Summer at West Castle

Barb Szyszkiewicz reviews Catholic author Theresa Linden's latest book in the West Brothers series for teen readers.

Theresa Linden deftly bridges the gap between her her West Brothers series for young adults and the new-adult Anyone But Him with this novel that details the summer Caitlyn spends working in the Wests' castle, while Jarrett, her friend Roland's older brother who had yet to redeem his reputation as a ladies' man, ponders God's plan for his life. Caitlyn had looked forward to spending the summer as a kind of working retreat, but Jarrett's presence challenges and upsets her. 

Summer at West Castle is a fascinating story of two young people seeking to figure out God's will in their lives.

Summary:

College student Caitlyn Summer arrives at the Wests' castle-like house to fill in for their live-in maid. After a recent decision blows her vision of the future, this ideal job and the peaceful surroundings are just what she needs to seek God's will for her life. That is, until Jarret West, not wanting a repeat of past mistakes, backs out of a summer-long field study overseas and returns home. The two have never gotten along, and unforgettable baggage from the past makes it hard even to be cordial. While Jarret's faults convince Caitlyn he hasn't changed, she forces herself to offer kindness. Her act of mercy puts them on an unexpected path where Caitlyn is challenged to look beneath the surface and Jarret struggles to trust that God wills good for him. (Note: to avoid spoilers, read this story only after reading Anyone but Him.)

Looking back on the West Brothers series as a whole, seeking and following God's will is the overarching theme of all the books. There are definitely moments where Theology of the Body takes center stage, particularly in Book 2: Life-Changing Love, but discernment is top of mind for the teens in these stories, as it is for every teen: What will I do with my life? Where will I go to college—or will I? Am I in love, and is this person the one I will spend my life with?

I've enjoyed watching Caitlyn, Roland, Jarrett, Peter, Keefe, and the other characters in the West Brothers series grow as the stories progress, and I'll admit I'll be sad when Theresa announces that the series is complete.

Copyright 2023 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images: Canva

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