Double-Sided Love

Until now, Sumner has concentrated on writing three nonfiction books, about the accomplishments and challenges of Alaska's women pilots, and mountain climbers. This book about adoption and reunion is her first fiction book on a subject she is very passionate about because she is an adoptee. Sumner began searching for her birth mother in 1980 and has never located her. However, in January, 1994, she made her initial contact with Harley Shuffler, who was Juanita's brother from a family of ten children. Juanita has not been in contact with any of her family members since 1980. Her whereabouts unknown even today. The author and her adoptive mother never bonded in spite of Sumner's efforts to love and understand her. Creating dialogue and open discussion about adoption is the author's goal. School Psychologist Peg Montieth, MS, said, "All sides in adoption learn and grow from knowing other people's stories. This book is very empowering."