SUMMER SOLACE

by Susan B. Nickson

Separated from her husband, Annie Jenkins fled her former life by escaping to the country. Yet, the memories of her mistakes haunt her. When her sister's illness demands her participation, Annie fears she'll repeat her grave errors. The arrival of her teenage niece for the summer leads to various country activities, and a chance to find forgiveness.

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Carissa Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book number one in the Healing series.

I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars for reasons I will discuss in a bit.

This book is about a women named Annie who has moved to a tiny farm in a small city to get over the grief of losing her 19 year old son to suicide. It is also about her niece who comes to visit over the summer.

At first Annie does not feel like she should be trusted with another teens life. As the story goes on though she finds healing in this. The characters are all very well thought out and it is nice to see them peel back the layers to see what lies underneath.

The main reason that I only gave this a 4 star rating is because I felt that too many important secrets were kept from someone I felt could have handled the situation. It was great read and for people that have gone through the loss of a child it will offer hope that healing will happen. Maybe by one step at a time or maybe by leaps and bounds. I loved how the author kept romance out of the picture during the healing process.

This book does have a twist at the end that will leave you wanting more. Luckily the next book in the series Fall Forever is already out! I will be reviewing that one soon.

All people grieve in different ways and I feel that this book shows many of the different ways. Definitely a must read for someone going through the healing process.

[Michael Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck in an apartment in a pandemic one needs something to be positive about.... this book does just that... the sights, sounds and smells of a Texas summer come through the pages of this book.... I enjoyed the down to earth characters portrayed by Susan’s creations.... Healing is such an apt word for these people, and they are on the way to achieving that.... relationships take effort and conscience thought.... Susan has achieved that and more in her writings... I am looking forward to the next volume already... to me these people are real and hope to meet them some day... all my best for the future....

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, there were times it was a gentle read and times I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt real and 3 dimensional, there are characters we didn’t get to know as well as the others that I hope will pop up in the next books. The reason this has a 4 ⭐️ rather than 5 is that I found the ending disappointing. I won’t tell you why as I have a personal policy not to write spoilers. However if you have read a few of my reviews you can probably guess. I was gifted this copy by voracious readers in return for an honest review.

[Pam Watmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via voracious readers . Annie Jenkins has moved to the country to escape the pain and grief of her teenage son committing suicide and to get away from her husband whom she unfairly blames. She buys a ranch and a horse and starts a new job when her sister gets cancer and asks her to look after her teenage niece, Hannah. Although Annie is horrified and terrified of having Hannah to stay, they bond over her horse and Annie arranges for Hannah to have horse riding lessons, driving lessons and adopts a dog for Hannah. Hannah begins to mature in her behaviour and helps Annie come to terms with her grief and she starts to heal and socialise again. She is forced to get involved in small town life because of Hannah's presence and is just feeling ready to start dating again when her husband reappears in her life. Annie finally realises she has moved on and forgiven both herself and her husband but is it too late? The Author addresses the gruesome effects of cancer as her sister battles the disease during the story. The story took me longer to read than normal as I was having problems with book funnel but I did enjoy this book.

[Judy Samson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Solace by Susan B. Nickson
Such a moving story of sadness, grief and healing. Annie deals with the tragic suicide of her son by running to the country to avoid the painful contact with family, friends and people she knows. Annie discovers from the unexpected need to help her sister out of her sad situation by taking her Niece reluctantly for the summer, it actually helps her heal and even forgive.
This book was so interesting and helpful for me to understand what others feel when faced with suicide or cancer, things I hadn’t considered. It was so sad when the end of the story became inevitable. I hope to read more about these characters and hopefully see a happy ending if there is a book 2.
I obtained a complimentary copy from the Author via Voracious’s Readers for an honest review. JKSlovestoread/JudyKU/LuvsKU/JudySamson

[Barbara Wheelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and was really sad to come to the last page!! ….so I read it AGAIN!!. I look forward to what Annie Jenkins has in her future. This is the first book I have read in a long time that I actually said the story was well told!! This is a very timely story of a wounded woman that steps out of her comfort zone, seeking peace and a quiet place to heal and grow into the next phase of her life. There were times that I wanted to call Annie and tell her what I thought she should do. That is how familiar and intimate this writer can bring the story to my favorite reading chair. This is a book you should not read before going to bed...you will be up too late trying to finish it.
Susan B Nickson, please release the next volume!

[Zil Nedrub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complimentary copy received from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review.

I mostly enjoyed this gentle story about dealing with loss and change. Didn't like Annie's sister's decisions at all, but I know people who think like that, so it was realistic.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! I can't say why or what it was about these characters but I loved this book. I could just feel the pain coming from Anne and it just pulled me right in.

[Susan Nickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll come clean. This is my book. Of course, I loved it!
I'm very excited about SUMMER SOLACE, and the next book in the series, FALL FOREVER, which I've almost finished writing. (On to the editing stage!!!) There are four books in the Healing Series, with each book playing out during a season. The settings will all be in the countryside of SE Texas, and the stories follow Annie Jenkins as she deals with her personal struggles, and helps others find their way to a better life.