One Perfect Spring

by Irene Hannon
Carver County Library paperback 367 pages
genre: Christian fiction, romance

I really enjoyed this one! I like Hannon's style and want to read more of her books. Claire Summers is single mom (husband left) to Haley. Keith Watson is an employee for builder David McMillan. Watson just wants to do his job and thinks that his boss' charitable giving is a waste of time and money. When Haley writes a letter asking for help finding her neighbor's son (after overhearing an adults only conversation), David sets Keith to the task.

page 161 - talking about spending time in prayer, trusting God. Good stuff! So true . . . God has "impeccable credentials in the trust department."

page 218 - Shawn & Debbie (David's adult daughter) "Do you know how annoying it is being married to a guy who's always so smart and insightful?" Reminded me of Louie!

page 295 - spending time w/God - you won't regret it."Time spent with the Lord's Word and in worship is never wasted."

I loved Keith's mom, too. She was wonderful! Dealt with adoption issues, feelings of abandonment, living with no regrets, untimely deaths, faith, etc.

That Certain Summer

by Irene Hannon
Lake Agassiz Regional Library paperback ~300 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction

I really enjoyed this book! Parts of it resonated with me very strongly.

Karen - cares for negative mother who has had a stroke. Husband left her for a younger woman. Struggling to raise teen daughter mostly alone. Doormat for everyone.

Val - the sister who left for an acting career. Teaches high school theatre in Chicago. Has avoided home and family for a long time.

Scott - talented musician in a horrible accident that killed his three best friends and damaged his hand.

David - newly moved to small town with young daughter. Widower. Physical therapist.

Favorite parts - the growing friendship between the two sisters, Karen learning to stand up for herself, Scott's transformation.

There are a lot of themes running throughout this book, primarily dealing with relationships. I really enjoyed this story and would love to find more of this author's work!