyed separately and together through trials and tribulations, eventually coming together and finding love for each other.

I had the honor of being a beta reader and launch team member of Shoot at the Sunset, and I received a final e-copy of this engaging story from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all opinions are my own.

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