At a glance
Once upon a Summer
Christian Historical Romance
Once upon a Summer
Book 1 of the Seasons of the Heart series
203 pages · First published 1981
Young Josh Jones lives with his grandfather and Aunt Lou on their family farm after losing his parents. With fishing holes to explore, chores to avoid, and plenty of mischief to get into, Josh would rather enjoy the freedom of childhood than worry about growing up. But life brings changes he cannot control, and he begins to realize that the adults who care for him have their own hopes, worries, and dreams. Through humorous adventures, family challenges, and lessons in faith, Josh gradually discovers the importance of responsibility and the love that holds his unconventional household together. The first Seasons of the Heart novel is a warmhearted coming-of-age story about family, childhood, and finding joy amid life's changes. A warm porch read for anyone who enjoys childhood adventures, unconventional family bonds, and a young narrator finding his place in the world.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Orange-Vanilla Root Beer + High Plains Amber Ale
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Death of parents before the story begins; references to grief and parental loss; childhood sadness and family adjustments.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Orange-Vanilla Root Beer
Creamy vanilla and lively orange put a playful twist on old-fashioned root beer, capturing the mischief and simple pleasures of Josh's childhood.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add syrup and citrus, top with root beer or sarsaparilla, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Citrus wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
High Plains Amber Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A mellow amber ale complements the easygoing country setting and the everyday adventures of Josh's childhood on the family farm.
How to mix it
- Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
- Garnish: None.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Pint glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.