Book Review: Quaker Summer

Have you ever read a book and been overcome with the sense that the author knows just a little too much; not about the characters in the book, but about you? That was the feeling I had as I walked through the chapters of Lisa Samson’s latest work, Quaker Summer.

Heather “Hezz” Courage is a woman at a crossroads in her life. While her faith is extremely important to her, she has reached a place in her life where she isn’t clear how her faith should be lived out. Is it enough to go to church every Sunday, give to charity and stay actively involved in your child’s Christian education? Or is faith more than that? For Hezz, it must be more than these things because these things leave her feeling empty. It is not only that these trappings of a monetarily blessed life are not enough; she wonders if she is not enough. Or, maybe, she’s too much.

She prides herself on her amazing cake making ability; yet, the results of her talent do not seem to be wanted or appreciated by those she is trying to bless. She loves to make her home beautiful, but the credit card bills are beginning to take a toll on her loving, hard-working husband. Just when Hezz thinks she’ll never make sense of her life, God takes her on the most amazing summer vacation a woman in her situation can experience. By the time school begins in the fall, Hezz is moving outside her comfort zone, reaching out to help people she never thought she’d meet, let alone grow to love.

Quaker Summer is about one woman’s journey to learn to love as Christ taught us to love. In the process, she must let go of things she once thought were important to make room for a life of significance; and she finds out these changes bring her more joy than any accolades or new furniture ever could.

If you struggle with your place in ministry; if you wonder how to balance work, family and living out your faith, read Quaker Summer. You will be blessed.