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That Certain Summer
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.
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 strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?
With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, fan favorite 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.
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 strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?
With her trademark compelling characters and heartwarming hope, fan favorite 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.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
134 people are currently reading
1379 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
121 books3,009 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
July 17, 2018
The writing style is engaging and the whole book was a quick read for me. I felt that because of 4 POVs in a 300 page book, some super deep subjects got brought up (plus for me) but then skimmed over (minus for me)...each subject could have easily taken an entire book to explore and solve. I felt like these characters bounced back super quick from several massive issues that had affected them for a very long time previously or in a very deep way. The reality of this created a disconnect from the problems they were having.
Also, two things really bothered me. First, one character assumes another is married because of some pictures on his desk, but "needs a fan" for his "hotness" and lets him flirt mildly with her...this one was both cliché and disturbing.
Second, an unbeliever (who is prodigal at the very least, but certainly has deep problems with even deciding whether he thinks God exists or not) is asked to take a music leader position in a church. The pastor says in justification, (summarized) "We never know what means God will use to reach a soul...this is a job like any other... I'm the preacher here." WAIT A MINUTE. How about we go back to the New Testament and read some of the qualifications for church leadership over again? Anyone in leadership in a church has to have a strong faith or the ministry is crippled. Also, why is this preacher making the decision for an entire church body? Doesn't he have at least a group of advisors?
Anyway, it's one of those easy reads that leaves you with a feel-good ending. I'd recommend it to 18+ for the amount of body-noticing and the theological bit with the pastor.
Also, two things really bothered me. First, one character assumes another is married because of some pictures on his desk, but "needs a fan" for his "hotness" and lets him flirt mildly with her...this one was both cliché and disturbing.
Second, an unbeliever (who is prodigal at the very least, but certainly has deep problems with even deciding whether he thinks God exists or not) is asked to take a music leader position in a church. The pastor says in justification, (summarized) "We never know what means God will use to reach a soul...this is a job like any other... I'm the preacher here." WAIT A MINUTE. How about we go back to the New Testament and read some of the qualifications for church leadership over again? Anyone in leadership in a church has to have a strong faith or the ministry is crippled. Also, why is this preacher making the decision for an entire church body? Doesn't he have at least a group of advisors?
Anyway, it's one of those easy reads that leaves you with a feel-good ending. I'd recommend it to 18+ for the amount of body-noticing and the theological bit with the pastor.
September 24, 2014
I had to close the book half way through. It was so cliched, the characters rigid stereotypes, the writing amateur, and the plot a recycled piece of fluff that has been executed better by more experienced writers. This is my last book by Irene Hannon. While, I enjoyed her somewhat repetitive Guardians of Justice series which shows that she has a knack for suspense, I'm not fond of her romance. (Even in the Guardian series her romance was stale, boring, passionless, and predictable). Also the topic of abortion in That Certain Summer was handled in a way that left a bad taste in my mouth. Apparently any woman who has an abortion, should be haunted for the rest of her life, unable to find love, and never able to move on and have a family in the future because of her past "mistake". This punitive stance on abortion is pretty sickening, but not surprising considering the author.
Spoiler, I have read 5 of Hannon's books and all of them end in proposals, this book doesn't deviate from her formula. So to summarize: sappy plot, tortured woman, highly desirable grown men who are satisfied with a relationship where physical intimacy doesn't extend past holding hands, and then magically a proposal and a fake happily ever after. Yawn.
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Spoiler, I have read 5 of Hannon's books and all of them end in proposals, this book doesn't deviate from her formula. So to summarize: sappy plot, tortured woman, highly desirable grown men who are satisfied with a relationship where physical intimacy doesn't extend past holding hands, and then magically a proposal and a fake happily ever after. Yawn.
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March 10, 2018
2.5 -- I wasn't impressed with this book. I listened to the audiobook, and perhaps I would have liked the story had I read it instead. I disliked listening to the critical mother. I was tempted to ditch the book, mostly due to the critical remarks by her and the voice that was used for her.
