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2nd Chance #1
Winter's Past
Ty hopes for a second chance.
Winter can’t forget their past.
Ten years ago, they were the perfect couple whose storybook romance would surely stand the test of time. But their relationship suddenly ended.
Ty knows he made some bad choices in the past—things he regrets. But his heart has changed. He's become a man of faith.
And he hopes to make amends with the woman he still loves.
Winter travels around the country with a team, speaking at inspirational and spiritual conferences. She encourages attendees to give grace and second chances to others.
Yet she struggles to forgive.
Specifically, to forgive the man who hurt her.
Ty only has a few days while Winter's in his hometown to convince her that he's changed. That he’s so sorry about the past.
Will the idea he comes up with spark a new flame of love between them?
Or will it ruin everything?
Second Chance Series:
1. Winter's Past
2. April's Storm
3. Summer's Dream
4. Autumn's Break
5. Season's Flame
Winter can’t forget their past.
Ten years ago, they were the perfect couple whose storybook romance would surely stand the test of time. But their relationship suddenly ended.
Ty knows he made some bad choices in the past—things he regrets. But his heart has changed. He's become a man of faith.
And he hopes to make amends with the woman he still loves.
Winter travels around the country with a team, speaking at inspirational and spiritual conferences. She encourages attendees to give grace and second chances to others.
Yet she struggles to forgive.
Specifically, to forgive the man who hurt her.
Ty only has a few days while Winter's in his hometown to convince her that he's changed. That he’s so sorry about the past.
Will the idea he comes up with spark a new flame of love between them?
Or will it ruin everything?
Second Chance Series:
1. Winter's Past
2. April's Storm
3. Summer's Dream
4. Autumn's Break
5. Season's Flame
Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2013
211 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Mary E. Hanks
36 books55 followersMary’s favorite stories are inspirational tales about marriage reconciliation and the journey of grace in lifelong relationships. She's currently writing book #12 in that genre. She and Jason have been married for 40+ years. They’ve been buffeted by their share of storms but by God’s grace have stayed together--and still like each other. ;) Whenever she can, Mary likes to include her love for romance, second chances, and ocean settings in her books.
Besides writing, Mary likes to read, do artsy stuff, go on adventures with Jason, and meet her four adult kids for coffee or breakfast.
For more information, see www.maryehanks.com
Besides writing, Mary likes to read, do artsy stuff, go on adventures with Jason, and meet her four adult kids for coffee or breakfast.
For more information, see www.maryehanks.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 27, 2023
3 Stars
I'm only here for the angsty tropes/themes.
The order in which I read the books in this series is all over the place. I started with book #2, then #3, #1 and #4. 🤪 Anyway, they can be read as standalones, in my opinion. For books 2-4, we get chapters on the secondary characters (couples), but I tend to skip or skim-read those. Sorry not sorry. I'm not a fan of parallel storylines in romance books.
Winter's Past was a decent read. I really liked and enjoyed some aspects of the story. It kept me reading and engaged. My only gripe, at least the only one I can think to mention at the moment, is that I struggled to fully forgive the hero, Ty. I loved his grovel, his unyielding determination to win the heroine back (pushy at times, but I prefer that over beta heroes), I was even utterly convinced he was remorseful and loved Winter. It's his past betrayal that was a hard pill to swallow. Fuckity fuck that was heartbreaking. I don't know, I still can't get over that. I'm just glad Winter left him when it happened, and 10 yrs later, she made him work hard for a second chance. However, it bugged me that she had given up on ever finding love again (I don't like martyr heroines). What made that less annoying was that Ty was celibate for 10 yrs! How's that for a change, huh? He was in prison for 5 years so it's not like he had choice during that time. And Winter...well, it's a Christian romance so naturally it wouldn't be fittin' for her to have sex if she's not married *eye roll* This is why I could never be a Christian. I like sinning.
I just remembered one other gripe: Winter's viciousguard dog personal assistant was nasty. She's the evil and extremely annoying character in the book. Jesus, it was OTT.
I'm only here for the angsty tropes/themes.
The order in which I read the books in this series is all over the place. I started with book #2, then #3, #1 and #4. 🤪 Anyway, they can be read as standalones, in my opinion. For books 2-4, we get chapters on the secondary characters (couples), but I tend to skip or skim-read those. Sorry not sorry. I'm not a fan of parallel storylines in romance books.
