Summer Breeze

Four Seasons of Marriage #2

by Catherine Palmer, Gary Chapman

In book two of this fiction series based on the best-selling non-fiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage, readers meet the blended family of Derek and Kim Finley. Kim has a set of twins--one boy and one girl--from her first marriage; Luke has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and Lydia is acting out as a result of the attention now being showered on Luke. To complicate matters, Derek's overbearing mother comes to live with them. With all that's going on in their lives, Kim and Derek's communication begins to break down and their marriage slowly moves into winter. Although the second book will focus on Kim and Derek, readers will also encounter all their favorite characters--Patsy Pringle, Pete Roberts, Steve and Brenda, Esther and Charlie--as well as some new ones, like the proprietor of the new sandwich shop that's moved in next to Patsy's beauty parlor.

The series is based on the marriage principles found in Gary Chapman's non-fiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. Similar in tone and light-hearted, quirky humor as Jan Karon's Mitford series, Fannie Flagg's books or Steel Magnolias. Each book has a study guide that talks about the four seasons of marriage and the healing strategies depicted in that volume's story.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Marriage, Contemporary, Drama

ebook

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Catherine Palmer lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tim, where they serve as missionaries in a refugee community. They have two grown sons. Cathy is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and holds a master's degree in English from Baylor University. Her first book was published in 1988. Since then she has published over 50 novels, many of them national best sellers. Catherine has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Christy Award, the highest honor in Christian fiction. In 2004, she was given the Career Achievement Award for Inspirational Romance by "Romantic Times" magazine. More than 2 million copies of Catherine's novels are currently in print. The Author's Work With her compelling characters and strong message of Christian faith, Catherine is known for writing fiction that "touches the hearts and souls of readers." Her many collections include A Town Called Hope, Treasures of the Heart, Finders Keepers, English Ivy, and the Miss Pickworth series. Catherine also recently coauthored the Four Seasons fiction series with Gary Chapman, the "New York Times" best-selling author of "The Five Love Languages."

Reviews

[Unsolved ☕︎ Mystery]

It was more interesting than book 1: It Happens Every Spring.

One thing I like about these books/series is they are realistic.
Quiet nice town. Residents who would help you if you needed help.
I'd love to live in Deepwater Cove.
I'm invested in reading about this small town and the people in it.

I'm waiting in anticipation to read book 3: Falling For You Again. Its gonna be a sad read. I have my tissues ready to go.

To go with the "Seasons" challenge; I won't read that until September.

[Leslie]

Looking for a light, entertaining audio book to listen to while getting ready in the morning; I picked up "Summer Breeze" at our local library. This Christian oriented book is part of the Four Seasons fiction series, focusing on four couples, all in different seasons of life. "Summer Breeze" shares truths and life lessons on navigating relationships between spouses, children, friends and neighbors, family harmony, resolving conflicts, forgiveness and acceptance of those who are different from us. I was looking for entertainment when I picked up this audio book, but I received so much more, lessons I can apply to my daily life, all from an engaging book, delivered in a style that is not overly sweet or sentimental. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to the other books in the series.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library)]

The light-hearted drama that started in It Happens Every Spring continues in Summer Breeze, the second outing in Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer's Four Seasons literary quadrilogy. Although pretty much all the characters are from the premiere novel, the focus is on a different family: mom, stepdad, two preteen twins, and an overbearing mother/grandmother/mother-in-law. As usual, the struggles are there, and they are presented in a realistic yet tasteful way. Those who enjoyed It Happens Every Spring will find plenty to like about Summer Breeze.

[Coralee]

I'm continuing to enjoy this series. In this one, it was more clear the author's purpose was to illustrate different types of conflict in relationships and how the solutions are not so cut-and-dry. The stories are heartwarming but still very realistic, which I found impressive. So too are the characters. Another joy to read.

[Ellouise Tubbs]

This is the second book in the Four Season’s series and it does not disappoint. The characters in this series face a lot of the everyday challenges people face in life and the dedication they all seem to have to God and one another is the key that holds them together.

