The Last Perfect Summer

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Karla Stover will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

“I bought home dinner from Chong Wa’s restaurant,” Nell said. “Lordy, what a day. Get the dishes out, will you.” She filled a coffee pot with water, added grounds, and put it on stove. Turning around she gave a start. “What’s a dog doing here?”

“The poor thing came to the studio door absolutely drenched from the rain and I had to let her in. Her name is Queenie.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I named her.”

“And you plan to keep her?”

“Yes, ma’am. I couldn’t put her out now.”

“What does Princess think about this?”

Louise grinned “She’s already let Queenie know she’s the boss. Cats always do, don’t they.”

Nell sighed, but she remembered bringing a dog home when she was about Louise’s age, one that lived to a ripe old age, and broke her heart when he died. She sat at the table saying, “Mrs. Altamont was in. She was telling me about a party she and the doctor gave to introduce their nephew, Matthew, to society.”

“Society.” Louise made a rude noise which Nell ignored.

“She said you’re a friend of her nephew.”

Louise put down plates and silverware. “Where’s Annie?”

“She grabbed something to eat from a street vendor and went with some friends to see The Immigrant.”

They began spooning rice and chicken on their plates and Louise said, “Yes, I met Matthew on the streetcar. He wanted to know if it was the right car to get to the Tabernacle. Then today I helped him with a couple of sick boys. He’s a doctor, too.”

“Yes, Mrs. Altamont said he’s joining her husband’s practice.”

“That’s what he said. Umm, this is yummy.”

They ate in silence for a few minutes before Nell put her fork down. “We should be using chopsticks.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. “I think I’ll have my eyes checked.”

“Can I get you a cold compress. Would you like a BC Powder.”

“No to the powder but yes to the compress. I’ll build a fire in the parlor and sit there, and it would be lovely if you could bring me a cold compress.” She smiled at Louise. “You mentioned helping the young doctor with some boys and I want to hear about it.”

“I’ll just clean this up and be right with you.” Louise began clearing the uneaten food away, feeding some to her pets. When the kitchen was clean, she filled a basin with water, found a scrap of towel and joined Nell. Soon all four were sitting in the dimly lit room, Nell with a small glass of whiskey in one hand, a purring cat on her lap, and a cold compress over her eyes. A madrona wood fire burned quietly, sending out heat and a pleasant aroma reminiscent of honey. “The Murrays were arrested for selling alcohol,” she said, breaking the silence, then added, “again.”

Louise laughed and cuddled Queenie. “Pete Marinoff and the Murrays will figure out a way to keep the city fathers supplied.”

Nell sighed. “You’re too young to know about these things.” She sipped her drink. “Tell me about your day.” Listening to Louise’s voice, which was a particularly pleasing contralto, and knowing how the girl’s dark eyes sparkle as she talked helped her relax.

“Well, you had quite a day,” Nell said when Louise wound down, “and Matthew sounds like a nice young man.”

“I think he is, and probably all the women he meets through his aunt and uncle will, too.” She pulled the tie off her hair and re-tied it. “I think I should get my hair cut. It’s so fine I just can’t control it.”

Nell moved the cat off her lap, put her empty glass on an end table, and stood up. “I’m too tired to talk about that now. We can discuss it later.” She kissed Louise on the cheek. “’night, love. Don’t forget the fire screen.”

Review: 

A Glimpse into 1917: Louise Tanquist’s Tumultuous Summer

Set against the ominous backdrop of the United States right before World War I, this evocative historical novel introduces us to Louise Tanquist, a resourceful eighteen-year-old who unexpectedly finds herself in the role of a photographer’s assistant in Tacoma, Washington. The story, brimming with period detail, immerses the reader in a community swiftly mobilizing for war—where everyday life intertwines with the urgency of recruiting soldiers, Red Cross drives, and the shadow of espionage. The book's narrative is rich with the bittersweet tensions of youth, duty, and loss, and thus deserves a closer look for anyone fascinated by finely crafted stories that bring the past vividly to life.

What makes this book stand out is its attentive rendering of 1917 America on the home front. Through Louise’s lens—literally and figuratively—we witness a city bustling with both patriotic fervor and quiet fears. The author’s commitment to historical authenticity shines through in the small yet telling details: the sock drives, camouflage painting, and the palpable sense of an era abruptly transformed by war. Louise’s photographs become a metaphor not only for capturing moments frozen in time but also for attempting to hold onto the innocence and hopeful summers before the war’s tragic toll takes hold.

The characters feel grounded and relatable. Louise herself is a compelling protagonist, defined by a blend of youthful optimism and emerging maturity. Her struggles, notably with a traumatic assault and the strains of a long-distance romance, are handled with sensitivity and add depth without overwhelming the narrative. Secondary characters—the returning soldiers, volunteers, and members of the Makah Indian Reservation—flesh out the social fabric of the time and invite reflection on broader cultural and historical themes, such as Native American representation and the impact of war on small communities.

On the prose front, the writing is clear and engaging, with a measured pacing that allows the reader to absorb the emotional landscape alongside historical facts. The plot intertwines personal challenges with the broader sweep of history in a way that feels both natural and compelling. However, while the story is charming and accessible, at times it leans heavily on conventional tropes of young adult historical fiction, which may not satisfy readers seeking more complexity or unexpected narrative twists.

In sum, this novel offers a heartfelt look at a pivotal moment through the eyes of a determined and empathetic young woman. It will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction grounded in meticulous detail and gentle character-driven storytelling. Those intrigued by early 20th-century American history, the experience of women during wartime, or thoughtful coming-of-age tales will find much to enjoy here.

The story leaves one pondering the weight of history on individual lives and memories: how do we capture the spirit of a moment before it slips away? It’s an invitation to consider not just the grandeur of historical events, but also the quiet, personal stories unfolding in their shadow—stories that deserve to be “photographed” with care and remembered with empathy.

About the Author:

Karla Stover graduated from the University of Washington with honors in history. She has been writing for more than twenty-five years and is well-versed in Puget Sound history. Locally, her credits include The [Tacoma} News Tribune, the Tacoma Weekly, the Tacoma Reporter and the Puget Sound Business Journal. Nationally, she has published in Birds and Blooms and the Ruralite, Internationally, she was a regular contributor to the European Crown and the Imperial Russian Journal. For fifteen years she hosted a radio program in her hometown, Tacoma (Washington). She won the Chistell Prize for a short story called, “One Day at Appomattox.” She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Tacoma Historical Society, and is an avid but unsuccessful gardener. Seven of her 10 published books are either fiction or non-fiction set in Tacoma. Her entire working career was at Merrill Lynch.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Perfect-Summer-Karla-Stover-ebook/dp/B0G6X6C3X7/ref=sr_1_1