AUTHOR: JoAnn Durgin
DATE: 2017
STARS: *****
From the time he was a little boy, all Will Lewis wanted to do was ride a rocket ship to the stars. Now, more than three decades later, NASA Commander William Jordan Lewis prepares to lead his STS-777 Pursuit shuttle crew on a six-week mission to the International Space Station. Nothing and no one will interfere with his single-minded purpose…until four months before his mission, Will meets the girl next door, a petite beauty with a southern accent and a masculine-sounding name who challenges and completely captivates him.
Dalton Smith isn’t sure what to make of her very tall, space-obsessed—and annoyingly handsome—astronaut neighbor. Her career as a contemporary Christian vocalist is beginning to soar, and she has no time for a romantic relationship. But Commander Lewis captures her attention and won’t let go.
Like many others, I waited anxiously for Pursuit, the eighth novel in JoAnn Durgin’s Lewis Legacy series. I’d read and loved each of the previous books, so it didn’t take much arm-twisting to convince myself to purchase this one. I’m so glad I did.
Astronaut Will Lewis made only brief appearances in the other Lewis Legacy stories, so I was eager to get to know him better. As it turns out, so was his new neighbour, Christian singing artist Dalton Smith. Watching their relationship develop was a sweet joy, perfect for this Valentine’s week—or any time.
The author’s tremendous research shone in this story, and she incorporated NASA information seamlessly. Well done! Ms. Durgin managed to make the space shuttle and ISS familiar enough that I could envision it, a truly amazing feat.
But this is not simply a sweet love story between a singer and an astronaut. Pursuit is a fitting title, as it’s the name of the shuttle Will commands but it also describes God’s quest for a close relationship with His children. Through fears, thrills, and dangers, Will and Dalton have choices to make: trudge on their own way, or yield to God’s pursuit.
Highly recommended. I give Pursuit five stars and wish I could give more.