"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. ( )

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. ( )

It’s time for another trip to historic Oregon with Anna McDowell in the third Legacy of Sunset Cove novel, Surf Smugglers.

In the charming town of Sunset Cove, the challenges Anna and her family face accumulate. With World War I and illegal rum-running, plus the necessity to confront gender, race, and relational problems, their story has no shortage of drama.

Surf Smugglers is exactly what I’ve come to expect from this series. An interesting dive into early twentieth-century history with characters I’ve come to enjoy, it is a pleasant read, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book will add.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )