27 Summers

My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Time in Angola Prison

By: Ronald Olivier, Craig Borlase - contributor

Narrated by: Guy Branche

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

In one of America's most notorious prisons, a young man sentenced to life without parole miraculously found faith, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. In 27 Summers Ronald Olivier shares his dramatic and powerful story and offers proof that God can bring healing and hope to even the darkest circumstances.

As a teenager Ronald Olivier ran wild in the streets of New Orleans, selling drugs, stealing cars, and finally killing someone on what was supposed to be the happiest day of the year—Christmas Day. Facing the consequences of his crime, he remembered what his mother once said. "Baby, if you ever have real trouble, the kind that I can't get you out of, you can always call on Jesus." So he did.

Ron was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Through the agony of solitary confinement and multiple transfers into increasingly dangerous prison environments, Ron kept seeking God for healing and hope. Finally, after being locked up for twenty-seven summers at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary—known as Angola—Ron was miraculously released. Remarkably, he became the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary. Today, Ron loves to combat hopelessness, wherever he finds it, by saying, "Don't tell me what God can't do!”

Readers will

• learn new insights about faith and patience from a man who spent almost three decades in a cruel and violent environment;
• be encouraged, like Ron, to find grace and forgiveness to overcome the pain of their past; and
• find hope that God can redeem and restore anyone.

Ron's fascinating story brilliantly displays God's power to transform individuals, families, and communities, reminding us that there truly is nothing God can't do.

©2023 Ronald Olivier and Craig Borlase (P)2023 Thomas Nelson

Amazing Story

This is one of the most amazing books I have heard in a while. I highly recommend this book as it can only strengthen your spiritual journey and help you see what a great God we serve.

Gripping and inspirational

I couldn’t stop listening until it was finished. The narrator is on point. Great story and I loved every minute of it.

Raw, relatable& FULL of God's mercy & miracles!

Raw, relatable (even if you've never been in legal trouble), & FULL of God's mercy & miracles! Ronald's life story constantly highlights the mantra "Don't tell me what God can't do!" All praises to the Most High on what he did with Pastor Olivier's life, & subsequently the lives of so many others he impacted- A true story of God's glory!

A Testimony full of Miracles

I just finished “27 Summers”, an amazing testimony full of miracles. I couldn’t put it down until I completed it. May God continue to use Ronald to inspire others. I know this book will be a blessing to others. God bless you

God is great!

This book shares, an amazing spiritual journey of Christian faith. As a young man, I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to read this book. I don’t read books in his full entirety often. within a couple of hours  I completed this book. I will definitely recommend some friends and families to also read this as well.

A real page turner

Well written I didn't want it to end;Like saying goodbye to an old friend.Even my thirteen yr old son sat to listen on his own

Inspiring

This book is an inspiring story of faith, courage, and perseverance. Highly recommend. I’d hear it again.

Nothing is impossible for God

A very good book about forgiveness, Gods love and that nothing is impossible for God!

Very compelling story of redemption through Jesus Christ and the power of God in one’s life.

I found the whole story so wonderful and yet so traumatic at the same time. I was touched in so many ways to hear the story of 27 Summers. I bought the audible after hearing a short version of Ronald’s testimony on YouTube. I was drawn in and wanted hear the ending to this journey from prison to him becoming the person being put in charge of a Mississippi prison. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book in my down time. His last name Olivier is close to my dearly departed mother Olivia who went to be with the Lord February of 2020. The only thing I missed was the smooth southern accent in the voice that heard in his testimony on the YouTube video. Other than that, awesome Audible book.

Although the book shed light on the awful use of prisoners to to do the work for the penal system at such an ungodly rate of pay, the road to his redemption outweighs the hurdles and set backs he had endure. In the end there was a triumphant victory for Mr. Olivier and all who has come to know the true man God intended him to be. Prison didn’t destroy him, it made him the man he is today. Praise God!

Hope Against Hope

Ronald has been gifted and is stewarding well the story of God’s grace, mercy, and ongoing work in his life. To God be the glory!