March 10, 2023
Being a hopeless romantic and having a tendency to get ahead of a story, or trying to at least, That certain summer was a great read. Given a wide platform of characters, I could go to town with pairing the couples off! But that was not the most important. The deeply rooted complexities, regrets, trauma, loss and redemption were the building blocks that Irene Hannon used successfully.
This was my first book by this author, and in her romantic Christian fiction genre. I fully intend to explore her romantic suspense offering. Insight the likes of: "When we least expect it, someone walks into our life who may be destined to change it - or become part of it." (p. 225), definitely got my attention. And "The truth is, if we allowed ourselves only what we deserve, most of us would spend our lives in sackcloth and ashes. We're human. We all make mistakes." (p.267)
Recommended for readers who would not mind a tear or two as a Christian based love story unfolds.
This was my first book by this author, and in her romantic Christian fiction genre. I fully intend to explore her romantic suspense offering. Insight the likes of: "When we least expect it, someone walks into our life who may be destined to change it - or become part of it." (p. 225), definitely got my attention. And "The truth is, if we allowed ourselves only what we deserve, most of us would spend our lives in sackcloth and ashes. We're human. We all make mistakes." (p.267)
Recommended for readers who would not mind a tear or two as a Christian based love story unfolds.
October 13, 2016
One and a half stars.
Val & Karen: Supposedly this novel is about these two sisters. In this case, the summary would be wrong. The relationship between the sisters in easily mended and takes up very little of the book. For the remainder they are friends.
David, the physical therapist & Scott, the jazz musician: Um, they exist. David has a daughter. Scott lost two of his best friends and damaged his hand when they were hit by a truck driver.
Margaret, the sisters' mother: A cruel and manipulative mother who has a stroke, remains an ass to everyone, then magically has an epiphany at the end, prompted by God. I guess.
Kristen, Karen's daughter: She might be the only character I liked. She was a teenager and moody as all get out but I was able to relate to her.
The plot: Margaret has a stroke, Karen deals with learning to love herself, and Val struggles with her memories. Oh, and romance. Supposedly.
My main gripe: The book's pro-life sentiment. I'm an atheist but I didn't mind the Christianity so much in this. Sounds like my mom in a lot of ways. But the pro-life bent--and the idea that Val could not and would not and possibly even did not deserve to be happy because she had an abortion as a teenager--was disturbing. I understand pro-life and Christianity often go hand in hand, but this sort of reasoning was beyond alarming. Val cannot move on from her life until she faces it--okay. That she would regret it--okay. That she would ask god for forgiveness-okay. That she would not fall in love or ever be pregnant again as punishment--not okay. That she couldn't handle it for fifteen years until a new man came into her life was troublesome. This entire plot line was preachy and ignored the realities of a teenage girl who was drunk, high, and in some way coerced when she had sex for the first time raising a child.
My second gripe: Cardboard cutout characters with no real personality. Karen is defined by her lack of self-esteem and the derision she faced at the hands of her mother and ex-husband. Finally we get somewhere with her in the middle to end of the book, and I appreciated her rise into confident even while scared of the outcome, but did it really need to come with a new haircut, weight loss, makeup, a new guy? Val is defined pretty much by her guilt over her abortion fifteen years ago. Margaret is a caricature of abusive mother who does pretty much a complete 180 at the end. David has a daughter and a dead wife who he thought wasn't a good mother. Scott is depressed and contemplating suicide after the accident. This could have been a great plot but he is also magically cured by God after months of not dealing with anything, so it falls a little flat.
Gripe #3: The romances fall very flat. Mostly because they don't really feel totally like romances. We get attraction and conversations that don't really do anything because the characters fall flat too. Better characterization would have saved the romances some. And then, there are proposals as if these people haven't even known each other for more than a few weeks and have conversations that are basically about nothing.
Gripe #4: This book isn't that long, but it really felt like that. Nothing really happens, there are no real stakes for our characters, and the emotional drama isn't that interesting. Val's abortion is most of the drama, but I hated that plot. Scott's drama about his injury that might prevent him from playing again isn't fleshed out. Karen's issues with her self-esteem are okay.
