Once Upon a Summer

Seasons of the Heart #1

by Janette Oke

Seasons of the Heart Book 1. Readers will laugh and cry as they follow the story of Josh Jones, an orphan growing up during the Great Depression. Eighteen-year-old Auntie Lou is the only mother Josh has ever known. When his grandfather and uncle start talking about finding a husband for his aunt, he knows something has to be done! As he grows to manhood through disappointment and tragedy, triumph and joy, Josh learns to trust God no matter what life brings.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Romance, Historical, Christian Romance

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Janette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, personally. :)

About this book:

“Once Upon a Summer
Sure, it’s unusual to have an eighteen-year-old mother when you’re twelve. But when you’re an orphan and she’s your aunt—and the only mother you’ve ever know—well, it works out just fine.
That’s why I got so riled up when I heard Grandpa and Uncle Charlie talkin’ about findin’ a fella for Aunt Lou.
You see, somethin’ had to be done. I couldn’t just sit back and watch our family get broken up. But with Grandpa and Uncle Charlie workin’ so hard to marry off Aunt Lou, I really had my job cut out for me. Then that preacher came along, and things got really complicated…”


Series: Book #1 in the “Seasons of the Heart” series.


Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted; Prayers, wanting to pray, Blessings over food, & Thanking God; Church going & sermons (Josh tunes out a few of them, but the new preacher gets his attention); Being witnessed to *Spoiler* At the end, Josh prays for forgiveness and feels peace *End of Spoiler*; Talks about God, loving Him, peace, & being hurt; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Josh is mad at God for the unfairness that has happened, so he tries ignoring God (he’s afraid of hating Him, so he’s decided that he just won’t love Him and wants Him to keep His hands off of his family); Josh doesn’t understand why a young man would want to be a preacher; Many mentions of churches, church going, services, hymns, pastors, & sermons; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, blessings over food, & thanking God; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & family worship time (which Josh finds it to be sort of boring); Mentions of a man not having time for God & not sure if they believe there is a God; A couple mentions of those & events in the Bible; A couple mentions of being blessed; A couple mentions of sins; A couple mentions of some of the boys at church question why they need church (Josh thinks about it as well); A mention of doing the Lord’s Prayer at school; A mention of tithes;
*Note: A mention of a team of horses not being scared even by the devil himself.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sissy’, two ‘shucks’s, and nine forms of ‘dumb’; Hearing about a pet’s death (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Killing a fish after catching it (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of Josh’s parents who died in an accident when he was little; Mentions of a fire, smoke, & people losing their property (houses, animals, etc.); Mentions of gambling & playing for money; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of hatred; A few mentions of lies; A couple mentions of a pig sounding like it’s being killed (barely-above-not-detailed); A couple mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of tobacco;
*Note: A few mentions of a pregnant mother getting sick & losing the baby.


Sexual Content- Seeing a guy kiss a girl (she’s upset at the unwanted kiss and gets mad at him); Josh has a slight crush on his teacher (it’s not said, but he notices how pretty she is and blushes); Mentions of flirts & flirting; Mentions of boys trying to get Lou’s attention or staring at her (including one looking at her with a “haunted, hungry look”); Mentions of blushes; Mentions of boys playing the “ogle-the-girls” game at church (rating each girl as she appears based on her appearance): A couple mentions of crushes; A mention of love-struck boys;
*Note: A mention of Josh feeling like a traitor to his sex because he likes school.

-Joshua “Josh” Jones, age 12
1st person P.O.V. of Josh
Historical setting (early 1900s)
250 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Warning for sensitive animal/dog lovers – death of a pet}

This was overall enjoyable! I think I would classify every Janette Oke book I’ve read (at least, the older ones, that is) as wholesome and realistic for the historical setting, but still clean and faith filled. Which I really like seeing. This one took me a bit to get into—I think that was because of the writing style using a lot of spoken Western slang/words (jest instead of just, etc.)—but I did like all the characters and Josh’s point of view, it was different, but entertaining. I enjoyed all the planning from Josh trying to keep men away from his Aunt Lou, it was humorous, but not mean or deceitful.

I may continue the rest of the series, but I think you could honestly read this one as a stand-alone unless you were curious about seeing the characters again.

