With Summer's Songs

By: Janice Cole Hopkins

Narrated by: Elisabeth Lagelee

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

Tara's sister gives her a cruise to get her away from her troubles for a while. Her husband had become abusive but was killed in Iraq. Now his parents are trying to gain custody of her son, Ricky. Tara knows she will never trust another man, but would a husband help her court case as her lawyer says, and would she do even this to keep her son?

Sean Murphy might be impulsive, but he's also an optimist. He's had about enough of sailing around the world, and Tara might be just the woman to give him the home and family he wants. She's certainly captured his interest and then his heart. Now, he'll need to convince the stubborn woman that they were meant for each other, and, with God's help, he intends to do just that.

©2016 Janice Cole Hopkins (P)2017 Janice Cole Hopkins

Ocean Love

Interesting storyline. Narrator was good. Tara lost her husband in Iraq, but his parents are now trying to gain custody of her son. Her life is a mess, so her sister sends her on a cruise to relax and think. She meets Sean, an officer on the ship, as he escorts her to her cabin. He is very nice and cute, but Tara doesn't need another man in her life right now. They do spend time together and she is conflicted about her feelings, but his attention could help her custody battle. What should she do?
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.

Sweet, Clean Romance

What a sweet story of a love that mirrors scriptural love. Sean's love for Tara is strong, giving, patient. And Tara's fear is just as strong, keeping her bound to her promise to never love again after a painful end to her first marriage. But Sean is convinced he can win her heart. In the middle of all this is Ricky, Tara's son, and the battle for custody. It all adds up to a good read which I stayed up to late to finish! :)

The narration was really good and added to the enjoyment of listening.

I requested this audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Learning to Trust Again

Tara’s first marriage had been troublesome. She endured so much hurt that she promised herself she would never marry again. She had her son, Ricky, and he was enough. Unfortunately, her wealthy mother-in-law and father-in-law have filed for custody of their grandson. They were using their wealth to convince the judge that they could provide much better for Ricky than his single mother can.

Tara goes on a cruise before the court hearing and meets Sean Murphy. After hearing Tara’s story, he offers to marry her to help her win the custody battle. Tara reluctantly agrees, but insists this will be a marriage in name only. Sean agrees to her condition, but hopes to show Tara that they were perfect for each other.

Sean is a truly wonderful hero. He’s patient, charming, funny, and a great father to Ricky. Tara is sweet and tender-hearted. But her fear of the past cause her to dig in her heels and think only of herself and her hurts. She comes across selfish at times, but I’m sure when someone has been betrayed as she had, healing doesn’t come easily, and trust even slower. This is a beautiful romance with a lovely and satisfying ending.

Great Audio to an Enjoyable Story!!

Where does With Summer's Songs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book does rank very high on the list, although I do have books I like better than this - only because of the narrator's accent. But I do think the narrator did an excellent job.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sean Murphy was my favorite character, because of his kind, loyal, patient, and steadfast character and love for Tara. He was all that you hope the hero of the story to be.

What about Elisabeth Lagelee’s performance did you like?

The driver Sam at about 1:38 in the book is a really fun interpretation (voice) to listen to! She did absolutely excellent with that character!! Elisabeth's narration is easy to listen to!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Finding Overcoming, Unwavering & Patient Love

Any additional comments?

The music between the chapters is a wonderful! This is a wonderful story of being healed from an abusive relationship, and finding hope again!

Great story!

I loved this story. It makes one hope for love at first sight! Good Read.

Great read!

I've enjoyed all the books by Janice Hopkins. Looking forward to reading more. Great story!

One of the best stories ever!

Wind towers sister Kathy books her a weeklong trip on a cruise ship, she wants to relax and forget about the court case with her in-laws over her little boy Ricky. Her abusive husband Brad died while in Iraq and left all his pension to his parents. Because of his abusiveness mentally and physically she no longer wants to fall in love. Even though her lawyer says it would help her court case and show stability for Little Ricky. The first person to meet on the cruise ship is Sean Murphy an officer for the cruise line who shows her to her cabin. This is the beginning of a life-changing experience for Tara and although Sean shows her that love doesn’t hurt she is still reluctant to give in. Her dead husband was a knight in shining armor when they first met so she is scared Sean Murphy is just being nice it will turn soon as she falls in love with him. Can he show her that not only is his faith in God true but his love for her and little Ricky real? This book was so good I love that God is always an extra in Miss Hopkins books. You can see her great love for God and her great talent for writing. I am really obsessed with her books and can’t wait to read more. Although I found Tara very very reluctant it all made sense as to all of miss Hopkins books. I find her books historically accurate and although this one was contemporary it was still just as interesting and engaging as the rest. I highly recommend this book, if you love real love and God‘s love you would love this book.