Bright spot: I actually did enjoy Karen and Kristen's relationship. It's about the only thing I enjoyed in this book.
Val & Karen: Supposedly this novel is about these two sisters. In this case, the summary would be wrong. The relationship between the sisters in easily mended and takes up very little of the book. For the remainder they are friends.
David, the physical therapist & Scott, the jazz musician: Um, they exist. David has a daughter. Scott lost two of his best friends and damaged his hand when they were hit by a truck driver.
Margaret, the sisters' mother: A cruel and manipulative mother who has a stroke, remains an ass to everyone, then magically has an epiphany at the end, prompted by God. I guess.
Kristen, Karen's daughter: She might be the only character I liked. She was a teenager and moody as all get out but I was able to relate to her.
The plot: Margaret has a stroke, Karen deals with learning to love herself, and Val struggles with her memories. Oh, and romance. Supposedly.
My main gripe: The book's pro-life sentiment. I'm an atheist but I didn't mind the Christianity so much in this. Sounds like my mom in a lot of ways. But the pro-life bent--and the idea that Val could not and would not and possibly even did not deserve to be happy because she had an abortion as a teenager--was disturbing. I understand pro-life and Christianity often go hand in hand, but this sort of reasoning was beyond alarming. Val cannot move on from her life until she faces it--okay. That she would regret it--okay. That she would ask god for forgiveness-okay. That she would not fall in love or ever be pregnant again as punishment--not okay. That she couldn't handle it for fifteen years until a new man came into her life was troublesome. This entire plot line was preachy and ignored the realities of a teenage girl who was drunk, high, and in some way coerced when she had sex for the first time raising a child.
My second gripe: Cardboard cutout characters with no real personality. Karen is defined by her lack of self-esteem and the derision she faced at the hands of her mother and ex-husband. Finally we get somewhere with her in the middle to end of the book, and I appreciated her rise into confident even while scared of the outcome, but did it really need to come with a new haircut, weight loss, makeup, a new guy? Val is defined pretty much by her guilt over her abortion fifteen years ago. Margaret is a caricature of abusive mother who does pretty much a complete 180 at the end. David has a daughter and a dead wife who he thought wasn't a good mother. Scott is depressed and contemplating suicide after the accident. This could have been a great plot but he is also magically cured by God after months of not dealing with anything, so it falls a little flat.
Gripe #3: The romances fall very flat. Mostly because they don't really feel totally like romances. We get attraction and conversations that don't really do anything because the characters fall flat too. Better characterization would have saved the romances some. And then, there are proposals as if these people haven't even known each other for more than a few weeks and have conversations that are basically about nothing.
Gripe #4: This book isn't that long, but it really felt like that. Nothing really happens, there are no real stakes for our characters, and the emotional drama isn't that interesting. Val's abortion is most of the drama, but I hated that plot. Scott's drama about his injury that might prevent him from playing again isn't fleshed out. Karen's issues with her self-esteem are okay.
Bright spot: I actually did enjoy Karen and Kristen's relationship. It's about the only thing I enjoyed in this book.
May 31, 2013
Val and Karen are sisters. They are estranged. That changes when their mother suffers a mild stroke. Karen realizing that she can not care for their mother alone calls Val.
Val never wanted to return home but it is time for her to return and put the past behind her once and for all. Karen and Val will learn a lot about each other. They also find romance in David, the physical therapist for their mother and Scott a suffering musician.
I have read this author’s criminal romance suspense novels. I like this direction that the author strayed from and took with her new book. Even though I knew how the story would go and end, I still have a fun time reading this book. Fun is always a good thing.
Right from the beginning when the two guys, David and Scott were introduced in the story and I mean from the very beginning before they had even met Val and Karen, I already knew which guy would end up with which woman and I was right. Opposites do attract.
I liked both sisters. Val and Karen were different in their own ways but both women that I liked and thought were friendly. This does surprise me a little. I thought that Val would be stuck up and Karen would be a wallflower. That was not the case. With Val’s secret she became more personable and with Karen gaining confidence she grew as a person that I enjoyed.
