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Alaskan Summer
One of your favorite Heartsong Presents romances, Alaskan Summer, is now available as a complete and unabridged audiobook. Laurette Martel accepts a summer job with Southeast Alaska Maritime, unsure what her future holds. Now, in a strange and beautiful land, Laurette concentrates on her job, while she finds her heart becoming distracted by Ryan Nichols. Ryan is a wounded man. the death of his father dealt Ryan a harsh blow in high school, made worse in college when his mother left him in Sitka to begin a new life for herself in Chicago. His faith shaken, Ryan struggles with bitterness. But something about Laurette dares his heart to hope again. Could the warmth of God's mercy melt Ryan's heart and unite him with Laurette? Or will their affections be lost in the Alaskan summer? Heartsong Audiobooks are perfect for in the car, for mom's that just can't seem to find enough time in the day to read, or for grandmother's who don't enjoy reading for long periods of time. Now with the Heartsong Audiobooks you can simply listen, relax, and enjoy!
Audiobook
First published July 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 3, 2015
This was a fairly fast inspirational read. The religion aspect is very prevalent, not erring too much onto the preachy side, but a very tangible thread woven throughout the entire story. Laurette was an interesting heroine and Ryan was a good counterpart for her as well. The "I love you"s came much too quickly for my tastes, as there was never any real getting to know you stage of the relationship. I liked how the story came together in the end, but it didn't redeem it from the 2 star rating.
November 28, 2015
This story was okay, but it also wasn't all that interesting. I never got very invested in the characters, so this is probably one I won't remember all that much in time. I enjoyed the parts involving SAM, thought it was interesting all they did for the cruise ships. The ending was predictable, but cute.
April 22, 2022
I'll be honest - I almost DNF-ed this book.
The first twenty pages are *HARD* to get thru. Laurette is painted as a catty wench. The writing is utter crap. For example:
"Hi, I'm Tyler. Do you go by Laurette?"
"Yes, but my father calls me 'Rette'," she answered, wondering why she'd added something so irrelevant. ((!?!?!?!?!)) HOW is that irrelevant?!?!
Or how about "She accepted the coffee, but it was dark and bitter - must be Alaskan-style." <-- because nobody else makes black or bitter coffee???
Like I said, the first twenty pages are HORRIBLY written. But then things change.
I loved the description of Sitka, with the history, buildings, music, weaving, and costumes. I loved the camping trip, the hike up the mountain... feeding a wild marten and then finding themselves in a too-small boat in a churning ocean storm, praying for deliverance.
While the author hinted they were unequally yoked, Ryan had come to Christ as a child, but then let his faith slip when his mother left him. This book isn't a conversion book, it's a "journey back to the Lord" book, and the faith in it is quite beautifully lived out - helping others, caring and sharing. From wounded cruise patrons to shipmen injured on the job, from Diane's children to dealing with Ruth's Alzheimer's ... Laurette lives her faith, and inspires Ryan to embrace his, once again.
I loved the story... ONCE I got past the first twenty pages. It's hard to get there, but OH, so worth it!!
The first twenty pages are *HARD* to get thru. Laurette is painted as a catty wench. The writing is utter crap. For example:
"Hi, I'm Tyler. Do you go by Laurette?"
"Yes, but my father calls me 'Rette'," she answered, wondering why she'd added something so irrelevant. ((!?!?!?!?!)) HOW is that irrelevant?!?!
Or how about "She accepted the coffee, but it was dark and bitter - must be Alaskan-style." <-- because nobody else makes black or bitter coffee???
Like I said, the first twenty pages are HORRIBLY written. But then things change.
I loved the description of Sitka, with the history, buildings, music, weaving, and costumes. I loved the camping trip, the hike up the mountain... feeding a wild marten and then finding themselves in a too-small boat in a churning ocean storm, praying for deliverance.
While the author hinted they were unequally yoked, Ryan had come to Christ as a child, but then let his faith slip when his mother left him. This book isn't a conversion book, it's a "journey back to the Lord" book, and the faith in it is quite beautifully lived out - helping others, caring and sharing. From wounded cruise patrons to shipmen injured on the job, from Diane's children to dealing with Ruth's Alzheimer's ... Laurette lives her faith, and inspires Ryan to embrace his, once again.
I loved the story... ONCE I got past the first twenty pages. It's hard to get there, but OH, so worth it!!
June 30, 2019
Alaskan Summer by Marilou H. Flinkman
June 29, 2019
5 stars
Oh my! I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but this was so sweet! I love that it takes place in Alaska of course, but more importantly, that it's seeped in Christian love (without being too preachy)! My heart went out to Ruth for her grandmotherly love as well as her elderly needs. We all can learn a lot from these characters as Marilou portrays them so realistically!
June 29, 2019
5 stars
Oh my! I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but this was so sweet! I love that it takes place in Alaska of course, but more importantly, that it's seeped in Christian love (without being too preachy)! My heart went out to Ruth for her grandmotherly love as well as her elderly needs. We all can learn a lot from these characters as Marilou portrays them so realistically!
November 24, 2021
I was listening to this while driving. It was a cheap price on Chirp. I had to abandon it. I just couldn’t do it—I rarely abandon books. The narrator had a Michigan or Wisconsin accent that was irritating and not pleasing to my ears. The story was rather dull and not well written and the spiritual side was rather preachy. It might have been a 3 if I was reading it but the narration of this particular book took it down to a 2 ⭐️
August 18, 2021
It was fairly good. I feel like the main relationship was forced and awkward at times, but I did like the different setting and the different jobs. I liked that it was clean and there was a little bit of the gospel message.
