That Certain Summer: Christian Fiction book review

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Summary of the new book, That Certain 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 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.

    Once 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 during this summer of grace, might they also find the courage to love?

About the author, Irene Hannon:

    That Certain Summer, by bestselling author Irene Hannon, is a departure from her trademark romantic suspense.  Hannon brings her considerable talent to tell the story of two sisters who must come back together after years of separation when their mother suffers a stroke.  Secrets will be revealed, and both must learn how to forgive and move on to allow love into their lives. This uplifting story will remind readers of Karen Kingsbury and Debbie Macomber.

Joy In Our Journey's review of That Certain Summer:

    I have long enjoyed reading Irene Hannon’s mystery trilogies and so was interested in reading her newest novel, That Certain Summer, to see if her romance novel could live up to the finely drawn characters in the mystery novels.  I am pleased to say that Ms. Hannon has more than lived up to my expectations.

    That Certain Summer  is the story of two sisters, both with secrets to hide and problems to overcome.  Their mother is a ”piece of work”. No one can live up to her expectations and standards, and she rarely gives any praise or support to her two daughters or anyone else who comes into her orbit.  She is taken down by a stroke, and needs to be cared for 24/7.  Her daughter, Val, steps in to help her sister Karen care for their mother and to bring healing to a deep hurt from years ago.  How God works in His mysterious ways and brings Karen and Val the deep desires of their hearts makes for a great read.

     I also appreciated the godly wisdom the author used to help her characters through their difficult circumstances and to come to know Him better.

     There is one scene that is a little intense, but it is what can happen to an unwary young girl in this fallen world.

     I am sure you will enjoy this book and the wisdom that Irene Hannon has placed in the pages of That Certain Summer, available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller - from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

   I received one copy of That Certain Summer in exchange for my honest review of this book.  No other compensation was provided.

    In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive a small affiliate commission, although your cost stays at the regular price. 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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