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Seasons of Life
The fundamental truth of life is the fact that everything changes. Change is relentless, impartial, and regardless of whether we're ready or not, change is completely inevitable. But the irony of change is that it follows a predictable pattern. All things will bloom, grow, decay, and die before they can be reborn.
Seasons of Life offers a philosophical perspective on this cycle of creation, using nature as a mirror and metaphor for spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Designed to be read chronologically, this decade-long collection combines lyrical poetry, nature photography, and two small novels into a scrapbook-style story about embracing the beauty and chaos of change. May this book help you find peace with your endings, and welcome a new beginning.
Seasons of Life offers a philosophical perspective on this cycle of creation, using nature as a mirror and metaphor for spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Designed to be read chronologically, this decade-long collection combines lyrical poetry, nature photography, and two small novels into a scrapbook-style story about embracing the beauty and chaos of change. May this book help you find peace with your endings, and welcome a new beginning.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Emma vanGrieken
1 book4 followersEmma vanGrieken is an author and artist. She lives with her husband, daughter, and loyal dog in Haldimand County, Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University where she created her own major to study how stories shape our reality.
Her work draws depth from her journeys hiking mountains, climbing volcanos, swimming oceans, building fires, bathing in waterfalls, backpacking Europe, planting trees in Northern Canada, studying yoga in Central America, and living immersed in nature.
Her work draws depth from her journeys hiking mountains, climbing volcanos, swimming oceans, building fires, bathing in waterfalls, backpacking Europe, planting trees in Northern Canada, studying yoga in Central America, and living immersed in nature.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 18, 2025
What a beautifully put together collection of poems and stories. I can be a slow reader at times but I didn’t want to put this book down! Where to even begin!
Seasons of Life is a collection of poems, short stories and 2 ongoing stories that we continue to get snippets of through the book. The book is divided into the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season brings new though provoking poems and intriguing characters, keeping you on your toes throughout your whole read!
I think that all of the poems were masterfully assigned a season, and as I read through the book I could feel why they were in the section they were given. Emma was raw, authentic and vulnerable in many of these pieces and I resonated with a lot of what she said. She gave perspectives on not only the general world but also her own life and experiences, bravely sharing past traumas and her healing journey throughout the seasons. I especially loved “Change”, which can be found in the spring section. What an uplifting note to remind readers to slow down, take things one day at a time, and that you will continue to grow and change and that is what you are meant to do. The photos and images included throughout the book gave it a unique edge to other collections I’ve read, pairing beautiful imagery with the poems to elevate the message was a great idea and gives a nice break from the constant plain word pages we are used to.
What I really loved was getting a taste of Emma’s fiction writing. Through multiple short stories and letters, we get introduced to a variety of lovable, and maybe not so lovable, characters and situations that are sometimes relatable and definitely fun to read. Without giving anything away, I will say I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read the end of the Gazebo story. Emma has a talent for descriptive writing and there was not one point of any of the stories that I could not vividly imagine the scene or character in my head. She puts you right there in the story and you can’t help but get sucked into the adventure. I can’t wait to see more of this style of writing in the future.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut from Emma, she is an extremely talented and imaginative author who will no doubt leave us wanting more every time. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Seasons of Life is a collection of poems, short stories and 2 ongoing stories that we continue to get snippets of through the book. The book is divided into the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each season brings new though provoking poems and intriguing characters, keeping you on your toes throughout your whole read!
I think that all of the poems were masterfully assigned a season, and as I read through the book I could feel why they were in the section they were given. Emma was raw, authentic and vulnerable in many of these pieces and I resonated with a lot of what she said. She gave perspectives on not only the general world but also her own life and experiences, bravely sharing past traumas and her healing journey throughout the seasons. I especially loved “Change”, which can be found in the spring section. What an uplifting note to remind readers to slow down, take things one day at a time, and that you will continue to grow and change and that is what you are meant to do. The photos and images included throughout the book gave it a unique edge to other collections I’ve read, pairing beautiful imagery with the poems to elevate the message was a great idea and gives a nice break from the constant plain word pages we are used to.
What I really loved was getting a taste of Emma’s fiction writing. Through multiple short stories and letters, we get introduced to a variety of lovable, and maybe not so lovable, characters and situations that are sometimes relatable and definitely fun to read. Without giving anything away, I will say I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read the end of the Gazebo story. Emma has a talent for descriptive writing and there was not one point of any of the stories that I could not vividly imagine the scene or character in my head. She puts you right there in the story and you can’t help but get sucked into the adventure. I can’t wait to see more of this style of writing in the future.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut from Emma, she is an extremely talented and imaginative author who will no doubt leave us wanting more every time. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
September 30, 2024
I think the pieces I read were very meaningful and well put together. I like Emma’s style of writing and the mix of poems and stories.
