The Edge of Summer

The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman...All the feels! This is a multifaceted story that is that is beautifully written and wonderfully woven together. This story begins during covid. I think that's important; we shouldn't forget, we should honor this historical event by learning something from it, and moving forward in a positive manner with these lessons in mind. Sutton Douglas struggles to come to terms with the sudden death of her mother due to covid. She also begins to question her past and uncovers a secret clue that will change her future if she is brave enough to move forward, to embrace change. Could finding the answers to her past unlock the door to her future? Could buttons be the key? Grief, sorrow, mystery, romance, new beginnings... Coincidence, or maybe not, but more than a few things really resonated with me, really touched my heart. My great grandmother was a seamstress and I have very fond memories of playing in her button box which was actually a tin that probably originally held cookies. Sutton grew up in a log cabin in the woods. Leaving it, her memories, her mother's things behind, and heading to the Lake Michigan town of Douglas was difficult for Sutton. I've just sold my log home in the woods near the shore of Lake Michigan. We built over 30 years ago and this was a very difficult decision. I'm moving soon and although I'm excited about moving forward, it's also hard, scary, and emotional. All things that I imagine Sutton felt. Moving on isn't always easy but sometimes staying in the same place really just means you're stuck. I was silently cheering Sutton on and maybe she gave me a little boost too 😊 This book perfectly captures the captures the unique essence of a of a West Michigan lakeshore summer…. all the beauty, all the magic! This book is captivating, and it will capture your heart!

Finished The Edge of Summer - the newest novel from Viola Shipman (aka Wade Rouse), and once again, he's given a heart-felt story that resonated deeply with me. The main character Sutton, grew up watching her hard-working mother sew at the overall factory, and then come home to design and sew clothes for both of them. Fabric, notions, and especially buttons were a source of entertainment for the isolated Sutton in her early years. She doesn't understand her mother, and always feels there are missing pieces to their family history. As an adult, Sutton progresses to eventually become a designer of the line "Sutton's Buttons" at a store in Chicago. But the pandemic upturns Suttons life, both personally and professionally. Realizing she needs a "life reset", she moves temporarily to Douglas, Michigan, as she has found clues that leads her to believe she will find the answers to the missing pieces of her history in the small town. At it's heart, the story is of the family we have, the family we choose, and the hope that we can always tin our life - we just need to have the courage to take that leap. So much of this book hit close to home to me - I come from a family of sewers, so I really enjoyed the sewing theme and the titles of each chapter which references a sewing term. I still have my mom's box of buttons, and remember what clothes most of them were on. And Sutton "visiting" her mother through the glass window at the assisted living was especially hard - as it brings back memories of just a few years ago with the same situation with my own mom. The pandemic has been hard on all of us - but I think the author successfully strikes the balance of reliving the difficult parts of the past few years, with the knowledge of what's really important. Highly recommend!

If you read any of this author's fiction, you know that there is a distinct theme involved with each book. Wade Rouse writes as Viola Shipman, his late grandmother's name, who inspired him so much that every book is a tribute and remembrance to her stemming from her influences on his life. Charm bracelets, heirloom gardens, and recipe boxes are a few of the subjects of his works of fiction. In this one, button jars are the focus. Do you remember those? Any empty jar or tin would do as long as it had a lid. Once it was filled with ornate buttons of all shapes and colors, it became a piece of artwork as it adorned a nearby shelf handy for choosing the perfect button(s) for the latest sewing or art project. Sutton, our protagonist, has inherited her mother's love of sewing, but no information is forthcoming about her extended family. Her mother has no details to share which leaves her drifting and uncertain well into her adulthood. I enjoyed her journey to find her footing in this wide-reaching story that took me from the Ozarks to Lake Michigan and kept me turning the pages. From the descriptions of the stunning scenery to the beauty of an especially unique button, I pictured every scene vividly within a complex story of secrets and betrayals. Each time I read one of Viola Shipman's books, it seems to get even better than the last one, if that's even possible. Highly recommended and available now.

I am wrecked. This book is just that good! I began this book this morning and literally READ ALL DAY!As the book began, I could FEEL the heat and humidity of the Ozarks. I could 'see' the views that Sutton was seeing and felt her emotions. As the book moved on, all of the descriptions were top notch and her feelings, good or bad, were right there front and center.Not knowing who you are or where you came from is a tremendous hinderence in life. Trying to put together bits of information you've gotten from a long ago conversation can drive you crazy. This is where Sutton is when she heads to Michigan to try to find her 'family'.What a great book! I was in tears in the beginning, then so happy as Sutton learns enough of her past she can find a partner and her destiny. Just so good. I want to begin it again right now and read through the night.I read a lot. To want to put aside other books that are on my TBR list is NOT what I do. I love Viola Shipman's writing style, the evocative prose used in the books by the author, and the strong women portrayed. More please!

Another great read by Viola Shipman. Have read all her books. Eagerly await the next one. This one does not disappoint!