In the summer of 1959, a shy college student named Debby Detering embarks on a work-study program in Washington, eager yet anxious about making friends. She pushes herself out of her comfort zone by attending a church function, where she meets a man named Floyd. Their brief encounter fills her with excitement—she’s finally spoken to someone! What follows is a sweet summer romance filled with boat rides, zoo visits, and group dates packed into Floyd’s Volkswagen Beetle. But as the season ends, the looming question arises—what will happen when Debby returns to New England?

In an era when long-distance phone calls were a costly luxury, Debby and Floyd kept their love alive through handwritten letters, a testament to their patience and devotion. Despite the miles between them, they stayed connected, visiting whenever possible, and to the surprise of their parents, the summer romance endured. The couple married in 1960, and their love blossomed into a 60-year marriage. Their story, beautifully captured in this memoir, is told through heartfelt poetry, nostalgic stories, cherished photos, and meaningful Bible verses. This memoir radiates warmth and devotion. I loved how Debby and Floyd’s relationship centers around connection, education, spirituality, and shared experiences. The poems interspersed between the chapters are poignant and perfectly complement the themes of each section. Raw and genuine, every verse is steeped in emotion, making it easy to revisit them time and again. The inclusion of personal photos brought a smile to my face, and the author’s use of metaphors, like the image of a family as a tapestry woven in vibrant colors, added depth to the storytelling.

Though a quick read, I found myself drawn back to the poems, savoring their heartfelt simplicity more than once. Debby and Floyd’s journey of love, growth, and the life they built together serves as an inspiring example, especially for newly married couples. If you’re in the mood for a wholesome, uplifting love story, Summer Sunshine: Memoir and Poetry is a delightful and heartwarming choice.

Pages: 86 | ISBN : 1733942785