27 Summers

My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Time in Angola Prison

By: Ronald Olivier, Craig Borlase - contributor

Narrated by: Guy Branche

Discover hope as you see redemption even in the darkest circumstances. Ronald Olivier shares his dramatic and powerful story of how a young man sentenced to life without parole miraculously found faith, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.

As a teenager Ronald Olivier ran wild in the streets of New Orleans, selling drugs, stealing cars, and finally killing someone on Christmas Day 1991. Ron was sentenced to life in prison without parole and was incarcerated for nearly three decades. Finally, after being locked up for 27 summers at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary--known as Angola--Ron was miraculously released in 2018.

But what led to this amazing transformation and newfound freedom?

27 Summers recounts Ron's journey of redemption and how even through the agony of solitary confinement and multiple transfers into increasingly dangerous prison environments, Ron kept seeking God for healing and hope. Remarkably, he became the director of chaplains at Mississippi State Penitentiary. Today, Ron loves to combat hopelessness, wherever he finds it, by saying, "Don't tell me what God can't do!"

As you read 27 Summers you will:

• Gain a new perspective on overcoming adversity: Learn new insights about faith and patience from a man who spent almost three decades in a cruel and violent environment.
• Explore the power of faith in dark times: Discover how faith can be a guiding light, offering hope and strength when you need it most.
• Understand the true meaning of forgiveness: Be encouraged to find grace and forgiveness to overcome the pain of your past.
• Find the hope you need for trying times: Take heart and be inspired as you witness the reality that God can redeem and restore anyone.

In 27 Summers you will find hope, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. Ron's inspiring story brilliantly displays God's power to transform individuals, families, and communities, reminding us that there truly is nothing God can't do.

©2023 Ronald Olivier and Craig Borlase (P)2023 Thomas Nelson

Amazing Story

This is one of the most amazing books I have heard in a while. I highly recommend this book as it can only strengthen your spiritual journey and help you see what a great God we serve.

Gripping and inspirational

I couldn’t stop listening until it was finished. The narrator is on point. Great story and I loved every minute of it.

Raw, relatable& FULL of God's mercy & miracles!

Raw, relatable (even if you've never been in legal trouble), & FULL of God's mercy & miracles! Ronald's life story constantly highlights the mantra "Don't tell me what God can't do!" All praises to the Most High on what he did with Pastor Olivier's life, & subsequently the lives of so many others he impacted- A true story of God's glory!

A real page turner

Well written I didn't want it to end;Like saying goodbye to an old friend.Even my thirteen yr old son sat to listen on his own

Inspiring

This book is an inspiring story of faith, courage, and perseverance. Highly recommend. I’d hear it again.

Nothing is impossible for God

A very good book about forgiveness, Gods love and that nothing is impossible for God!

Very compelling story of redemption through Jesus Christ and the power of God in one’s life.

I found the whole story so wonderful and yet so traumatic at the same time. I was touched in so many ways to hear the story of 27 Summers. I bought the audible after hearing a short version of Ronald’s testimony on YouTube. I was drawn in and wanted hear the ending to this journey from prison to him becoming the person being put in charge of a Mississippi prison. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book in my down time. His last name Olivier is close to my dearly departed mother Olivia who went to be with the Lord February of 2020. The only thing I missed was the smooth southern accent in the voice that heard in his testimony on the YouTube video. Other than that, awesome Audible book.

Although the book shed light on the awful use of prisoners to to do the work for the penal system at such an ungodly rate of pay, the road to his redemption outweighs the hurdles and set backs he had endure. In the end there was a triumphant victory for Mr. Olivier and all who has come to know the true man God intended him to be. Prison didn’t destroy him, it made him the man he is today. Praise God!

A Testimony full of Miracles

I just finished “27 Summers”, an amazing testimony full of miracles. I couldn’t put it down until I completed it. May God continue to use Ronald to inspire others. I know this book will be a blessing to others. God bless you

God is great!

This book shares, an amazing spiritual journey of Christian faith. As a young man, I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to read this book. I don’t read books in his full entirety often. within a couple of hours  I completed this book. I will definitely recommend some friends and families to also read this as well.

Encouraging story of redemption

God is able to work when we depend on him! A gripping story of one man’s journey from violent street life to being a blessing to many.