Waiting for Summer's Return
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House
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Reviewed by Marty Medley
I'm not quite sure how to comment on the book, Waiting for Summer's Return. On one hand, the story line is quite predictable; on the other, it is a very enjoyable read.
Summer Steadman (yes, the Summer of Summer's Return) lost her entire family to typhoid fever as they traveled to the West in search of a new life. As a part of her grieving, she withdraws from all of life, hoping to die herself. She becomes very angry at God for unanswered prayer in her time of need.
Alone in the Midwest, but having no loving family to return to, she decides to stay in Gaeddert to be near her children's gravesite. Fortunately, Peter Ollenburger offers Summer a job--his son has been injured and cannot attend the local school, so Summer is hired to teach Thomas at his home. Through the love of Christ exhibited by Peter, Thomas, and Grossmutter, Summer's heart begins to heal.
I'll not tell you the end of the story, but even as I write this review, I'm enjoying anew the author's title: Waiting for Summer's Return. Who is waiting for Summer's return? Many. Does she return? I'll leave that for you to find out except to tell you that, most importantly, yes, she does return to her heavenly Father above.
Armchair Reviews: Wonderful light reading for summer vacation!