Winter Turns to Spring by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman

Four Seasons Fiction Series

Book 1 – It Happens Every Spring
Book 2 – Summer Breeze
Book 3 – Falling for You Again
Book 4 – Winter Turns to Spring

The final installment of the Four Seasons Series takes the reader into the life of newlyweds Brad and Ashley Hanes. They seemed so happy and so in love and then life hit them quickly. Read along as you see how issues of alcohol abuse, pornography and more are dealt with in this novel. Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman braved deep waters in this book. You are bound to find an issue that you or someone you love has endured in this series. The authors help readers realize that problems come to all people, but what makes a difference are the resources available to conquer them. I recommend reading the whole series in order so the reader is able to have background information about the characters. This series is easy medicine and I recommend them to anyone who enjoys fiction or who has issues to deal with in a marriage, but doesn’t think they can read another self-help book on marriage.

Back of Books Says:

They knew it wouldn’t last forever, but they never expected their marriage to be over almost before it began. When Brad finds an adorable puppy abandoned near the local pub, he thinks it might be just what he and Ashley need to grow closer.

While the neighbors of Deepwater Cover are concerned about the newly weds, they’ve got bigger worries on their minds. Conditions are icy, and Cody Goss is terrorizing the streets in an effort to earn his driver’s license. Though Derek Finley has volunteered to teach Cody to drive, it still leaves everyone running for their lives and desperately trying to protect their mailboxes.

Just when it’s least expected, a late-winter storm descents on the bustling towns and everything comes to a screeching halt. When the wail of emergency sirens pierces the still air, the neighbors wonder who could possibly be in trouble now.

The promise of spring seems just around the corner – if only everyone can survive this last winter blast!

For an author interview and product description go here.

Falling for You Again by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman

Four Seasons Series

Book 1 – It Happens Every Spring
Book 2 – Summer Breeze
Book 3 – Falling for You Again
Book 4 – Winter Turns to Spring

Some may find this book difficult to read because of the subject matter, but I thought the authors did a good job working through the issues and showing the reader one way to cope in times of medical problems. The characters are endeering and I enjoyed learning more about them in this third installment. If you need more info on dementia or autism there are many websites available with useful information.

Back of Books Says:

Esther Moore is the new talk of Deepwater Cove. Just last week, she put her Lincoln Town Car in drive instead of reverse, launching off the carport into her backyard. It seemed like a simple mix-up to Esther. But coupled with her recent forgetfulness and a startling diagnosis from her doctor, it has her husband, Charlie, worried. What is happening to the woman he’s been married to for nearly fifty years? Even the rest of the town admits that Esther isn’t quite herself.

Meanwhile, love is in the air for one couple in the neighborhood, but trouble may be on the horizon for another. And amid weekly meetings of the Tea Lovers’ Club and running between his various jobs, Cody Goss receives startling news that may change his life forever.

As autumn winds gust into Deepwater Cove and neighbors scurry about making holiday plans, a Thanksgiving parade gives everyone a chance to come together to celebrate their blessings . . . and to honor one woman who has given them so much.

For publishers description and reader reviews go here. For first chapter and discussion questions go here. To learn more about Gary Chapman's nonfiction book, The Seasons of Marriage, go here.

Summer Breeze by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman

Four Seasons Series

Book 1 – It Happens Every Spring
Book 2 – Summer Breeze
Book 3 – Falling for You Again
Book 4 – Winter Turns to Spring

Last November I read the second book in this series, Summer Breeze. The authors tackle problems that are common in many marriages. Summer Breeze specifically deals with issues of second marriages and blended families. Read It Happens Every Spring then find a copy of Summer Breeze to learn more about the quirky yet endearing characters.

Book Jacket Says:

Nothing spells disaster like a meddling mother-in-law. Unfortunately for Kim Finley, hers has come to visit . . . indefinitely. Not that Kim couldn’t use the help: she recently returned to work, leaving the care of her eleven-year-old twins to her new houseguest. What she didn’t count on was Miranda’s unwanted decorating tips and unending criticism.

Kim’s husband, Derek, soon finds himself volleying between the woman he loves and the mother he can’t escape. With the increasing demands of his job as a Water Patrolman, Derek can barely keep from drowning.

Winter may be drifting into the Finley household, but summer is in full swing in Deepwater Cove, and the members of the Tea Lovers’ Club intend to take full advantage. There are barbecues to plan, neighbors to help, and a new store owner to welcome. But when they lose the one person who brings them together, the community craves the calm only a summer breeze can bring.

For discussion questions go here.

It Happens Every Spring by Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman

Four Seasons Series

Book 1 – It Happens Every Spring
Book 2 – Summer Breeze
Book 3 – Falling for You Again
Book 4 – Winter Turns to Spring

I enjoyed It Happens Every Spring because it tackled some difficult marital issues in a non-threatening way. For many people it is easier to sit back and enjoy a novel rather than read a "self-help" book. This book gives you both for the price of one. People who may be apposed to counseling even Christian counseling may come to realize that they are not alone in the problems they deal with and they may find the encouragement they need to seek outside counseling.

Back of Books Says:

Word travels fast at the Just As I Am Beauty Shop. So when a simple homeless man appears on Steve and Brenda Hansen’s doorstep, the entire shop is abuzz especially when Brenda lets him sleep on her porch.

That’s not all the neighbors are talking about. Spring is blooming outdoors, but an icy chill has settled over the Hansen’s marriage. Steve is keeping late hours with clients and the usually upbeat Brenda is feeling the absence of her husband and college-age kids.

Add to that the unsavory business moving in next to the beauty shop and the entire community gets turned upside down. Now Brenda’s friends must unite to pull her out of her rut, and keep the unwanted store out of town. But can Steve and Brenda learn to thaw their chilly marriage and enjoy the hope that spring offers?

For a book excerpt go here. If you've already read the book and would like to answer discussion questions go here.

Four Seasons Series

I'm reading a neat series co-authored by Gary Chapman (author of "The Five Love Languages") and Catherine Palmer. The books are fiction based on Gary Chapman's love languages and four seasons of marriage non-fiction works. Mr. Chapman says that "marriages are always moving from one season to another."

The titles of the four novels are:

It Happens Every Spring
Summer Breeze
Falling for You Again
Winter Turns to Sping.

He describes the four seasons:

"Winter - discouraged, detached, and dissatisfied
Spring - openness, hope, and anticipation
Summer - comfortable, relaxed, and enjoying life
Fall - uncertainty, negligence, and apprehension"

He says that "the cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marraige, just as the seasons repeat themselves in nature." If you want more information on the Four Seasons of marriage check out his book - The Four Seasons of Marriage.

Regardless of the season that your marriage is in at this time you will find helpful advice and encouragement in story form. Enjoy!