An Invincible Summer by Betta Ferrendelli starts with Jaime Monroe, a young prosecutor at the DA’s office, showing resolve as well as resourcefulness in cracking a case of rape and bringing the culprit to justice. Her attention falls on Ashley Roberts, a girl with disabilities, who is being pressurized by her mother to undergo sterilization. Here, too, Jaime takes on the role of a savior to produce some tense moments of court room drama, with total disregard to her personal prospects, in providing a commendable defense for Ashley. The story goes on to a convoluted and eventful ending.

Excellent narration (I never felt the pages fly) and the presence of strong characters capable of evoking our heartfelt sympathy and admiration are the high points of this book. The suspense, drama and the larger than life imagery connected with the justice department are presented with skill. All the events and protagonists are developed with a good amount of attention and care so that the reader, at no time, feels them separate from the plot. The issues related to the contentious area of eugenics are handled rather well and in an uncontroversial manner.

Wow! That is the word that came to mind when I put down An Invincible Summer by author Betta Ferrendelli. This book was an absolutely fantastic read and one that I was engrossed with from the very beginning! Follow the story of young attorney Jaime Monroe, a rising star in the Denver District Attorney's office, as she is faced with a difficult issue. A local reporter is moving forward with plans to have her developmentally disabled daughter, Ashleigh Roberts, sterilized against her will. Something about the situation affects Jaime in a way she couldn't have anticipated, and she agrees to represent Ashleigh, giving up her career in the DA's office. The legal battle that the two young women are waging will change the lives of many, and the outcome couldn't have more life-impacting consequences. Readers will be glued to the pages, waiting to find out how the story will end.

I loved this book. Loved. It. Author Betta Ferrendelli has done a fabulous job in creating characters that her readers will connect with, relate to, and continue to think about long after the book is done. If that isn't the hallmark of a wonderful author, I don't know what is. Once I picked up An Invincible Summer, I simply could not put it down and read it from start to finish. The author's understanding of the workings of the legal system certainly shines through, and there were points at which I felt I was actually in the court room. Any reader who loves a great work of fiction should definitely read An Invincible Summer. I was excited by author Betta Ferrendelli's work, and can't wait to pick up the next book penned by her. If you give this book a chance, I am sure that the author's work will be on your must-read list as well!