Last Summer at Eden

Last Summer at Eden has been recognized as a 2018 finalist in the young adult category for The Christy Awards, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) program that honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction.

Overview

From the moment nineteen-year-old Poppi Savot steps out of her car and into Camp Eden, she feels at home. This is her dream: a new job as Summer Director in the beautiful southern California hills. Life will be one long songfest around a campfire with s’mores and stories and kids learning about Jesus.

Not so fast.

Eden isn’t paradise.

First, there’s this guy—Jake—who complicates everything. Then, there’s her boss—Bryan—who wastes no time telling her the bad news: There aren’t enough campers. There isn’t enough money. This is Eden’s last summer. She will be unemployed and homeless.

But Poppi has hope. Ridiculous, outrageous, faith-driven hope. Still . . . is that enough?

Endorsements

“I loved this book! Often times the importance of outdoor ministry is forgotten, but Christina Hergenrader’s characters brought back my own cherished memories, summer loves, and horror stories of campers all getting sick or just two counselors having drama. Beyond a magical camp story, Last Summer at Eden delicately and intentionally empowers young women and affirms the always difficult aspect of trusting in God’s vision. If I could, I would have every young Christian read this, especially if they are considering working at a camp this summer! It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and it’s refreshing! Great read!”
—Allison Westerhoff, Program Director, Mt. Cross Ministries

“I was hooked from the very beginning when, upon arriving at camp Eden, Poppi immediately feels, ‘This is Home. I am home.’ This is exactly how those of us who have been lucky enough to find that ‘BPOE’ (Best Place On Earth) feel about our special places—no place on Earth we would rather be! (For me it also happens to be a Summer Camp.)
The writer captures the very essence of a Christian (or any) Summer Camp experience: the sights, the smells, the traditions, the romance, the music, how lives are changed, along with the problems that are also prevalent.”
—Marilyn Ogden cottage renter at Norman B. Barr Camp in Lake Geneva

“Any camper knows that life at a summer camp has plenty of ups and downs. S’mores and stings, campfires and chaos—it’s all there! Christina Hergenrader captures the smiles, songs, and smelly socks of outdoor life in her teen book Last Summer at Eden. So pack up your sleeping bag, tennis shoes, and bug spray for a fun reading escape.”
—Lisa Clark, author of The Messengers series

“Last Summer at Eden by Christina Hergenrader is a beautifully executed book about love, motivation, and a young girl’s relationship with Jesus Christ. This remarkable story is about a 19-year-old girl named Poppi who recently moved from her home state of Minnesota to sunny California to work as Camp Eden’s summer camp director. While working at Camp Eden, she quickly learns about the devastations that are to come to the enchanting camp. Not only does Poppi wrestle with saving Camp Eden, but she also immediately develops a major crush for camp worker Jake who, to her, seems to be unmotivated in doing the right thing. This story brings you through a vivid journey of hard work, struggle, and fighting for what is right, all while encompassing God’s true love.

This book will surely remind you of your days back in Summer camp, the strength in fighting for what is right, and God’s plan. Last Summer at Eden will definitely reside in your heart and teach you to love God in eccentric ways.”
—Brooke Goss, teen and avid YA reader

“Wonderful. Simply wonderful. There are so many wonderful, amazing truths in this book that I think every teen girl should read. I found myself in several parts wishing my teenage self would have had that advice, and reading things that my adult self still appreciated and needed to hear. I also love how the Christian messages are presented. You get to see the love of God shown through Poppi’s life and the people around her, which I think has an especially meaningful impact. I can’t wait to read what Tina writes next!”
—Hannah Davis, Middle School Teacher

“Get ready to be whisked away to camp. You can almost smell the campfire, swat the mosquitoes and taste the s'mores (with peanut butter cups of course) as you are taken back to relive you memories of camp or make new ones with Poppi, Jake and the whole crew. This book will leave you with a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and hope in your heart.”
—Jamie Truwe, artist and owner of Pure Joy Creative, photographer, wife, and mother

About the Author

Christina Hergenrader knows camp. She was a camp counselor and leads retreats for teens. She lives near Houston, Texas, with her husband, Mike, their four kids, and their incredibly lazy Greyhound. She is the author of the Novel Devotions series, Starring Roles, God Loves Moms, and Love Rules. She loves speaking to groups and teaching about Jesus. Connect with her at www.christinasbooks.com