A SUMMER'S PASSAGE ON SUTTER'S BAY - BOOK REVIEW
by Janis Stein

A Summer's Passage On Sutter's Bay, written by Michigan author, John Heidtke, is an engaging fictional tale of a young girl's resiliency and a generation's healing. Heidtke combines two of his passions - golf and Michigan's Upper Peninsula - to set the stage as 13 year-old Natalie and two of her friends escape problems at home by finding solace on the golf course.

The dramatic prologue will hook readers instantly, compelling all to find the link between the shipwrecked Porter on the mighty Lake Superior and three young people making their way in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. Villagers of Sutter's Bay have buried a ghastly secret, and Natalie does her part in making things right again, putting the century-old Legend of Terror to rest.

As a professional counselor, Heidtke skillfully portrays young Natalie's inner struggles, both on and off the golf course. Natalie often feels like she is drowning in her own mighty sea of problems, but mentor and school counselor Miss Dunsmore throws her a line - a line Natalie gratefully clings to with all her strength.

So often when young people are troubled, mentors step in and literally save a child from their circumstance and environment. Readers will lose themselves in Natalie's world and find themselves rooting for her to muster the courage and determination she needs to survive life with an alcoholic father and a mother who abandoned them both.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy Natalie's passion for golf, and readers will find the rise of women's professional golf illuminated throughout the story line. Young people are often inspired by sports figures, and the intense competition between Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player during the 1965 PGA tournament spurs Natalie on to improve her own game.

At 127 pages, Heidtke's book will make a perfect read as the autumn's warm temperatures turn cooler. What is the secret buried on Sutter's Bay? Is Natalie destined to endure an alcoholic father's weaknesses?

Those interested in purchasing A Summer's Passage On Sutter's Bay may send a check or money order for $13.95 ($11.95 plus $2 shipping per book) made payable to John Heidtke at P.O. Box 610842, Port Huron, MI 48060. For more information about Heidtke's publisher, please visit Accent Publications at www.michiganauthors.com.

The Lakeshore Guardian congratulates John Heidtke on his exciting accomplishment.