"M. Schneiders is a gifted writer with the ability to seduce readers with her clear voice, her compelling characters, and a historical setting that is equally intriguing. The author makes the story even more interesting with the masterful use of suspense, steamy sex scenes, and intelligent dialogue." Readers' Favorite "This novel is as unforgettable as that youthful summer each of us experienced." Chris Vonada, author of The Wellspring of Life "M. Schneiders has managed to paint a picture of a world and its people in an effortlessly artful way, with engaging, true characters telling a very heartfelt story. Mona's journey, therefore, very quickly becomes a reader's fascinating personal journey. The descriptions of the social and political setting are subtle and intuitive, allowing a reader to easily situate oneself in the historical period of this book." Saranya Murthi, author of Burning Houses "This book is a wonderful book for those who enjoy chick-lit, a little romance, and general fiction lovers. It is a good summer reading book that I would recommend to others." Jen Weiss, literarykat.blogspot.com She's beautifully striking, yet conniving under her sheltered guise. He's a handsome and genuine musician whose next passion becomes her. It is summer in pre-revolution communist Romania and the timing could not be any better... The book is a Communist Romania story beyond words of unforgettable love, heartbreak and an inevitable growth. It revolves around Mona - a gorgeous woman surrounded by more men than she can want, in the very peak of an extraordinary summer. Used to getting what she wants, coupled with looks and brains to kill for, Mona signs up for a summer job to escape a pressured life and an illicit relationship with a married man -a big shot from the Communist Party. She then finds herself surprisingly drawn to a new life; a life of music and musicians, of the high spirited and free thinkers, of no worries. Mona meets Alin and her life is slowly but seemingly turned around with a rock star romance, yet Mona's desire for true love and happiness is overshadowed by her internal vacuum and struggles. Readers have a front row seat on exploring the rock star romance between Alin and Mona - like in an endeared reality TV show- of course, that is if the show revolves around sarcastic quips, intelligent conversations and funny observations. This is a feel-good tone story of love and unconventional affairs, laced with surprises and treachery. Any reader can relate to Mona - the strong female lead with a reality show-like lens, along with other characters in the novel with illicit romances, love affairs, betrayal and tests of the human psyche. Romance, comedy and drama intertwine to give the novel a personal touch, drawing all types of audiences in for this fiction. Just a monumental summer is the first of a Women's Saga. The second book of the trilogy will continue with Mona's rollercoaster during the revolution and the third will wrap it up with her picturesque life as Romania transits into a powerful capitalist country. This book is intended for mature audiences.