[Jodi]

This was the second book in the series. I really liked the characters and it was nice to read about them again. I was sad when Cody left to go see his aunt. I thought the story line about the mother in law coming to help and then coming to live with them was interesting. I did not like that the new husband finally admitted to a gambling addiction after three years of marriage and that his mother was making him repay all the debt. He has a new wife and two children and all their savings is going to his mother. I thought that was terrible. The mother in law was an intersting women and it made it hard to like her. I dont think that I ever did. It was a good book but I liked the first book better.

[Lívia]

Absolutely loved it :)💛 I really love reading small town stories, it's good to read about such converging community. The characters are lovable, ordinary, with ordinary problems which they solve with the help of each other and their faith. A charming, funny story, should be read in every summer :)💛

[Melissa (Always Behind)]

SEcond in marriage series, some of it seems like nonfiction book examples, but some good characters and situations.

[Lizanne De Jong]

Heerlijk zomers wegleesboek zat er helemaal in

[Quezia]

Em Brisa de Verão, acompanhamos a história de Derek e Amy, um casal que parecia viver um casamento perfeito, mas que, pouco a pouco, vai se vendo preso em tensões e segredos. A narrativa mostra como pequenas escolhas e ressentimentos podem minar uma relação — e também como o perdão, a comunicação e a fé são capazes de restaurá-la.
Enfim...
Casamentos não acabam por causa de uma única crise, mas pelo acúmulo de mágoas não resolvidas.

O amor verdadeiro requer escolha diária, comunicação aberta e disposição para perdoar.

Quando colocado nas mãos de Deus, um relacionamento pode florescer novamente, mesmo após uma fase de escuridão.

[Stacey E.]

As I mentioned in my previous review, I was so hooked after the first book that I immediately ordered the rest of the series. Although I did enjoy book one better, book two did not disappoint. I was so happy to see Cody still around and watch the development of his character, he's my favorite! I was also glad to see some sense come into the twins, they were very disrespectful and I wanted to whip them multiple times. Looking forward to reading books three and four.

[Mary Elizabeth Morton]

Book #2 in this Four Seasons series is more interesting than Book #1, with better character development and some intruige to make the story more entertaining. I continue to note that most of the women characters in these books so far, are whiny and stubborn, and the men 'super fixers' believing they are the only ones who can help their women. I still plan to read the last two books with each of their seasons in the fall and winter.🙂❤️📚

[Linda]

Interesting storyline. Honestly, the lack of a willingness to communicate on the part of the H would have been a serious red flag. Moving his mother in would have made it even worse! She definitely got on my nerves. Of course, things smoothed out and the couple regained their strength and focus and the mother-in-law from where ever toned it down.

[Virma]

Once again, this read was pleasant but a bit too long. I hope this is not how all he books in this series will turn out. Some of the middle just seem to make the conflict become a broken record and makes you want to tune out. Let’s hope the next one is better.

[Donna McPherson]

Another cute installment in the "Four Seasons" fiction series. This one focuses on a different couple in Deepwater Cove and and the challenges they experience. Although it is not neccesary, I suggest starting with book 1 of the series and reading them in order.

[Mandy]

This sure had a ton of arguing and yelling for being an inspirational book category.

[Sandie]

These books are so cute. They have a Mayberry feel to them.

[Senator]

While I thought the inclusion of someone who is not Christian was a nice touch, I really was not pleased with the intolerance. It... was... okay otherwise.

[Amy]

A little disappointing due to some loose ends toward the end of the book.

[Dhaverma]

Tons of winning and preaching

[Elisabeth]

I liked Gary Chapman’s additions. I felt like I got better insight into what men maybe thinking.

[Joe Erickson]

Learning what being a real Christian is like.

What an entertaining way to learn how to live like a real Christian!Excellent examples of growth in families with real-life issues.

[Joy]

I actually enjoyed it better that the first book.

[Carol Ann Labosky]

I love this book!