It’s a slight spoiler, but there is a death of an animal that was hard to read about. That’s why I’m giving it a 3.5 rating, personally.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this
author.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Historical Fiction that was written in 1981, and this book is the first book in the Seasons of the Heart. I really enjoyed this book. It is written simple, and it as sweet and cute characters. I love that you can really fall in love with the characters. I love that this book shows us that life was simple and not as fast pace in late 1800s/early 1900s. There is so much drama that happens in this book that will make you want to keep reading, but the drama is cute most of the time and not as crazy as most books drama is. I have to say that the Great Grandpa is my favorite character for this book. That old man keeps everyone on their toes, and he is ahead of everyone. If you are looking for a cute simple fun to read then this maybe the book for you.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read book blurbs when I don't have to, and I had no intention of looking at any blurb or other beforehand to know what this book was about. Janette Oke's name and the fact that I've known of this novel's existence for years was enough.

I was in for three noteworthy surprises from the beginning: first, this story is told in the first person, which isn't common for Oke's novels; second, the protagonist is an adolescent boy, Joshua, which isn't common for Oke's novels; and third, Josh's perspective, along with the well-intentioned but not-the-best-idea scheming of his grandpa and uncle, actually had me laughing aloud, something I'm not used to doing with Oke's novels. I mean, sure, I've enjoyed light moments she's handled with a light hand before, but some of the stuff here is just downright hilarious.

I liked seeing the dynamics of the different kind of family Joshua has, and the theme concerning him and "memories" is powerful. The last handful of short chapters makes for somewhat of an abrupt ending, but I didn't find it abrupt enough to jar my enjoyment or lessen my anticipation to continue the series.

Pardon if this little review is on the gushy side, but simple novels of faith and love and learning through trials (and prairie life and the like) are what I count on this author for, and I've not been disappointed. There's genius in telling uncomplicated but engaging stories that just get the job done.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn't too sure I would like this book but as I read on into the book I loved it. At times the story had me laughing out loud. At the end I shed more than a few tears of happiness. I'm going on to the next book in the series. I enjoyed the story that much.
Jeanette Oke climbs into the mind of a 12 year old boy and captures readers with this heart warming story . I'm not sure when this story took place but since people were still using horses to get about and do farm work I would say it was probably in the mid to late 1800s.
As a baby Joshua becomes an orphan. His Grandpa takes him into his home and raises him . His Grandpa was a widower with a 5 year old daughter who took a shine to the new baby. As life went on she was Joshua's Auntie Lou and the pair had a special bond with each other. Joshua was happy with his life until he learned his Grandpa and Uncle Charlie were trying to marry Auntie Lou off. Joshua did everything in his power to run suitors off that is until the new young unmarried preacher arrived at their church.
Well I will leave you to read this book to find out what happens . I don't want to be a spoiler but I guarantee you will probably laugh and maybe cry too. All readers of Christian Fiction or Historical Fiction will love this book.
I downloaded this book from the Amazon Prime Lending Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed are my own .

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread after 25 years or so! I approached it thinking I would be bored and laughing it at.

It was such a good comfort read. It felt like coming home. True nostalgia. I was even highlighting some parts and wiping away tears at several parts. I couldn't put it down at night.

Yes it was predictable and maybe some parts "cheesy" but Oke has a way with words- grabs all grief and happiness and just pierces your heart character by character. Glad to see one of my childhood favorites has stood the test of time.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute story had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the perspective of a growing young boy. I think the author well captured the attitude and struggles of a boy trying to come to grips with how life has a way of changing. Just wait until you meet Pixie! She’s so adorable. My favorite character was Auntie Lou. I appreciated her caring, welcoming, and wise personality. While I found the romance thread to be completely predictable, it was still charming and I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4 stars
Reasons: There was one lengthy chapter that read more like a farming handbook on how to reap crops than an easy-flowing part of the story. Through the first half of the book, it’s made really clear that Joshua hated school and dreaded going back when summer was over; yet, when school began, he instantly loved it and was eager to study. This inconsistency was shocking and disconcerting.

I am eager to track down a copy of book two in this series.

[Tracey Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been in such the strangest book funk this year. So glad a childhood favorite could make me smile and feel a bit nostalgic.