August 5, 2013
Two sisters who have never been close--what will a summer caring for their mother bring? I have a sister that I am very close to and so, this book was very special to me. Karen and Val connect in a way that they have never experienced before. Their mother is quite difficult and they find themselves working together to get her through rehab following a stroke. Meeting for a weekly shopping trip and coffee gives the sisters a chance to talk and resolve issues. Being a caregiver of our parents is not easy, and I think many will find moments that they can relate to in Irene Hannon's book. Throw in romance and you have the makings of an incredible read!
This was the first book I have read by Irene Hannon but it won't be the last!
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from Revell Publishing.
This was the first book I have read by Irene Hannon but it won't be the last!
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from Revell Publishing.
July 7, 2013
This story felt heavily overworked and predictable. The strong pro-life stance came across preachy and somewhat dampened the enthusiasm for finding out how the story ended. The resolution between mother and daughters was too short and too cliched. All in all, this story had amazing potential but fell short.
May 22, 2019
Excellent! Great character development! Twists and turns keep you on your toes. Highly recommended
June 3, 2013
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.
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.
June 1, 2013
I wasn’t sure how to put my finger on the pulse of this book. It’s not a romance. But it’s not strictly women’s fiction. It covers more than three characters and a depth of issues. Does it fit into one genre and readership? Hmm, probably not. I’d label it contemporary for fans of Karen Kingsbury.
Much moves through this story to propel the motion forward. Characters are largely likeable and deal with some pretty significant struggles. I felt in many cases, how these struggles were handled was done with finesse and strength of writing. The ending made me smile. Because of some of the subject matter and our characters’ past choices, I wasn’t sure if the story would truly resolve in a way I appreciated, but it did.
I read the novel over a couple days while traveling and didn’t feel as though I truly became invested in the characters as a whole. I think the main reason being is I felt pulled in too many different directions and emotions. My loyalty for one character over another was not equally divided or united.
I think it’s a sweet love story, a family saga and an emotional history upon the page, but I don’t think I would mark it among my favorites.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my ARC to review.
**Available June 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
Much moves through this story to propel the motion forward. Characters are largely likeable and deal with some pretty significant struggles. I felt in many cases, how these struggles were handled was done with finesse and strength of writing. The ending made me smile. Because of some of the subject matter and our characters’ past choices, I wasn’t sure if the story would truly resolve in a way I appreciated, but it did.
I read the novel over a couple days while traveling and didn’t feel as though I truly became invested in the characters as a whole. I think the main reason being is I felt pulled in too many different directions and emotions. My loyalty for one character over another was not equally divided or united.
I think it’s a sweet love story, a family saga and an emotional history upon the page, but I don’t think I would mark it among my favorites.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my ARC to review.
**Available June 2013 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**
June 11, 2013
I picked this book up on a whim from the library's new fiction section. It was definitely a page turner (so I was tempted to give three stars). However, it had this unexpected religious aspect that made me uncomfortable. I will not spoil the story by saying how it was involved, but let's just say that abortion was discussed and the message to the reader was definitely that it is wrong and anyone who has one should feel incredibly guilty. And should be asking for forgiveness.
The author definitely lost me when she went in this direction. I also found the story full of cliches as the sisters worked on their family relationships and looked for love. I'd say skip this one.
The author definitely lost me when she went in this direction. I also found the story full of cliches as the sisters worked on their family relationships and looked for love. I'd say skip this one.
June 4, 2021
I listened to this story as an audiobook. I might have rated it higher if I'd read it in book form. I'm not sure.
The audiobook narrator's voice had a quality that came across as whiny to me (even in sections of narration where she wasn't assuming the voice of a character) and I think that spoiled my enjoyment of the story and also distracted me from the story itself.
I do usually like Irene Hannon's books, but I have read quite a few of them lately, and I wonder if I am tiring of them. I am going to put the remainder of my list of hers back a bit on my TBR list and see if I like them better if I read a few other authors in between.
