Summer's List Book Review

SUMMARY:  A dying wish alters the course of a young woman's life.
     Life hasn't been easy for Summer Snow.  In acts of selflessness - caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother's bookstore - she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others.  And the only shots she had at love . . . didn't work out.  She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something - or someone.
     Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind and quirky young man from Summer's past.  With Laney the Chihuahua along for the ride, a childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer.  Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?

REVIEW:  Starting out, I really enjoyed this book.  The idea of Grandma giving Summer a chance to do something fun with her life and catch up on some of the fun she missed out on while taking care of others was enticing.  But, when the story got to Martin's brothers, I'm not sure what happened but the feel of the story changed for me.  It felt oppressive and weird.  This feeling followed me as I read but did lift towards the end of the book.  The ending was good and I liked the way everything tied up.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Moody Publishers for review without compensation.

Anita Higman is a bestselling and award-winning author who has 40 books published (several coauthored) and has been a Barnes  Noble "Author of the Month."  Anita has a BA in the combined fields of speech communications, psychology, and art.  She loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.  Visit her online at anitahigman.com. 

A Marriage in Middlebury Book Review

SUMMARY:  One decision changed both their lives... but will love win in the end?
     Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers.  The only thing lacking is someone to share it with.
     At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder's marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship.  They both moved on...or so she thought.  When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens.  But is it because of his presence?  Or because of the presence of Sam's new fiancee?
     A second chance at love doesn't happen often, but their past may keep them apart.  Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?

REVIEW:  This was an interesting story with lots of quirky characters who move in and out of the novel.  Sometimes it was hard remember who each person was, their role and relevance to the main story, and their relationships to the other members.  There are also at least three different tales woven together around Sam and Charlotte's characters and stories that worked together pretty easily that make this book work.  It was an easy read that will tug at your heartstrings.  My 12-year-old daughter even liked it.

This book was provided by Litfuse for review without compensation.

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has written more than twenty books for adults and children, including Winter in Full Bloom, A Merry Little Christmas, and Love Finds You in Humble, Texas.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and lives in the Houston area.  Learn more about the author at www.anitahigman.com.