Winter's Past was a decent read. I really liked and enjoyed some aspects of the story. It kept me reading and engaged. My only gripe, at least the only one I can think to mention at the moment, is that I struggled to fully forgive the hero, Ty. I loved his grovel, his unyielding determination to win the heroine back (pushy at times, but I prefer that over beta heroes), I was even utterly convinced he was remorseful and loved Winter. It's his past betrayal that was a hard pill to swallow. Fuckity fuck that was heartbreaking. I don't know, I still can't get over that. I'm just glad Winter left him when it happened, and 10 yrs later, she made him work hard for a second chance. However, it bugged me that she had given up on ever finding love again (I don't like martyr heroines). What made that less annoying was that Ty was celibate for 10 yrs! How's that for a change, huh? He was in prison for 5 years so it's not like he had choice during that time. And Winter...well, it's a Christian romance so naturally it wouldn't be fittin' for her to have sex if she's not married *eye roll* This is why I could never be a Christian. I like sinning.
I just remembered one other gripe: Winter's vicious
January 24, 2024
So this is Christian book that you can read even if you’re not Christian.
The plot. The hero marries the heroine and they’re both very young, after only months after they’ve met. She’s a Christian and her parents are missionaries, she’s very devoted and her beliefs lead all her life. He’s a young ambitious man who wants to have money and a prestigious job. They clash. He doesn’t understand her and she can’t persuade him to do anything she wants.
They are both very young, she’s only20 and he’s 25. After a few months their marriage is not ok, she leaves to see her parents in Philippines and he stays at home. She comes back one day before her due date and of course she catches him at their home with another woman. The scene is quite painful since the woman has the heroines robe on, they are drinking their wine and there’s the candle she bought for their six months anniversary on the table. She divorces him.
Ten years later she’s become a preacher herself. This is where I couldn’t understand. Her father suggested her to stay celibate, never to date another man and only devote herself to god and preaching. Ok? Maybe. Maybe not. She’s a young woman, that obviously wanted a family because she was married, so it’s not healthy for her to give it all up because of an asshole.
When she has to preach to the town where she lived with the hero, he is there at the church and he’s unrecognizable. Long beard, dirty clothes. He’s a mechanic now. He reveals that he was in jail for five months because ow and him embezzled money from the company and she framed him. He met Jesus and was a new man after he came out of jail. He wants her back. The heroine wouldn’t have it. He follows her in her travels. He forces his presence on her even if she’s upset. There’s a lot happening here and was quite interesting and not boring even if you’re not into the religion theme.
What I wanted to know is the forgiveness theme. So it would seem that she has to forgive him because Jesus forgives us. Well, in my opinion it’s true that you have to forgive but for another reason. When you forgive you get rid of a emotional burden, you accept that things went that way and then this means you are free. Free to start again, to be happy and to not feel that kind of emotions anymore.
This is why forgiveness is good for emotional health. So the hero changed. He admits he never cheated again after she caught him and was celibate ever since. Well five years in jails of course, he couldn’t have if he would… he admits he never stopped loving her and wants to try again.
But he’s pushy. He’s selfish. He follows her and doesn’t care if he emotionally hurts her with his presence. He asks her to marry only after a few weeks, weeks not months, that they’ve met again and he is basically leaving her because she didn’t say yes but she asked him to wait. Selfish and pushy. I don’t think he loved her I think he wanted to be a good Christian and to be married because the Bible said so. But I could see his remorse, his regrets. He cries all the time. He begs her, and he’s always on his knees. But he should have been more patient since he was basically sprinting away after she refused him the first time. I’m not fond f things made because the sacred books whatever they are say so, you have to feel the truth in your would either it becomes duty. But the plot was interesting and the man groveled. And actually they should not have married the first time. They were too different and married in haste. She was the daughter of two missionaries and he was the ultimate yuppie, both very immature and unable to communicate. They were bound to fail. So I was not so angry because of his cheating. They would have divorced anyway. And since then she’s become a very important figure in her world, even a bit presumptuous and sometimes conceited. I think he will always come second to her job and her mission.
The plot. The hero marries the heroine and they’re both very young, after only months after they’ve met. She’s a Christian and her parents are missionaries, she’s very devoted and her beliefs lead all her life. He’s a young ambitious man who wants to have money and a prestigious job. They clash. He doesn’t understand her and she can’t persuade him to do anything she wants.