The audiobook narrator's voice had a quality that came across as whiny to me (even in sections of narration where she wasn't assuming the voice of a character) and I think that spoiled my enjoyment of the story and also distracted me from the story itself.
I do usually like Irene Hannon's books, but I have read quite a few of them lately, and I wonder if I am tiring of them. I am going to put the remainder of my list of hers back a bit on my TBR list and see if I like them better if I read a few other authors in between.
September 24, 2013
It was one of the new books from my local library.
I thought it was atrocious. Badly written with no real plot.
If you are pro-life and enjoy books that mention God on every page, this book will be perfect for you.
I wonder how the author managed to get all those awards. A Daphne du Maurier award? Poor Daphne, she must be turning over in her grave!
I thought it was atrocious. Badly written with no real plot.
If you are pro-life and enjoy books that mention God on every page, this book will be perfect for you.
I wonder how the author managed to get all those awards. A Daphne du Maurier award? Poor Daphne, she must be turning over in her grave!
August 4, 2013
Nice read, but I like her suspense better
May 21, 2025
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?
My comments:
I really enjoyed this book, Val and Karen developing there bond was really lovely and I loved the way all 4 characters helped each other. I agree with some reviews that maybe some of them got over huge issues very quickly however I do think sometimes it can happen like that if the write people are in your life. I liked the theme of repentance in this book and forgiveness. The only character I found difficult to like was Val and Karen's mum, really did not like her manipulative nature.
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?
My comments:
I really enjoyed this book, Val and Karen developing there bond was really lovely and I loved the way all 4 characters helped each other. I agree with some reviews that maybe some of them got over huge issues very quickly however I do think sometimes it can happen like that if the write people are in your life. I liked the theme of repentance in this book and forgiveness. The only character I found difficult to like was Val and Karen's mum, really did not like her manipulative nature.
July 29, 2019
A Complex Story
3.5 Stars! There is a lot going on in this story. I've heard it said that everybody has something, it's very true in this book. The story itself is well written. I felt a little overwhelmed all the drama involving the main characters. Some of the secondary characters had life-changing drama too. I liked that there was redemption, some healing, and self-forgiveness. I did not care for Margaret at all, she was just mean. After the revelation of her trauma, she tried to change a little. I
I really liked Rev. Richards. I liked the listening ear he provided and how he prayed with people.
This may not be my favorite book by this author, it's okay, but it won't stop me from reading more from her.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
3.5 Stars! There is a lot going on in this story. I've heard it said that everybody has something, it's very true in this book. The story itself is well written. I felt a little overwhelmed all the drama involving the main characters. Some of the secondary characters had life-changing drama too. I liked that there was redemption, some healing, and self-forgiveness. I did not care for Margaret at all, she was just mean. After the revelation of her trauma, she tried to change a little. I
I really liked Rev. Richards. I liked the listening ear he provided and how he prayed with people.
This may not be my favorite book by this author, it's okay, but it won't stop me from reading more from her.
*Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
January 25, 2024
This book pushed my buttons a little. But I am trying to use it as a lesson that everyone deals with things differently. BUT OMG I have to say it is ridiculous it took Val 18 years to start processing her trauma. My GOOODNESS I feel bad, but I started rolling my eyes a lot. Everyone in this book kind of annoyed me. I felt like they were all weirdly obsessed with themselves. And the voice of the audiobook narrator was not doing them ANY favors. A lot of the love story felt rushed. And I was surprised to find out about the fact that Karen did not feel comfortable getting married again UNTIL HER EX HUSBAND DIED. As another reviewer said, it kind of felt like his death was just so Karen didn't "break her marriage vows" EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE DIVORCED.
February 8, 2020
This is a book of coming to terms with mistakes, second chances, and especially God’s forgiveness. The relationship between the mother and the daughters, between the sisters, etc. Seeing their growth and their relationship with the Lord is the highlight.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator was so-so. The male character voices in particular were a negative for me, but even the female ones sounded exaggerated or forced or something. Almost haughty-sounding. (Sorry.).
