A Sunshine Patriot by Rusty Watson (Author) 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyberwit.net
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 14, 2026
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 215 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9363543609
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9363543607
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #2,589,597 in Books

Review by LB Sedlacek

“A Sunshine Patriot” was inspired by the personal story of Russell Twitty, the author’s fourth Great Grandfather and the father of Sarah Twitty Withington from his historical fiction novel, “The Misery Trail.” The author states that he entitled his new book as such because Russell “fought for 9 months in the springtime of his life, for a cause that would last for 250 years.”

The author offers further insight into his work by stating “I chose to imagine Russell as a thoughtful, perceptive, and kind individual, patterned upon one of my own grandsons’ personalities. Let’s hope Russell’s DNA is still flourishing in him. While this novel is to honor one of my ancestors, it is simply a story about an ordinary person who lived in extraordinary times.”

The book overall is engaging and is a historical fiction novel taking readers back in time to the American Revolutionary War. It is told through the eyes of a young boy, Russell, as well as his widowed mother. Together they face numerous dangers and hardships as one would expect in a nation fighting for independence.

Watson is able to combine historical facts with his skill in presenting a poignant and emotional story that also helps readers to understand what life was like during this important time period. Watson’s skills at character writing is one of the strongest parts of the novel.

For instance, the character of Russell begins in the story as a timid boy struggling with his father’s death causing him great uncertainty. Further along in the story, Russell gains confidence due to circumstances he experiences. It is easy for readers to relate to these changes and the way the characters develop throughout the novel.

From CHAPTER FIVE

“Every day since his mother and two of his siblings had left for the

fort, Russell had watched and waited for their return. As instructed,

Susan diligently took care of him and his three younger sisters’ needs,

however, he noticed Allen was often absent from his responsibilities.

One day, as the balmy weather warmed into summer, Allen snuck up

behind Russell to scare him.

“What womanish fribbles are you pondering today?” Allen loudly

asked as he clapped his hands over his head. Startled, Russell turned

around to see his older brother bent over at the waist, laughing at his

discomfort. Welling up in tears, Russell stared back.

Allen slipped his thumbs into the waistband of his breeches and

rocked back and forth on his heels with a wide grin spread across his

face. “Ach, little brother. How come you’re so ‘solemn-choly’? Missing

your mother, are ye?” he asked.”

This passage indicates a key theme of personal growth. It shows the way Russell begins to mature in the book causing readers to be invested in his journey. And, they will also want to know what happens to him as the story goes along making for a compelling page turner.

Additionally, his relationship with his mother adds emotional layers to the overall story. Their struggles make the novel more than an adventure into history, but rather one about being human.

Watson’s research into the Revolutionary War gives it an in depth and complex core. It helps readers to perhaps understand the complicated history of living through this war.

Watson’s writing style is also accessible. This makes the book suitable for a wide variety of readers. His pacing throughout the book is steady and balanced. While this book may offer a wide appeal to readers who like reading historical fiction, it also offers an engaging storyline for almost anyone who likes to read novels.

This book is also an ode to patriotism. Its title brings to mind the examination of the differences between someone who supports a cause only when times are good vs someone who supports a cause while the circumstances or either good or bad.

“A Sunshine Patriot” is a thoughtful and inspiring historical story bringing together real history with adventure and lifelike characters that jump off the page. It also provides a step into what was the Revolutionary War while also telling a moving and courageous story. This is a worthwhile and meaningful read.

~LB Sedlacek is author of the poetry books “Words and Bones,” “Unresponsive Sky,” “The Poet Next Door,” “Simultaneous Submissions,” and “Ghost Policy.”  Her poem novel is “The Blue Eyed Side.” Her short stories books include “Four Thieves of Vinegar and Other Short Stories” and “The Jackalope Committee & Other Tales.”