Seasons of the Heart Series Review
Though only forty to fifty years old, I consider Janette Oke’s novels classics. When I got my own library card and started to read romance, Janette Oke’s series’ Love Come Softly, A Prairie Legacy, When Calls the Heart, and The Song of Acadia are what I poured through. That’s when I fell in love with the simple, cozy, sweet romances and faith filled books I still love today.
Today I’m reviewing her Seasons of the Heart, four book, series. Let’s begin!
Summary
Goodreads Blurbs
Once Upon a Summer
Sure, his family isn't typical-Josh knows that. He's a twelve-year-old orphan being raised by his eighteen-year-old aunt. When Grandpa and Uncle Charlie start making plans to find Auntie Lou a husband-and take away the only mother Josh has ever known-he knows something has to be done. His family has shaped the young man he has become. Now, as he grows into manhood, he begins to face important questions about life, love, and faith. How can he find his way when his whole world threatens to come apart?
Trying desperately to cling to the life he's always had, Josh does what he can to keep his aunt single. But when a preacher comes along, Josh sees that things are going to get complicated.
Winds of Autumn
"I don't know who was most excited that morning when the three of us hoisted packs on our backs and started off down the trail. Just before we disappeared from view of our yard, I turned for one more wave. You woulda thought we were marching off to war or something. I even saw Aunt Lou blow her nose on her white hankie. They all looked glad and sad at the same time--happy we were doing something we really wanted to do, anxious that everything would go all right, and a bit sad we were growing up." On the brink of manhood, Josh was facing important questions about life, about love, about himself..."I sure was having a time of it trying to sort out all these different ideas and feelings--maybe I should just go fishing!"
Winter is not Forever
Josh Jones realizes his family isn't typical, but it's the only life he's ever known. Aunt Lou, Gramps, Uncle Charlie, Grandpa--they all have shaped the young man he has become. But as he grows into manhood, Josh begins to face important questions about life, love, and faith.
Spring’s Gentle Promise
Josh Jones realizes his family isn't typical, but it's the only life he's ever known. Aunt Lou, Gramps, Uncle Charlie, Grandpa--they all have shaped the young man he has become. But as he grows into manhood, Josh begins to face important questions about life, love, and faith.
Evaluation
Like most of Janette’s novels, Seasons of the Heart is slower paced, but there’s no other way I’d have them, however. They were relaxing reads for me. They made me want to cuddle up with a soft blanket, hot cup of tea, and a candle. Perfect, right? The characters have their troubles but they aren’t dramatized like the books and Hallmark movies do it now a days. Their doubts, problems, and joys were all so relatable to me. I love the faith and God aspects that Janette Oke writes in. It doesn’t feel pushed or cheesy, though some might find it preachy perhaps. I don’t though. These short novels (and all her others) have all the perfect makings for a classic. They’re sweet, cozy, slow paced, relaxing, and realistic. I love them.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, I enjoyed this series. Because of that, it gets a 4.5/5 from me. If you like simplistic stories, want to skip the drama, uncomplicated romances, Little House on the Prairie, then I recommend this book to. I hope you enjoy these and God bless!
Would you like to see me do more reviews on Janette Oke’s books? If so, any in particular?
