A Certain Summer by Patricia Beard

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Description:

“Nothing ever changes at Wauregan.” That
mystique is the tradition of the idyllic island colony off the shore of Long
Island, the comforting tradition that its summer dwellers have lived by for
over half a century. But in the summer of 1948, after a world war has claimed
countless men—even those who came home—the time has come to deal with
history’s indelible scars.

Helen Wadsworth’s husband, Arthur, was declared
missing in action during an OSS operation in France, but the official
explanation was mysteriously nebulous. Now raising a teenage son who longs to
know the truth about his father, Helen turns to Frank Hartman—her
husband’s best friend and his partner on the mission when he
disappeared. Frank, however, seems more intent on filling the void in Helen’s life
that Arthur’s absence has left. As Helen’s affection for Frank grows, so does
her guilt, especially when Peter Gavin, a handsome Marine who was brutally
tortured by the Japanese and has returned with a faithful war dog, unexpectedly
stirs new desires. With her heart pulled in multiple directions, Helen doesn’t know
whom to trust—especially when a shocking discovery forever alters her
perception of both love and war.

Part mystery, part love story, and part insider’s view
of a very private world, A Certain Summer resonates in the heart long after the
last page is turned.

Review:
3 out of 5 stars for this reader folks

A Certain Summer by Patricia Beard is classified as historical fiction with a lump of romance.  The setting is 1948 on a small town beach tourist island that draws the same crowd each and every summer.  The beach houses are beautiful, the festivals are crowd pleasers and life is generally good when you are there despite the typical small town gossipers and expectations of how one is to live.  We are also set post WWII where men have come home to a life that they are expected to adapt right back into after living their own personal hell overseas.

Helen Wadworth is our leading lady who has to live with the fact that her husband Arthur was lost overseas for years.  Not knowing for sure what on earth happened or if he is in fact deceased, she is in constant limbo, torn between having to remain faithful to her husband, raising her teenage son (Jack) alone, wondering if love will ever find her again and finding out once and for all what happened on that fateful mission her husband was engaged in.  Arthur’s best friend Frank (who just so happened to serve overseas with Arthur and on that fateful mission) comes to visit Helen and begins to woo her, and in many ways takes on the husband role.  Helen is attracted to Frank and I think she relishes the familiarity that he brings to the summer beach home.  He is comfortable.  Another important character is Peter Gavin.  Peter is a young marine that lives next door to Helen and is nursing a damaged body and mind from the war he fought in.  He was captured and tortured at enemy hands and is currently trying to move on with his life.  Max, his war dog, is a tremendous help in this process.  Before Helen realizes it, she is engaged in a love triangle with Frank and Peter.  Helen also begins to actively investigate the details of her husbands disappearance and before you know it, you are reading a story about mystery, love, betrayal, history acceptance and understanding.

Okay so here is the nitty gritty.  I didn’t LOVE this book.  I didn’t HATE it either!  It was a good solid read but I have to admit I had a hard time remaining engaged.  The first half of the book I had to read in many sittings as it was so detailed in description and flashbacks that it took away from the flow of the story and I found myself wanting to scream “get on with it already”.  It has a slow pace which begins to pick up half way through and that is where to story redeems itself for me.  I really liked the second half of this book as the relationships begin to develop, Helen gets off her fine rear end and begins to really question what happened to her husband.  We even get some travel off the island and overseas.

My fave … that’s easy!  Max and Peter (especially Max the dog ..lol)  Reading how these two bonded was so endearing and if you are an animal lover you’ll appreciate this part of the book too.  It amazes me how soldiers bonded with certain animals during war time and what pivotal roles dogs had to play.  I think Max is Peter’s salvation and once Helen was added you begin to see the wounds knit together.

If you are looking for a beach read this summer and you enjoy love triangles with some history, then check out this book.  I did enjoy beautiful scenic pictures in my mind, but keep in mind the story is a little sad with some happy.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

Patricia Beard’s Publisher has graciously offered Two lucky members of The Reading Cafe a copy of her new book, A Certain Summer

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3.  Giveaway open to US Only

4.  Contests runs from July 3 to July 6, 2013