One Summer

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

David Baldacci delivers a moving, family drama about learning to love again after terrible heartbreak and loss in this classic New York Times best seller - soon to be a Hallmark original movie.

It's almost Christmas, but there is no joy in the house of terminally ill Jack and his family. With only a short time left to live, he spends his last days preparing to say goodbye to his devoted wife, Lizzie, and their three children. Then, unthinkably, tragedy strikes again: Lizzie is killed in a car accident. With no one able to care for them, the children are separated from each other and sent to live with family members around the country.

Just when all seems lost, Jack begins to recover in a miraculous turn of events. He rises from what should have been his deathbed, determined to bring his fractured family back together. Struggling to rebuild their lives after Lizzie's death, he reunites everyone at Lizzie's childhood home on the oceanfront in South Carolina. And there, over one unforgettable summer, Jack will begin to learn to love again, and he and his children will learn how to become a family once more.

©2011 David Baldacci (P)2011 Hachette

nice beach read

This is my first Baldacci and my first audio book experience. I think the book was well written and a nice, light summer read. I think the bad reviews may be because people want a more traditional "Baldacci" book. I think its great that the can step outside of the box and dabble in a different genre. I wasn't a huge fan of the Narration, but that may be because Im used to hearing my own voices as I read. If your looking for a quick, beach/pool read, this is your book.

Awesome!

This is my first review. From the very beginning I felt that I personally knew Jack and Lizzy. I cried through most of the book. This is my favorite book, a must read.

I was grabbed

This book is so different the all the other Baldacci books I've listened to. There were tears in my eyes through most of the book. So powerful particularly to someone who married his High School sweetheart so so many years ago. I'm an old man now and this book was so touching. Thank you!

Exceptional

Outstanding novel, love, anger, feelings of complete helpless, courage personal belief. A family struggling with illness then loss, so many emotions and brilliantly performed by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy. Beautifully written by David Baldacci ❤️❤️

A stretch from...

I was so touched by this book, One Summer, by David Balducci. I have only read/listen to his other style of books, who dun-it, cop genre, etc. Mr. Balducci can write sensitive, illness, long-love, loss stories as well. I really enjoyed the old beach home needing to be fixed and the walks on the sand, the coming of age and the knowing yourself of a teen girl and boy. Of single-parenting and new love.
This book is worth a read/listen this summer.

Not the Balducci I have come to expect.

While there are twists and turns, this is unexpectedly sappy. If you like that, you’ll enjoy this. I found myself fast forwarding at times- the music along with the prose isn’t my favorite.

Not The Usual Baldacci!

What a surprise this story was! I’ve read so many books by this author, but this book is not his usual style, by any means. This is a very moving and tender love story. It’s a story of moving on with life, in spite of unbearable grief. It’s a story of miracles and forgiveness. It is a tender, heartwarming story! Thank you Mr. Baldacci. This story is a keeper! And you couldn’t find any better narrators: they were excellent!

Heart-wrenching story but with happy ending

I love happy endings. The story was really beautiful about a family going through the worst kind of difficulties that a family can suffer through but the more you keep on reading the more you don’t want to stop listening to the story. There was lots of drama, but towards the end, little by little a happy, and it was gifted. P.S. I also wanted to say that I looked up the movie that was made of this story and the movie doesn't stand a chance. I give them credit for trying but so much depth that is felt in the book was not felt in the movie.

The best of Baldacci

I must honestly say that this was the best story I’ve listened from an author who keeps me on the edge of my seat with his fast-paced thrillers. It is tender, strong, sad, humorous, and happy. As a person who has lost the love of my life after 48 years of great adventures and intimacy, I could totally relate to the protagonist’s heart break and confusion.

Baldacci has nailed it. I’m so glad I found this older gem!

Great read

First Baldacci book I read; I really enjoyed it & It kept my interest. I'm sure I'll read more.