Cheesy and predictable, but still loved.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Cozy read from the 80’s. Loved these characters and their whole family dynamic. 💓

[Lila Diller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Janette Oke's stories about simpler times. I always enjoy the little details of how the laundry was done or how much of their lives depended on horses.
Even though I would have liked to see this story from Lou's perspective, having it told by Josh, with all the colloquialisms and contractions, gave it a unique feeling from a bitter boy doubting God.

I loved Gramps and Lou and even Nat. I loved the few tidbits of humor. The scene where Gramps tricked the young man that the others had picked out for Lou was hilarious.

I especially loved the very casual way the faith threads were woven throughout their lives. And of course how Josh's ideas about God changed.

I don't know how many times I've read this series, but I will continue to reread it as it never disappoints.

[Carissa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, easy read. Good, clean, wholesome story. I love Janette Oke's stories about life in the past. This was a cute story about an unusual family, living their simple life on the farm, growing together and learning life lessons.

[Micah Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly wholesome; highlights down-to-earth, timeless values such as family, a slow and simple life, faith, and hard honest work. It captures the nostalgia of a time and culture that our world is deeply missing. The characters all feel familiar and heartwarming, especially the main character Josh who is a very authentic depiction of boyhood.

[Christina DeVane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, fluffy read which I needed at this time!😍 Storyline is slow, calm, sweet, humorous with some heartache mixed in. I enjoyed a boy as the main character and his struggles against God were real and accurate for teens.
Very clean and classic Oke! Will come back to this series when I need this style!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not want to say anything against this book. It was sweet, it was simple, it was boring. It was far more suited to a very young and unsophisticated reader. I have a friend who has insisted that I must read Janette Oke, so I have now fulfilled that demand. I can say with conviction that she writes for a reader who is not me.

Interestingly enough, I have seen a few movies made from her earlier novels and they were quite respectable, with interesting characters. Character development is her strength and I did like her main character, the young boy, Josh, who tells this tale of his life with his great-grandfather, grandfather, great-uncle and very young aunt. I actually liked all her characters, but there wasn't any plot to speak of and the end result was obvious to me from the get-go.

I feel almost guilty not to give this book a higher rating. It tries to tell a moral tale and I like that effort. But, if I am honest, it isn't up to my standards for what I want to get from a novel.

[Abigayle Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as cute and innocent as I remember from my first two reads. It's light and simple, but it's got a certain charm and solid themes that can't be discounted.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. I loved the fact that it was written from the perspective of a 12 year old boy. It was a nice change. You see the world through his eyes and it kind of took me back to the way I viewed the world at 12, even though this book takes place in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Joshua is a twelve-year old boy who lives with his 18 year-old aunt, his grandfather and his great-uncle and later, his great-grandfather. Joshua loves his little family and when he discovers that his grandfather and great-uncle start planning to find a husband for his aunt, he does not like it at all. Joshua turns to God throughout the book to help him through, but also loses his faith. His questions of "Why would God let this happen?" are typical of many people, especially young kids.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a really quick read. I laughed out-loud a couple of times at Joshua's typical boyhood behavior and understanding of the world around him.

The book focuses on the importance of family and faith. It had a wonderful, heart-warming feeling about it. Janette Oke did a great job telling the story through a 12 year-old boy. Oke's writing really gives you a great idea of who these characters are and how they sound when they speak (which I love), "I liked things jest the way they were, but if I was to keep 'em that way, it was going to take some figurin' out".

I would recommend this book - especially if you are a fan of Prairie Fiction/Christian Fiction. It is the first book in the "Seasons of the Heart" Series and I can't wait to read The Winds of Autumn!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book!! The beginning seemed a little slow to me (though that could've just been my life and reading schedule at the time :P), but everything else about this gem made up for it. :) I loved the relationships with Aunt Lou and "her men" (Grandpa, Uncle Charlie, Gramps, and Josh) and the strong faith woven through the book.

I would recommend this book to anyone. Can't wait to read the rest of the series! :D

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was perfectly charming, for lack of a better way to describe it. This was my first book by Janette Oke, though I have known her name for years. This was a delightful introduction for me into her writing.

