title: Quaker Summer (Women of Faith Fiction) (2007 Novel of the Year)
author:  Lisa Samson 
description: <I>Starred Review.</i> One of the most powerful voices in Christian fiction, Samson delivers what seems, on the surface, to be just another Christian women's novel, but in reality is a staggering examination of the Christian conscience. Like most Samson heroines, Heather Curridge is a woman in crisis. Outwardly, her life seems idyllic: she has an unusually handsome, successful and loving husband, a child she adores and the most beautiful home she could imagine. Inwardly, however, she is falling apart, overcome by the idea that this comfortable, affluent life is keeping her from God's will. With the help of several older, wiser Christians, her patient family and her two best friends, Heather comes to some painful conclusions about her past and future. Samson's unflinching exploration of childhood bullying, as well as inner-city poverty and drug culture, are rivaled only by her portrayal of the soul-desiccating acquisitiveness in which many Christians engage, often in a misguided attempt to numb both their heartache and their awareness of God's potentially life-upending plans. Unlike many Christian novelists, Samson does not tidily resolve every single problem her heroine faces, but instead paints an emotionally and spiritually luminous portrait of a soul beckoned by God. <I>(Mar.)</I> <BR>Copyright &copy; Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  ![cover](images/cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Acclaim for Lisa Samson
  
  
  _Resurrection in May_
  
  
  “. . . thought-provoking, believable and authentic. The sweet truths of the
  gospel emerge not only through the pain and heartache, but through the healing
  that eventually comes.”
  
  
  _–Christianity_ magazine
  
  
  
  
  
  “Samson is bold as ever, exploring big questions through her vivid writing and
  memorable characters . . . high marks for imagination and ambition . . .”
  
  
  _—Publishers Weekly_
  
  
  
  
  
  “Samson ( _Quaker Summer_ ) has written a tragic story that ends in
  tenderness. Recommend this to readers who like stories of second chances.”
  
  
  _–Library Journal_
  
  
  
  
  
  “This novel is a true gem.”
  
  
  _–Romantic Times_
  
  
  
  
  
  _The Passion of Mary-Margaret_
  
  
  “. . . a page-turner with characters so fresh, funny and indelible the reader
  wants another 50 pages or so, please.”
  
  
  _–Publishers Weekly_ , starred review
  
  
  
  
  
  “Stellar characters and profound spiritual truths resonate on every page . . .
  this is a book to 