They are both very young, she’s only20 and he’s 25. After a few months their marriage is not ok, she leaves to see her parents in Philippines and he stays at home. She comes back one day before her due date and of course she catches him at their home with another woman. The scene is quite painful since the woman has the heroines robe on, they are drinking their wine and there’s the candle she bought for their six months anniversary on the table. She divorces him.
Ten years later she’s become a preacher herself. This is where I couldn’t understand. Her father suggested her to stay celibate, never to date another man and only devote herself to god and preaching. Ok? Maybe. Maybe not. She’s a young woman, that obviously wanted a family because she was married, so it’s not healthy for her to give it all up because of an asshole.
When she has to preach to the town where she lived with the hero, he is there at the church and he’s unrecognizable. Long beard, dirty clothes. He’s a mechanic now. He reveals that he was in jail for five months because ow and him embezzled money from the company and she framed him. He met Jesus and was a new man after he came out of jail. He wants her back. The heroine wouldn’t have it. He follows her in her travels. He forces his presence on her even if she’s upset. There’s a lot happening here and was quite interesting and not boring even if you’re not into the religion theme.
What I wanted to know is the forgiveness theme. So it would seem that she has to forgive him because Jesus forgives us. Well, in my opinion it’s true that you have to forgive but for another reason. When you forgive you get rid of a emotional burden, you accept that things went that way and then this means you are free. Free to start again, to be happy and to not feel that kind of emotions anymore.
This is why forgiveness is good for emotional health. So the hero changed. He admits he never cheated again after she caught him and was celibate ever since. Well five years in jails of course, he couldn’t have if he would… he admits he never stopped loving her and wants to try again.
But he’s pushy. He’s selfish. He follows her and doesn’t care if he emotionally hurts her with his presence. He asks her to marry only after a few weeks, weeks not months, that they’ve met again and he is basically leaving her because she didn’t say yes but she asked him to wait. Selfish and pushy. I don’t think he loved her I think he wanted to be a good Christian and to be married because the Bible said so. But I could see his remorse, his regrets. He cries all the time. He begs her, and he’s always on his knees. But he should have been more patient since he was basically sprinting away after she refused him the first time. I’m not fond f things made because the sacred books whatever they are say so, you have to feel the truth in your would either it becomes duty. But the plot was interesting and the man groveled. And actually they should not have married the first time. They were too different and married in haste. She was the daughter of two missionaries and he was the ultimate yuppie, both very immature and unable to communicate. They were bound to fail. So I was not so angry because of his cheating. They would have divorced anyway. And since then she’s become a very important figure in her world, even a bit presumptuous and sometimes conceited. I think he will always come second to her job and her mission.
January 18, 2023
Such an odd tale,with the bull dog assistant protecting the female pastor from all males of the species while salivating over him herself.Her ex of 6 months whose pre mature(she would not put out till marriage) marriage dissolved over infidelity. He is back 10 years later,wanting a fresh start.
For me,It was annoyingly ott,silly.3 stars a generous gift.
For me,It was annoyingly ott,silly.3 stars a generous gift.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2013
A solid first novel from Mary. She made me care about and root for the characters. Recommended for readers of contemporary Christian romance. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
December 13, 2013
A beautiful and tender account of God's grace, Winter’s Past, written by Mary E. Hanks, is Winter Cowan and Ty Williams’s reunion story of love, redemption, and second chances. Entering into this heartwarming, uplifting story and engaging with the characters took no effort whatsoever. Well-written, the story flows smoothly and kept me interested in wanting to know what happened next. Writing every scene in enough detail so they seemed authentic, Mary drew me into the book in a way that made me want to stay within the pages and follow the characters on their journey of restoration and learning to trust again.
Clearly, Mary cares about her characters because they are so three dimensional and realistic that I didn't feel forced to believe they could really exist. Character development was smooth and natural, and as I read, I watched their true traits emerge. Mary showed how God's children – even those actively involved in Christian ministry roles – are not without faults or sin. I enjoyed them because they were far from flawless.
A decade has passed, and Ty doesn't want to hurt Winter any more than he already has. He still loves her and wants to be reunited, even though he knows he doesn't deserve that. Still, he can’t ignore the feeling that God wants them to be together. Selfishness and pride controlled him before he found God and allowed Him to work in his heart, and now Ty wants to be the man God wants him to be and the man Winter needs him to be. He wonders if she can ever forgive him.
