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Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship
An Invitation to Love Well Through the Four Seasons
Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons that play a pivotal role in taking your relationship to the next level. But depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either strengthen and grow, or it will slowly begin to fade.
Maybe your relationship is in the first blooms of spring, when friendship takes root and attraction blossoms.
Maybe you’re in the season of summer, and things are starting to heat up—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Maybe you’re deep in fall, and your true colors are starting to shine through.
Or maybe you’re in winter, when the passion cools down and it would be all too easy to let the relationship freeze over.
Whether you’re single, dating, engaged or married, join author, counselor, and relationship expert Debra Fileta, creator of TrueLoveDates.com, as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons of every healthy relationship. You’ll learn to…
Recognize each season as it comes and navigate it with intention, focus, and practical steps.
Avoid the pitfalls of each stage by preparing for the hard moments and seeing them as opportunities to grow and connect.
Celebrate not just the magical moments of each season, but the day-to-day choices that pave the way for a lasting relationship.
No matter what your relationship status, you’re invited on a journey to strengthen and grow your love in every season.
Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons that play a pivotal role in taking your relationship to the next level. But depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either strengthen and grow, or it will slowly begin to fade.
Maybe your relationship is in the first blooms of spring, when friendship takes root and attraction blossoms.
Maybe you’re in the season of summer, and things are starting to heat up—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Maybe you’re deep in fall, and your true colors are starting to shine through.
Or maybe you’re in winter, when the passion cools down and it would be all too easy to let the relationship freeze over.
Whether you’re single, dating, engaged or married, join author, counselor, and relationship expert Debra Fileta, creator of TrueLoveDates.com, as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons of every healthy relationship. You’ll learn to…
Recognize each season as it comes and navigate it with intention, focus, and practical steps.
Avoid the pitfalls of each stage by preparing for the hard moments and seeing them as opportunities to grow and connect.
Celebrate not just the magical moments of each season, but the day-to-day choices that pave the way for a lasting relationship.
No matter what your relationship status, you’re invited on a journey to strengthen and grow your love in every season.
224 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2020
77 people are currently reading
3226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 31, 2020
I first started reading Debra Fileta’s blog True Love Dates about five years ago when I was deeply struggling with an extended time of singleness and self-doubt. Since then, her books have continually challenged and encouraged me in my journey through singleness and dating to engagement and marriage. Her latest book, Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship, is her best yet. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is written for everyone regardless of their current relationship status. Whether or not you are single, dating, engaged, or married, you will be able to recognize yourself or your relationship in one of Fileta’s four seasons of relationships.
As the title suggests, Fileta’s latest book details four relationship seasons: Spring is the time of attraction and getting to know each other, and summer is when everything heats up. Fall is a period of learning to navigate conflict and growing into a deeper relationship, while winter is a time filled with more struggles and the potential for apathy.
One of the most helpful points in this book is that a healthy relationship will cycle through these seasons multiple times—and not just move on a straight course from infatuation to boredom over the years.
Sometimes in our culture it is easy to buy into the idea that marriage is always difficult after the “honeymoon stage” is over, but Fileta reinforces the fact that this is simply not the case in a healthy relationship—especially one in which both people are seeking God and striving for individual health as well.
Fileta’s honesty, openness, and relatability, combined with her expertise as a professional counselor engage readers from the first page. Every chapter is filled with real-world applications and advice on how to navigate and grow in whatever season you may be experiencing in your relationship.
And if you’re single, you will find countless tips on how to prepare yourself for a future healthy relationship.
As the title suggests, Fileta’s latest book details four relationship seasons: Spring is the time of attraction and getting to know each other, and summer is when everything heats up. Fall is a period of learning to navigate conflict and growing into a deeper relationship, while winter is a time filled with more struggles and the potential for apathy.
One of the most helpful points in this book is that a healthy relationship will cycle through these seasons multiple times—and not just move on a straight course from infatuation to boredom over the years.
Sometimes in our culture it is easy to buy into the idea that marriage is always difficult after the “honeymoon stage” is over, but Fileta reinforces the fact that this is simply not the case in a healthy relationship—especially one in which both people are seeking God and striving for individual health as well.
Fileta’s honesty, openness, and relatability, combined with her expertise as a professional counselor engage readers from the first page. Every chapter is filled with real-world applications and advice on how to navigate and grow in whatever season you may be experiencing in your relationship.
And if you’re single, you will find countless tips on how to prepare yourself for a future healthy relationship.
