It's Not a Bucket List

Anita Higman writes beautiful fiction that really reaches readers where they are. Summer's List is no exception. Summer's Granny Snow has written a list that she wants Summer to accomplish--including finding an old friend, take a hot air balloon ride, fall in love with a dog, right an old wrong, and kiss someone you love. There are other items on the list, but this gives a good start to the list. Granny has been holding something back from Summer--she's dying of congestive heart failure and there is nothing that can be done about it. She wants Summer to do these things in order to find out what God has planned for her.

In reconnecting with a friend, the friend on Granny's mind is Martin Langtree--a friend from Summer's childhood who was adopted after his mother died and Summer lost track of him. Then Granny wanted Martin to accompany Summer on the quest of completing the list. Granny knew that Summer would need someone sympathetic to help her through some rough times coming up, and it wouldn't be the fiance she just broke up with.

Martin lives behind his brothers in a caretaker's cottage on his parents' estate. His brothers live in the big house and all three are somewhat happy with the arrangement. The only mystery is where their parents are. Desmond and Ivan don't care for Martin and Martin is not sure why there is such animosity. The brothers tried all their lives to get their father's approval while Martin was working for their mother's approval. None of them got what they wanted while they were growing up, and that added to the family dysfunction.

This is the setup for Summer's List. Working through animosities and bringing healing to the characters is one of the tasks Anita put in front of herself in writing this novel. Her characters are empathetic, with their own set of foibles and warts while trying to find their way through life's difficulties. Her settings are whimsical and totally complement the plot. The plot pacing is quite comfortable--neither too fast nor too slow. It was quite a delight to read Anita's latest offering. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a list of adventures to keep you intrigued.

My thanks to Moody Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.