As thoughts and fragmented pictures of her broken marriage assault her, Winter tries hard to keep from falling apart. When their church ministry plans abruptly change, she and her team members travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a home of many unhappy memories for her. She wonders what God’s purpose could possibly be in sending her there. That's when she hears Him speak two words: "Forgive him." She knows what those words mean – forgive her former husband Ty, unconditionally and without second thoughts – and the effort forgiving him will require.
Instead of letting her old feelings control her, Winter knows God insists on forgiveness. Throughout her ministry efforts, doesn’t she tell others how God's power can wipe the slate clean? Will she let Him do the same for her and Ty? Her desire to run from the pain of the past is strong, but God's urging her to do what’s right is even stronger and cannot be dismissed.
Winter hears God's words and knows He’s right, yet she wants to leave the hurt of her divorce behind and move on. Because she's been hurt by Ty, forgiving him sounds next to impossible. She's certain she's forgiven him already, but what if she hasn't? Determined not to give him another chance to inflict pain upon her heart, Winter dreads seeing Ty again. However, she soon discovers she is still in love with him, and what’s even more amazing is that Ty still loves with her.
Tender moments offset the gripping and tense scenes, and each time I thought I'd figured out what was going to happen next, Mary threw in a plot twist I wasn't expecting and surprised me. Authentically written, the dialogue helps move the story along in the right direction; and despite a broken marriage and trust issues, the romantic connection between Winter and Ty is unmistakable.
I love stories that include God as one of the main characters, and my favorite part is how Mary did a wonderful job of making sure He was front and center – exactly where He should be. Winter and Ty’s constant dialogue with God is refreshing, and their first instinct is to take their problems to Him, no matter what their situation is, or how difficult getting an answer to their prayers may seem.
This book is exceptional and I enjoyed watching this sweet love story unfold. The Christian themes are refreshing and touching, and Mary developed characters I cared about. A book I want to read again, this is a great reminder that God is always by our side, guiding us, gently prodding us to do His will so we can experience His perfect plan.
Clearly, Mary cares about her characters because they are so three dimensional and realistic that I didn't feel forced to believe they could really exist. Character development was smooth and natural, and as I read, I watched their true traits emerge. Mary showed how God's children – even those actively involved in Christian ministry roles – are not without faults or sin. I enjoyed them because they were far from flawless.
A decade has passed, and Ty doesn't want to hurt Winter any more than he already has. He still loves her and wants to be reunited, even though he knows he doesn't deserve that. Still, he can’t ignore the feeling that God wants them to be together. Selfishness and pride controlled him before he found God and allowed Him to work in his heart, and now Ty wants to be the man God wants him to be and the man Winter needs him to be. He wonders if she can ever forgive him.
As thoughts and fragmented pictures of her broken marriage assault her, Winter tries hard to keep from falling apart. When their church ministry plans abruptly change, she and her team members travel to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, a home of many unhappy memories for her. She wonders what God’s purpose could possibly be in sending her there. That's when she hears Him speak two words: "Forgive him." She knows what those words mean – forgive her former husband Ty, unconditionally and without second thoughts – and the effort forgiving him will require.
Instead of letting her old feelings control her, Winter knows God insists on forgiveness. Throughout her ministry efforts, doesn’t she tell others how God's power can wipe the slate clean? Will she let Him do the same for her and Ty? Her desire to run from the pain of the past is strong, but God's urging her to do what’s right is even stronger and cannot be dismissed.
Winter hears God's words and knows He’s right, yet she wants to leave the hurt of her divorce behind and move on. Because she's been hurt by Ty, forgiving him sounds next to impossible. She's certain she's forgiven him already, but what if she hasn't? Determined not to give him another chance to inflict pain upon her heart, Winter dreads seeing Ty again. However, she soon discovers she is still in love with him, and what’s even more amazing is that Ty still loves with her.
Tender moments offset the gripping and tense scenes, and each time I thought I'd figured out what was going to happen next, Mary threw in a plot twist I wasn't expecting and surprised me. Authentically written, the dialogue helps move the story along in the right direction; and despite a broken marriage and trust issues, the romantic connection between Winter and Ty is unmistakable.
I love stories that include God as one of the main characters, and my favorite part is how Mary did a wonderful job of making sure He was front and center – exactly where He should be. Winter and Ty’s constant dialogue with God is refreshing, and their first instinct is to take their problems to Him, no matter what their situation is, or how difficult getting an answer to their prayers may seem.
