Beth Bender, a weary traveler, and radio talk show host, receives the annual email from Hudson Hinkle. It's been twenty years, and this time, Beth plans to ignore the notification. However, the flashbacks flood her mind like a sprinkler that won't turn off. Despite the turmoil, Beth will discover light shining into her future through the eyes of a seven-year-old boy who moves into the neighborhood. And yet, a collision of the heart is inevitable. Will Beth open the email and confront Hudson? Is it time for Beth's untold story to make a difference in the lives of other women and children who endure domestic violence?
10 Things You Might Not Know About “Summertime Sprinkler.”
1. The book is set in a small town in East Texas where life seems simple, but many faces hide secrets, those inflicted by others behind closed doors. Some pieces of the story are based on authentic situations where someone dodges a fist not to get hit.
2. The house where Beth Bender lives is in New Boston, Texas, along with other historical locations.
3. The radio station in the story was once a vibrant link to listeners in the county.
4. The old tree house behind Beth Bender’s house will link the past and the future with the new neighbor who lives on the other side of the wooden fence.
5. Surviving abuse sounds easy until the annual email reminds Beth Bender of her loss and her tragic summer, how shame and blame get tossed at her heart and trigger the sorrow.
6. An item in an old shoebox will remind Hudson Hinkle of precious memories even though they are layered with sadness.
7. How many water sprinklers will Beth Bender buy before facing the trauma of the worst summer ever? Clue: She has at least 20 water sprinklers in her shed.
8. The novel deals with life and death, hope and honor, facing trials, and not building a wall around one’s heart.
9. When you come home, your front door is open, and you’re dealing with threats; Beth Bender’s hysteria and her stress reaction will remind the reader of how fragile life becomes when a person lives on the edge and with fear.
10. And in the novel, you’ll learn about toenail monsters, imaginary maybe, but when life pulls you under, and you feel like you’ve lost your way, the last thing you need is one more horrible-bloody moment.
Pam Kumpe struggled with confidence due to physical and verbal abuse as a child, and from repeated abuse during high school and college. As she grew older, she hid from the world and didn’t talk to many people. She stayed to herself. Pam didn’t know the Lord could use brokenness and turn it into a way to help others. Her books are designed to add strength to your life. To help you find your way. She hopes to remind you that you’re fearfully and wonderfully created in Christ. Thankfully, God opened her eyes and heart to fight for freedom and to stand for truth, and He gave Pam beauty for ashes, the joy of a new day with peace. She credits the Lord with giving her a voice to encourage others who are broken. As an author and speaker, she loves to laugh. To read. To write. To talk. Not necessarily in that order. But always in each day.
Pam writes mysteries, devotionals, ministry books, and children’s books. Each book she’s written gives way to hope, and peace, and reminds you to persevere. Her stories will take you on a road trip of the heart as she challenges you to make today count. Pam has written an inspirational column for newspapers spanning 25 years and she’s volunteered for 11 years, teaching/holding a church service for ladies in drug/alcohol rehab. Before that, Pam served 24 years as a children’s church teacher, where her love for others grew with each lesson she’s taught. And Pam is involved in street ministry with the homeless when she’s not playing with her schnauzer, Shelby, or her grandson, Kade. Her latest book is the cozy mystery, Summertime Sprinkler. You can visit her website at www.PamKumpe.com or connect with her at Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
