Summer of Joy: Christian fiction book review

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    As summer draws to a close Jocie's world seems serene--but is it just the calm before a storm?

    Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure--they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.

    The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.

    Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Joy In Our Journey's review ~ by Jan:

    Ann Gabhart has written a delightful follow up book to her series beginning with Scent of Lilacs and Orchard of Hope.  Summer of Joy continues the story of Jocie Brooks and her family.  Set in 1964, Gabhart wisks you back to a time when living was a little slower and a little less complicated, than it is today.  But still there are the problems, the hurts, and the difficult situations that are a part of life no matter when or where you live.

    Jocie has reached her freshman year in high school.  She still works for her father at his newspaper, taking pictures and writing the occasional article for publication.  However, her English teacher keeps giving her F’s and much criticism for the papers she turns in to him.  She can’t fail English; she needs an A to get the scholarships she needs for college.

    Jocie is still friends with her father’s employee, Wes, who has Jupiterian roots.  He arrived one day by motorcycle and is Jocie’s "best ever" adult friend. He is always there with good advice and a listening ear.  Very wise people must live on Jupiter!

    Jocie’s father seems to be interested in a serious way with Leigh.  Could he be maybe thinking of her as a wife?  Jocie sure hopes so.

    This is an altogether fun to read book, with a little nostalgia thrown in for those of us who remember the 60’s.  A cozy winter’s afternoon, a warm fire, a cup of hot chocolate and a copy of Ann Gabhart’s book Summer of Joy, it just couldn’t get better than this.

     I received a copy of this book for review, but was not compensated financially in any way. The opinions expressed are those of Joy In Our Journey.com and are based solely on experiences while reading these books.

     In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission...without it costing you a penny more.   I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support!

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