The writing made me feel like I could relate to the material and at peace knowing I’m not alone in certain emotions. I also found myself feeling like I kept wanting to read more.
I think this style of book is for someone either on a healing/spiritual journey or someone who is looking to feel validated with their emotions although they might not have the words to describe them on their own.
There was nothing I did not like about what I read.
The writing made me feel like I could relate to the material and at peace knowing I’m not alone in certain emotions. I also found myself feeling like I kept wanting to read more.
I think this style of book is for someone either on a healing/spiritual journey or someone who is looking to feel validated with their emotions although they might not have the words to describe them on their own.
There was nothing I did not like about what I read.
March 20, 2025
Absolutely devoured this book; the short stories and letters throughout the novel are gripping! The poetry is smooth and transitions you through each season & emotion. The Character development in the chapter book portion had me wondering how the author had written a fictional character that I swear I have met. So many amazing things about this book; perfect for all seasons
October 3, 2024
Emma’s writing makes you think. Her descriptions of life feel both relatable and inspiring. Deep and independent souls will love this!
October 23, 2024
Emma the author has a talent for weaving beautiful imagery with impactful messages directed at the soul. The book is a steady, encouraging voice that uses clever rhymes and flowing rhythm to put feelings that will resonate with universal womanhood into words, however anyone would thoroughly enjoy reading this literature.
There was a sense of growing up and finding oneself in many of the poems, of battling and shaking hands with anxiety, coming to terms with our successes and failures, and pushing boundaries within the confines of societal norms and expectations. A piece would often make me reach for my journal to write about my own similar experiences and feelings. It’s a wonderful work to feel heard, reflect, and find growth.
Highly recommend this book!
There was a sense of growing up and finding oneself in many of the poems, of battling and shaking hands with anxiety, coming to terms with our successes and failures, and pushing boundaries within the confines of societal norms and expectations. A piece would often make me reach for my journal to write about my own similar experiences and feelings. It’s a wonderful work to feel heard, reflect, and find growth.
Highly recommend this book!
October 26, 2024
I'm not much a reader, so when I do choose to read something, a book like this wouldn't typically be on my radar. So I was pleasantly surprised that it peaked my interest. I was initially intimidated by the fact that chunks would be written as poems, but I found them to be easy to read and understand. I never got overwhelmed by trying to nail down the right pace in my head. I did find that some passages I read fell flat. They just didn't keep my attention, for whatever reason, as other parts did (extremely well, I might add!). Although I'll probably not read it cover to cover and look for sections I like instead, I do feel like it's well written. I just don't think I'm the right reader for it.
October 14, 2024
Emma’s literary voice in “Love, Loss & Healing” is simultaneously profound and impactful, filled with a frankness that is relatable, an emotive mirror that readers will most assuredly see a portion of their soul reflected back in. Her words are galvanizing in the depths of their despair, magnificently showcasing the maturity and growth that arises from hard-earned lessons of this mortal coil. The sentiment is pensive, yet offers hope for the future, if we but all of us shift our perspective towards positivity’s healing light.
If you’re searching for a wonderful poetry collection, definitely purchase a copy of Seasons of Life!
If you’re searching for a wonderful poetry collection, definitely purchase a copy of Seasons of Life!
October 26, 2024
Emma’s passages frame the deep wisdom and spirituality she has come to possess through her life’s triumphs and challenges. In the her poetry and her prose, by her intuition and skill, she has realized something extraordinary: an articulation of a strange and common feeling that can only be understood.
Seasons of Life brought me tears and gave me chills as I reflected on my own life at the behest of Emma’s words. I am lucky to have read it and I’ll carry a piece of it in my thoughts; it has pointed to something I already carry in my heart.
A beautiful book. Highly recommend!
Seasons of Life brought me tears and gave me chills as I reflected on my own life at the behest of Emma’s words. I am lucky to have read it and I’ll carry a piece of it in my thoughts; it has pointed to something I already carry in my heart.
A beautiful book. Highly recommend!
October 28, 2024
This book explores many themes and does a beautiful job of weaving them together in a way that is both relatable and unique. It is very honest and vulnerable, with some show-stopping lines sprinkled throughout the pages. I must say I found the formatting of having each line capitalised a little distracting as it made it difficult for me to read it with a nice flow in my head at first. But it was definitely worth working past that to get to the heart of the poems!
October 2, 2024
The poems in the section, "Remember Who You Are," are a captivating collection that beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery. Each poem is woven with raw emotion and vivid imagery, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths. The author, Emma vanGrieken, explores themes of vulnerability, growth, and resilience, making it easy for anyone to find a piece of themselves within the verses. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate their own inner journey of growth and finding oneself.