This book is exceptional and I enjoyed watching this sweet love story unfold. The Christian themes are refreshing and touching, and Mary developed characters I cared about. A book I want to read again, this is a great reminder that God is always by our side, guiding us, gently prodding us to do His will so we can experience His perfect plan.
June 10, 2014
What I Loved...
The subject matter of Winter's Past is very personal to me. Having worked in Marriage & Restoration Ministries for several years, I am an advocate of reconciliation. The subject of divorce and a failed marriage was approached with grit and reality. I appreciated Mary not sugar coating the emotions associated with such a delicate situation. It made Winter's Past a more dramatic book. Well more than I am used to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the change.
Continue
The subject matter of Winter's Past is very personal to me. Having worked in Marriage & Restoration Ministries for several years, I am an advocate of reconciliation. The subject of divorce and a failed marriage was approached with grit and reality. I appreciated Mary not sugar coating the emotions associated with such a delicate situation. It made Winter's Past a more dramatic book. Well more than I am used to. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the change.
Continue
March 6, 2015
Beautiful story
This is such a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation and the miracles God can perform to heal a relationship. I fell in love with Ty and Winter and agonized with them in the many trials and challenges they had to go through to be reconciled to each other. Ty's testimony is amazing! This is such a lovely story. Highly recommend! I also recommend you go to the author's blog and read the subsequent love letters between Ty and Winter. They are so romantic!
This is such a beautiful story of second chances, forgiveness, reconciliation and the miracles God can perform to heal a relationship. I fell in love with Ty and Winter and agonized with them in the many trials and challenges they had to go through to be reconciled to each other. Ty's testimony is amazing! This is such a lovely story. Highly recommend! I also recommend you go to the author's blog and read the subsequent love letters between Ty and Winter. They are so romantic!
November 6, 2015
This is an awesome Christian romance of forgiveness and second chances. The author has written about reconciliation and God's miracle in such away that the characters became real to me. I could feel the hurt and anguish that Ty and Winter were going through as God healed their relationship. The story is very emotional and uplifting. I was given a copy for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book and its author.
October 19, 2013
This story is what true forgiveness and growth in the Lord is all about. It's inspiring, yet it tugs at your heart as you feel the hurt, confusion, and happiness Winter faces each day. If you haven't read "Winter's Past" yet, and your looking for a "true to life" story...then I would recommend this book.
March 14, 2013
This is a powerful story that held my interest and had an ending that I liked.
March 28, 2013
A good, solid Christian romance. I enjoyed reading it, and really liked the ending.
February 17, 2021
Winter's Past
This is the first book in this series of second chances. He betrayed his own wife due to his greed for money. After she left his world fell apart. He has a second chance to redeem himself. She hasn't stopped loving him. But his past included an affair with his co worker. They seem to have a bit of drama with someone who doesn't want him involved with the ministry. Will the truth come out before it's too late?
This is the first book in this series of second chances. He betrayed his own wife due to his greed for money. After she left his world fell apart. He has a second chance to redeem himself. She hasn't stopped loving him. But his past included an affair with his co worker. They seem to have a bit of drama with someone who doesn't want him involved with the ministry. Will the truth come out before it's too late?
June 21, 2018
I must confense this book left me with this thought..Umm, really?. It was a good story?, yes i belive it was. And also well written. I found this story wonderful a second chance and more for a young couple as the one in the book; however in my opinion they were too many dramatic situations. Like cold and hot from one page to other.. )=
February 13, 2020
Having Another Chance
This was an interesting book. I appreciate the part that God played in forgiveness and showing others why they should forgive and make amends. Peace comes from harmony with others.
This was an interesting book. I appreciate the part that God played in forgiveness and showing others why they should forgive and make amends. Peace comes from harmony with others.
October 12, 2017
4.5 Stars
June 12, 2018
Inspirational read!
Second chances can work. Mary E Hanks shows how in this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I definitely recommend this book.
Second chances can work. Mary E Hanks shows how in this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I definitely recommend this book.
May 24, 2020
Good read
Great book. Looking forward to series. Love the Christian format. Great verses to live by. First time reading Mary Hanks books.
Great book. Looking forward to series. Love the Christian format. Great verses to live by. First time reading Mary Hanks books.
