Oh, how I love this Missouri girl! Once again, Irene Hannon has proven she has a gift to pen a story that reaches the depths of the heart. She can write suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat and she can stir up a romance that makes your heart soar.
I fell in love with Irene Hannon when I read her Guardians of Justice Series, "Fatal Judgement", "Deadly Pursuit", and "Lethal Legacy". Then I was blessed to read her next series, Private Justice, which included, "Vanished", and "Trapped". Next up was, "That Certain Summer". Can you tell I am a huge fan? LOL I have never been let down by reading an Irene Hannon book. She is gifted with the pen to bring a story to the reader they can relate to and be so absorbed that they stay up late in the night turning pages.
In her newest gem, "One Perfect Summer", we find a novel about relationships. One about God's perfect timing. We see what He can do with what seems like our greatest failures at the time, but as we see here in Irene's novel, God doesn't see our failures as the end, but as a beginning to bring beauty from ash.
These characters are so real. They are people we meet daily. People we have in our lives. These people are you and me. As we get to know them they become family. The main character is Claire Summers, but the story only begins with Claire and her daughter, Haley. With one penned letter, a little girl, writes a story she hopes will bring healing to a neighbor. From here, this story soars!
As each chapter passes we learn more and more about the characters. Those that stand out to me are Maureen and Laura. Two mothers, each with their own story that will touch the lives of many. Adoption is the backdrop to this wonderful novel. We too meet two men, Keith and David. Together, with all of these characters, Irene weaves a story of love, forgiveness, and peace. Our choices touch the lives of others, whether good or bad. Emotions get in the way of living free.
We see how hearts are torn apart by decisions made long ago. Our pasts truly never leave us until we settle them. It's then we are able to move forward. This is the perfect novel for a Mother's Day gift. A poignant story. An unforgettable read that will leave you pondering as you close the last page.
Sometimes the story doesn't always end as we wish. We dream of another ending, but somehow time passes. For me, although I loved each character, I was drawn to Maureen. Her story brought tears. Ah, but there, always, is the sweet grace of God.
Irene's novels are spectacular reads. She allows us to feel the heart of each character. When you close the page you feel that you have just been on a journey. Irene has a way of leaving you longing for more. I love how she gives a perfect portrait of St. Louis and the surrounding areas. It is wonderful to read a story and know the places where the characters are spending time. YES!! This is the perfect read to begin your spring!
This novel was a gift from Revell for sharing my review with you.
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling 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, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. Booklist also included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri.
For more information about her and her books, Irene invites you to visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
