I was surprised by this book only because I am more familiar with this author's suspense type books. This one, though it contains suspense in a form, is more emotional and will appeal to the softer side of the readers heart. I would highly recommend that the reader to have a box (or two or three) of tissue handy while reading it!

A story of a letter from a child that turns a world upside down and changes everything. Adoption and all its ups and downs is explored. Truth, love and the power of forgiveness to bring healing are the themes in the story that will pull at your every heart string and draw you into the story. The reader may even find themselves truly feeling the emotions as each character's heart is revealed and explored.

Thanks to Revell for this review copy. ( )

There are a lot of facets to this book: adoption, trying to find the child you gave away/trying to find the parent who gave you away, workaholism. . . just to name a few.

David McMillan is a reformed workaholic. After his wife died two years ago, he realized how much time he'd lost with her and with his now adult daughter. He's trying to mend fences with his daughter but she's not as receptive as he'd hoped.

Keith Watson is David's assistant and reminds David so much of himself that David decides to try to get Keith involved in some project that shows him the benefits of not working ridiculously long hours.

Maureen Chandler gave up a son for adoption over 20 years ago. Now in remission from breast cancer, she's trying to locate him.

Claire Summers is Maureen's neighbor. She's divorced, and her ex has made her wary of romantic relationships. Claire's daughter, Haley, overhears Maureen confide to Claire about her son and writes to David McMillan in the hopes he will help.

We end up with two romances: David and Maureen; Keith and Claire.

In addition to Maureen's son, there's another character in the book who was adopted as a child. I thought it might turn out that the two adoptions were related--you'll have to read the book to find out if I guessed correctly.

The plot was okay. It picked up after a while and held my interest better in the middle section than it did at the beginning. ( )

This story is one of change and willing to do what it takes to help someone out. Keith works for a businessman who helps out those in need. His boss convinces him to take an assignment written by a little girl. At first he dismisses the request as it is not what they usually do, but his boss convinces him it would be good to take on this assignment. He does and becomes very close to the people he is working with. In taking this assignment, he also begins to look at some things going on in his own life as does his boss. Many lives are changes all due to a simple request of a little girl. I liked seeing how the characters realized things about their lives and how they worked at doing things different.
I received this book free to review. ( )

Irene Hannon is a new author for me. Although she has written many romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels, I had yet to pick one up. I sure am glad I did! One Perfect Spring is a breath of fresh air — a novel filled with likable and believable characters who face real life situations with doubts, questions and faith in God. Not perfect people, but a perfect God who gently leads them. If you are looking for an enjoyable read from the opening chapter to the last page, then check out One Perfect Spring.

Haley Summers, an exuberant eleven year old, writes a letter that triggers a series of events that brings hope and healing to the lives of her mother Claire, next door neighbor Maureen and the two men who enter their lives. Cautious hearts are opened and the prospects of a second chance at love become reality.

Irene Hannon has a natural writing style that made me believe her story. From the beginning I was drawn into the characters lives. There were no far-fetched situations or unrealistic responses, just true-life. These characters struggled with the same things we all do — forgiveness, bitterness, past hurts, and reconciliation. They could be your neighbors, friends or family (or even yourself). I thought the romances (yes there were two!) developed naturally as well. There are sparks aplenty, but also a measured response to the difficulties of relationships with baggage attached. Hannon also presents an interesting perspective on adoption with characters on both sides of the question.

All in all a perfect choice for those who like a contemporary romance. I highly recommend One Perfect Summer.

Highly Recommended.

(Thanks to Revell for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Title: One Perfect Spring
Author: Irene Hannon
Pages: 384
Year: 2014
Publisher: Revell
Haley is a young girl who writes a letter hoping to surprise her neighbor with a very special birthday gift hopefully funded by a foundation owned by David, a widower. David believes his young associate at work would benefit from looking into this young girl’s request. Keith reluctantly takes the time to chase down leads in the hopes of fulfilling the request posed in Haley’s letter.
While this novel definitely has romance in it as shown on the cover, there is more depth to the tale than simply romance per se; it includes forgiveness, faith, love and trust to name a few, as well as how broken lives can not only be repaired by God, but look brand new. Irene Hannon’s writings are filled with tantalizing plots, including this recent book.
Hope was the overall general feeling to the novel, but there were some surprises in the story line I never saw coming. In fact, quite a few times, I thought I had the ending figured out, but was surprised at each new direction the plot took. There is the reality that past mistakes even when forgiven by God and anyone else, need time for others to once again believe a relationship is possible. The real idea of working through past issues was one theme I really appreciated portrayed in the characters’ lives.
I enjoyed how young Haley had such a childlike faith and wisdom that spoke to the heart of her mother who had been through some hard times. I loved how Keith decided to face his past perceptions of his birth mother and learn the truth he couldn’t have known when he was so young. The novel is not just entertaining, but also food for thought and not so heavy as to weigh down the joyful experience of reading another Hannon book.
For me, what keeps Irene Hannon’s books exceptional is the hope infused in every page, so that when I am done my heart is light again. To give God the center stage in the book is a true stroke of genius whether the players are solid in their relationship or struggling. God is always there to redeem the past, lighten our loads and give us hope regardless of our sins and the decisions we sometimes wish we could change. God uses all things to transform us more into the image of Jesus if we are willing. Works of fiction such as this remind us of these truths.
My rating is 5 stars.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/One-Perfect-Spring-Irene-Hannon/dp/0800722671/ref=sr_1_1?s...

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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