Saving Summer for Families

In a small Kansas town, secrets are a luxury no one enjoys. Summer Stevens knows this firsthand. At six years old, she harbors uncertainty toward her new stepfather, a man who whistles in sobriety but turns to swearing in drunkenness. Her mother, similarly enigmatic, offers little solace. Throughout Summer's young life, her mother’s words sting like a swarm of wasps, leaving scars both visible and hidden. Just when Summer believes she can endure no more, her mother's sporadic attention leaves her perpetually yearning for affection.

At sixteen, Summer faces an unexpected upheaval when her stepfather abruptly appears at her part-time job, demanding she leave home. Overnight, she finds herself homeless, with nowhere to turn and a looming math test on the horizon. The challenges of Summer's adolescence pale in comparison to navigating the erratic behaviors of the adults around her.

Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Summer learns to navigate her tumultuous upbringing with resilience. She finds unexpected allies in her younger brother, her older sister, and a cast of surprising characters who offer support in unexpected ways. These bonds become her lifeline as she confronts the narcissism and instability that define her family dynamic.

Summer's journey is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a story of resilience, survival, and the enduring power of familial bonds. Readers are invited to delve into Summer's world, a microcosm of small-town America where personal struggles are both intimate and universal.

Don't miss out on experiencing Summer's transformative journey.

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