Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
A Sweetness to the Soul  By  cover art

A Sweetness to the Soul

By: Jane Kirkpatrick
Narrated by: Susan Denaker
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $22.50

Buy for $22.50

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

Based on historical characters and events, A Sweetness to the Soul recounts the captivating story of young, spirited Oregon pioneer Jane Herbert who at the age of 12 faces a tragedy that begins a life-long search for forgiveness and love. In the years that follow, young Jane finds herself involved in an unusual and touching romance with a dreamer 16 years her senior, struggles to make peace with an emotionally distant mother, and fights to build a family of her own. Filled with heart-warming insight and glimpses of real-life pain, A Sweetness to the Soul paints a brilliant picture of love that conquers all obstacles and offers a powerful testimony to the miracle of God's healing power.

©2008 Jane Kirkpatrick (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"Her research gives the book depth; her empathy gives it a soul." ( The Sunday Oregonian)

What listeners say about A Sweetness to the Soul

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    72
  • 4 Stars
    24
  • 3 Stars
    6
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    73
  • 4 Stars
    12
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    62
  • 4 Stars
    23
  • 3 Stars
    4
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Unexpected Treat

When I found this book on Audible, I had to check Amazon to read other reviews. The summary sounded good, and the other reviews were raving about it, so I decided to go ahead. I didn't know what to expect, but as I began the book, I thought I was disappointed. Because I bought the book, I was going to keep listening.

I was very wrong about the book, and I'm very glad I kept going.

This is not a thrilling novel. It's not going to keep you on the edge of your seat, barely able to wait for what was going to happen next. It will, however, bring the story about Oregon pioneer days to life. It's was even more special to me, knowing it was based on true life people. The author knows the right way to use description without overwhelming her readers. The narrator did a wonderful job becoming Janie, and telling her story. The life struggles of the different characters were so poignant, so very pertinent to me as a reader even 130 years later, that it easily became one of my favorite stories.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully done

I read this book years ago and really enjoyed it. I loved the audible version. The narrator was perfect and the story was lovely read aloud! Thank you

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I wish I’d Known Them

I loved this book. Jane did a lovely job describing the scenery and people. There are so many factual events, places and people in this story. The epilogue was so interesting. I cried at the end. It really touched me. Susie S

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible story /great narration!!

What an incredible story! I LOVED the audiobook!!The narrator brought the story to life like I was sitting at the knees of my Mother! I thought it was fiction until the author’s notes at the end! I am even more in awe now! The Epilogue was so emotional and makes me want to leave more of a legacy myself! Thank you!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a story of a loving couple.

Don't miss this one!. It us sp well wriitten that you won't want anything to interrupt you listening.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

good christian book

it started a bit slow for my taste....but I kept listening. l am glad I did...goes to show how "family" is sometimes more than biologic family..rather gift of friends who support and love us through lifes journey...a wonderful gift god gives to us. narrator was fine...the authors note was definitely well worth taking the time to listen to as it has history of the family this book was based upon.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Their kindness and generosity touched my heart

This was an amazing book. I live in Oregon, loved hearing about The Dalles, Multnomah Falls and all of the Indian stories, and kindness and love toward each other. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story

I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Jane and her husband. I liked the 1800s setting.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Glad I stuck with it

As someone who prefers reading historical fiction I loved this book and at the end you find out that it’s based on real people which makes it even better! I had a hard time following in the beginning because of the writing style but once I figured it out and the plot got rolling I was able to follow along nicely and enjoy the book. Definitely recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • SW
  • 07-19-22

A Must Read!

This is a must read! Grabs you and keeps you thru the whole story line. Feels like your standing and experiencing everything the characters are. Highly recommend!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!