|
Summer Steadman’s life is turned upside down when she loses her husband and children to typhoid on the trip to Oklahoma. Their bodies lie in the ground of a Mennonite community where she is viewed as an outsider. No one will hire her and her desire to leave her loved ones is non-existent. When one man forges ahead and asks her to tutor his young son, the community rises up, but her benefactor sees what others do not. Her hurting heart in need of healing.
Peter Ollenberger is determined to do give his son every advantage when the boy has to stay out of school due to an injury. Even if it means bringing a stranger into his household, Peter will give the best to his child. He sees Summer’s educated ways and knows she’s just the one to help his son stay on top of his studies while a rib heals. When his fellow believers start to challenge his integrity he fends them off with truth, though his heart knows there are more feelings he’s not discussing. He knows his faith is what will help Summer heal, but he doesn’t know if her hurt will ever allow her to feel it.
Kim Vogel Sawyer has woven a beautiful tapestry of words in “Waiting for Summer’s Return”. The characters draw you into their hearts showing you their hurts, scars, and longings. Summer’s loss of her children cuts deeply. The ensuing confusion and pain are realistically written to pull at the heartstrings of any mother. Peter’s fierce determination to give his son every opportunity will stir the heart. There are supporting characters which bring out the good and the bad in each of them showing their human flaws as well as their great depth of character.
br>
The plot guides the reader through the stages of grief a parent would feel after losing their child. The recovery of something as simple as a smile or laughter is felt in the pages. True love and devotion are witnessed in all the characters. The faith element is well woven into fabric of the story and does not preach, yet shows the redemption power of faith in God.
I did not find anything objectionable in the book and would recommend it for older teens and adults. “Waiting for Summer’s Return” is a fantastic first novel by Sawyer. I truly look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Reviewed by Allison M. Wilson
for The Road to Romance
July 25, 2006
|
