That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon - REVIEWED

About the Book:  (from Baker Publishing)
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.

My Thoughts:

“…once we open ourselves to His abiding grace and loving presence, we too will be able to say, ‘I was blind and now I see’.” (p. 153)

Irene Hannon is an author I’ve always equated with military suspense.  Let me tell you now, she has other genres in her writer’s heart, and her contemporary novel, That Certain Summer is every bit as captivating and intriguing as any suspense novel she has ever written! This is a beautiful story about very realistic characters, realistic relationships, complicated – sometimes heart-breaking  - circumstances…oh, this book is a treasure trove!!

The relationship between Karen and Val is one the world will recognize as all too common! The beauty that emerges in the lives of these two women is just heartbreaking and thrilling all rolled into one!  They have made choices with heavy consequences to be sure, but when the Lord opens their eyes to His love and forgiveness, things begin to move in an entirely different direction!

Then there is Scott and David.  Each man is reeling in the wake of some pretty tragic circumstances.  One is clinging to his faith, and one is struggling to find his way.  The end result of both their journeys is both challenging and intensely satisfying.

Intensely satisfying – that is my opinion of Irene Hannon’s latest novel, That Certain Summer.  Go. Buy a copy today and be satisfied!! Sigh….. 

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine.Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.