What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragonfly Summer
Not yet published
Expected 3 May 26Life can change in the blink of an eye.
Dani wants nothing more than to keep teaching the sweet children she loves in the special ed classroom at the elementary school, but with her mental health deteriorating at an alarming rate, that dream seems out of reach. And when she accepts her teenage sister's emotional plea to travel across the country to visit, Dani knows the secrets and nightmares she left behind are lurking around the corner, threatening to consume her.
Tom Lavine recently left prison after a decades-long stint, and he doesn't know where—or if—his aging self fits into this world anymore. God's forgiveness is one thing, but society doesn't look kindly upon people like him. When a former cellmate reaches out to Tom to let him know he recently discovered a grave marker carved with a familiar name, Tom knows he must make the long trek to visit the cemetery to find closure. Maybe confirming he really is the monster everyone thinks he is will finally put to rest the crazy idea his chaplain planted in his mind about applying to ministry school someday.
When Dani and Tom meet on the train, they forge an unlikely friendship and help each other navigate the day-to-day logistics of cross-country travel while opening up about the lingering pain of past mistakes. Long-held beliefs are challenged as they discuss their individual issues, worries, and the devastating moments that changed them forever. And just when healing seems within reach, both lives are upended when Dani and Tom come face-to-face with their greatest fears.
Fans of Lisa Wingate, Sara Brunsvold, Amanda Cox, and Katie Powner will also enjoy the true-to-life characters and faith-driven stories written by Valerie Howard. Available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats. Audiobook coming soon!
------------------------------------
Endorsements:
“I’m a sucker for contemporary stories that feature unlikely friendships, so I was delighted to read Valerie Howard’s book Dragonfly Summer. I loved how the journey both main characters had to take and the lesson they each had to learn were made richer and more life-changing as a result of the characters’ lives intertwining. I also appreciated the unflinching honesty with which Howard depicted her characters’ struggles. This well-written, well-paced story is resonant and thought-provoking, and I highly recommend it to readers who love books such as The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox and The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold.”
-Katie Powner, Christy Award-winning author of Birds on a Wire
“Valerie Howard's books never fail to look true-to-life situations in the eye, and Dragonfly Summer is no exception. Mental health issues abound in today's world, and we need good Christian Fiction that addresses it. Through the eyes of a Christian and a non-Christian, this book peers into the daily struggle to think Biblically. Not just about God but about ourselves. Especially if you know someone who experiences OCD, this book provides helpful insight and encouragement to reject unhelpful and untrue thoughts.”
- D.T. Powell, Author of With Mercy’s Eyes
Editorial Review:
"Dragonfly Summer is a unique friendship story that beautifully illustrates the redemptive power of reaching out for help in our darkest moments and the healing found in reaching out in compassion in the midst of our own brokenness."
- Bethany Fehr, Editor
Dani wants nothing more than to keep teaching the sweet children she loves in the special ed classroom at the elementary school, but with her mental health deteriorating at an alarming rate, that dream seems out of reach. And when she accepts her teenage sister's emotional plea to travel across the country to visit, Dani knows the secrets and nightmares she left behind are lurking around the corner, threatening to consume her.
Tom Lavine recently left prison after a decades-long stint, and he doesn't know where—or if—his aging self fits into this world anymore. God's forgiveness is one thing, but society doesn't look kindly upon people like him. When a former cellmate reaches out to Tom to let him know he recently discovered a grave marker carved with a familiar name, Tom knows he must make the long trek to visit the cemetery to find closure. Maybe confirming he really is the monster everyone thinks he is will finally put to rest the crazy idea his chaplain planted in his mind about applying to ministry school someday.
When Dani and Tom meet on the train, they forge an unlikely friendship and help each other navigate the day-to-day logistics of cross-country travel while opening up about the lingering pain of past mistakes. Long-held beliefs are challenged as they discuss their individual issues, worries, and the devastating moments that changed them forever. And just when healing seems within reach, both lives are upended when Dani and Tom come face-to-face with their greatest fears.
Fans of Lisa Wingate, Sara Brunsvold, Amanda Cox, and Katie Powner will also enjoy the true-to-life characters and faith-driven stories written by Valerie Howard. Available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats. Audiobook coming soon!
------------------------------------
Endorsements:
“I’m a sucker for contemporary stories that feature unlikely friendships, so I was delighted to read Valerie Howard’s book Dragonfly Summer. I loved how the journey both main characters had to take and the lesson they each had to learn were made richer and more life-changing as a result of the characters’ lives intertwining. I also appreciated the unflinching honesty with which Howard depicted her characters’ struggles. This well-written, well-paced story is resonant and thought-provoking, and I highly recommend it to readers who love books such as The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox and The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold.”
