This is a delightful story about a small southern town in the late 1960's. It features one family, but you get to meet many of the town inhabitants along the way. The family is not your typical family, although anyone can find something in common with them as they stumble through life's lessons. The main character is a teenage girl who has lots of ups and downs as most young teenagers do! She is very lovable and endearing and I just wanted to be able to meet her in person to give her a hug! There is plenty of controversy throughout the story to keep you reading and yet it all seems so "normal" in the day to day living of life. There are lessons to learn along with Jocie as well as lots of laughter and tears. I would recommend this book for many ages — especially young teenagers feeling like life is just too hard at times. I hope we get to revisit this little town in future stories as it captured my heart and devotion.

The lovable Jocie Brooke and her quirky cast of family and friends return for a final time in the heartwarming third book of the Heart of Hollyhill series, "Summer of Joy". The book starts off at a bit of a slow burn, easing readers back into Jocie's world and the ups and downs of her life. But while at first the book seemed set at a slower pace than the first two in the series, I soon became wrapped up again in the drama of the character's lives. I really enjoyed watching Jocie mature over the course of the book and the whole series as she deepens her understanding of who God is and what her place in the world will be. Though her actions are occasionally misguided, her heart is in the right place. So as "Summer of Joy" progressed, I felt quite the righteous indignation when she began being bullied by her teacher no less! Her heart of forgiveness is inspiring to see, both for her teacher and later her mother, and I was reminded how children can so often set the example for those in the older generations! The flourishing romance between Jocie's dad and with Leigh provides for many lighthearted but also tender moments, and I am certain readers will be pleased with the eventual outcome. This third novel throws a bit of mystery and suspense into the mix, and I really liked how Gabhart handled those scenes as well, with a building sense of unease that permeates the pages. All in all, this final book brought everything full circle, yet left me longing for more of Jocie's story. Will there perhaps be another novel? Maybe. Or perhaps we will be left to imagine who Jocie grows up to be and what the future holds for her and her family.

This book and indeed the whole series will remain on my heart long after they have been placed on their permanent place on my shelves. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Summer of Joy continues the story of Jocie and her family. This book covers Jocie's freshman year in high school. I love Jocie even more in every book I read in this series. I really hope this isn't the final book. I was a little disappointed that Noah and his family were a little neglected in this book when they were a big part of Orchards of Hope. Other than that, I loved every bit of this book. It's fun, sweet, nostalgic and even a little suspenseful.

I love love love this book and really enjoy Ann H Gabhart's writing style in this series.

Highly recommended.

5 stars

Ann H. Gabhart in her new book, "Summer Of Joy" Book Three in The Heart of Hollyhill series published by Revell returns us to the life of Jocie Brooke.

From the Back Cover: As summer draws to a close Jocie's world seems serene—but is it just the calm before a storm?

Unbeknownst to Jocie Brooke and her family, two people are making their way to the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky. One everyone thought was gone for good and the other no one's ever heard of. Still, one thing is sure—they promise trouble. The past is coming to call, threatening to destroy strong relationships that everyone has simply taken for granted.

The summer of 1964 may be winding down, but the controversy in this little community where nothing ever seems to change is just heating up.

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you to Hollyhill for a story both exciting and enduring that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.

One of the states that I have always wanted to visit is Kentucky. When I finally get to travel there I will see the horse farms and all the other wonderful sights and then I will go and find Hollyhill see if there is a Bed and Breakfast and hang out there for a week. I like the Brooke family. I like the town. I like Ms. Gabhart's writing. I like the plot which I am not going to tell you about except that these people coming to town are about to upset everyone. Ms. Gabhart has written a wonderful story full of interesting characters that we come to know and love as we read through the book. Ms. Gabhart does a great job of making us feel that we are there in Hollyhill and living the events rather than just reading about them. I am sorry that this series is ending. I would really like more stories about the Brookes and everyone else in town.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Summer of Joy

By Ann H. Gabhart

1964 is drawing to a close and Jocie Brooke has an English teacher who seems to have it out for her and she has no idea why. Christmas is just around the corner and Jocie wants to have some special touches added to the Christmas program, but you can't mess with tradition in Hollyhill.

Wes, still recovering from his and Jocie's tangle with the tornado, is the understanding and sympathetic ear always willing to help Jocie through her problems. But the past is about to come for a visit to Hollyhill and Wes and Jocie are about to have their lives turned upside down yet again.

But there are also periods of joy as her father and Leigh move closer to marriage and all of Hollyhill is looking forward to the big news if and when it happens. And then there is Stephen Lee, Tabitha's sweet baby is the family's pride and joy - even Aunt Love's!

And Hollyhill is a typical small town with the gossip that spreads and if you've read the previous Hollyhill novels you will just get a real laugh out the juice bit of gossip Zella finds herself caught up in. Get ready to enjoy some small town charm, as you get swept up in the simple innocence of what was. And get ready for a Summer of Joy - 1965 looks to be a pretty good year, though Jocie does have a few bumps along the way. I also like that the book doesn't shy away from the difficult issues that both the country and the individual characters are facing.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, Revell, in exchange for my honest review