Once Upon a Summer

Seasons of the Heart, Book 1

By: Janette Oke

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

An excerpt from the book: "Sure, it's unusual to have an 18-year-old mother when you're 12. But when you're an orphan and she's your aunt and the only mother you've ever had well, as I explained, it had worked out real well.

That's why I got so riled up when I heard Grandpa and Uncle Charlie talkin' about findin' a fella for Auntie Lou!

You see, somethin' had to be done! I couldn't just sit back and watch our special family get broken up. But with Grandpa and Uncle Charlie workin' so hard to get Auntie Lou married off, I really had my job cut out for me.

Then, when that poor preacher came along, it really got complicated.

And maybe you'll find out what I found out about the best kind of family, I mean."

©1981 Janette Oke (P)1999 Blackstone Audiobooks

great for young teens

Good christian values and it is a easy read/listen.... My 11 year old loved this book.

love it

i loved this book my sister bought me once upon a spring when i was younger just thought id continue now.

Wrestling with God . . . Learning . . .and Loving

This is a sweet story about family, faith and loss . . . a young man growing up without his parents, being raised by his grandpa and his aunt, who isn't too much older than he is . . . and blaming God that he can't even remember his parents . . . it is a different era, a time of working on the family farm, of respecting and obeying one's elders, and going to church in a wagon . . . a gentle tale of life, growing, changing, accepting . . . I only wish is that a different narrator had been chosen . . . I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the voice of Josh had not been a woman . . . it set me on edge throughout the whole book

favorite

I have always loved Janette Oke's books. This was one of the first of hers that I read back in Jr. high. The reader dis a great job with the story.

Easy Listen/Read

I have kind of a neutral opinion about the plot, but I do love the wholesome, Christian theme and that it is an easy listening story while I get my chores done at home.

Wonderful

Normal Janette Oke style of story. I read this as a teen. Was excited to listen to it 15ish years later! Going to work my way through the whole series.

Initially a slow starter but full of love

Appreciated that the Pace of the storyline picked up..... Characters or well-developed and appreciated the developing ending. Would have liked a little more flexibility in the narrators voice for the characters but it was a good audio

Enjoyed it very much!

This story was easy to slide into. While listening, I felt that I was in the story and could see everything and smell the cooking. It had a good balance of optimism mixed with some real-life challenges.

Refreshing story

It is so refreshing to read a book that doesn't use foul language. The story is great.

Heartwarming yet not too predictable

I first read this book over 30 years ago as a child. Having just listened to the audiobook, I can attest that it still holds up to the fond memories I carried of it. I appreciate the blend of believable yet endearing characters, authentic rendering of farming life, and engaging plot. The author also deals honestly with issues of pain, disappointment, and loss. And weaves in the hope of the Gospel without it feeling forced. This is one of my all-time favorites.