Painted Wings: A Summer of Discovery by Timothy Imhoff is the story of what happens when 38-year-old Annie Curtis decides it’s time to put the pain of her divorce (her husband had an affair and moved in with another woman) behind her and, literally, move on. Leaving her teaching/university job and life in Wisconsin, she sets off for a summer road trip of adventure and travel. It isn’t long before she meets Katie who runs the brilliant Bookshop/Bar in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Annie stays at the nearby Cranberry Inn. She is surprised and intrigued when a romantic relationship with Katie develops between the two of them, and within a week she has made some wonderful new friends and begun working at the Inn. Katie’s friend Geoff runs the amazing Avalon summer camp for disabled kids, and Annie soon uses her artistic skills to offer art therapy sessions for the kids there. Annie’s thoughts and life are turned upside down by the love, accepting attitude, and the freedom this new place and her new relationships offer her – is this more than a brief break from real life or the start of a more fulfilling and happier future for her?

Painted Wings is a thoughtful story about acceptance and celebration of diversity. Through Annie’s discoveries about herself and others, Timothy Imhoff explores the complexities of people, the prejudices and inaccurate opinions others may form, and the personal growth that is enabled when we all just accept each other as we are. It is also a story about friendship, love, moving on, and perhaps about being open to new challenges and experiences. The characters are very likeable too. The author brings out the story’s theme of diversity and acceptance in a natural way through the development of different sub-plots in the lives of different characters. They each have experiences or realizations of the pain and harm caused by the intolerances of others. I especially liked the summer camp for kids with disabilities – a place where they can excel at something for a change when they may be so used to struggling to keep up or fit in. Annie’s letting go of her past, developing her artistic gifts, and discovery of a possible new life for herself is an inspiring message too. A warm story about valuing differences and giving each other or ourselves the chance to be authentic.

In Painted Wings by Timothy Imhoff, Annie was desperate for a fresh start after a painful divorce because of her husband's betrayal. Stepping back into the single life after twelve years of marriage was a scary thought, but slowly she began to accept and embrace the adventure of her new life and the possibilities it held. In an attempt to make the best of things, she decided to infuse some excitement into life by taking a road trip. With low expectations, she packed her bags and set off. However, on what should have been a brief stopover, Annie met Katie and the two clicked right away. Within no time at all, she had become an important part of Katie's life and a natural part of her close-knit group of family and friends. However, the summer was fast coming to an end and Annie would soon have an important decision to make about her future.

Painted Wings is a novel of compelling depth and inspiration. It was fascinating to follow Annie's story as she overcame the betrayal and embraced her new lifestyle and all the possibilities it offered. Painted Wings sends a strong message about getting back onto your feet again, embracing change, taking on new challenges, being open to new possibilities and self-discovery. Annie's journey felt genuine and it was deeply captivating. I could not help but root for her to overcome her adversities.