That Certain Summer:

A Novel

by: Irene Hannon

ISBN: 9780800722494
Pub. Date: May 2013
SRP: $14.99
Christian fiction

About . . .

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.

Where to Purchase

About the author . . .

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of over forty books, including more than two dozen contemporary romance novels and the Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have garnered many honors, including two RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. In addition, Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.

For more information, please visit www.irenehannon.com.

Reader review . . .

Margaret has had a stroke, and her daughter Karen, the "reliable" one, has called her sister Val to come home and help care for their mother. A tragic accident has changed Scott's life forever, and he has gone to stay with his mother while he recuperates. David, a single parent, has decided to move to a small town to raise his daughter. In one summer, their lives will connect and each person will learn whether or not they are capable of letting go of the past and forgiving.

Having read her previous novels, I was anxious to see this new direction for Ms. Hannon. She has written a credible novel of people who have, in one way or another, all been wounded in the past. Karen and Val are still learning to cope with a domineering mother while also dealing with problems in their individual lives. Karen, a recent divorcee, is struggling to raise an unhappy teenager, and Val is forced to confront the dark secret of her past when she returns to their hometown. Scott is bitter about the seeming loss of his lifelong dream, and David is just beginning to think that there could be room in his life for love again. All of their problems are realistic, and for the most part, their reactions are, as well.

The only problem I had with the novel is a common problem in this genre. It seems that when faced with what might be a theological minefield, the problem is resolved in a permanent manner which should satisfy even the most conservative reader. That is all I can say without a spoiler, so I'll leave it at that. Other than that, it was a captivating novel that held my interest from the first page to the last.

Strong Christian theme.

4 stars

I received a free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255