“The Edge of Summer” by Viola Shipman: A Captivating Tale of Family and Mystery – Review @viola_shipman @GraydonHouse

In “The Edge of Summer,” Viola Shipman masterfully intertwines themes of family, mystery, and healing in a compelling narrative.

From The Publisher:

Devastated by the sudden death of her mother—a quiet, loving and intensely private Southern seamstress called Miss Mabel, who overflowed with pearls of Ozarks wisdom but never spoke of her own family—Sutton Douglas makes the impulsive decision to pack up and head north to the Michigan resort town where she believes she’ll find answers to the lifelong questions she’s had about not only her mother’s past but also her own place in the world.

Recalling Miss Mabel’s sewing notions that were her childhood toys, Sutton buys a collection of buttons at an estate sale from Bonnie Lyons, the imposing matriarch of the lakeside community. Propelled by a handful of trinkets left behind by her mother and glimpses into the history of the magical lakeshore town, Sutton becomes tantalized by the possibility that Bonnie is the grandmother she never knew. But is she? As Sutton cautiously befriends Bonnie and is taken into her confidence, she begins to uncover the secrets about her family that Miss Mabel so carefully hid, and about the role that Sutton herself unwittingly played in it all.

My Thoughts:

“The Edge of Summer” by Viola Shipman is a beautifully crafted novel that intertwines themes of family, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a picturesque Michigan lakeside town. As someone who holds my own family close, I was immediately drawn to Shipman’s profound love for familial bonds, which permeates every page of this book.

The story begins during the darkest days of the COVID crisis, with Sutton Douglas grappling with the sudden loss of her mother, Miss Mabel. Mabel, a single mother and a talented seamstress, was a quiet yet loving figure in Sutton’s life, filled with pearls of Ozarks wisdom but shrouded in mystery about her own past. Sutton’s journey to uncover these secrets forms the heart of this novel.

Sutton’s childhood was deeply influenced by her mother’s passion for sewing, especially her unique collection of buttons. This love for fashion design led Sutton from the Ozarks to a successful career in Chicago. However, it was a letter from Mabel, written before her death, that spurred Sutton to seek answers about her mother’s hidden past. This quest leads her to the serene town of Douglas on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Shipman’s love for Michigan shines through in his vivid descriptions of Douglas, capturing its natural beauty and rich history. Sutton’s encounter with Bonnie Lyons, an enigmatic older woman who might be the grandmother she never knew, adds layers of intrigue and emotional depth to the story. Bonnie’s offer to let Sutton design and sew for her is both an opportunity and a mystery that Sutton approaches with caution.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the novel is the friendship, and later romance, that blossoms between Sutton and Tug, a local shopkeeper who shares her appreciation for vintage materials. Their bond is a testament to Shipman’s skill in developing well-rounded, relatable characters that readers can root for.

Throughout the book, Sutton’s internal struggle between staying connected to her mother and forging her own path is portrayed with honesty and sensitivity. Shipman handles this delicate balance with respect, making Sutton’s journey both compelling and relatable.

Final Thoughts:

Viola Shipman has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and “The Edge of Summer” only solidifies that sentiment. His ability to depict a slower-paced, meaningful lifestyle while exploring deep emotional truths is truly remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and eagerly anticipate reading more from him.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Viola Shipman:

The Secret of Snow

The Wishing Bridge

Famous in a Small Town