Mary Lynn and Jackson have worked hard to give their daughters all the culture and education they didn't have access to growing up. Sometimes, Mary Lynn worries that they're working a little too hard and pushing the girls too hard, but Jackson never does anything halfway and he won't back down. He loves his children, but they always have to do more, and better, speaking several languages, playing instruments, making the highest test scores.

One morning, during her daily run, Mary Lynn experiences a miracle and starts thinking more about the God who has been relegated to the edges of her life. When she prays for Jackson to know God, the results are unexpected and not entirely welcome.

When Jackson decides to do something, he goes all the way, and doesn't let anything stand in his way. But when he ruins in one instant what they've all worked toward for ten years, will his family forgive him? When Mary Lynn realizes she isn't as into the whole "God thing" as she first thought and that she has other options, will she turn back to God and Jackson or have her answered prayers ended her marriage and her dreams?

This wasn't a favorite book, but it was a quick read and "good enough" to take the time to read.

I got this book free from the Booksneeze review program in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Mary Lynn Scoville and her husband Jackson has achieved the climb up the social ladder in Charleston. Everything seems to be going just the way she wants - the perfect, successful husband, beautiful and talented children, wealth a large house and invitations to the elite parties. Then it all begins to change. As Mary Lynn begins to go to church she has an encounter with Christ and begins to live the typical "good Christian-girl" life. Knowing Christ, but not completely sold out, she asks for prayer that her husband Jackson, who long ago wrote God off, would come to a saving knowledge and a change of life. Little did she realize that this prayer would turn her perfectly perfect worldly life upside down - as is the case a lot of the time when there is a true experience with Jesus.

This is the novel "In His Steps" modernized with the principles of the book Radical combined. It is truly an inspiration to those who are asked to give up everything in the face of a radical change. What is it that you are holding on to that you don't think you could give up? Mary Lynn is about to discover that abundant life has nothing to due with what she has come to value, but will she discover it before it is too late?

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy. ( )

Mary Lynn and her husband, Jackson, have long-term goals for their family. They push their children to do their best in school. In their social standing, they long to be one of the elite. They strive to improve themselves in every way. But they are not satisfied – ever. When Mary Lynn finds comfort in a new church, she longs for Jackson to share her experience. But when he does find God, he does it in a big and unexpected way. An impromptu announcement at a school assembly pretty much seals their fate, and not in a good way. The kids are now wondering if Dad is crazy, and Mary Lynn is weighing her options for her future. This tale has its moments, and some are hilarious. But it doesn’t quite hit the mark. ( )

Sunrise on the Battery is a contemporary Christian novel. Beth Webb Hart has written this novel from different points of few inside this family. The mother Mary Lynn, the father Jackson and the oldest daughter Catherine. While this family struggles to be the best and attain the best social status all the pressure starts to cause problems. Each point of view shares with us their turning points. If you are looking for a well written novel with defined character development, christian theme and a heartwarming experience this is the novel for you. I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads.

Now that she's arrived at her ultimate address, will Mary Lynn's longed-for view of the harbor satisfy the craving of her heart?

At last, Mary Lynn and Jackson Scoville are living the life they've dreamed of. Two self-described "small town bumpkins" from Round O, South Carolina, they made a small fortune selling the little gems of lowcountry real estate Jackson inherited and now they are living in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, carefully working their way up the social ladder in hopes of meeting their ultimate goal: to give their three daughters the life they themselves never had.

But the long-forgotten God of Mary Lynn's childhood seems to be trying to get her attention in clear and unusual ways. So clear and strange she can no longer deny it. When Mary Lynn prays for Jackson to open his mind and heart to God, her prayers are answered beyond her wildest imaginings. Now Jackson's dramatic conversion (which includes street witnessing, giving away a lot of money, and inviting poor, desperate and marginalized people into their home) is threatening their social status as well as their family mission statement. Is she willing to go along with him?

What would it be like to go "all out" for God? Jackson, a sharp and focused Type A man, is unafraid and willing to go all the way. Mary Lynn has her doubts. ( )

First off let me say I loved this book. Ms. Hart has a way of writing that makes each character easy to relate to. Even when their actions are not always what you think they should be and their desires are opposite to each other I found myself pulling for them. Ms. Hart gives you a view of what radical faith would look like today and how a society based on social status and appearance would respond to it, while also asking readers to consider where faith fits into their life. It's an absorbing story of a family whose desire to fit in almost costs them everything they value most.
The story will have you inspecting your motivations for what you do and what you want in life. What do you pray for and what happens when your prayers are answered in ways you are not expecting?
The story was developed nicely and the imagery is strong. The characters are complex and believable. Their emotions and actions are authentic. The relationships and dialogue were genuine. Sunrise on the Battery is a novel with strong characters and a well-written plot. This is a great read about a realistic family. I would highly recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )