Winter Turns to Spring

OMW!! I have this whole series and I just adore it! The characters are so great! You are guaranteed to find someone to relate to in this 4 book series located in a small lake community in Arkansas and I would be surprised if you don't just fall in love with Cody and his passion for chocolate cake cut into squares.

What a wonderful story about an older couple in love. You don't see much written about people that are in the last years of marriage.

Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08) "Winter Turns to Spring" is the fourth installment of the "Four Seasons of Marriage" series that started with "It Happens Every Spring." The "Four Seasons of Marriage" principle was developed by the co-author Gary Chapman who believes that marriage is a continuous journey back and forth through different seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. "Winter means difficulty. Marriage is harder in this season of cold silence and bitter winds." This installment revolves around newlyweds Brad and Ashley Hanes who find themselves living separate lives. Brad works construction during the day. Ashley works at night at a country club while trying to run an on-line beaded jewelry business during the day. Instead of waiting for Ashley at home, Brad frequents the local pub, Larry's Lake Lounge with his friend, Mack Lang. This is where Brad finds an abandoned puppy outside in the cold which he brings home thinking that it may bring him and Ashley closer. During the course of the story, however, more things happen between them that make it more difficult to keep their marriage together. The residents of Deepwater Cove grow concerned and try to help the couple through the Tea Lover's Club held at the local `Just As I Am' beauty salon as well as the `Men's Bible Study' at the `Rods-N-Ends.' Only Brad and Ashley's faith in God and the power to forgive can help them through this winter season. Because I am married, I understood some of the "ups and downs" that Brad, Ashley and the other characters in the story go through. Marriage is not easy. It takes effort, understanding, forgiveness and love. Like the seasons, it is forever evolving and changing. Even though I have not read the other three books in this series ("It Happens Every Spring," "Summer Breeze," and "Falling for You Again") this read like a stand-alone novel. The characters in "Winter Turns to Spring" were well-developed so you felt like you personally knew each and every one. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Cody Goss (who is autistic, and an inspiring artist) and Jennifer Moore. I am definitely a fan. I intend to read the other books in this series to learn more about the people of Deepwater Cove.

A very interesting series of 4 books - I loved them all. Catherine Palmer has done a really good job of developing her characters and making the seasons of marriage come to life. She does a great job with Dr. Chapman's 4 Seasons of Marriage concept. Dr. Chapman's teaming up with Catherine is a winner for all of us. I wish there were more books coming out to continue this series because I really enjoyed the characters and story line. I look forward to more great books from both Catherine Palmer and Gary Chapman!

I read Catherine Palmer's books as soon as they are publishe, and keep all of her books on a special shelf. The four-book marriage series has been excellent. I knew her wonderful parents, and prayed for them and for Catherine and her siblings when they were growing up on mission fields, but would love her writing even if I didn't have that connection. Elizabeth Swadley