A New Shade of Summer: By Nicole Deese
Genre: Christian Romance
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Synopsis
As an artist, Callie Quinn relies on inspiration to guide her wandering soul. This summer she accepts a short-term muralist job in her sister’s charming town to spend some much-needed time with her family. After meeting her nephew’s friend, Brandon, she’s eager to draw out his untapped artistic talents—however, it’s the boy’s straitlaced single father who could use a little color in his life.
Davis Carter may be the town’s favorite animal whisperer, but his experience is limited when it comes to understanding his preteen’s rebellious behavior. Desperate for a breakthrough, he follows the lead of a free spirit who claims to know the way into his son’s closed-off world. Soon, Davis isn’t the only one caught up in the hope of a new beginning.
Just as Callie considers trading her unattached existence for a life rich with promise and permanence, an unexpected visit from the past threatens to send her packing once again. Davis and Callie must learn to surrender their fears so they can find a love that will outlast the summer.
My thoughts
New. Favorite. Author. YEY!
I really like this cover! So Romantic and cute! It captures the heart of the image of Callie in my mind perfectly.
This story …..oh my word…. my favorite thing about this story is the way the author captured the authenticity of life.
The Characters
I loved Callie. So much. She’s so quirky and interesting and funny and yet, was layered with subtle flaws that one would never even consider until you get to know her.
Can I just be honest and say side characters are hard to pull off well? Nicole pulls off these side characters flawlessly. Especially the teenage son. In all the non-YA books I’ve read, pulling off an authentic teenage side-character seems to be very difficult for authors, but Brandon came off very realistic and not at all cliche or over-stereotypical.
The Story:
I loved the story, the way the relationships progressed, the way Callie and Davis’ lives blended together. It was romantic, funny, entertaining. I think the heart of the story – the goal of rekindling family values, was a sort of glue that held the story together. It went deeper than finding a romantic interest. It’s the idea that family comes first, and that family sticks together through difficult circumstances, always.
Recommended?
Absolutely. It’s so well written, so beautiful in its ability to capture real life successes, real life hurts, real life everything. I’m amazed at her ability of characterization! Go read it, then go read the others in the Love in Lenox series 🙂
