When you feel you know the characters (or people just like them), then the author has done an excellent job in my opinion.
Author Irene Hannon has done just that with the characters in her latest contemporary romance, THAT CERTAIN SUMMER. This is a story of faith, hope, and enduring life’s daily trials, along with the unexpected complications and hardships.Karen and Val are sisters, but have never had a close relationship. Val left town years ago to pursue a theater career leaving Karen to shoulder the burden of caring for their aging mother. The dream of stardom wasn’t the reason Val left, she has carried a dark secret that has kept her from returning home.
When their mother suffers a stroke, Val is forced to return to her hometown. As the two sisters reconnect, they discover a bond they had never had before while dealing with a mother who is far from ideal. During the summer as they deal with their own problems, they encounter new relationships that could change their lives forever. Their mother’s physical therapist, raising a daughter on his own, connects with Val only to feel her pull away. An injured musician takes over the church choir and Karen’s world is turned upside down. Can forgiveness lead to peace, understanding and love?
These characters are engaging and realistic, their situations plausible. The evolving relationship between the sisters is inspiring and moving. The tension and strain between mother and daughters resembles true life.
Author Irene Hannon has created characters you will cheer for. While the faith-based story has elements of mystery you can guess, the path to resolution has a few twists along the way. The outcome may seem a bit cheesy, but will leave you filled with hope and the knowledge life is never quite as it seems. Hannon shows people often present false fronts when dealing with others and miracles come in many forms.
Readers will be pulled in quickly and feel as though they are a part of the community. THAT CERTAIN SUMMER is a fascinating read that will inspire hope and better family understanding.
Author Irene Hannon’s website is www.irenehannon.com
That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon, Revell, @2013, ISBN: 978-0800722494, Paperback, 304 Pages
Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a blog tour for the author and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the
Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. What are you reading this week? Do you enjoy books that explore family problems that pit one sibling against another?
Mason - It's always those crisis moments isn't it that make us really take a look at ourselves and our relationships. Thanks for sharing this; it sounds as though it explores that issue effectively.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful review of my latest book, Mason. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
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