September 10, 2020
This book's insight into the stages of marriage is amazingly accurate and helpful. The four seasons bring helpful information applicable. Every marriage needs to check in on its health and wellness throughout the different seasons, this book allows you to do just that.
January 17, 2020
I truly appreciate the honesty expressed throughout this book. I am often wary of spiritual books prescribing advice, since I have encountered many offering blind or biased advice. I was greatly relieved to see the ways Debra speaks from her faith and years as a counsellor, to offer encouraging stories and helpful tools. The questions at the end of each chapter summarize the chapter well and lead into great self reflection or times of discussion with your partner. The book is designed to be helpful for many audiences, but does highlight particular things for people married, single, or dating.
October 12, 2019
Comparing the seasons of a relationship to the seasons of a year, counselor and relationship specialist Debra Fileta aims to help couples appreciate each one in her new book Love in Every Season. Fileta says all four seasons are necessary for healthy relationships—each with its own purposes and opportunities for growth. Her goal in Love in Every Season is to help readers recognize or discover those opportunities and use them to their advantage so that their marriages are strengthened. Fileta takes readers on a journey through the four seasons of a marriage—spring, summer, winter, and fall—explaining their characteristics, pointing out the opportunities for growth and discovery, as well as potential obstacles that could hinder growth.
Each chapter ends with some reflections questions—a set for couples to work through together, and a set for singles. Just reading the questions, I am certain that those who take the opportunity to be intentional, honest, and transparent, will be amazed at the growth that will take place. Singles will find that as they contemplate the questions, they’ll begin to better prepare themselves for a healthy marriage and be able to more easily navigate the seasons of their future marriages.
I absolutely loved how Fileta wove together biblical truth with practical applications and stories from her own practice as a counselor. She helped me to remember that marriage is ultimately about God and reflecting his glory and how it should be my goal to reflect that in each season of marriage. I am certainly challenged by Fileta’s teaching. I am anxious to read this book again with my husband so we can make the most of the growth opportunities in every season of our marriage. I also look forward to the added layer of connection and openness that I’m sure will come as we work through the reflection questions together. I look forward to other books by Fileta in the future, and I’ll definitely be recommending this one to other couples so they can seek God and reflect Love in Every Season.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressions are my own.
Each chapter ends with some reflections questions—a set for couples to work through together, and a set for singles. Just reading the questions, I am certain that those who take the opportunity to be intentional, honest, and transparent, will be amazed at the growth that will take place. Singles will find that as they contemplate the questions, they’ll begin to better prepare themselves for a healthy marriage and be able to more easily navigate the seasons of their future marriages.
I absolutely loved how Fileta wove together biblical truth with practical applications and stories from her own practice as a counselor. She helped me to remember that marriage is ultimately about God and reflecting his glory and how it should be my goal to reflect that in each season of marriage. I am certainly challenged by Fileta’s teaching. I am anxious to read this book again with my husband so we can make the most of the growth opportunities in every season of our marriage. I also look forward to the added layer of connection and openness that I’m sure will come as we work through the reflection questions together. I look forward to other books by Fileta in the future, and I’ll definitely be recommending this one to other couples so they can seek God and reflect Love in Every Season.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressions are my own.
November 1, 2019
I tend to shy away from "how-to" books, or if I read them, I approach them with curiosity, taking what resonates with me and leaving the rest.
Love in Every Season is not a "how-to" book, but a book to help the reader better understand relationships and make decisions based on that understanding. Fileta takes you deep in an exploration of what is really necessary to build a healthy relationship in every season: Planting good seeds in the spring, building deep connections in the summer, managing conflict in the fall and not getting stuck in the winter season, but proactively moving on and trusting God to make a way.
While there is some advice in this book, I'm not walking away with a long to-do list or a sense of having done everything wrong. Instead, reading the book has helped me gain greater insight into my marriage and a better understanding of why some habits are so destructive. Insight and understanding can be a lot more helpful than a long list of to-dos.
As stated in the description, the book invites the reader to explore the four seasons of every healthy relationship. Key here is healthy. Fileta does not advise staying in destructive relationships.
Love in Every Season is one of the best books on relationships I've ever read. It goes without saying that I recommend it wholeheartedly!
With thanks to Debra Fileta, Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
Love in Every Season is not a "how-to" book, but a book to help the reader better understand relationships and make decisions based on that understanding. Fileta takes you deep in an exploration of what is really necessary to build a healthy relationship in every season: Planting good seeds in the spring, building deep connections in the summer, managing conflict in the fall and not getting stuck in the winter season, but proactively moving on and trusting God to make a way.
