Girls of Summer by C. E. Hilbert
MY REVIEW:
C.E. Hilbert is a new author to me but after reading Girls of Summer, I will certainly be checking out more of her books. She managed to hold my attention until the very end with her riveting romantic suspense centered around organized crime.
This highly emotional book began with a bang and the danger and action continued to escalate from that point with a surprise or two along the way. Strained family relationships and an FBI investigation added to the tension. Characters were well rounded and relatable. Vivid descriptions brought me right into the center of the story and all the talk of southern food made me just a bit hungry. More than one developing romance was a bonus.
I loved the way the author gradually worked in Charlie’s journey to Christ as she described all the factors that led her to see the truth. Girls of Summer is a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness. This is definitely a must read if you love happy endings.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
|
Book: Girls of Summer Author: C.E. Hilbert Genre: Romantic Suspense Release date: March 19, 2021 Click here to get your copy! |
 |
When Charlotte receives the news that her estranged father has passed away, she finds herself in small-town South Carolina, forced to partner with her half-sister in running the baseball team and family business. If she can make it through 365 long days of running her daddy’s business, she’ll inherit half his multi-million dollar fortune—money she desperately needs to rectify the sins of her mother.
But can a big city girl overcome small-town sass and the unwelcome guidance of too-handsome-for-his-own-good general counsel Mac Taylor, or will this uptown girl discover she is truly a southern girl of summer at heart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
C.E. Hilbert lives in sleepy town outside Columbus, OH in a 120-year-old fixer-upper with her Golden Retriever, Georgie. She believes that life goes best with Jesus, cookies made with real butter, summers watching baseball and winters filled with hockey.
MORE FROM C. E. HILBERT:
Did you ever have a fascination with an organization or an event? Maybe you are a World War II buff like my friend Nick or you have a deep appreciation (or obsession) for all things Star Wars like my nephew Alex? Maybe you were entranced with a book series or a television series? For me, I had a deep curiosity about organized crime in high school and college. I know, odd choice of interest, but my fascination was so deep I spent a semester being advised and mentored by a sitting federal judge and the head of our local FBI office on a school project about the impact of the Cosa Nostra in Ohio.
I, like so many people who have read Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather” or seen the movie adaptation, was infatuated with the romance the family drama told. I hadn’t really considered the destruction or lack of care for human life that actually existed within the American Mafia until I studied the organization. Although my curiosity continued, no longer did I see Michael Corleone’s story as a well-crafted work of fiction, but rather an overly romanticized view of a world of corruption and depravity. What I learned from those two mentors was simple – cut off the head of one organization and two more will rise in its place. The Cosa Nostra’s influence on America has waned in recent years, but organized crime is unfortunately alive and well.
In Girls of Summer, we see a glimpse of the impact of organized crime in America through the lens of one family so enmeshed in its web we are unsure if they will be able to survive to find freedom. Through telling this story, I not only wanted to share how the love of God can redeem even the most lost soul, but also give a window into the destruction that follows in the wake of those who do not value human life. Instead of romanticizing organized crime as books and movies have done for decades, my goal with integrating the Russian mafia into the fabric of Girls of Summer was to shine a light on the lack of decency and morality.
Girls of Summer is a suspenseful romance filled with the hope of redemption and reconciliation, but the story also gives a peek into a world most of us would prefer to believe lives only in fiction. Thankfully, we have dedicated men and women who are quietly fighting for justice with the hope of one day saying, organized crime is truly a thing of make believe.
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11
HappyWhenReading, August 11
For Him and My Family, August 12
Daysong Reflections, August 13
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 15
Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16
deb’s Book Review, August 17
Texas Book-aholic, August 18
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 19 (Author Interview)
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21
Inklings and notions, August 22
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23
Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, C.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a tote that contains four books (Girls of Summer, From Scratch, Life on the Porcelain Edge & The Wooing of Jane Grey) and some “surprise items”!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/112dd/girls-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a nationa and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at 
Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than forty books, including The Escape, The Chase, The Traitor’s Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.
