All the Winters That Have Been

I had seen the movie based on this novel on television several years ago. The main characters, Dane and Helen, were played by Richard Chamberlain and Karen Allen. I had forgotten most of the story so I wanted to read the book. It is short and an easy, quick read. The characters were up and down with their feelings for each other and their denial of their feelings. I wasn't sure if I wanted them to get together or for Dane to take off, never to return to Raven Island. Not wanting to give away the ending, I must say that I had to keep reading to find out the ending that kept me wondering up to the very end. I enjoyed the book and made me want to read more by Evan Maxwell.

I needed this book for my book club. Bought a used copy and was very happy with how quickly I received it and the price.

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.

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.

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!