While there is some advice in this book, I'm not walking away with a long to-do list or a sense of having done everything wrong. Instead, reading the book has helped me gain greater insight into my marriage and a better understanding of why some habits are so destructive. Insight and understanding can be a lot more helpful than a long list of to-dos.
As stated in the description, the book invites the reader to explore the four seasons of every healthy relationship. Key here is healthy. Fileta does not advise staying in destructive relationships.
Love in Every Season is one of the best books on relationships I've ever read. It goes without saying that I recommend it wholeheartedly!
With thanks to Debra Fileta, Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.
March 29, 2020
This is a great book. Debra goes through each season and focuses on three different areas per season. There’s just the right amount of time spent on each one. She infused Scripture and overall was a lovely book!
December 18, 2023
"If you are married, throughout every season and stage of a relationship, it is important to ask yourself what types of seeds you are planting in your relationship, and what kind of fruit is being produced as a result. Are you investing in your relationship with Jesus and allowing Him to cultivate and produce good traits in your life? Are you planting seeds of faith, of hope, of encouragement, of peace? Or are you planting seeds of bitterness, criticism, complaint, and discouragement? Learning to cultivate the right seeds—the seeds of faith—in your personal life and in your relationships."
A spiritual mentor recommended I read this book and I was hesitant at first but Debra went into great season how it's important to go and grow through each season because it has a purpose and some of us spend more time in some than others. I think my biggest takeaway was this quote I mentioned because although, I'm not married, I realize I should always ask myself what types of seeds I am planting whether that be in my platonic or romantic relationships but also within myself.
A spiritual mentor recommended I read this book and I was hesitant at first but Debra went into great season how it's important to go and grow through each season because it has a purpose and some of us spend more time in some than others. I think my biggest takeaway was this quote I mentioned because although, I'm not married, I realize I should always ask myself what types of seeds I am planting whether that be in my platonic or romantic relationships but also within myself.
November 16, 2021
I was excited to read this as most faith based relationship advice is not from a licensed professional but anecdotal observations. Yay someone who actually knows what they’re talking about! Although I found some of the tips and strategies useful if not basic, I had a hard time getting through this. In almost every example couple presented, the gendered stereotypes and flat out sexism portrayed was jarring. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be getting out of this aside from the same worn out narratives. This was ultimately a let down.
April 16, 2020
After we moved into summer, fall, and winter, I learned more about romantic relationships than I have as a veteran romance writer. Real love moves beyond the initial attraction and connection, the season of spring we write about as romance writers, into really painful intimacy and truth that not many relationships are prepared to handle although each season is natural. Get rid of junk food relationships and transform your life from the inside out! A must read for anyone devoted to LOVE!
April 1, 2021
I really appreciated the way Debra Fileta categorized the stages of love and relationships using the four seasons; her expertise in relationships combined with spiritual depth made this book a win. I gleaned a lot of insights from it, and the reflection questions at the end of each chapter challenged me to look at my own life and relationships. I definitely plan on keeping this book for future reference and giving it as gifts to friends.
March 26, 2024
On of the BEST books I’ve ever read. I’ve read it 3 times since I bought it in 2020. I want to read it again in 2024!!! That’s coming from someone who usually never reads something more than once.
I love how it relates the stages of relationship to seasons that ebb and flow, and are capable of returning with new layers of depth. It’s written at an accessible level, and relates well to the Bible.
I love how it relates the stages of relationship to seasons that ebb and flow, and are capable of returning with new layers of depth. It’s written at an accessible level, and relates well to the Bible.
January 11, 2021
Woah. This is an invaluable read. There are certainly some conservative parts, but no matter what spiritual "level" you are at in your life there are still many key takeaways from the book. Fileta did a great job at interlacing a diverse pool of perspectives throughout which made my opinion of the book climb.
January 14, 2020
This book was so special from the very beginning. As I age I’ve often wondered how relationships can follow seasons. Inside here you’ve got wonderful descriptions of the relationship timeline and real life descriptions of each season.
July 11, 2021
Love in Every Season will open your mind to the importance of choosing to love others, irrespective of what phase or season your relationship is in.
She offers practical insights into learning to recognize each season for what it is, and being comfortable while navigating through it.
She offers practical insights into learning to recognize each season for what it is, and being comfortable while navigating through it.
February 1, 2022
This is one of my new favorites! It addresses a wide range of topics about dating and marriage relationships: compatibility, boundaries, intimacy, conflict resolution, etc. I final chapter made it come together beautifully. I wish I had read this when I was a teenager!!!
