What do you think?
Rate this book
Four Seasons of Marriage #4
Winter Turns to Spring
This book will focus on Brad and Ashley Hanes, young newlyweds who are facing their first season of winter. Opposite work schedules, differing views on finances and when to start a family, and Brad's selfish and immature habits are forcing the young couple apart, causing them to question why they ever got married in the first place. It will take a whole lot of help―mostly from their nosy but well-meaning neighbors―for Ashley and Brad to pull their marriage out of the winter blues and into a hopeful spring. As usual, the residents of Deepwater Cove will pop in and out of the story to delight readers. They'll encounter Cody and see his continued independence and growing friendship with Jennifer; Patsy and Pete's escalating romance; and Charlie, a recent widower who is taking on the challenges and excitement of his golden years with zeal.
269 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
33 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Palmer
83 books282 followersLibrarian 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."
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."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 17, 2021
This is the last book in the The Four Seasons of Marriage book series.
I made a mini-challenge for myself to read each book with each turn of the season.
I completed the challenge.
I'm being honest when I say this book almost had me in tears; this was towards the end of the book when Ashley and Brad were talking (before the electricity went out)....
.....I went through something similar to what Ashley went through, so I could understand.
The book ended with an open ending. It wasn't finished; there was more to the story that was left out.
I wanted more of a telling of the relationship between Pete and Patsy; how their relationship was going after their wedding.
Also, was there a romantic relationship brewing between Bitty and Charlie?
Did Ashley and Brad ever have children? How they dealt with that?
Did a romantic relationship ever occur between Cody and Jennifer?
So many questions that didn't end with the ending of this quadrilogy. Its going to drive me crazy.
January 16, 2023
Ugh! I hate that this is over. I have grown to love each of these characters so much over these last 4 books. What am I going to do now?
May 10, 2011
"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 them selves 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. 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. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
May 11, 2013
A Quickie Review
The last book in the series, Winter Turns to Spring paints a stark, yet seemingly realistic portrait of a marriage quickly gone wrong. (I say "seemingly" because I've never been married, so how would I know what being that way is like?) Though the story is emotionally heavy, the great writing that was in every previous entry in the series continues here. I did feel that the ending left me hanging, almost like the last aired episode of a soon-canceled television show; still, no series needs to go on forever.
Content Concerns: A man is a drunkard, and cheats on his wife by committing adultery and looking at pornography, though that is all vilified. There is a car accident and a house fire, as well. Reincarnation gets mentioned, though that is vilified as well.
Score: 3.5/5
The last book in the series, Winter Turns to Spring paints a stark, yet seemingly realistic portrait of a marriage quickly gone wrong. (I say "seemingly" because I've never been married, so how would I know what being that way is like?) Though the story is emotionally heavy, the great writing that was in every previous entry in the series continues here. I did feel that the ending left me hanging, almost like the last aired episode of a soon-canceled television show; still, no series needs to go on forever.
Content Concerns: A man is a drunkard, and cheats on his wife by committing adultery and looking at pornography, though that is all vilified. There is a car accident and a house fire, as well. Reincarnation gets mentioned, though that is vilified as well.
Score: 3.5/5
July 4, 2017
this was the least favorite of the four books in the series for me. It could be because the season of my marriage is probably in the Autumn and they over in the spring. But I think it might have also been Ashley's whining and their constant fighting. I think there's so much truth in these books because it is co-written with a marriage therapist. You see the principles practiced. and it seems realistic. there's no oh I'm sorry after infidelity and the marriage is just healed boom it shows that it takes time to build trust etc etc. I felt they were really worth reading no matter what season in your marriage or in. Because each book seem to deal with the different season
April 23, 2021
I gave the book 3 stars because it was a good story and this last book takes you to the climax you have been waiting for....HOWEVER... the middle once again just drags over and over. I wanted to shake the two main characters of focus. Over and over we went through the same argument. I get wanting to portray the issues realistically but at some point you are think enough already. Now it is just fluff to make more pages in the book.
Overall, I’m glad I read this series. It was a pleasant read.
Overall, I’m glad I read this series. It was a pleasant read.
April 17, 2019
I have know people like Yvonne ('pronounced "Why-von'--too funny!!) While it would be lovely for everyone to have mentors like Esther and Charlie Moore, most of us do not. The dialogue between Brad and Ashley is definitely more idealistic. Ashley's unspoken thoughts are more how most people would (and likely do) respond to a spouse who had behaved as Brad. These stories, as written, are nice aspirations.
July 7, 2018
What a wonderfully satisfying and entertaining end to this fabulous series. I so wish everyone could read these books. The characters are real and the subtle guidance and counseling are above par. I understand autism much better, and Cody just lights up these stories. I can see why he wants to stay in Deepwater Cove!
