All the Winters That Have Been [Mass Market Paperback]

Evan Maxwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 1996

A bittersweet romantic novel that reunites two star-crossed lovers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Maxwell, who has written as A.D. Maxwell (Murder Hurts) and Ann Maxwell (The Ruby), might as well sign himself Robert James Waller Maxwell. Like The Bridges of Madison County, this breathlessly melodramatic novel opens and closes in the present day, with entries in a tell-all journal, references to a photograph album and a secret, enduring love. Years before, game-service agent Dane Corvin went undercover in Washington state to nab salmon poachers. During the investigation, the rugged Dane spent one night of passion with Helen Raven, a poacher's sister. But Dane sent Helen's brother to jail, effectively ending the bittersweet romance?for a while. Twenty years later, returning to Puget Sound to care for his cancer-stricken uncle, Dane checks in on Helen, now a 39-year-old widow. Helen is afraid to tell Dane that her son?who's conveniently away at college?is his son. Yet she can't resist her old flame: "Slowly she became a woman again, instead of a mother. And Dane became a man, the magnet for her love." Maxwell indulges in hamfisted references to wolves and ravens as the characters' mythological counterparts; over and over, Dane's wolf-like green eyes, which his son has inherited, are contrasted with Helen's raven-like darkness. The author also goes to absurd lengths to show Dane's sensitive side, while also hinting at a Neanderthal masculinity. Cliches and a scorn for subtlety render the characters ridiculous. But things could be worse?at least Dane doesn't have a name for his truck. Translation and dramatic rights: Dominic Abel.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Twenty years ago, Dane Corvin went undercover for the Fish and Wildlife Service to trap fishermen who were illegally catching salmon in the Pacific Northwest. He fell in love with the sister of his main suspect, and, when her brother was arrested, Helen Raven cut Dane from her life because of his betrayal of her family. Now Dane is back to tend to the dying wishes of his only relative, Uncle Dewey, and to make peace with his past and Helen. But Helen has a secret kept from Dane for 20 years that may destroy their bittersweet reunion: they have a son. Reminiscent of The Bridges of Madison County, but much better written, Evan Maxwell's novel evokes a sense of timeless love and two people mated for life. Maxwell also collaborates on other books with his wife, author Ann Maxwell; as A. E. Maxwell, the two wrote the popular Fiddler and Fiora mysteries (Ann also writes as Elizabeth Lowell). Recommended for libraries where any of their books are popular. Melanie Duncan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperTorch (May 23, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061009032
• ISBN-13: 978-0061009037
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,919,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The temperatures weren't cold and neither was the book., September 18, 2000

By 

Pat Heurtin (Lake Charles, LA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All the Winters That Have Been (Mass Market Paperback)

First of all, I have to admit to being absolutely in love with George Guidall's voice. When I noticed he was the narrator for this book, I just HAD to listen to it. I wasn't familiar with the author - just the narrator. Thank you George for reading this beautiful, poignant, book. I was returning home to my husband after being aware from him for several days, and listening to this timeless love and life story, brought tears to my eyes. I could hardly wait to get home and wrap my arms around my husband. Maxwell made me 'feel' every possible emotion from angry to sadness to unbelievable joy. It was a treat from start to finish. I can hardly wait to read another book by him.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A heart-tugging story of love lost and found., February 14, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: All the Winters That Have Been (Mass Market Paperback)

I love reading stories about love lost and found. The characters are not flawless, which makes an even better story because it mirrors real life more closely.

Evan Maxwell is a gifted writer who quietly lures the reader into the lives of Dane and Helen, two people too proud to see the possibilities life can offer until they mature enough to handle it. Finding a lost love and the added gift of a son makes Dane realize that too much time has gone by and missed chances can turn themselves around. Reading this particular story was like having the softness of a winter's day envelop me into its embrace. It is wonderful to read a love story from the male point of view that makes a woman feel this way. I didn't want it to end...

Please, Evan Maxwell, give us more like this to enjoy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for a cold winter night, December 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: All the Winters That Have Been (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the type of novel that gets all the juices flowing. If you are not in love, you will want to be after you read this book. If you are in love, this story revisits the passion that you felt when your love was new. The characters are complex yet simple. The story is deep yet easy to read. Read it with that special friend.