Summer's List

Summer's List
Anita Higman
(River North)
ISBN: 978-0802412324
June 2015/288 pages/$14.99
A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.

Life hadn’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 tries she had at love… didn’t turn 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 but gangly young man from Summer’s past. 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?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I enjoy Anita Higman's books but I have to reluctantly say this one isn't my favorite. There is much to like about it. Summer is an endearing character, and I admire her dedication and love for her family as she cared for her parents and now continues to manage her grandmother's bookstore. The task her grandmother gives her of completing a list of adventures is intriguing, and renewing an acquaintance with her childhood friend has lots of potential for fun and romance. Although he is rather nerdy and lacking in social skills, Martin shows kindness and sincerity to Summer. However, I really had a hard time getting past the dysfunction in Martin's family. His brothers were beyond obnoxious, not to mention immature and downright mean, and it was difficult to keep reading at times. And (slight spoiler alert) it was difficult to believe any significant transformation could suddenly occur after a lifetime of ingrained bad behaviors. However, many other reviewers are giving this book high marks, so check out their reviews before dismissing it. It might be the perfect book for your Summer's List!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody/River North Fiction and Litfuse Publicity for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”