What I Liked: I quickly became immersed into the world of Josh Jones and life on the farm with his grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and Auntie Lou. It was definitely a refreshing read and I so enjoyed a peek onto the Jones' farm.

The story development was very good. It didn't go too fast and it didn't go too slow, it was just perfect for a late summer read. I was also satisfied with the ending. There were a few times I chuckled at the humor in the story and I look forward to reading the second book in this series which I got at a library sale. The details this author interspersed in this story definitely painted a vivid picture for me.

What I Didn't Like: There wasn't too much I disliked about this story. It was very sweet.

I give this book 3/5 stars.

[Allison C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read! I will definitely be reading more of this series. :)

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun, really tender book. I laughed out loud several times while listening. Josh has a really comfortable head to live in as he tells his story. He really makes you understand what he's feeling. I liked how this book brought God into it, too--and how it wasn't a bam! I believe sort of thing. How Josh really had to struggle with his feelings and belief and come to know God for himself. And I liked how it didn't feel preachy at all, or at least not to me. It was more of a personal struggle, which is very relatable to anyone who's struggled with faith, I think. And I loved Gramps. And I liked how either Josh, Gramps, Lou, or all three of them would drive her suitors away--all except the right one, of course. And p.s., totally saw the right choice coming from the first mention of him at the beginning of the book. It's really rewarding to guess right. :)

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janette Oke is a wonderful writter. If you loved Little House on the Prarie and that's your kind of book, you will love all of Janette Oke's books! They are full of heartwarming stories and good values.

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful coming-of-age story, about a young boy named Joshua Jones. It follows his life.

It follows along the lines of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. A joy to read, for males or females. Keeping with the life lessons of the Holy Bible, as Janette Oke does.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread and I enjoyed it even more the second time. I listened to the Johnny Heller narration and thought he did a great job.

[D'ale lui Damian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fost odată într-o vară -Janette Oke


Mi-a plăcut cartea...5☆☆☆☆☆

Josh este un băiat de 12 ani ce stă împreună cu unchiul Charlie, mătușa Lou și bunicul Daniel. După strângerea recoltei din acel an, urmează să se alăture și străbunicul lui Josh, deoarece acesta rămasese singur după moartea soției.

După o discuție serioasă (dar auzită de Josh) între Charlie și Daniel, aceștia hotărăsc că cel mai indicat ar fi ca Lou (care avea 17 ani) să se căsătorească, deoarece îi venise vremea și nu se mai cuvenea să aibă în grijă încă o persoană, odată cu mutarea străbunicului.

După finalizarea unei liste cu potențiali soți potriviți pentru Lou, aceștia fac invitații la cină famililor sau persoanelor respective. Bineînțeles că Lou nu știe, iar Josh este hotărât să dejoace planurile "bătrânilor " și să o păstreze timp cât mai îndelungat pe Lou aproape de el, deoarece Lou îi fusese și soră, mama, companie la joacă etc.

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Janette Oke books! I read this one Sunday night but forgot to do the review. (I've been having issues with that) I've read this book once before (2017 before I got Goodreads) but it was a good lighthearted book to read again.

[Mary Emma Sivils · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about a boy dealing with life’s unexpected changes. The resolution of Josh’s character arc felt a little rushed, but overall it was a nice, cozy read.

[Carina Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a favorite of mine when I was younger. Honestly not sure how many times I reread it.

[R.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Janette Oaks' writing style. It's simple and easy to read. I can't wait to read the rest of Seasons of the Heart

[ForgetMeNot(Katie Cooley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so heartwarming! I absolutely loved the storyline and the characters. Janette Oke has a way of capturing nostalgic moments in her writing which I really enjoy.
It did get a little slow at times, but it had a really good ending! I'm excited to continue this series!

[Caryl McAdoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good I'm!

Who wouldn't sweet Joshua? And Grandpa, Uncle Charlie, and Gramps, too? Auntie Lou was all one could hope for. Guess you could say it was for the characters that I rated this story with five stars!

[Hannah Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a delightful read! It didn't take me long to fall in love with all the characters. Josh, Auntie Lou, Uncle Charlie, Grandpa and Gramps. It was sweet and wholesome and funny and touching all at once.