Rooted in Sunrise

Shannon Whitmore reviews Catholic author Beth Dotson Brown's new novel.

Rooted in Sunrise

by Beth Dotson Brown
Published by Koehler Books 

Rooted in Sunrise tells the harrowing story of Ava Winston, who must rebuild her life after the destruction of her home in Lexington, Kentucky during a tornado. The loss of her home leads her to question her priorities, her relationships, and the trajectory of her life moving forward. Considering important topics such as the value of friendship, the relationship between mothers and daughters over a lifetime, and learning who you are as you age, Brown’s book is immediately relatable to most women in their middle years. And as for younger readers, it’s a wonderful example of how women might face their midlife with grace and purpose.  

Realistic, relatable characters

Beth Dotson Brown does a wonderful job of creating characters who are relatable and realistic. She draws the reader in with her descriptions of the settings, her insights into the character’s interior thoughts, and a beautiful depiction of the beauty of friendship and the drama inherent in so many relationships. It is a hopeful depiction of how one might face life amidst turmoil, whether it stems from a physical catastrophe, an interior midlife crisis, or a damaged relationship. Brown considers how relationships shape us, and how we must shape our own lives by choosing how or if to interact with certain other people in our lives. 

Rooted in Sunrise is a wonderful book for any avid reader looking for a relatable novel. The reader will find herself absorbed into the lives of the characters, considering how she herself might respond in the situations detailed within its pages. It is appropriate for young and mature adults, with the following caveat: triggers include a physical catastrophe and an abusive relationship. Also, the main character, Ava, is a divorced woman considering the possibility of new relationships, a topic that some mothers might find inappropriate for their younger daughters. All in all, however, Rooted in Sunrise is a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it. 

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Copyright 2024 Shannon Whitmore
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