That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon ~ Review

I wasn’t sure how to put my finger on the pulse of this book. It’s not a romance. But it’s not strictly women’s fiction. It covers more than three characters and a depth of issues. Does it fit into one genre and readership? Hmm, probably not. I’d label it contemporary for fans of Karen Kingsbury.

            

Much moves through this story to propel the motion forward. Characters are largely likeable and deal with some pretty significant struggles. I felt in many cases, how these struggles were handled was done with finesse and strength of writing. The ending made me smile. Because of some of the subject matter and our characters’ past choices, I wasn’t sure if the story would truly resolve in a way I appreciated, but it did.

            

I read the novel over a couple days while traveling and didn’t feel as though I truly became invested in the characters as a whole. I think the main reason being is I felt pulled in too many different directions and emotions. My loyalty for one character over another was not equally divided or united.  

            

I think it’s a sweet love story, a family saga and an emotional history upon the page, but I don’t think I would mark it among my favorites.

          

  This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my ARC to review.

          

  **Available June 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**

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More about the novel...

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 gorgeous sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had darker reasons for leaving town-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 their past mistakes, their relationship with each other, and their issues with a mother who is far from ideal. When a physical therapist raising his daughter alone and a handsome but hurting musician enter the picture, the summer takes on a whole new dimension. As their lives intersect and entwine, can each learn how to forgive, how to let go, and how to 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, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers her readers an inspiring true-to-life tale of complex family relationships, transgressions revealed and forgiven, and the complicated process of finding love.