I recommend this book and for how it will bring some joy to your heart and remind you of many Biblical truths. I would recommend an e-copy or hard copy over the audio, however.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator was so-so. The male character voices in particular were a negative for me, but even the female ones sounded exaggerated or forced or something. Almost haughty-sounding. (Sorry.).
I recommend this book and for how it will bring some joy to your heart and remind you of many Biblical truths. I would recommend an e-copy or hard copy over the audio, however.
November 29, 2021
I enjoyed this novel which tells a story that includes forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, and faith. I liked the four main characters and was inspired watching them deal with the problems in their lives. It is a novel that can be classified as Christian fiction, but I didn't think it was too "preachy." Instead, I felt that it emphasized the necessity to forgive, especially oneself. The author's writing is good so the story moves along smoothly. I will definitely look for more books by Ms. Hannon.
May 22, 2021
Definitely a runner-up
Amazing how two or three story lines were woven through this plot. It is more than just a love story. It's about broken lives and people in need of healing. It's about redemption. There's the symbolism of the butterfly in the cocoon. I like the story of forgiveness, which is more scripturally sound. One does not learn to forgive himself or herself, but is forgiven. It is about having a penitent heart, and then coming boldly before the throne.
Amazing how two or three story lines were woven through this plot. It is more than just a love story. It's about broken lives and people in need of healing. It's about redemption. There's the symbolism of the butterfly in the cocoon. I like the story of forgiveness, which is more scripturally sound. One does not learn to forgive himself or herself, but is forgiven. It is about having a penitent heart, and then coming boldly before the throne.
January 17, 2022
Wowzers! What a book! But more so….what an ending the last few chapters provided. The author’s books are faith based but not overly so. This one actually delves into a decision that was made years before and the repercussions it left. I typically don’t cry when reading the last few chapters of a book….but seriously had weepy eyes. One never knows what another person has gone through. It is a lesson for all of us to be kinder, more observant and have good listening skills!
December 15, 2018
A good read. Karen and Val are family but they are not close. Karen has the responsibility of looking after their mother. Val had her reasons for moving away. Now she comes home to help take care of their mother while she recovers from a stroke. Will Karen and Val be able to connect and become the sisters they are supposed to be. Will they both be able to work thru their past baggage?
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November 30, 2022I love Irene Hannon's novels but this one was too much of what I'm living, so not something I wanted to read for enjoyment. Sadly, I didn't get very far because the relationship between the main character and her mother are far too close to me and mine. Then there's the sister that seems so much like my oldest daughter ... Not what I wanted to spend time with.
May 18, 2017
Hard to find a good book with Christian values.
I really got involved in this story. What a way to show God's forgiveness. It made me see how abortion can effect lives. I loved the sisters getting close and becoming friends.
I really got involved in this story. What a way to show God's forgiveness. It made me see how abortion can effect lives. I loved the sisters getting close and becoming friends.
April 20, 2018
Worth the time to read
I was pulled into the lives of the characters in this book and found myself cheering them on. They all had something to overcome and with God’s help each moved on.
I was pulled into the lives of the characters in this book and found myself cheering them on. They all had something to overcome and with God’s help each moved on.
June 28, 2020
My new favorite author
This is the third book I've read by this author. I have loved each one. The characters are real people with the foibles of humans. Great plot development. Realistic dialogue. All around wonderful reading experience.
This is the third book I've read by this author. I have loved each one. The characters are real people with the foibles of humans. Great plot development. Realistic dialogue. All around wonderful reading experience.
August 20, 2021
Story of Hope
I had not read this particular book before and thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters always seem like neighbors or friends in Ms Hannons's books so the stories relate better to us in real life.
I had not read this particular book before and thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters always seem like neighbors or friends in Ms Hannons's books so the stories relate better to us in real life.
July 31, 2022
I found That Certain Summer a very interesting and true to life read. I grew up with a mother much the same as Karen and Val's. It messes with your confidence and self worth. I enjoyed the fact that the sisters were able to become friends, despite the mothers interference.
June 23, 2017
A story of 2 sisters reconnecting after their Mom has a stroke.
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