Hollyhill, Kentucky – 1964

David Brooke has been dating Leigh for a couple of months and plans to pop the question, if he can only get the nerve! He looks at his mother’s ring, and even though it is a very small diamond, he hopes that Leigh will be content with it. Editor of the Hollyhill Banner and pastor of Mt. Pleasant Church, money is a problem - if he could only pay all the bills that have accumulated! Divorced with two daughters, Tabitha and Jocie, a grandson, Stephen Lee, and elderly Aunt Love to care for, he had almost given up hope of ever finding a special person to share his life. He loves Leigh and knows she is that special person for him, for always.

Wes works on the Banner, as well as the secretary, Zella, and David’s daughter, Jocie. God and church are of the utmost importance in the Brooke household. Wes finally decides to be baptized – it is December and very cold, but the people gather by the river to watch the exciting event, and are pleased to see Wes join their flock. Everyone likes Wes, but he has never told anyone about his life before Hollyhill. A young man who believes Wes is his grandfather has written Zella, but does Wes want to be reunited with his family, or did he want to leave his past behind?

Tabitha would like to get a job and help pay her way, but she worries about who would care for her precious Stephen Lee. Some narrow-minded people are not happy that Stephen Lee is half black. Fourteen year old Jocie has growing pains and isn’t feeling her usual cheerful self, with problems from her weird teacher, Mr. Hammond. She enjoys writing for the newspaper and writing in her journal. Leigh is excited to see Christmas on its way and delights in buying gifts for the people that she loves. David’s ex-wife is on her way to Hollyhill -- will she cause problems for the happy couple?

Following Ms. Gabhart's SCENT OF LILACS and ORCHARD OF HOPE, SUMMER OF JOY continues the tale of a family living in a small Kentucky town. Their lives revolve around God, their church, and their friends. God walks with them throughout their lives, and their strength comes from their strong beliefs. David is a humble, wonderful man, who is always ready with a helping hand, while Leigh is good natured, and will make a terrific preacher’s wife. The creepy Mr. Hammond and Leigh’s parents try to interfere in David’s and Leigh’s happiness, but the couple are well able to handle anything that life throws at them with their absolute faith and love of God.

Religion plays a large part in the book as the people of Hollyhill try to live by the Bible. As in all walks of life, people have problems to overcome, but the Brooke house is a happy house as it radiates with love. The story is well written with good pacing, and will be especially enjoyable for readers who like inspirational stories.

Marilyn Heyman