Beyond Summer (Blue Sky Hill Series)

I love, love, love this book. I read every book by Wingate and think this is her best yet -- possibly replacing my all time favorite, Tending Roses, Wingate's first novel. Others have written about the story, so I'll just say that I am again amazed at the variety in Wingate's books. This one deals sensitively about the difficult economic times we are in, about illiteracy, and homelessness while it tells about a friendship between two young women who move to the same inner city neighborhood. Although I love Karen Kingsbury, I think Lisa Wingate has more depth with social issues and still gives us a captivating story. This is a great choice for a book club -- so much here to discuss.

I absolutely LOVE this book. I couldn't put it down. Tam and Shasta's developing friendship is heartwarming. As usual, Wingate weaves a great story with wonderful characters. The mystery about the homeless woman, Sesay is an eyeopener. You should read this book!

I akways enjoy Lisa Wingate's books. I am looking forward to the two I just purchased!

I love this book! As usual, Wingate gives us characters that wind their way into our hearts. I was excited to meet again some characters from the Tending Roses series and Teddy from A Month of Summer. When Shasta and family move to a run-down Dallas neighborhood she soon sees that house after house is being gobbled up by a real estate firm and suspects that their first home purchase could be in jeopardy also. Tam, whose family (sans the father) moves in across the street becomes a friend as they help each marshall the community to deal with the real estate issues, illiteracy, and a homeless women who starts out as faceless, but becomes a real person to them. Learning more about what happens to Dell and Jace and more about Dell's father is a bonus to me, a long-time Wingate fan. Now, we finally know the rest of the story... It's the best summer read out there and clean and uplifting, too! Wingate has done it again.

Lisa Wingate's latest book, Beyond Summer is an inspiring, motivational and uplifting book! Aunt Lute's "the best things in life hide around blind corners" is only one of many lessons taught. Beyond Summer is an exciting journey with three individuals who meet as a result of shady real estate deals causing good families to lose their homes and meet at the Summer Kitchen. Tam is the 18 year old daughter of a once wealth former Dallas Football star. She and her family are evicted from their country club home. Terence, Dell's biological Dad who was in prison during Dell's childhood years, gets a chance to help Seasy, the homeless person. Terence comes through magnificently! The stories of these individuals causes a range of emotions from sadness, to happiness and joy. And in the end this reader was left with a mind filled with good feelings! I very highly recommend this book! Ed