August 19, 2025
2.75
Very mixed feelings about this
I do like the character development
I was quite satisfy with the ending of that annoying side character but i would have liked more repercussions
Very mixed feelings about this
I do like the character development
I was quite satisfy with the ending of that annoying side character but i would have liked more repercussions
June 19, 2014
Winter's Past by Mary E. Hanks is a contemporary Christian novel that speaks of God's redemption and forgiveness in marriage.
Winter Cowan is a Christian speaker and the head of Passion's Prayer, a group of like-minded individuals travelling across the country sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, they are going to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and there is one person there she does not want to see - her ex-husband.
Ty Williams is a changed man and he is determined that Winter knows it. While he realizes he was the cause of their break-up, he is trusting God to make Winter see that he is a changed man - one who believes in God now. He is determined to win her back and re-marry "the wife of his youth." Now all he has to do is get Winter to forgive him. But will Winter practice what she preaches? Can she ever really trust or forgive Ty for cheating on her?
And that is the crux of this story right there. Winter preaches about God's forgiveness, so now she basically has to practice it or be a hypocrite. The author has done a good job of creating the horror that Winter experienced when she was faced with the infidelity of her spouse. And she does an equally good job of showing the angst that comes with practising what all Christians preach - forgiveness.
It's not so easy to forgive when you lose your trust in the one you have pledged your life to. Which is why I hope this book will touch a chord with Christians who seem to be taking a page from the world these days and divorcing as often as Hollywood stars. It is a touchy subject, but the author has done a very good job of fleshing it out.
My only problem with this book would be that everyone seems to be Christian. For example, when asking to put flyers up in a restaurant, the owner (who was Christian) encouraged Jeremy (the one putting up the flyers) to tell everyone about Jesus. And of course everyone in the restaurant was very appreciative of that. As much as I wish that would happen in real life - it wouldn't. So that seemed a bit contrived. In addition, the Pastor who moons like a puppy-dog the moment he sees Winter doesn't seem plausible either. It was in fact uncomfortable to read and made the Pastor come off as a sappy kind of teenager, which I'm sure the author did not intend. If she chose to ever rewrite her book I would suggest she work on those two areas.
Despite that however, the book is one that I would encourage you to read as it speaks of love, redemption and forgiveness in a big way and I believe would be an encouragement for Christian couples who are contemplating divorce. I give Winter's Past 4/5 stars.
Winter Cowan is a Christian speaker and the head of Passion's Prayer, a group of like-minded individuals travelling across the country sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, they are going to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and there is one person there she does not want to see - her ex-husband.
Ty Williams is a changed man and he is determined that Winter knows it. While he realizes he was the cause of their break-up, he is trusting God to make Winter see that he is a changed man - one who believes in God now. He is determined to win her back and re-marry "the wife of his youth." Now all he has to do is get Winter to forgive him. But will Winter practice what she preaches? Can she ever really trust or forgive Ty for cheating on her?
And that is the crux of this story right there. Winter preaches about God's forgiveness, so now she basically has to practice it or be a hypocrite. The author has done a good job of creating the horror that Winter experienced when she was faced with the infidelity of her spouse. And she does an equally good job of showing the angst that comes with practising what all Christians preach - forgiveness.
It's not so easy to forgive when you lose your trust in the one you have pledged your life to. Which is why I hope this book will touch a chord with Christians who seem to be taking a page from the world these days and divorcing as often as Hollywood stars. It is a touchy subject, but the author has done a very good job of fleshing it out.
My only problem with this book would be that everyone seems to be Christian. For example, when asking to put flyers up in a restaurant, the owner (who was Christian) encouraged Jeremy (the one putting up the flyers) to tell everyone about Jesus. And of course everyone in the restaurant was very appreciative of that. As much as I wish that would happen in real life - it wouldn't. So that seemed a bit contrived. In addition, the Pastor who moons like a puppy-dog the moment he sees Winter doesn't seem plausible either. It was in fact uncomfortable to read and made the Pastor come off as a sappy kind of teenager, which I'm sure the author did not intend. If she chose to ever rewrite her book I would suggest she work on those two areas.
Despite that however, the book is one that I would encourage you to read as it speaks of love, redemption and forgiveness in a big way and I believe would be an encouragement for Christian couples who are contemplating divorce. I give Winter's Past 4/5 stars.
May 1, 2016
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Very powerful and inspiring story. It is a beautifully written and very powerful story of second chances and hopes of reconciliation and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews