Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
In Summer Dreams by Delia Latham (Paradise Pines Series), Summer Callihan reluctantly accompanies her spoiled cousin, Deah, to Paradise Pines where she plans to work on her book while Deah plays. After a writing session on the beach, Summer wades into the water and curls her toes in the sand as she praises God and enjoys His creation. While she is lost in the moment, a wave sweeps Summer into the icy arms of the Pacific Ocean. Logan Bullard, a local artist, rushes into the water and struggles to pull Summer to safety. A relationship quickly develops as Summer spends more time with her handsome and more than willing rescuer.
As they merge their lives emotionally and spiritually, Logan opens Summer's eyes to new possibilities for her life and her future - if she can set aside old insecurities and self imposed expectations. Is God really in this or is it just a vacation infatuation? This vacation to Paradise Pines with its somewhat mystical happenings will change the lives of Summer and Deah forever, if they will let it. Summer Dreams is inspiring and powerful on its own, but I suggest reading Spring Raine by Delia Latham first to familiarize yourself with several characters that we see throughout this series - not for clarity's sake, but to enhance the moving experience even further.
Delia Latham's novels depict love and romance in a tender and exciting way, but there is always so much more to her characters and her story. While you are on a journey with these characters, you will find encouragement and serenity - you will be blessed and you will gain spiritual insights through Delia Latham's gift of weaving a romance story filled with God's truth, hope and peace. Delia Latham tells an enchanting love story with reminders of trusting God and finding our strength in Him. The visual imagery is superb and it draws you into the tender moments, the uplifting moments, and the inspiring moments equally and, in some instances, with life altering impact. If you are weary, physically, emotionally or spiritually, stepping into one of Delia Latham's books is a calming and encouraging respite away from it all. Rather like a mini vacation while you take the journey with her characters.