SPRING'S GENTLE PROMISE

Johnny Heller narrates this fourth and final installment in the Seasons of the Heart series with vivid characterizations. He embraces each character, giving a sense of multiple narrators, and excels in showing Joshua Chadwick's surprise and excitement when the family farm is signed over to him with a clear title when he becomes an adult. Heller's cadence matches the gentle rhythmic flow of family energy and encouragement, then switches to rising apprehension as Joshua realizes the scope and dimension of managing the farm and begins to doubt his own abilities. This homespun story of a bygone era is a delightful finish to this series. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 06/ JAN 07]