I resonated with the poem CHANGE, so much. It beautifully captures the tension between the pressures of a busy life and the necessity of slowing down. Its reassuring tone offers a gentle reminder that it's okay to take a step back and embrace the present moment. The repeated affirmations—“Yes” and “No”—create a rhythmic tempo that reinforces the message of self-acceptance and patience. The imagery and metaphors beautifully emphasize that transformation is a part of life, much like the changing seasons, inviting readers to embrace their own evolution without guilt.
The poems in the section Love, Loss, and Healing, convey a sense of hope and the importance of nurturing oneself. The poems bring gentle reassurance, reminding me that growth often happens quietly and gradually. Through beautiful metaphors and visuals, these poems encourage a sense of patience and kindness toward ourselves during times of transition. Overall, they evoke feelings of appreciation for life’s complexities and a sense of encouragement to embrace the journey of becoming.
The poem "Where Everything Begins," transitions from isolation to connection—finding friends, healing family relationships, and eventually marrying someone special—highlights the importance of community and love in the healing process. It’s a powerful reminder that while the journey can be messy and challenging, it can also lead to profound growth and fulfillment. It resonates with the struggles many face in feeling lost or disconnected but also inspires hope through the journey of self-discovery and healing. It reminds me of the resilience we all have, and how meaningful connections can emerge from that healing process. Overall, it feels like a powerful testament to growth and the possibility of reclaiming one’s true self.
Emma has written a beautiful collection of poems. I can't wait to continue reading her written artwork.
I resonated with the poem CHANGE, so much. It beautifully captures the tension between the pressures of a busy life and the necessity of slowing down. Its reassuring tone offers a gentle reminder that it's okay to take a step back and embrace the present moment. The repeated affirmations—“Yes” and “No”—create a rhythmic tempo that reinforces the message of self-acceptance and patience. The imagery and metaphors beautifully emphasize that transformation is a part of life, much like the changing seasons, inviting readers to embrace their own evolution without guilt.
The poems in the section Love, Loss, and Healing, convey a sense of hope and the importance of nurturing oneself. The poems bring gentle reassurance, reminding me that growth often happens quietly and gradually. Through beautiful metaphors and visuals, these poems encourage a sense of patience and kindness toward ourselves during times of transition. Overall, they evoke feelings of appreciation for life’s complexities and a sense of encouragement to embrace the journey of becoming.
The poem "Where Everything Begins," transitions from isolation to connection—finding friends, healing family relationships, and eventually marrying someone special—highlights the importance of community and love in the healing process. It’s a powerful reminder that while the journey can be messy and challenging, it can also lead to profound growth and fulfillment. It resonates with the struggles many face in feeling lost or disconnected but also inspires hope through the journey of self-discovery and healing. It reminds me of the resilience we all have, and how meaningful connections can emerge from that healing process. Overall, it feels like a powerful testament to growth and the possibility of reclaiming one’s true self.
Emma has written a beautiful collection of poems. I can't wait to continue reading her written artwork.
October 3, 2024
Reading Love, Loss & Healing felt like having a heart-to-heart with a close friend. The way Emma talks about going through hard times and finding herself again really struck me. The writing was simple and easy to understand, which made it even more emotional for me because I didn’t feel like I had to try too hard to get the message.
The part that stood out to me most was Where Everything Begins. It was so raw and real, talking about how hard it is to pull yourself out of a dark place. It reminded me of times when I’ve felt lost and needed to reconnect with myself. I also really liked To Bloom because it was such a gentle reminder to be patient with ourselves as we grow.
This book is great for anyone who’s on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or just trying to understand life better. It’s reflective without being overwhelming. If you’re someone who enjoys simple but meaningful writing, this is definitely for you.
If I had to choose something I didn’t like as much was that some sections felt a bit repetitive. But honestly, that’s kind of how life is when you’re healing—you have to revisit the same feelings over and over before you can move forward.
Overall, I think this is a heartfelt, relatable book, and I’m so proud of my friend Emma for putting it out there. It’s comforting and reminds you that no matter where you are, there’s always hope for healing.
The part that stood out to me most was Where Everything Begins. It was so raw and real, talking about how hard it is to pull yourself out of a dark place. It reminded me of times when I’ve felt lost and needed to reconnect with myself. I also really liked To Bloom because it was such a gentle reminder to be patient with ourselves as we grow.
This book is great for anyone who’s on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or just trying to understand life better. It’s reflective without being overwhelming. If you’re someone who enjoys simple but meaningful writing, this is definitely for you.
If I had to choose something I didn’t like as much was that some sections felt a bit repetitive. But honestly, that’s kind of how life is when you’re healing—you have to revisit the same feelings over and over before you can move forward.
Overall, I think this is a heartfelt, relatable book, and I’m so proud of my friend Emma for putting it out there. It’s comforting and reminds you that no matter where you are, there’s always hope for healing.
