The First Rose of Summer

by Eileen K. Parsons

At twenty-six, Paul Matthews has attained wealth, position, and popularity as a financial manager in one of New York's leading companies. His life of fast cars, expensive restaurants, and beautiful women is the envy of his peers and one he believes will keep him satisfied-until Brooke comes into his life. Brooke's beauty captures his attention the moment he sets eyes on her. Her intelligence, talent, and strong character cause him to consider what part she may play in his life. Her strong faith, however, reminds him of a past he has long tried to forget, one he rejected long ago and to which vowed never to return. When a series of high-risk financial decisions prove to be profitable for the company and their clients, Paul is promoted and given access to secrets within the company-illegal activity that could bring the company, its executives and stockholders to ruin. A wealthy and influential foreign business executive, Marcus Reed, befriends Paul and reveals to him the great power and success that can be his if he is willing to compromise his moral principles and accept these secrets as necessary business practices. Paul must decide whether he will continue his path of corruption in order to maintain his lavish lifestyle or listen to the voice within, the voice awakened by Brooke's faith, urging him to make the honorable choice-a choice that would cost him his wealth, position and perhaps even his life.

348 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

Eileen has had a passion for writing since her youth. She was the winner of the Augusta Chronicle’s Newspapers in Education Award while in high school. She attended Augusta State University, majoring in Communications and Creative Writing. Since then, her work has appeared in the Good Newspaper in Syracuse, NY as well as various local Christian publications and newsletters. It has long been her desire to write stories and novels that would inspire Christians to move closer to the Lord and draw the unsaved into the Truth of Christ.


Since the publication of her novel, The First Rose of Summer, Eileen has been invited to speak at women’s retreats and fellowships, including Wings of Grace Women’s Fellowship, based in Pulaski, NY, as well as the Mallory Wesleyan Women’s Retreat at High Braes Refuge in Redfield, NY.


Eileen was born in Watertown, NY. Her father was in the Army, offering her a life of diversity and travel. She had the opportunity to see different parts of the world, traveling the East Coast of the United States as well as Germany. She spent most of her youth in Augusta, Georgia. She gave her life to Christ as a child and has continued to have a passion to serve Him. Her many experiences in life have increased her faith. She uses her travels and encounters as topics in many of her articles and stories. She currently lives in Upstate New York.

Reviews

[Sierra Ferrante · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story about love, faith, and the choices people make in their lives.

Paul Matthews is a wealthy executive who works hard and does what he must to get to be successful in business. Instead of fixing something that's broken his preference has always been to just buy a new one. He's lived a life of luxery and extravagance and spent little time with family or on sentimental gestures.

His life changes when he encounters beautiful, sweet Brooke who is full of faith and kindness. She in inspires him in ways he thought he'd never feel inspired again. Her passion and goodness begin to have him second guessing some of his past ways.

When Paul is promoted and learns of some underhanded and illegal dealings in the business, he will have to make some difficult decisions. Is doing what it takes to get to the top worth the sacrifices, even if immoral? Are there things more important than success and wealth? Will Brooke help him to see which path is right?

This novel explores issues of faith, family, and what really matters in life.

[Emily Capeles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The story was very entertaining. While I do not share the same spiritual beliefs as the author, I was able to enjoy the story as it was told well. For a faith based book it was not overpowering in the religious sense. This was an enjoyable read.

*Goodreads Giveaway Book*

[Karen Erway · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!