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!

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

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.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

better than I expected

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

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

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 !!!!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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.