November 9, 2018
Loved it
I loved this book, it was so good that I read it in one day. Sorry to see it end.
I loved this book, it was so good that I read it in one day. Sorry to see it end.
July 1, 2024
dnf at 37%. the storyline wasn’t very believable and the narrator wasn’t doing anything for me either
January 27, 2025
What I liked:
• I liked how prevalent the Christian themes are within this book. Laurette is constantly shown to be praying to God about her situation as well as praying for others. My favorite parts are when Laurette is reading the Bible to Ruth (who is an older sweet lady who is slowly losing her memory but loves reading the Bible). Laurette is very faith-led, and shows it with everyone she interacts with. Ryan also is shown to be getting closer to God throughout the story and begins reading his Bible, playing Hymns, and praying for others.
• Though a rushed relationship, I do like how Ryan and Laurette admire each other and always have sweet wholesome thoughts and attitudes when interacting.
• I liked the setting of the town along with learning about the work the main characters are doing.
• Clean book. There are no swear words, sexually explicit content, or violence. There are a few kisses, but nothing fully detailed or sensual.
What I Didn't Like:
• Even though the book is short, it felt very slow and underwhelming. The plot is a cute and simple idea but I felt as if the development of the story and the character’s involvement with each other lacked depth.
• Speaking of the lack of depth, the romance between Laurette and Ryan, though sweet characters, seemed to be rushed and didn't have much of a foundation. Due to this, some parts and interactions seemed a bit cringey. This also is apparent in other interactions with characters in the sense that everyone seems to just trust and love each other from the start without much work to get to that point, which I think is a bit unrealistic.
• I liked how prevalent the Christian themes are within this book. Laurette is constantly shown to be praying to God about her situation as well as praying for others. My favorite parts are when Laurette is reading the Bible to Ruth (who is an older sweet lady who is slowly losing her memory but loves reading the Bible). Laurette is very faith-led, and shows it with everyone she interacts with. Ryan also is shown to be getting closer to God throughout the story and begins reading his Bible, playing Hymns, and praying for others.
• Though a rushed relationship, I do like how Ryan and Laurette admire each other and always have sweet wholesome thoughts and attitudes when interacting.
• I liked the setting of the town along with learning about the work the main characters are doing.
• Clean book. There are no swear words, sexually explicit content, or violence. There are a few kisses, but nothing fully detailed or sensual.
What I Didn't Like:
• Even though the book is short, it felt very slow and underwhelming. The plot is a cute and simple idea but I felt as if the development of the story and the character’s involvement with each other lacked depth.
• Speaking of the lack of depth, the romance between Laurette and Ryan, though sweet characters, seemed to be rushed and didn't have much of a foundation. Due to this, some parts and interactions seemed a bit cringey. This also is apparent in other interactions with characters in the sense that everyone seems to just trust and love each other from the start without much work to get to that point, which I think is a bit unrealistic.
June 29, 2015
The story had a very simple plot and was very predictable. However, it was a "nice" story.
It was set in Alaska which is a place I love reading about. The main characters both work for the cruise industry. There were a couple stories about them helping people get on or off the cruise for emergencies which I found interesting. Other that that, the story seemed to move along at a very predictable pace and it was a little dull at times.
This story might be nice for someone who enjoys a simple easy to read story. I would not recommend it for someone who enjoys mystery or a complex story line.
It was set in Alaska which is a place I love reading about. The main characters both work for the cruise industry. There were a couple stories about them helping people get on or off the cruise for emergencies which I found interesting. Other that that, the story seemed to move along at a very predictable pace and it was a little dull at times.
This story might be nice for someone who enjoys a simple easy to read story. I would not recommend it for someone who enjoys mystery or a complex story line.
June 5, 2015
This story was pretty predictable. There wasn't much drama or excitement--just kind of day to day living. Set in Alaska, this was the best thing about the book. The main characters worked for a company that caters to cruise ships and that added a little interest to the plot. If you're looking for a quick read that doesn't raise your blood pressure, this is the book for you.
October 8, 2014
It was a predictable Christian love story but since it was about Sitka, Alaska I enjoyed it, having been there some years ago. The young woman was also living with an elderly woman suffering from dementia and memory loss so there were some interesting conversations.
April 20, 2015
Very predictable and without any major excitement or twists in plot, this was a pretty average love story...but hey, that's probably more like real life than a lot of the dramatic romance novels out there. It does make me want to visit Alaska though, it sounds beautiful!
May 24, 2015
I really enjoyed this! I had not read any other Christian romance set in Alaska. The author's descriptions and familiarity with the area was stellar, and her idea of using the cruise lines was creative. I loved watching the characters' relationships deepen, both with one another and with the Lord.
May 26, 2015
Loved the book
Well written. Kept me interested and didn't want to put the book down. I like reading about the lifestyles in Alaska.
Well written. Kept me interested and didn't want to put the book down. I like reading about the lifestyles in Alaska.
July 2, 2015
Yawn, I lost interest.
November 28, 2015
Good book
It felt a little long and drawn out. I enjoyed it, but was glad that it was free. The characters were good.
It felt a little long and drawn out. I enjoyed it, but was glad that it was free. The characters were good.
January 30, 2017
This was a pleasant little romance, but there wasn't any major conflict. The most interesting thing was the job the company did for cruise ships.
May 2, 2012
a nice cute story
June 2, 2015
liked the book, predictable, light, but sometimes those things are exactly what is needed
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews