Review of Sunday Morning (Sunday Morning, #1) by Jewel E. Ann
There’s something undeniably captivating about diving into a Jewel E. Ann novel. I’ve always found her stories an alluring mix of tension, romance, and a sprinkle of taboo, and Sunday Morning was no exception. As soon as I read the blurb, with its promise of a "Footloose meets A Star is Born" vibe, I was all in. The idea of a sheltered pastor’s daughter breaking free to pursue her dreams—with a handsome military hero to push her boundaries—had me hooked. I couldn’t wait to uncover the layers of Sarah and Isaac’s unconventional love story.
The premise of Sunday Morning is incredibly rich. Sarah, the good little rancher’s daughter, grapples with expectations while Isaac, her high school boyfriend’s older brother, returns from the military and shakes up her world. Their chemistry crackles from the beginning, painting their evolving relationship with moments of both heat and undeniable tension. Isaac is the kind of hero who tenderly nudges Sarah out of her comfort zone, and the push and pull between them serves as a riveting backbone for the narrative.
Jewel E. Ann has a distinctive voice—a seamless flow that pulls me in every time. I was eager for more of Isaac’s point of view throughout the book; his character depth had so much potential for exploration. While Sarah’s awakening was beautifully portrayed, there were moments where I wished for a deeper connection with music, something heavily hinted at in the blurb but underutilized in the narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the pacing generally remained strong, and I found myself eagerly turning pages.
However, the ending left me with a mix of satisfaction and frustration. After the climactic conflict resolution, we get a glimpse of a happily-ever-after, but it all felt a little rushed. The epilogue laid out so many changes without delving deeper into them, leaving me longing for those juicy details that could have fully satisfied my reading appetite. I would have loved to see Sarah’s journey in pursuing her music dreams, which felt glossed over instead of fully realized.
Sunday Morning is not without its emotional ups and downs. There’s a poignancy to Sarah’s story, and I appreciated how her family dynamics and personal struggles were tackled with sensitivity. It’s worth noting that the romance isn’t an instant whirlwind as it’s more of a slow burn, and while that made the connection feel authentic, I still expected a bit more passion based on reviews I’d read.
For readers who enjoy romance tangled with a bit of taboo, and a journey of self-discovery, Sunday Morning is a solid pick. Jewel E. Ann has a knack for crafting stories that linger in your heart, regardless of the little points of contention that might arise along the way. Ultimately, I found myself rooting for Sarah and Isaac, even if the journey didn’t quite deliver all the emotional highs I was hoping for.
If you’re up for a read that combines family drama, personal growth, and a pinch of heat, give Sunday Morning a shot. Just be prepared for a run through a couple of emotional roadblocks—you may arrive at the other side a little breathless but hopeful for what the future holds for these characters!
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