That Certain Summer ~ Review

That Certain Summer
By Irene Hannon

This new offering from Irene Hannon will tug at your heartstrings and involve in the lives of 4 people who are going through struggles in their lives.  This is not one of Irene's suspense novels but there is nothing lacking in That Certain Summer as far as the story or the depth of the characters is concerned.

Karen and Val are brought back together after their suffers a stroke.  Karen has always been the capitulating daughter and wife.  Val has lead a carefree glamorous life as a singer.  Or so they've believed...

But no one's life is as it appears and this summer they are both about to discover who the other one is.  Both Karen and Val made choices when they were younger that has had an affect on their lives up to the present day.  But some choices have a lasting affect only because we let them and we cling to the guilt because we don't believe we have been forgiven by God and we can't or won't forgive ourselves.

But Val and Karen's summer of healing involves more than just themselves as they have dealings with two men who are going through times of upheaval in their own lives.  Scott was the lone survivor of a crash that killed his future as far as he is concerned.  David has just moved to Washington with his young daughter Victoria.

Can healing come from reaching out to others and not focusing on ourselves and our own troubles?  Travel to Washington and discover the truth for yourself!  We all have a certain summer that changes our life and this one may change yours.  Be sure to have a box of tissue nearby - you will need it (in the last third of the book!).

That Certain Summer touches on the issues of divorce, remarriage, abortion, and death in non-judgmental and a loving Christ centered way.  This would be a book to share with anyone dealing with any of these issues.

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Book:

Two very different sisters . . . an unexpected homecoming . . . one unforgettable summer

Karen and Val are family-yet they're anything but close. Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away-as well as a secret to keep-and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.

Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?

With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, award-winning author Irene Hannon pens an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex relationships, the search for forgiveness, and the life-changing process of finding love.