Review: charming story about the power of an unexpected second chance at love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 10, 2014
Review originally written for Prism Book AllianceScotty Cade delivers a charming story about the power of an unexpected second chance at love …Few books truly surprise me, but Scotty Cade’s Sunrise Over Savannah certainly did!  From the publisher’s blurb, I expected there to be a bit of a menage vibe going on between Thompson, Hank and Garner.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.Rather than a story filled with the sexual antics of these three men, Cade instead delivers an emotional tale of the crippling force that grief and guilt may have, as well as the power of love and forgivness of oneself.  Thompson is a grief-stricken, shell of a man who has never gotten past the crushing grief of his wife, Caroline’s, sudden death four years earlier.  Hank has been Thompson’s friend (and in love with Thompson) since childhood, and he still hurts from Thompson pushing him away when he tries to pull Thompson back into the world of the living from constantly mourning Caroline’s death.  Enter retired psychiatrist Garner into the picture.  Garner, who is only in his mid-thirties, is stranded while his sailboat undergoes repairs, and agrees to help Thompson work at his boat dock. Garner casually dates Hank (with no real hankie pankie going on – forgive the pun!), but also develops a friendship with Thompson and slowly draws out the truth of his feelings about Caroline’s death.  He then subtly plays cupid by helping Thompson and Hank realize they love each other and belong together.While I didn’t expect an emotionally driven story, I truly enjoyed Sunrise Over Savannah.  The plot was unique and refreshing, and the story line flowed along at an easy, natural rate toward a heartwarming and lovely conclusion.  The cathartic release of the grief and undeserved guilt that Thompson carries due to Caroline’s death is beautifully written. I also appreciate the caring friendship that develops between the three men.  In addition, Scotty Cade shies away from expected tropes and actions:  When Caroline’s mother calls Thompson to her deathbed, I fully expect her to be filled with regret that she had not done more to protect her daughter from her step-father’s abuse.  Instead, her  mother is unrepentent and tells him she knew of the abuse, and that she couldn’t do anything to stop it because she was worried that everyone would discover the family’s dirty secrets.  I love that Cade includes such unexpected and compelling story elements, and they help make Sunrise Over Savannah distinctive and memorable.In Sunrise Over Savannah, Scotty Cade writes a remarkable story about love, forgiveness, and getting a second chance to live life to its fullest, as well as to love and be loved.  It’s quite well written, even if descriptions of the clothing each character wears are a bit over the top.  I recommend Sunrise Over Savannah – I expect you will also find this delightful story to be uncommonly hopeful and satisfying.  I now want Scotty Cade to write Garner’s story … he deserves his own happy ending!