Dandelion Summer

May 23, 2011
Wingate (Summer Kitchen) roots her tender tale in hope, redemption, and family by following two engaging characters in her latest entry to the Texas-based Blue Sky Hill series. Following the death of his wife, retiree J. Norman Alvord has shut himself off in his big home on the hill. Norman's only daughter thinks a nursing home is best, but Norman, who was on the scientific team involved with the first moon landing, considers himself independent, even virile. So a housekeeper is hired, and offers her mixed-race teenage daughter, Epiphany Jones, as an after-school cook. The friendship that Epiphany and Norman form begins a new chapter for both of them. Wingate's tale, unfolding alternatingly from Norman's and Epiphany's points of view, uncovers a mysterious memory from Norman's youth that eventually reveals siblings that he never knew about. Epiphany finds a mentor in Norman; in turn, she helps him understand the importance of family. Wingate effectively draws us into Norman's mystery, giving voice to elders who wish to be treated as adults as their own kin treat them like children. The early era of space explorationserves as an exciting backdrop to the kitchen sink drama.