MY REVIEW:
“One Perfect Spring” is a touching story that warms the heart and leaves the reader with hope. Each of the four primary characters’ lives have been affected in one way or another by the death of a spouse, catastrophic disease, or abandonment. The well-intentioned letter written by one young girl with a compassionate heart brought the four individuals together for a quest that would bring them healing, renewal, and even unexpected romance that they could never have imagined.
In contrast to Hannon’s dynamic suspense novels, “One Perfect Spring” is more like a leisurely stroll through the garden. Along the path, the reader gets to know each character intimately and can easily understand what motivates him or her. Interaction between characters was superb. I loved how each of them demonstrated care towards the others despite their own personal issues. Adoption is a prominent theme that is approached from several viewpoints which paints a broader picture than is usually portrayed. The plot contained several surprises, not all of them pleasant, but was all the more believable for that reason. The faithfulness of God is a theme that was woven unobtrusively through the story.
Fans of Hannon’s suspense novels should be sure to give “One Perfect Spring” a try also. She has shown herself to be a talented storyteller no matter the genre. I highly recommend this novel and hope that you will enjoy it also.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Independent single mom Claire Summers is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Workaholic Keith Watson is interested only in the bottom line–until a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk and changes everything.
As the executive assistant to a philanthropic businessman, Keith is used to fielding requests for donations. But the girl isn’t asking for money. She wants help finding the long-lost son of a neighbor. As Keith reluctantly digs into this assignment in his usual results-oriented style, he has no idea how involved he and Claire will become–nor how unusual the results will actually be. Who could have guessed that a child’s kindhearted request would bring love and hope to so many lives . . . including his own?
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, fan favorite Irene Hannon offers this tenderhearted story that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms come only after the harshest winters.
Read an excerpt from “One Perfect Spring” HERE.
Praise for That Certain Summer:
“The lives of these endearing characters intertwine over a summer and undergo change as Hannon has readers rooting for each of them in this uplifting story about love and redemption.”–Publishers Weekly
“A thoughtful tale that captures the reader from the very first pages. Irene Hannon knows the power of words and the miracle of faith.”–New York Journal of Books
“Efficient, beautiful storytelling and genuine, vulnerable, faithful characters are the strength of this story. This one simultaneously moves you to tears, makes you laugh, and leaves you speechless while warming your heart. A gem of a read.”–RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Hannon creates characters that we can both relate to and root for; we learn from their lives as we are also entertained–the true mark of an amazing summer read.”–Hope for Women
“That Certain Summer is as much a women’s fiction title as it is inspirational romance. The story moves along at a steady pace, and the lives of the characters intersect with few surprises, yet it is in such a way that the beauty of ‘normal life’ takes on fresh dimension. A great weekend or rainy-day read, That Certain Summer will warm your heart and might even make you take a fresh look at some of the difficult relationships in your life.”–Serena Chase, USA Today Happily Ever After blog
“Hannon’s latest is a tender story that addresses how one action stemming from compassion can affect the lives of several people. Her expert storytelling taps at matters of the heart in lyrical, beautiful language, with sympathetic characters who will endear themselves to readers. A well-developed and inspiring plot, coupled with efficient pacing leaves readers with a sweet, heartwarming read.”–RT Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, including the 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, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. Irene lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