March 11, 2024
I'm so glad I found these books. Such sweet but genuine stories that don't shy away from tackling serious problems. I'm sad the series is over. I'll miss these characters and their adventures in learning wisdom in loving relationships.
August 30, 2018
The intolerance continued in this book, but the young couple's story was so heartbreaking. I honestly didn't know how it would end. Still enjoyable.
July 29, 2021
This was the fourth and final book in the Four Seasons series. I became emotionally involved in the storylines, and will miss the setting and characters. If possible, read the four books in order.
June 21, 2022
Loved all the books in the series. This is at least the third time I've read them. I really enjoy the characters, especially Cody.
August 21, 2022
Great series! I wish there were more books.
August 25, 2023
Good book
September 8, 2023
Great
I loved the whole story line that happened with each character. I wish there was another book. I enjoyed this series do much.
I loved the whole story line that happened with each character. I wish there was another book. I enjoyed this series do much.
March 7, 2024
Christian characters managing the ups and downs of new marriage, losing loved ones, and having the faith to love again after being hurt make for a hopeful and authentic read.
April 25, 2024
Enjoyed this whole series on audiobook
April 8, 2025
A beautiful finish to this series. Of course my favorite character throughout the series was Cody with his humble heart.
January 14, 2017
Always Sad when a good series comes to the end:-)
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
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 them selves 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. Marriage is not easy. It takes effort, understanding, forgiveness and love. Like the seasons, it is forever evolving and changing
**********
Brad is hanging around regularly at Larry's - a local bar - with his friends after work while his wife, Ashley is working at the country club or at her bead business which is picking up. Brad is also planning on "picking up" - a particular singer at the bar, that is. Yvonne is the singer and is setting her sights on Brad. Nothing good can come of this.
Brad finds a dirty puppy outside the bar and brings it home, much to Ashley's dismay.
Ashley and Brad are fighting about not appreciating each other. They bick, bick, bicker. Brad makes an effort to work on the house with Mr. Moore and then he cleans up the house for Ashley but all she wants to do is talk, talk, talk. About her friends, her bead business, work. Brad grabs a beer from the fridge. Might as well get a buzz while listening to her go on and on.
Cody tells Brad that nobody likes him (Brad) except for Mr. Moore. Things get heated in more ways than one.
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
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 them selves 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. Marriage is not easy. It takes effort, understanding, forgiveness and love. Like the seasons, it is forever evolving and changing
**********
Brad is hanging around regularly at Larry's - a local bar - with his friends after work while his wife, Ashley is working at the country club or at her bead business which is picking up. Brad is also planning on "picking up" - a particular singer at the bar, that is. Yvonne is the singer and is setting her sights on Brad. Nothing good can come of this.
Brad finds a dirty puppy outside the bar and brings it home, much to Ashley's dismay.
Ashley and Brad are fighting about not appreciating each other. They bick, bick, bicker. Brad makes an effort to work on the house with Mr. Moore and then he cleans up the house for Ashley but all she wants to do is talk, talk, talk. About her friends, her bead business, work. Brad grabs a beer from the fridge. Might as well get a buzz while listening to her go on and on.
Cody tells Brad that nobody likes him (Brad) except for Mr. Moore. Things get heated in more ways than one.
April 3, 2009
I've previously read this in book format; this is audio
Brad is hanging around regularly at Larry's - a local bar - with his friends after work while his wife, Ashley is working at the country club or at her bead business which is picking up. Brad is also planning on "picking up" - a particular singer at the bar, that is. Yvonne is the singer and is setting her sights on Brad. Nothing good can come of this.
Brad finds a dirty puppy outside the bar and brings it home, much to Ashley's dismay.
Ashley and Brad are fighting about not appreciating each other. They bick, bick, bicker. Brad makes an effort to work on the house with Mr. Moore and then he cleans up the house for Ashley but all she wants to do is talk, talk, talk. About her friends, her bead business, work. Brad grabs a beer from the fridge. Might as well get a buzz while listening to her go on and on.
Cody tells Brad that nobody likes him (Brad) except for Mr. Moore. Things get heated in more ways than one.
Brad is hanging around regularly at Larry's - a local bar - with his friends after work while his wife, Ashley is working at the country club or at her bead business which is picking up. Brad is also planning on "picking up" - a particular singer at the bar, that is. Yvonne is the singer and is setting her sights on Brad. Nothing good can come of this.
Brad finds a dirty puppy outside the bar and brings it home, much to Ashley's dismay.
