W. Dale Cramer, multiple Christy Award-winning author of Bad Ground and Levi's Will, delivers a Romantic Times Top Pick tale of a reluctant Mr. Mom who discovers what matters most. After a series of bizarre events, ironworker Mick Brannigan finds himself knee-deep in laundry- and considering a retreat to his hopelessly littered kitchen. He soon learns important lessons from unlikely sources. ". a beautiful story filled with humor, gritty reality, subtle truths, warm-hearted prose and touching characters."-Romantic Times
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"So there I was, in the bookstore with a fifteen dollar gift card, sifting, sorting, seeking the best and most for my money-and lo and behold, I ran across this absolute treasure of a book, on sale for three bucks. Some might call it formulaic-guy loses job, gets to spend more time with his kids, discovers God in the faces of homeless people at the Beale Street Mission and in the eyes of his children, discovers a talent he never knew he had, and is transformed into a different human being. There are only so many stories, and the retelling of them only makes them more true. Read this, if you can find it."
— Chris (5 out of 5 stars)
“A beautiful story filled with humor, gritty reality, subtle truths, warm-hearted prose and touching characters.”
— Romantic Times“Cramer allows Mick to be reasonably competent but thoroughly male in his parenting style, and Mick’s discovery of his creative talent for photography is an uplifting addition…The enjoyable cast of characters will keep the reader interested.”
— Publishers Weekly“This is a surprising turn from the author of the brilliant, rather somber Levi’s Will, but it’s warm, believable, and often—particularly in scenes set at Disney World—hilarious.”
— Booklist“Cramer belts it out of the park again with Summer of Light.”
— Randall Murphree, onenewsnow.com" Beautiful story from the Dad's point of view. I loved this one. My favorite book from 2009 "
— Sarah, 2/12/2014" I had read one of Dale Cramer's books in the past and the way this one started out, I was expecting it to be the same type of story, just with different names and circumstances. I was pleasantly surprised. The story itself was enjoyable, humorous and significant. "
— Kathy, 2/6/2014" This was a beautiful and inspirational book. I loved the characters and the transformation they went through. From the steel worker turned Mr. Mom to the snooty neighbor turned mentor. It was touching and humorous. I'd recommend it to everyone. "
— Shelley, 1/24/2014" On the surface, it's a story about a stay-at-home dad who finds he has a knack for photography. But underneath is a beautiful glimpse of family, of community, of helping others and finding where and how God can use you in your life. "
— Becky, 1/24/2014" Here's a really good book from the point of view of a stay at home Dad who finds his passion for photography and uses his time at home with his 3 kids to explore his new passion for photography. I really enjoyed it! "
— Terry, 1/12/2014" This book made me laugh at times...and at other times it made me cry. Interesting view of a stay-at-home dad (not by choice)and how he relates to the kids. I really enjoyed this book. "
— Jerri, 1/2/2014" I guess this is Christian fiction, which I don't usually read, but I really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars. "
— Angela, 1/2/2014" My grandmother's friend gave me this book. I loved it. I did not want it to end. This was one of the best books I have ever read. "
— Myonna, 12/26/2013" Oh my gosh, I ADORED this book. It's a Christian book, so it might not appeal to some, but I loved it. Some of the situations with the kids made me laugh out loud. Highly recommended! "
— Jessica, 12/22/2013" Warm, funny, delightful book. "
— Deanna, 11/26/2013" This was such a good book. It made me want to pull out my camera and be a fabulous photographer. (Which I'm not but wish I was) It was a great feel good book. It was my 2nd favorite of this author. Bad Ground is my favorite of his. "
— Kaycee, 11/24/2013" This was a book club book, and was a different book than what I am used to. It was a little slow, but happy and uplifting. A father becomes a stay-at-home dad and realizes how difficult and amazing being at home can be. It depicts this journey and what he learns about himself and his kids. "
— Amber, 11/20/2013" This is a cutsey Christian Fiction. I liked the perspective of a Stay-at-Home Dad. "
— Angela, 11/8/2013" Interesting to see the transition of "Mr. Mom." "
— Odetta, 10/21/2013" An incredible read! One of those hard-to-put-down books that was so funny in parts that I found myself laughing out loud. A wonderful story of family dynamics, children's antics, and a reluctant stay at home dad trying to find his way. "
— Jen, 9/29/2013" This was a great story that showed a family going though difficult changes and coming out of it stonger. "
— Jo, 8/7/2013" I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry. And I have a bit of a crush on Mitch Brannigan, I have to admit. "
— Heather, 8/6/2013" W.Dale Cramer books are quick, fun reads. I think what I love most about his stories are that he weaves faith into each one. He is good at painting vivid pictures. "
— Kim, 6/27/2013" I love Cramer's writing. It shows hope even in dismal circumstances. Take the time to read this one, I am sure you'll be happy you did. "
— Christina, 6/19/2013" Good little read! :) "
— Lindsey, 5/24/2013" For some reason I had a little trouble getting into the book, but once I did, I read it in three sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it. Must read others by author. "
— Lynn, 9/3/2012" I laughed out loud the whole time! Any one who has ever been a stay at home parent will really appreciate this book. I could relate to Mick the main character on so many levels, and I loved the Christian aspect of the novel. "
— Anita, 2/7/2012" nearly done...a wonderful book! "
— Katherine, 12/23/2011" A overall good book. It had funny moments as well as moments that were hard to read. The overall message is that families are blessings and you should always be thankful for the life that you have. "
— Kirsten, 11/17/2011" A very sweet book about a father and his children and his adjustment to having to take care of his children after he loses his job. "
— Shirley, 9/27/2011" Way better than I expected: humorous, real-life characterizations, good plot. "
— Ml, 6/25/2011" This was an enjoyable story about life with kids from Dad's perspective...a man's man that, through a series of hilarious events, becomes stay-at-home dad. It's a light read - good for many laughs. "
— Lisa, 3/28/2011" This is the best book I've read in I don't know how long! I loved every part of it. "
— Mom, 3/15/2011" After an accident at work, Mick stays home with his son that has a sensory disease. He learns how to be a stay-at-home dad, finds a new talent, and helps at a homeless mission. I was disturbed by the homeless abuse parts- I don't like reading about cruel, evil people. "
— Megan, 1/3/2011" One of my all-time favorite authors. Great story. "
— Julia, 12/28/2010" I loved this book! Oh my goodness it was SOOOOO funny when he went hunting!!!! "
— Kiiks, 10/26/2010" I really enjoy this author. This was probably not my favorite of his books, but it was still really good. "
— Dana, 9/13/2010" Another great book with wonderful insight to God. The books kinda sneak faith into them. Quick and entertaining book. "
— Kim, 8/9/2010" I wasn't crazy about this book, although there were good parts to it. I thought it was more of a "guy" book. I have read other books by this author that I liked much better. "
— Lisa, 7/20/2010" I thought this book was amazing, especially the "swing shift miners prayer". "
— Amy, 1/9/2010" I love, love, love this book. I cried. This book is mostly about male characters, but it was so interesting. I really like this author. He does a great job. "
— Kaycee, 4/21/2009" The first non-trite piece of Christian fiction I've read in a very long time. Not too bad. "
— Bethany, 8/25/2008" miners, Uncle and nephew heal each other "
— Wendy, 1/25/2008" This was my least favorit of Cramer's books, but still a good read. <br/> "
— Lisa, 11/3/2007Ed Sala has narrated dozens of audio books throughout his career. His readings include Harlan Coben’s Tell No One, Stephen Sears’ Gettysburg, and Cormac MacCarthy’s Outer Dark.