That Certain Summer

RITA-winner Hannon (In Harm’s Way) offers an emotional story filled with romance and small dramas. Four people living in Washington, Mo., connect to the pain of their pasts with unexpected results. Val, a high school drama teacher, returns to her hometown during summer vacation to nurse her ailing mother. As the summer progresses, she has to nurture her own heart and spirit in order to forgive herself for youthful mistakes. Karen, Val’s sister, however, is bitter. While Val was away pursuing her dreams, Karen cared for their mother (not an easy task) and neglected her own life as a result. Scott lived and breathed music and his band until an accident changes his life. After meeting Karen at church, his days take a turn for the better. Will he have the courage and strength to move on? David wanted a better life for his daughter Victoria. After he meets Val by chance at his office, he can’t seem to get her off his mind. Is he ready to embrace the challenges of his new move to Washington? The lives of these endearing characters intertwine over a summer and undergo change as Hannon has readers rooting for each one of them in this uplifting story about love and redemption. (June)