About the Book:
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 gorgeous sister left town years ago to pursue a 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.
My Comments:
I really enjoyed this book about two sisters, their mom and their loves. Karen is a pleaser--she thinks that if she can just be what others want they will love her. As a result, her mom walks all over her, just like her ex-husband did. When her mom has a stroke, Karen is no longer able to carry the whole burden of caring for her and Val agrees to come home, something she has avoided for years. During the book we learn why.
Often when I read references to Catholicism in Christian fiction I shake my head and wonder if the author got it wrong on purpose or was just clueless. I'm happy to say that Irene Hannon got it right. No, the characters aren't Catholic, but Karen feels guilty about her divorce and isn't sure that moving into another relationship is permissible for a Christian. Someone points out to her that her ex had been unfaithful from the beginning of their marriage and probably never meant to be faithful, and that the Catholic church, which is generally against divorce, grants annulments to people whose spouses never intend fidelity. Hannon doesn't go into any complicated discussions about annulments, but gives a reasonably accurate short explanation.
I enjoyed watching both Karen and Val take a look at their lives, make the changes needed and find love. I think most who enjoy Christian romances will like this book, but there is probably too much religion for those who don't like religion in their books.
I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available. Copies are available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Grade: B+
sounds like a good one
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