A Summer All Her Own

by Rosanne Keller

Book Overview

A debut novel that takes readers to a sun-drenched Greek island, where a young widow makes discoveries that transform her life. The roles of celebrity wife and mother satisfied Anna Sandoval completely-until her husband, a famed international journalist, suffered a fatal heart attack. Now, a year later, still young and with her children grown, Anna seeks an interlude from grief and a fresh start on the timeless isle of Crete. In a small Greek community...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451219430
• ISBN13: 9780451219435
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: New American Library
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Just beautiful.....

How does one cope with the loss of a spouse after so many years of living in the role of wife? Anna Sandoval has been grieving the death of her husband, Paul, for a year when she decides to travel to Crete. Crete is one of the few places she and Paul never traveled. Anna hopes to discover herself as she has been Mrs. Paul Sandoval, wife of celebrity broadcaster, for so long that she is directionless. In Crete, Anna begins to rediscover herself and soon finds herself torn between two men, Sam McDonald and Alexis Sarkis. What realizations will Anna come to when she has A SUMMER ALL HER OWN? Rosanne Keller's stunning exploration of one woman's journey in the aftermath of death is spectacular. Anna Sandoval's search for her own identity and meaning is one that anyone who has ever lost someone close to them will relate to. Ms. Keller doesn't provide any easy answers, just as life doesn't. Anna's friendship with Demetri and Maria Anistopolis opens up a new window on life for Anna as they gently coax her into looking beyond Paul's death and seeing her own potential. A SUMMER ALL HER OWN is truly an international book. Ranging in settings from the United States to Crete and even to Athens, this book takes readers on both an emotional and a physical journey with Anna. The descriptions of the various locales are pure poetry. Readers will easily envision the various scenes and characters as they are vividly drawn through the artistic eye of both Anna and the author. A SUMMER ALL HER OWN is a deeply moving book. Rosanne Keller's lyrical prose brings this story to life. A SUMMER ALL HER OWN is both thought provoking and entertaining. The artistry of Rosanne Keller is showcased in this stunning book by a first time published author. A SUMMER ALL HER OWN is a leisurely journey that is well worth taking. COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

interesting well written character study

A year has passed since her husband Paul died from a heart attack, but forty-five years old Anna Sandoval still grieves her loss deeply. Anna needs a change and knows it so she leaves their DC home for a summer in Crete. There she hopes to regain the passion for art that she sublimated as a celebrity wife in support of Paul's talk show career and to raise their two now adult children. On the isle, Anna lets go of her inhibitions even sunbathing without a top though she learns how easy it is to burn ones breasts. She also meets two men who seem to desire her. The widower Sam and the architect Alexis compete for her affection, which is a new feeling for Anna. However, Anna remains feeling lost and confused except when she paints. Anna is a fascinating lead character as she struggles to regain her equilibrium after the sudden death of her spouse. She had been a celebrity wife and mother, but now is grieving widow and so knows she must find the lost Anna though she understands she will always love her Paul and their children regardless of what she does. This middle aged woman seeking her groove is an interesting well written character study. Harriet Klausner