Leota's Garden

By: Francine Rivers

Narrated by: Melissa Hurst

Length: 18 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

Once Leota's garden was a place of beauty - where flowers bloomed and hope thrived. It was her refuge from the deep wounds inflicted by a devastating war, her sanctuary where she knelt before a loving God and prayed for the children who couldn't understand her silent sacrifices. At 83, Leota is alone; her beloved garden is in ruins. All her efforts to reconcile with her adult children have been fruitless. She voices her despair to a loving Father, her only friend. And God brings a wind of change through unlikely means: one, a college student who thinks he has all the answers; the other, the granddaughter Leota never hoped to know. But can the devastation wrought by keeping painful family secrets be repaired before she runs out of time?

©2006 Francine Rivers (P)2013 Recorded Books

Another Great one from Francine Rivers

Any additional comments?

After reading "Her Mother's Hope" and "Her Daughter's Dream", I couldn't imagine enjoying a book any better. But Leota's Garden came very close. The story almost paralleled my own life dealing with a self-centered mother and a self-less grandmother. It brought tears to my eyes many times. I enjoyed it and can't wait to see what Francine Rivers come up with next!

Good overall, but drawn out

I have listened to all but two or three of Francine River's books, and this was the least captivating. The story seemed to be longer than it should have been, and somewhat exhausting with the repetition of the characters expressing the same feelings and thoughts (but I realize the story was about long suffering). I enjoyed it, but her other books set a high standard.

One of the best books I've ever read

Heartwarming and inspiring on how I should live. I wish every member of my family would read it.

Unpredictable Story

Couldn't put it down. Unpredictable and it deals with many of today's social issues. The narrator's voice is soothing and yet attractive.

Awesome book

When I first started listening I didn't hear Francine's usual strong Christian message. Her books always have some theme and message, I wondered why this one didn't. Then I felt like I could see Jesus bend down and write in the sand. I got it! Don't miss this book; read it and wait for it. Great reader too she drew attention to the characters not herself.

better than I expected

The depth of feeling & the breadth of issues covered made it a compelling read.

Leota's Garden

Melissa Hurst have depth to the voice of grandma Leota in a special way. What a beautiful story of love made stronger by the knowledge of God and the reality of how he works! Kudos to you Francine Rivers for giving us a wonderfull view from above of the connection between heaven and earth in our every day lives !!!!!

Mixed feelings

I usually go through audio books pretty fast, yet this audio took me a couple of weeks. I had a hard time getting into the book. I liked it, liked the story line just kept clicking off. Parts of it would not hold my attention and my mind world drift off and I would have to start the chapter over again, I did that a lot!
I did not like parts of the book that were not answered. Especially with how the grandma died. But it is a book, I can make my own endings.
I would buy another book from this author, love the Christian aspect of the books.

A Bit Preachy

Francine Rivers is by far one of my favorite authors. This book, IMO, isn't one of her best. The sad events of this family and the missed chances of mending fences goes on a little too long. I was dissatisfied with the ending; it could have been better.

Nasal narrator!

Good book - mostly plot is emotions and reflecting on history and coming to terms with the past. It's lovely in many ways, but the narrator made it difficult to keep listening. Maybe it's just that I'm from the south, but I've never been bothered by a reader before. I think I'd have enjoyed it far more with another (any other!) reader.

Wow. The story was well written.

I could see the garden clearly in my head and could imagine what it looked like. She really described each character well. I would have loved to hear more about Cory in the end. I didn't like that ending. But overall it was good.

Thought provoking novel about our view of old age and family conflicts

The story of an elderly woman's life told as her granddaughter gets to know her despite the alienation of the mother who should connect them. The book explores issues of how we care for and value our loved ones in their last phase of life. Rivers demonstrates the tragic results of lack of transparency in family life and the emotional damage done by bad communication. There is much spiritual wisdom and many warning examples for young and old. A thoroughly enjoyable novel and full of Gospel truth.

loved it

absolutely brilliant couldn't stop listening to it. reduced to tears and always brought hope to one's Heart

character building

Loved connecting with characters. Saw myself in them and it was like looking in the mirror. Very though provoking and heart warming. Book of hope and God's goodness.

review

Great story,really enjoyed listening to it. would highly recommend this if your considering it .

Families

The story remind us of a misunderstand that can foster a relationship to stop growing. In which it took a younger member of the family to clear the way in uniting the family together.

Beautiful story!

This story challenged my perspective/judgement of my parents and the aging population as well as looking at myself as a geriatric and what my hopes and fears could be. This story also beautifully shows how trust in God's plans and love for us can transform our and other people's lives in the most unexpected, beautiful and rewarding ways. I would highly recommend!

Great book, you will find yourself in a character.

I really enjoyed this book so many life lessons to be learnt. Soothing narrator's voice.

Reflection of Life

I rated this highly as when I started listening Covid lockdown was taken an emotional toll. How I felt was very close to the initial main character’s feelings at the start of the book. Francine Rivers had really captured the loneliness a worthlessness and sense of not knowing a way forward as she moved her character forward braiding and enriching her life so I found my mood lifting and broadening although my outer world had not changed. You don’t want it to end the way it does yet she supports the reader to accept and make sense of sadness so that you remain in a better place.
The power of faith and love are reflected in the changes in the characters over time. It deals brilliantly with the different challenges that different stages of life hold for us and the effects of choices made
This is a book I will return to often in the future.