Lori Handeland

I will again state that my brain finds it hard to parse “historical fiction” that takes place within my lifetime but I suppose I AM getting old and have lived through some very historical events.

I was 8 in 1967 so I can’t say that I was overly politically aware. What I do know is that my mother’s only brother died in Viet Nam so my family was definitely impacted by that war.

Suddenly That Summer brings the time period alive for the reader as the characters navigate through very trying times. Four close friends who all have to deal with how the war impacts them and changes them.

It is a fast paced, page turning read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. War is never an easy “character” and it’s not here, particularly given the relatively recent nature of this war. Many of us of a certain age have family members who were impacted by the Viet Nam war.

Good stories are welcome no matter the time period in which they occur. Even if, as noted, I find it hard to wrap my head around my own lifetime being part of “history.”… (more)