MY REVIEW:

I have enjoyed all of Irene Hannon’s suspense novels to date as well as many of her Love Inspired books so I was sure that her newest long contemporary romance “That Certain Summer” would also be good. I was not disappointed.

Skillful plot and character development paved the way for a most enjoyable few hours of reading. I liked the fact that all of the characters struggled with different problems and misconceptions about themselves. It was gratifying to watch as their personal interactions helped them to gradually understand the truth and how their lives changed for the better – even the manipulative mother of Karen and Val. Although Karen seemed to have the lowest self-esteem, she also had the most compassionate heart which influenced those around her. Val’s outward self-confidence hid a guilty conscience but she encouraged Karen to learn to stand up for herself. It was a joy to see the sisters relationship grow close as they cared for their mother together. The men who enter their lives are the perfect complement for each woman.

“That Certain Summer” is not only a wonderful romance novel but has a strong message on forgiveness and finding God’s plan for one’s life. I highly recommend it.

This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
New Contemporary Romance by Two-Time RITA Award-Winning Author

With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, celebrated author 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.
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 darker reasons for leaving town – and had a secret to keep – so 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 own relationship 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 sister 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?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Saint Louis, Missouri.

For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.