[Danni]

Good book

[Elizabeth Ray]

Enjoyed this whole series on audiobook

[Have Faith And Read]

4 stars

I liked Kim and Derek’s story. I was able to identify with Kim and her struggles. I continue to love the faith in these stories. Time for number 3!

[Dorinda Morrison]

Not my type book. I bought two of the series mainly because of the book cover, will not look for the third one. Not really into the characters or story.

[Chris]

THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY

Personal Note: I liked the first book better.

The light-hearted drama that started in It Happens Every Spring continues in Summer Breeze, the second outing in Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer's Four Seasons literary quadrilogy. Although pretty much all the characters are from the premiere novel, the focus is on a different family: mom, stepdad, two preteen twins, and an overbearing mother/grandmother/mother-in-law. As usual, the struggles are there, and they are presented in a realistic yet tasteful way.

******
I really liked the characters, especially Cody, Pete and Patsy, but some of them I did not enjoy. Kim's children were rude and disrespectful and it helps that it is revealed why early on in the book but I did not enjoy them as characters until the book was almost over. I enjoyed reading the references to Steve and Brenda's marital troubles that were the focus of the first book since I didn't read the first book. I also liked that at least one couple were firmly on the right track and able to help the other couples. I dislike the in-law story line in most media because it's predictable and seeing the disrespectful behavior between the two family members is really irksome to me. This book was no exception. Miranda really crossed the line, I think, whenever she referenced that Luke and Lydia were not really her grandkids. That is not acceptable behavior. The way Kim and Derek communicated with each other also highly annoyed me. She didn't realize that her way of communicating needed an adjustment when it came to her husband and her frustration at his response was annoying because she couldn't see that her approach was the problem. I did like the slight twist near the end of the book concerning the nature of Derek's relationship with his mom. That added an extra layer to the plot. With all that being said, I really liked the conclusion of the book. I understand it was based on a non-fiction book about communication so I can see why it is written the way it is. I really enjoyed seeing everyone take the time to "fish" with their significant others and start communicating effectively. It was beautiful to read. I also enjoyed seeing the little hints about the plot for the next book.

************
This was the second book in the series. I really liked the characters and it was nice to read about them again. I was sad when Cody left to go see his aunt. I thought the story line about the mother in law coming to help and then coming to live with them was interesting. I did not like that the new husband finally admitted to a gambling addiction after three years of marriage and that his mother was making him repay all the debt. He has a new wife and two children and all their savings is going to his mother. I thought that was terrible. The mother in law was an intersting women and it made it hard to like her. I dont think that I ever did. It was a good book but I liked the first book better.

********

[Candace]

This was an interesting journey for me on this book. Ok honestly, reading this book annoyed me 75% of the time I was reading it. I really liked the characters, especially Cody, Pete and Patsy, but some of them I did not enjoy. Kim's children were rude and disrespectful and it helps that it is revealed why early on in the book but I did not enjoy them as characters until the book was almost over. I enjoyed reading the references to Steve and Brenda's marital troubles that were the focus of the first book since I didn't read the first book. I also liked that at least one couple were firmly on the right track and able to help the other couples. I dislike the in-law story line in most media because it's predictable and seeing the disrespectful behavior between the two family members is really irksome to me. This book was no exception. Miranda really crossed the line, I think, whenever she referenced that Luke and Lydia were not really her grandkids. That is not acceptable behavior. The way Kim and Derek communicated with each other also highly annoyed me. She didn't realize that her way of communicating needed an adjustment when it came to her husband and her frustration at his response was annoying because she couldn't see that her approach was the problem. I did like the slight twist near the end of the book concerning the nature of Derek's relationship with his mom. That added an extra layer to the plot. With all that being said, I really liked the conclusion of the book. I understand it was based on a non-fiction book about communication so I can see why it is written the way it is. I really enjoyed seeing everyone take the time to "fish" with their significant others and start communicating effectively. It was beautiful to read. I also enjoyed seeing the little hints about the plot for the next book. I liked the characters involved in the next novel so I might read it. 2 and a half stars