-Katie Powner, Christy Award-winning author of Birds on a Wire
“Valerie Howard's books never fail to look true-to-life situations in the eye, and Dragonfly Summer is no exception. Mental health issues abound in today's world, and we need good Christian Fiction that addresses it. Through the eyes of a Christian and a non-Christian, this book peers into the daily struggle to think Biblically. Not just about God but about ourselves. Especially if you know someone who experiences OCD, this book provides helpful insight and encouragement to reject unhelpful and untrue thoughts.”
- D.T. Powell, Author of With Mercy’s Eyes
Editorial Review:
"Dragonfly Summer is a unique friendship story that beautifully illustrates the redemptive power of reaching out for help in our darkest moments and the healing found in reaching out in compassion in the midst of our own brokenness."
- Bethany Fehr, Editor
Unknown Binding
Expected publication May 3, 2026
21 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Howard
45 books132 followersValerie Howard
Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction
"Real women. Tough issues. Powerful God."
Valerie's goal in writing is to bring people closer to Jesus one chapter at a time.
Valerie has been writing stories since she was in second grade when she wrote "The Mystery of the Missing Crayon." She gave up writing mysteries soon after and now concentrates on real-life stories that tackle tough issues such as homelessness, unplanned pregnancy, family tragedy, childhood trauma, foster care, poverty, and terminal cancer. All of her books are filled with the hope and love of Christ and are uplifting and feel-good with happy, though sometimes tearful, endings as her characters overcome their obstacles with God at their side. She also writes biblical non-fiction, indie author non-fiction, children's books, allegorical fiction, and small church Christmas plays. (She's a little obsessed with writing.)
Valerie is a fan of summer, warmth, and flip-flips, so she often wonders why she lives in Maine where she is frozen for the better half of the year. But her amazing husband and adorable sons live there with her, so it's not all bad. She graduated from Bible College with a degree in Bible and Missions a long, long time ago in a state far, far away.
Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction
"Real women. Tough issues. Powerful God."
Valerie's goal in writing is to bring people closer to Jesus one chapter at a time.
Valerie has been writing stories since she was in second grade when she wrote "The Mystery of the Missing Crayon." She gave up writing mysteries soon after and now concentrates on real-life stories that tackle tough issues such as homelessness, unplanned pregnancy, family tragedy, childhood trauma, foster care, poverty, and terminal cancer. All of her books are filled with the hope and love of Christ and are uplifting and feel-good with happy, though sometimes tearful, endings as her characters overcome their obstacles with God at their side. She also writes biblical non-fiction, indie author non-fiction, children's books, allegorical fiction, and small church Christmas plays. (She's a little obsessed with writing.)
Valerie is a fan of summer, warmth, and flip-flips, so she often wonders why she lives in Maine where she is frozen for the better half of the year. But her amazing husband and adorable sons live there with her, so it's not all bad. She graduated from Bible College with a degree in Bible and Missions a long, long time ago in a state far, far away.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to read an early copy of this. I don't get to read much Christian Fiction that deals directly with mental health issues, so I enjoyed getting to see that handled head-on throughout Dragonfly Summer.
Read
January 3, 2026Releasing to Kindle Unlimited on May 3, 2026
I can't wait to share this book with you! Dani and Tom are some of my favorite characters so far, but they've also given me a run for my money! I hope you enjoy this book, and that it encourages you in your faith.
♥ Valerie
I can't wait to share this book with you! Dani and Tom are some of my favorite characters so far, but they've also given me a run for my money! I hope you enjoy this book, and that it encourages you in your faith.
♥ Valerie
August 8, 2025
*This review currently reflects my beta read & let me just say that even in its early stages, this has to be my favorite story by Valerie so far! I couldn’t stop reading!
I learned a lot & enjoyed the spontaneous bond this train ride builds. Such lovable MCs & enthralling mystery surrounding them. I can’t say I’ve been emotionally invested in a story to this level before.
I will happily be re-reading the published version when it releases & my full review will follow.
If you love a good drama that can gracefully tackle tough issues, mark your calendars for Dragonfly Summer next year!
I learned a lot & enjoyed the spontaneous bond this train ride builds. Such lovable MCs & enthralling mystery surrounding them. I can’t say I’ve been emotionally invested in a story to this level before.
I will happily be re-reading the published version when it releases & my full review will follow.
If you love a good drama that can gracefully tackle tough issues, mark your calendars for Dragonfly Summer next year!
July 28, 2025
I was blessed to be able to read this book in advance. I think EVERYONE should read it!!! It is educational and a great story with a very powerful message. Very well done!!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews