When the Summer Was Ours: A Novel

Written by Roxanne Veletzos

Narrated by Imani Jade Powers and Jacques Roy

“This compulsively readable tale of loss and love during and after the Second World War is a masterpiece.” —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author

“A gorgeously written, impeccably researched historical novel, spanning decades and continents, and filled with a richly drawn cast of characters.” —Jillian Cantor, USA TODAY bestselling author

This epic World War II tale of star-crossed lovers separated by class, circumstance, and ​tragedy—from the international bestselling author of the “gripping…filled with passion and hope” (Kate Quinn, New York Timesbestselling author) The Girl They Left Behind—explores the impact of war on civilian life and the indestructible resilience of first love.

Hungary, 1943: As war encroaches on the country’s borders, willful young Eva César arrives in the idyllic town of Sopron to spend her last summer as a single woman on her aristocratic family’s estate. Longing for freedom from her domineering father, she counts the days to her upcoming nuptials to a kind and dedicated Red Cross doctor whom she greatly admires.

But Eva’s life changes when she meets Aleandro, a charming and passionate Romani fiddler and artist. With time and profound class differences against them, Eva and Aleandro still fall deeply in love—only to be separated by a brutal act of hatred.

As each are swept into the tides of war, they try to forget their romance. Yet, the haunting memory of that summer will reshape their destinies and lead to decisions which are felt through generations.

From the horrors of the Second World War to the tensions of the 1956 Hungarian uprising and beyond, When the Summer Was Ours is a sweeping story about the toll of secrets, the blurred lines between sacrifice and obsession, and the endurance of the human spirit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Aug 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797128139

Roxanne Veletzos

Roxanne Veletzos was born in Bucharest, Romania, and moved to California with her family as a young teen. Already fluent in English and French, she began writing short stories about growing up in her native Eastern Europe, at first as a cathartic experience as she transitioned to a new culture. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism, she has worked as an editor, content writer, and marketing manager for a number of Fortune 500 companies. Her debut novel, published in multiple languages, is an international bestseller. Roxanne lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reviews for When the Summer Was Ours

[Debbee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a wonderful story. I loved the characters so much, though sometimes they would make me angry. A book the spanned a few decades, from WWII through the 1950s and beyond. It was beautifully written. The narrators did a great job, soothing voices were just perfect for this story.

[Lauren Brigman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Easy listen but love can’t be stronger than reality. The lying would have changed the ending. And sometimes the piece didn’t feel period.

[Lori Retz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great story! This would make a wonderful movie, although I doubt a movie would do it justice!

[Lucía García · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful love story spanning a lifetime of intense moments and long separations, including WWII and the aftermath in central and eastern Europe. Be warned, you will need hankies for the emotional ending.

[Diane Morrison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an incredible author and a wonderful book! As I listened to this amazing story of love that I can only compare to that of Dr. ZHIVAGO and Lara, I was often overcome with emotion. The best book ever. I would give it 10 stars if I could. I will be ordering this WW2 book that is unlike any of the many I read for my granddaughters and friends. I would love to see this book made into a movie!

[Karen Chandler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW! A powerfully written, believable storyline with interesting characters to carry the plot. You will cry at times as your heartbreaks for them. This is a must read.