Customer Reviews

Seasons of the Heart (Once Upon a Summer, Winds of Autumn, Winter is Not Forever, Springs Gentle Promise)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Originally my mom introduced me to this series because she thought I would enjoy it because it was from a guys perspective. Well she was right. I cant even count how many times I read through each of the books. I could always imagine being right there with him as he told his story. Eventually I was given this book collecting all four novels and again read through it over and over again. This being the only Janette Oke series I have read I cant really base it off of the other ones. But for me it was a great way to spend a rainy day or just any other time I felt like picking up a book.

I am an avid fan of Janette Oke, and have read every thing she has published. This is indeed a wonderful series, with descriptive scenes and true romance. If you haven't tried this one--give it a chance-it is a beautiful story.

A friend introduced me to this series by Janette Oke, telling me if I enjoyed Little House on the Prairie I would like this Series - was she ever right!!! This was wonderful, even better than Little House!!! I truly appreciate the inspiration that comes across in these books. If you enjoyed this you will also like Jan Karon's - Mitford Series & Marjorie Holmes: Two From Galilee, Three From Galilee & The Messiah.

Personally, I don't care for the way Janette Oke used the first-person style of writing, with a man as her main character. Her man just doesn't seem like a real man, mainly because he acts and thinks along the same lines as Janette's women do in her other books. Overall, it was a mistake for her to use a guy to tell the story- I think the books would have been vastly better if Janette had used a girl's perspective.
Aside from that complaint-
This story begins with the childhood of the "narrator", and goes through the boy's growing-up years on the farm. Everything is peaceful and happy. Little incidents occur here and there- his grandfather comes to live with them, he gets his first dog, etc. Finally, he becomes a man. One night he overhears the men downstairs discussing the fact that he needs to get married. He decides that yes, he should get married, so bang! he goes out and does it. Then the books tell about his married life (I liked his wife, by the way.) During his married life they go through the Depression and he winds up on a road crew far from home. All of a sudden, at the very end, everything is resolved and he gets to go home.
Generally this story is pretty good, but I've read many books by Janette Oke that are much better. Like I said, I think what messed up this series was trying to use the guy's perspective. It just isn't quite right.

My gradmaw read me these books evey night when i was about 6 I laughed i cried so much raw human emotion Im 16 and reading them again It takes skill to have a good clean family oreanted story love these books!

With nearly three million copies sold, Janette Oke's famed series have their numbers speak for them. "Seasons of the Heart" is an omnibus edition of four best-selling novels under one cover for a budget price. 'Once Upon a Summer', 'The Winds of Autumn', 'Winter is not Forever', and 'Springs Gentle Promise', are all included in this comprehensive volume following Josh Jones as he begins to face the rough road of life. "Seasons of the Heart" is an ideal pick for one interested in the series who wants to dive right in.

I was looking for a clean, Christian romance book at a Christian book store and the salesperson introduced me to Janet's books. I have been hooked ever since. I collect all of her books and I can't wait until she writes new books. Keep them coming Janet.

After reading the Love Comes Softly Series and the Prairie Legacy, I couldn't wait to read another series by Ms. Oke. I was excited to get Seasons of the Heart in one volume. I just couldn't get into this volume though. I tried several times and just could not finish it. I have actually had the book for several years now, probably around five. Maybe one of these days. I even loaned it to a friend and she couldn't get into it either. Obviously, lots of folks do like it. So don't let me discourage anyone from reading it.

This was a good series from Janette Oke. It isn't one of her best, but I still really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who is already a Janette Oke fan. For new readers I would suggest starting with her other series such as Love Comes Softly or the Canadian West series.

Ilove all of mrs okes books she has given me a new perception of life through her books and i would like to thank her for having such an amazing gift and sharing it with the world