That Certain Summer

Title: THAT CERTAIN SUMMER

Author: Irene Hannon

Publisher: Revell
June 2013

ISBN: 978-0800722494

Genre: Women’s fiction

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?

THAT CERTAIN SUMMER is the first non-romantic-suspense book I read from Ms. Hannon. I love her romantic suspense novels. They are edge-of-your-seat, nail biting romances that I inhale. I didn’t quite feel this way about THAT CERTAIN SUMMER. The story is about a master-manipulator mother, Karen who is struggling with a divorce, her first job and a rebellious teen daughter with a broken leg, and Val, the beauty queen with issues. Add two hurting men to the mix and … you have conflict. The story is slow moving, more character-based than plot based. Readers will be left thinking as they close the last page of the book.

I wasn’t exactly drawn into the story, but I enjoyed reading it. I felt for Karen the most as I was the responsible daughter, the one who took care of things, while the other one went off and enjoyed life… of course, as adults we see things differently than when we were young. And the care-givers need a round of applause. If you like women’s fiction you’ll love THAT CERTAIN SUMMER. $14.99. 290 pages.