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Monday, 9 June 2014

BOOK REVIEW: ONE PERFECT SPRING by Irene Hannon


ONE PERFECT SPRING
Irene Hannon


Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. 

The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbour.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.        ~ publisher

Publisher: Revell
Published: May 6.2014
Length: pb 380 pgs | kindle 368

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MY THOUGHTS?

Contemporary story revealing poignancy of past regrets and the miracles of restoration that result from one eleven year old girl's letter of compassion for her neighbour.  One perfect spring pastime. 

Timed with spring's arrival of lilacs after a record breaking severe winter, I was delighted to read lilacs have the biggest blooms after just such a winter - picturing the overall theme of the novel.

The distractions and disturbing interruptions of the life these characters would choose, work their own results and more fragrant bouquets in the end.  Serious life issues encountered by each of the main characters - from 11 year old Haley, daughter to single mom and teacher, Claire, working to renovate an aging home rather than paying rent; middle aged neighbour, Maureen, having recently battled cancer and carrying inner regrets of earlier life decisions; influential philanthropic business owner, David, having lost his wife and working to regain an adult daughter he'd lost in the process of building his wealth; and Keith.  Employee of David's and current charitable project manager, who is struggling with memories of rejection by his birth mother and her various drug dependent alliances.

Quite the tableau into which Ms Hannon immerses readers.  One that kept both my fascination and curiosity piqued.  Development of the dual relationships were unique and authentic to their ages.  Haley was a treasure to story and reader alike.  Sugar, sweetness and bringer of light into many lives, Ms Hannon captivates readers with the charm of this child.

The issues are resolved in various degrees and outcomes, not all as anyone would hope, but realistic to life in sorrows and joys enough to relieve and reassure of life's worth.

A beautifully romantic book that would make an ideal movie!
Ms Hannon is a welcome addition to my library. 
I definitely recommend
ONE PERFECT SPRING for your spring/summer reading.

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Author Bio:
Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honoured with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. 

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, travelling and spending time with family. She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit 
irenehannon.
Follow @IreneHannon on twitter
Like and follow Irene's FB page
Fan, friend and follow Irene on Goodreads 


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*Appreciation to Revell for providing an ecopy to read for review without cost or obligation.



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