Ashley and Brad are fighting about not appreciating each other. They bick, bick, bicker. Brad makes an effort to work on the house with Mr. Moore and then he cleans up the house for Ashley but all she wants to do is talk, talk, talk. About her friends, her bead business, work. Brad grabs a beer from the fridge. Might as well get a buzz while listening to her go on and on.
Cody tells Brad that nobody likes him (Brad) except for Mr. Moore. Things get heated in more ways than one.
April 4, 2014
Another awesome book in this series!! What a way to close it out. Gary Chapman & Catherine Palmer did an excellent job with the entire "Four Seasons" series. In addition to getting an excellent story you also get some powerful teaching moments throughout the book as well. If you decide to read this book make sure that you start with the first book "In Happens Every Spring" & then follow with "Summer Breeze", & "Falling For You Again". I hope that they end up making at least one movie from the story line of this book series, as it really does lend itself to it.
I got hooked on this series through the Tyndale Rewards program. You can earn points through the program & receive free books (this whole series is on there) just for posting reviews on sites after reading various Tyndale books. It is a wonderful way to find new authors & earn free books. If you are interested in joining the Tyndale Rewards program follow this link.
www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=8bb...
I got hooked on this series through the Tyndale Rewards program. You can earn points through the program & receive free books (this whole series is on there) just for posting reviews on sites after reading various Tyndale books. It is a wonderful way to find new authors & earn free books. If you are interested in joining the Tyndale Rewards program follow this link.
www.tyndalerewards.com/signup/?pc=8bb...
January 10, 2014
This is the last book in the Four Seasons series. Brad and Ashley are the main focus of this installment. They are a young couple who have been married less than a year. Some of their problems are typical of a newly married couple while a few others are not. The authors take us into ways that the neighbors and friends try to help.
There are some funny scenes as well as serious ones. Good times and bad. As with the other books in this series, the author gives it's reader things to ponder and ways to help with relationships. Having God be the center of things certainly has it's advantages
Although I enjoyed this novel, it was my least favorite of the four. I still would highly recommend it, and the complete series, for anyone struggling with their marriage or even those who plan to marry.
There are some funny scenes as well as serious ones. Good times and bad. As with the other books in this series, the author gives it's reader things to ponder and ways to help with relationships. Having God be the center of things certainly has it's advantages
Although I enjoyed this novel, it was my least favorite of the four. I still would highly recommend it, and the complete series, for anyone struggling with their marriage or even those who plan to marry.
November 15, 2013
Wow I thought I was reading a book about my marriage gone bad. So many similarities. It is true you ignore someone of something so long they eventually find something or someone else.Ashley and Brad had alot of trouble in their marriage. With the help of neighbors and good friends they were able to figure out that they did still love each other and that they wanted it to work. Ashley worked a night job and this left Brad home alone. Brad had his own issues like drinking, going to the bars, and looking at other women. It was an interesting book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2010
I picked this up because was by the same author as 5 languages of love. This is suppose to correlate with another book about marriage phases. This is a novel, but I didn't realize this was the 4th book in the series till I was towards the end. I am not sure if I will go back and read the other books in the series but the marriage book might be interesting. The couple in this book fight a lot--glad I'm not in that phase.
December 6, 2024
I had read the first 3 books in the series and they were super but somehow didn't get access to the fourth. Now that I have, I had the best time reading it. Loved the catch up with previous characters. It's a book that encourages couples on what it takes to put in the effort through difficulties in marriage. Ashley and Brad had it tough, reading their journey was quite emotional but full of Godly teachings. Catherine and Gary gave the world a huge blessing with this quadrilogy .
March 2, 2011
The fourth book in this series focuses on the young couple, Brad and Ashley Hanes. The authors again portray realistic situations that young married couples face everyday then show how the love and guidance of God and good friends help the young couple regain what was thought lost. Life isn't always easy and in some cases we may give up too soon, unless we realize we are not alone.
November 4, 2011
This fourth and final installment in the Four Seasons of Marriage Christian fiction series was a good read. Brad and Ashley Hanes, a young, newly-married couple, encounter problems in their marriage. With the help of their friends in Deepwater Cove, Missouri, they try to put their marriage back together.
November 4, 2011
This is the 2nd book I've read from this author. I really like these books. I like the fact that the people are christian and they pray for help with daily things and fufn to Gid for fifgiveness. Basically, the people in these stories are living real life experiences and we can all relate some way or another.
June 17, 2014
I liked this book because I had already started living with the characters in the previous three books. This installment was probably my least favorite. It was very predictable, even more than the other three. It was an easy, quick read, and if you've read the other three books, you'll want to read this one, too.
August 12, 2008
Last book in the series. Reminds me a little of Jan Karon's style, but not quite as good. This one was disappointing in that it focused to specifically on one set of characters in the town...the others in the series seemed to include more of the townspeople.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews