One Pale Summer — Debra Phillips

Embark on a captivating tale of bravery and friendship for readers of all ages, where perceptions are challenged and secrets unravel. Within this enchanting story, cautionary tales encircle an eccentric elderly lady, Isabelle Ickleberry, warning others to avoid her grumpy demeanor.

However, eight-year-old Evee dismisses the rumors as mere fabrications. Placed in the care of her unkind aunt after her mother's abandonment, Evee yearns for a mentor and a special companion to share wisdom about nature and gardening, particularly trees and flowers. Despite her aunt's constant reminders of her mother's permanent absence, Evee, and her four-year-old sister, Mina, relentlessly clings to hope, believing in a future reunion with their mother.

The sisters yearn to beautify their spacious backyard by cultivating trees and vibrant flowers, seeking permission from their aunt. Little do they anticipate the extraordinary and puzzling discovery that awaits them. Fate intervenes when Isabelle Ickleberry, driven by a misguided assumption based on Evee's appearance, forms a deep connection with her. Isabelle envisions in Evee the ideal daughter she never had, despite Evee never making such a claim. Bound by a hidden bond, their relationship takes an unexpected turn as Evee grows weary of hurtful remarks targeting people of color. Determined to teach a valuable lesson, she sets in motion a series of events that ultimately unveil a dreadful truth.