March 28, 2025
Of course my review is going to be completely biased, but I will say this.
There will always be things I would choose to do differently with this book in retrospect and that's just the way art is. At some point, the idea of perfection has to stop being the driving force behins ambition in favour of a finished piece. After 10 years of working on this collection as life unfolded, I'm proud this book is finaly done.
There are pieces in the book that I actually do not like. Some poems just aren't my favourite. Some are repatative, and some are more like half-finished thoughts than poems in and of themselves. But in order to move on with something, we have to let the old thing go, so I'm happy to say that Seasons of Life, it all its debut imperfection, will forever hold my heart and serve as a baseline for where my work will go next.
A lifelong dream of publishing books is somehow both completed and only just getting started.
I'm forever thankful to you for reading, rating, and reviewing with your honest thoughts.
Thank you reading my world 🤍
There will always be things I would choose to do differently with this book in retrospect and that's just the way art is. At some point, the idea of perfection has to stop being the driving force behins ambition in favour of a finished piece. After 10 years of working on this collection as life unfolded, I'm proud this book is finaly done.
There are pieces in the book that I actually do not like. Some poems just aren't my favourite. Some are repatative, and some are more like half-finished thoughts than poems in and of themselves. But in order to move on with something, we have to let the old thing go, so I'm happy to say that Seasons of Life, it all its debut imperfection, will forever hold my heart and serve as a baseline for where my work will go next.
A lifelong dream of publishing books is somehow both completed and only just getting started.
I'm forever thankful to you for reading, rating, and reviewing with your honest thoughts.
Thank you reading my world 🤍
October 21, 2024
I had the pleasure of getting an early reading package! Emma’s writing is honest, raw, deep and beautifully said all together. Soul Shards and Breakthrough really resonated with me. They made me feel heard, even though the words were not my own, I could relate to the emotions felt behind them.
Seasons of life would be a good read for anyone on their own healing journey, or anyone who likes to reflect on life and the many seasons we go through. It is filled with powerful pieces and I can’t wait to read the rest!!
There wasn’t particularly anything I didn’t like about it, I do however encourage you to ALSO check out her spoken-word album Darkness to Light if you haven’t already because hearing her recite her work gives me chills! ✨
Seasons of life would be a good read for anyone on their own healing journey, or anyone who likes to reflect on life and the many seasons we go through. It is filled with powerful pieces and I can’t wait to read the rest!!
There wasn’t particularly anything I didn’t like about it, I do however encourage you to ALSO check out her spoken-word album Darkness to Light if you haven’t already because hearing her recite her work gives me chills! ✨
October 2, 2024
Reading through the “Remember who you are” portion of Seasons of Life gave me full body goosebumps right away.
Emma’s writing has a way of speaking directly and honestly to your soul. She has found the words to beautifully and descriptively describe, quite literally, different seasons of life.
As a reader, you’re bound to see yourself in her words.
I find her style of writing to be gently assertive, flowing, and artistic. If you’re someone on a journey of healing and introspection, this book is absolutely for you.
Emma’s writing has a way of speaking directly and honestly to your soul. She has found the words to beautifully and descriptively describe, quite literally, different seasons of life.
As a reader, you’re bound to see yourself in her words.
I find her style of writing to be gently assertive, flowing, and artistic. If you’re someone on a journey of healing and introspection, this book is absolutely for you.
October 28, 2024
I thought seasons of life is the absolute perfect name for this book. I read remember who you are and it really gets you thinking about who you are/were/going to be even throughout the changes of the seasons of your life. It lays out your emotions we all feel in the human experience throughout our lives in different stages. I loved dazzelled delight. These pieces get you to slow down and really think about a piece/experience from your life. They get you to focus on that which we all so desperately need in this fast paced life.
July 17, 2025
Reading through the seasons of Emma's wonderful poetry left me yearning for more. As soon as you journey into her book, right from the intro, you are met with familiarity, like words you have felt internally for a long time. This is a hearty and insightful book of poetry that leaves you inspired. Some standout poems for me were 'fear unraveling daydreamer', 'what is a woman what is a man', soul shards, the cold quiet mountains, and wildflower and the wolf. This is the type of book you can revisit often, and I highly recommend!
October 24, 2024
I was very lucky to receive the early reading package of Seasons of Life from Emma. I really enjoyed reading the “Remember who you are” section; Emma’s voice is strong and empowering while also maintaining sophistication and elegance. I had chills reading this section as I felt so represented through her writing. I feel like people who are having a hard time connecting to themselves and feel lost would have a good time reading this book; as Emma’s writing is so relatable and healing.
October 26, 2024
Emma’s writing is reflective, beautiful, relatable, and honest. Reading her work swept me away and brought up memories and emotions of my own - probing self reflection and gratitude for the beauty in all the seasons of life experienced! I love her poetry. ❤️
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