Review Detail

The House on Sunrise Lagoon holds a family full of love for each other. That said, living in a big family isn’t always easy. There are a lot of different characters that have to compete with each other for attention. But both moms do everything they can to do just that. They equally love birth children and adopted children and also each other. This love creates a sanctuary for every child to grow up safe and happy. But it isn’t always easy to accept this unconditional love when you’ve had bad experiences. Sam has been with the Ali-O’Connor family for three years now, and even though her moms treat her like their own, she can’t shake the feeling that she needs to solidify her place in this family. And what would be better to achieve that than to take over mom’s boating business one day? All Sam has to do is prove herself worthy. But when she overhears her moms talking about giving up the business, her future crumbles. Now, Sam has to try everything to prevent this outcome. But soon, she has to learn that sneaking around and lying about her feelings is never the way to solve problems.

A lot is going on in this family. No wonder with five children! And I’m happy there will be more books about the other children because everyone is incredibly unique and fascinating. I admire the Ali-O’Connors for the patience and strength they are giving their children. It is beautiful to see and makes you believe in the good in this world. Families like this do exist, and bringing up children with that much love - even when life gets hard sometimes - instead of hate will save us all. Naturally, Sam wants to be a part of this - who wouldn’t? But just as hard as it can be to provide this love, it often is equally hard to accept it.