Strawberry Summer

Once Over #1

by Shonda Czeschin Fischer

Viola Branson, fresh out of finishing school, needs to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Leaving St. Joseph, Missouri, she boards a train to visit her grandmother in Once Over, Colorado. Childhood memories of preserving juicy strawberries and her grandmother's loving arms stir a yearning in her.
Seeing a handsome childhood friend, she fancied herself smitten with at one time, only brings memories she would like to forget. Can they get past the old hurts and become friends again or possibly more, or will circumstances tear them apart.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2021

Reviews

[Dawn LeGros]

I’ve got one easy word for this book “WOW!” I loved it. I got pulled in from the beginning train ride and knew I wanted to visit Once Over, Colorado, hang out with Viola and meet Grandmother too. (I quickly adopted them all as kin folks)
What a wonderful sweet faithful romantic story by the very talented Author Shonda Czeschin Fischer. I felt drawn in by the vivid descriptions and the expressive characters. I also made a enemy (she’s on my list lol). You’ll find out who when you grab a copy of this marvelous book. Can’t wait for the next book. I can say Author Shonda Czeschin Fischer books will be and stay in my library.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Shonda Czeschin Fischer has written a Christian historical romance series with her “Once Over” books. I just love her writing style. She has a descriptive way of telling this story and weaves Faith smoothly into her story. Her characters are delightful. Viola has a beautiful relationship with her grandmother. Both characters are written in such a way that it was easy to become invested in their story and lives. I found many timeless life and faith lessons illustrated in this book.
I highly recommend this book and talented author. Strawberry Summer was a very sweet read for any age. I am eager to read more by this author.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Viola and Collin's story!! They were best friends during the summers when she visited her grandparents, until her last summer there. Now, five years later, Viola returns to visit her grandmother. She'd love to get married and raise her family here. She's thinking she'll stay, especially when Collin wants to spend time with her. Until a misunderstanding has her deciding to leave. Will Collin be able to get her to stay??

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Amy Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

What a delightful, beautiful story. Shonda has a way with words that made me feel like I was in the story with the characters. I could feel the sunshine and smell the air. Can't wait for book #2!

[Robyn Echols · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet Romance

This quick read is a romance picked up where it left off years earlier, including the same difficulties that drove the hero and heroine apart to begin with. Good characters and a sweet ending.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1:2 stars
Very sweet nice simple romance

Will childhood friends grow up to be much more during a strawberry summer? With the Lord’s help and small reminders of God’s love and his care for us, strawberry summer is the beginning of a wonderful life.

[Alice Kimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story to begin a new series. It is a wonderful story about blossoming love. I can't wait to read more.

[April Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strawberry Summer was a well written historic Christian romance. The story was very sweet and I look forward to meeting more characters from the town of Once Over.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about this historical Christian romance story! It was so sweet, just like the strawberry jam that Grandma Branson made.

The author wonderfully describes a warm and bustling town in Colorado that you would have loved to live in.
Viola Branson returns to visit her grandma 5 years after completing finishing school. She runs into Collin McKenny who was her best friend. Sadly the friendship ended when she saw him kissing Margie.
Wondering if she has a future with Collin, Viola must learn to have faith and trust God’s plan for her life.
Can this couple overcome the past, deal with present obstacles and look toward a bright future together?
Don’t miss this story! You’ll be glad you did!

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this first story by this author and this a good debut for this author. Viola has come to Once Over to help her grandmother make strawberry jam and figure out what she wants to do next. She meets an old flame and has a second chance for love, but can she risk her heart again? This was interesting, clean, romance and kept my attention from the start. It is a great short read and something that could be read in an afternoon.

[Cindi Klemm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

The way the author describes her strawberry lemonade, pie, syrup is mouthwatering. Cute story line, but definitely one where communication would be of great benefit to the parties involved. I only wish the author would have included the recipes! I never heard of using vinegar in a strawberry syrup!

[Debra Kronenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can she get past what she thinks she saw?

Viola visited her grandmother first as a child . Going fishing with Colin, was her best summer activity .
Hearing him with Maggie breaks her heart.
Returning as an adult, once again to help with strawberry season, she falls in love.
A sweet summer love.

[Clara K Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This is an entertaining book. I enjoyed the story and characters. A few ti.we it switched time with no warning and I had to go back and reread to get caught up, but otherwise good book.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! It took me back in time, getting to know the characters Viola and Collin made me wanting to dig deeper into their romance. I can’t wait to read the second book!

[Danielle Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viola and Collin will leave you hungry for more of their story, but even if Shonda doesn't write about them again, you'll love Strawberry Summer!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that it’s a story about romance and strawberry jam.

[Patricia Sims]

Just started reading this series. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to reading the second book in the series.