February 7, 2022
Love life, like seasons of weather, change throughout the cycle of life together. This will help us see that some is normal, others need addressed and understanding the difference is good for all of us.
January 11, 2023
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It is filled with relationship ideas to reflect on no matter your relationship status and is a great resource. I am going to want to reread this book over and over again.
December 2, 2024
A five-star book, no doubt. Debra Fileta has done an amazing job infusing the book with the central truths required for relationships. For me, the lessons that I've picked go beyond romantic relationships but relationships with family and friends! It's an incredible read by all standards!
March 25, 2025
Our small group went through this book together. The book had good content and reflection questions at the end of the chapter to dive deeper into the topic of the chapter. There's some questions in the book that I think will be good to continually go back to.
January 2, 2020
Thanks to Net Galley for providing the digital ARC for this book. This book was not the book for me. But others may enjoy it.
January 28, 2020
I LOVED this book! I took lots of notes .. amazing amazing 🤯❤️❤️❤️
August 12, 2020
This book made me think. It reminded me of the hard seasons of relationships, and how to better tackle them. I gained new wisdom and understanding through this book.
February 15, 2021
This is a great book! Very good perspective.
October 10, 2021
Wonderful read , very helpful in navigating new dating relationships. She also has much to say about marriage as well.
July 3, 2022
debra didn't fail us on this one!
February 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
May 5, 2024
Cute. I liked the metaphor she carried through the book and definitely will refer back to this throughout the different seasons of a relationship! Love that she’s a therapist and a strong believer.
June 17, 2024
Very interesting stages of marriage from spring to summer to fall and winter… quick read
August 14, 2020
I received an ARC from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley this review is my personal opinion.
Well done!. This book should be read for everyone who is or want to be in a romantic relationship. Debra Fileta chooses the four seasons of all relationships and takes in the journey of learning how to live, enjoy and take the best and remove the bad from damaging yourself and your relationship. What I like about this book is that as a single I was not only able to read, but to laugh, enjoy and learn through all this book found this book well balanced since she talks from her own experience of her marriage and also as a relationship therapist. With practical and biblical sound, this book will give you a clear vision of the reality of love that goes beyond the flowers and pretty songs. What I like is that she center her message on God and important is to be healthy, so we can have healthy relationships, the importance of each season and who we are is not to determine for our status, either single or married.
Truly grateful for the ARC of this book, it was a beautiful and unexpected blessing in my life.
Well done!. This book should be read for everyone who is or want to be in a romantic relationship. Debra Fileta chooses the four seasons of all relationships and takes in the journey of learning how to live, enjoy and take the best and remove the bad from damaging yourself and your relationship. What I like about this book is that as a single I was not only able to read, but to laugh, enjoy and learn through all this book found this book well balanced since she talks from her own experience of her marriage and also as a relationship therapist. With practical and biblical sound, this book will give you a clear vision of the reality of love that goes beyond the flowers and pretty songs. What I like is that she center her message on God and important is to be healthy, so we can have healthy relationships, the importance of each season and who we are is not to determine for our status, either single or married.
Truly grateful for the ARC of this book, it was a beautiful and unexpected blessing in my life.
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October 11, 2024DNF @ 9%
I personally really really looked forward to this book. And I believe there is definitely an audience for this book it’s just not me. I feel like I read the word God at least 10 times in a very short amount of pages. Nothing against the author being religious but it’s not how I personally lead my life. If I knew religion was goin to be part of this book or referenced throughout I would not of picked it up personally. But no where had I seen a very specific review bringing up religion or that it was even a Christian book. But a good ole google search led me to that finding very quick.
Again in no way would I say this book is bad or doesn’t have a purpose it’s just not for me as I do not actively practice or partake in religion at this current stage of my life. I hope my copy finds its way to someone who will enjoy and cherish this book.
I personally really really looked forward to this book. And I believe there is definitely an audience for this book it’s just not me. I feel like I read the word God at least 10 times in a very short amount of pages. Nothing against the author being religious but it’s not how I personally lead my life. If I knew religion was goin to be part of this book or referenced throughout I would not of picked it up personally. But no where had I seen a very specific review bringing up religion or that it was even a Christian book. But a good ole google search led me to that finding very quick.
Again in no way would I say this book is bad or doesn’t have a purpose it’s just not for me as I do not actively practice or partake in religion at this current stage of my life. I hope my copy finds its way to someone who will enjoy and cherish this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews