Winter is Not Forever

Seasons of the Heart #3

by Janette Oke

WINTER IS NOT FOREVER

"What are you gonna do after graduation?"

Everybody's been askin' me that question. With graduation only a month away, it seems like I'm the only one in our little school who doesn't know what he's gonna do after the big day. I've been prayin' about it, but I still don't have an answer.

Is God nudgin' me to become a minister? A farmer? A husband? Life is filled with choices. The hard thing is figurin' out what to do!

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Adult Fiction

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Janette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ✨

The characters in this series become your family after a couple books. I love how simple the writing is , yet the life lessons and faith themes are powerful. Josh does a lot of growing up in this installment. He’s set on figuring out what direction to take and the purpose that God has for him. Lots of things to contemplate and learn. You may need some Kleenex for this one! 🥲 can’t wait to see how everything unfolds in the final book! If you like wholesome stories from a simpler time in history, with lovable characters and themes of faith, hope and growth- I would recommend this series 💗

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

“God doesn’t make mistakes, Josh”

It’s a big coming home book.
All the feel good memories while I reread this.

Am loving all the characters and their growth. I cry and laugh with them.

Oke has a subtle way of infusing God’s truth in every sentence.

“The important things isn’t where we serve, but now. The question is not ‘what does He have for me in the future?’ but ‘Am I obedient to Him right now?’”

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread January '23: I adore this. And I appreciated all of the regenerative ag references!

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter is Not Forever was an okay book. I don't know why I even try Christian fiction books but maybe I will find the one that I will eventually like or love.

Honestly, the romance was okay between Josh and this girl. I say girl because I already forgot her name but it wasn't on purpose! I'm just super tired and need food to wake up again. Anyways, he loves the form. Loves it. I have nothing against this because at least he's doing something that he loves.

For example, I love reading but not writing reviews. Yet, I continue to do both because I just love reading so much.

Back to the guy and his love life. Well he meets this girl who also ends up loving farms and such. Talk about a match made in freaking heaven guys. Then I got closer and closer to the ending of this and I don't even know what to say. I mean, it ended.. but I don't really care about what happened after for anyone.

[Angela R. Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Janette Oke book, and it was so sweet. My Granny loved Mrs. Oke, and I'm looking forward to reading more. A fine little book.

[Daminika · Rating 5 out of 5]

How dramatic can I be in a review?

If I could give a book a million stars, I'd give them to this entire series. My mom read this series aloud to me and my siblings when we were kids and it helped spark my joy of reading, though it was years later that I actually became an active reader.
I soon started reading these books on my own because Josh and his story meant so much to me.

This book is definitely fighting to be my favorite of the series. I read it every year around Christmas time because it's so cozy and beautiful. And this year, I'm not sure if it was because of what's going on in my personal life right now, but I SOBBED at the end. I've shed tears in the past, for sure, but never cried so hard throughout the entire ending.

SO good. So beautiful. The characters feel like family, and trust me, there's SO much more to the story than just what's written. Janette Oke somehow wrote a story that feels so real to me that it'll forever be my comfort read.



"I loved the farm. I loved the soil. I treasured the spot that held my roots buried so deeply. I loved the springtime and the planting of the seeds. I loved the summer as we watched the green begin to appear and then mature as the weeks passed by. I loved the autumn, when it was so evident that God was good and was again supplying the needs of His people.
Even the winter months we're enjoyable. I loved the frosty mornings when the steam rose from the pail of warm milk I carried from the barn to the house. I loved the smell of the warm straw I spread out to bed down Bossie or one of her stallmates. I loved the soft mewing of the barn cats as they coaxed for their morning breakfast of warm, fresh milk.
The farm was a good place to be. I guess I loved most everything about it."

[ForgetMeNot(Katie Cooley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟

I loved getting back to these characters and could hardly put this book down. I loved the way the characters were developed and the struggles were relatable. Joshua Jones is a great lead and I found myself giggling at his interactions and rooting for his character. The message in this book was handled very well and was encouraging. It also broke my heart at several parts.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Winter is Not Forever we find Josh getting ready for his high school graduation. Unsure of what God's will is for his future he decides to put college off for a year or two in order to help his aging grandpa and his Uncle Charlie run the farm. He is surprised when he finds the farm quite run down and in need of some TLC.
Josh has ideas and visions for the farm. He explores new modern techniques for the crops and livestock in hopes of turning the farm into a profitable business. He still waits for God to call him to a career He has chosen for him. Has God forgotten about Josh? He sees his high school friends graduating from college and starting off in their careers and Josh can't help feeling jealous .
I love how Janette Oke can take day to day life on a farm and make an interesting story from it. She weaves in a rollercoaster of emotions through out the book. Readers share heart breaking rejection when romance doesn't turn out as expected. The author sprinkles in humorous moments that caused this reader to laugh out loud . Then grief at the sudden loss of a loved one.
This is Christian Fiction at its best. Suitable to be shared with your family. Clean read with no swearing or hot sexy scenes. Just good down home reading about life on the farm. This story takes place sometime in the late 1800 s or early 1900s . It's refreshing to read about how farming was done and how church and God was so much a part of people's lives in those years. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I downloaded an ebook copy from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Janiece · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rating I gave is to be considered within the context of the entire series. Good wholesome books. Simple books. Josh is graduating and trying to decide the path that God wants him to take. While all of his friends have direction, he does not, at least he does not recognize immediately what it is. While he is waiting to get that direction he takes over the farming for his grandpa and uncle. He grew up on the farm and loved it, but did not get directly involved in the planting, harvesting and workings of the farm beyond the chores. He puts his best into it and learns all that he can to make it successful and profitable. Some of his drive to make it profitable is to be able to support missionaries for his church. He finds joy and satisfaction in the work and in being with his family. He eventually finds the path that God wants for him. Greatness in life does not come from fancy jobs or titles, but from following the will of God and it is everyday people working hard and loving their families, doing the best they can.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was basically like watching a long "The Waltons" show. (not that i've ever actually seen an entire Waltons show - but I did see my Mom watching it once).

So, Boy graduates from high school, works on the farm, Loves working on the farm, questions whether he should do more in life, becomes a good Christian farmer. Meanwhile his old girlfriend and buddy run off to become missionaries in South Africa.
Meets a cute girl who also loves the farm... mostly ignores her the entire FREAKIN' STORY.
That's bad - and this story has the worst failed romance story I have EVER come across. A fork in the eye would he a hotter tale.
Maybe there's a part 2, or 3, or 4. Sorry, I don't think i have the patience. Now I know why I totally ignore Christian Romance books (and all farming stories). I'm now going back to christian hitmen and assassins conquering Illuminati cell groups - That I fully understand.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 Stars!!)
Review:
Before i started this book i forgot how much i enjoy Janette Oak's books and storytelling!!

The Characters were so well described and so likeable it felt like i was in the book with them and the setting was so beautifully described!!

Can't wait to read more by Janette in the future!!

[Emilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah its not one of those books that you just cant put down,its kinda boring and dosen't have much to it,but yeah i wouldn't say its a must read.(definately)

[Meg GlitteryOtters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 2 out of 5]

One review for the last three books: Imagine, if you will, a series of four books, written from the POV of a boy/young man that not a male on God's green earth could stomach reading. Unobjectionable story, but I pity any girl who reads it and thinks it depicts an actual masculine perspective. 😆

[Kristie Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book in the Seasons of the Heart series! Looking forward to reading the final book!

[Melissa Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to force myself to save the re-read for the winter once I remembered how much I enjoyed this series when I was younger. Such a wholesome story. I enjoyed following Josh as he was waiting to find out what God was leading him to after he finished school. These character are so heart warming!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, dulce drama…aici te-am găsit!
Da, cumva a luat o altfel de turnură, afară de ceea ce credeam eu ca o să se întâmple. Dar încă nu știu ce rezervă viitorul.
Îmi place ca ideea centrală a seriei este încrederea deplina in Dumnezeu, abandonarea completă în brațele Lui, ca El să facă totul perfect și la timpul potrivit. Iar Josh înțelege și el asta😉

[nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dari keempat serinya beginilah kesanku:

Buku I : buku yang menggambarkan sisi emosional seorang anak dengan pas, unik, lucu :) Josh sebagai tokoh utama tidak hanya ditonjolkan kebaikannya, namun juga pergumulannya untuk memaafkan dan mencoba mengenal Tuhan..

Buku II : Josh yang beranjak remaja dengan cinta pertamanya dan harapan-harapannya. Khas sekali dan benar-benar pas dengan perasaan saat remaja yang dipenuhi bunga-bunga pengharapan.Persahabatan dengan Willie yang menyentuh hati, dan percikan cinta dengan Kamelia.

Buku III : seri yang paling kusuka. Saat Josh lulus sekolah, dan memasuki sekolah kehidupan sesungguhnya, menghadapi banyak duka yang menempanya menjadi pria dewasa. Josh menemukan cinta, membentuk keluarga, dan semakin mantap menapaki kehidupannya. Aku mulai tertarik pada figur Mary yang sederhana, tak banyak menarik orang, namun memunculkan kelebihannya dalam mendukung dan mengasihi tanpa perlu terlihat di depan banyak orang.
Aku merasa Mary memang figur yang tepat untuk Josh.

Buku IV : Josh dengan tanggung jawab baru sebagai kepala keluarga sekaligus kepala peternakan, menghadapi permasalahan yang kian menumpuk dan mengujinya baik dalam harga diri maupun perjuangannya untuk keluarga. Namun akhirnya bukan harta yang menjadi jawab atas semua masalahnya, kasihlah yang memenangkan Josh dan membuat keluarganya tetap bersatu dan bahagia.


Aku sangat terkesan dengan serangkaian novel ini. Karya pertama Janette Oke yang kubaca, hasil pinjaman dari Mbak Iyut (makasih Mbak Iyut yg cantik :))
Cara bertuturnya sangat sopan, sangat tepat untuk remaja yang sedang berjuang menemukan jati dirinya dan merangkai cita-citanya.
Sangat tepat untuk seseorang yang sedang menggumulkan tujuan hidupnya, arah hidupnya, maupun pendamping hidupnya.

Saat membacanya, aku serasa mengikuti serial di televisi, aku membayangkan bagaimana setting di pertanian dan peternakan, kemudian membayangkan seperti apa rumah mereka, pakaian-pakaiannya.. serasa masuk dalam dunia impianku di alam pertanian dengan 'koboi-koboi' dan petani-petani yang tangguh :)

Aku sangat menikmati dan tersentuh dengan cara Janette menuturkan pengenalan Josh akan Tuhan, dan bagaimana Tuhan terus memulihkan Josh dari berbagai luka dalam hidupnya untuk menunjukkan bahwa Ia sangat mengasihi Josh, apapun yang Josh alami.

[annabeth ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series isn’t anything that you think will mean anything to you, yet it becomes such a big part of your life.

My problems with it:
——

• I don’t know that I was really bothered by anything in this book. Everything that I remember had a reason for being there and was told in a well rounded way.


My enjoyment with it:
——

• The characters are the still the best part of this series, and why I’m so invested in it. They just become people that you feel that you know and people that you fall in love with.
• The plot twists and subplots weren’t predictable at all. I thought I them figured out, but then it all went in the complete opposite direction of where I thought it would go.
• The writing is something that is so simple, yet, with the characters and plot, it’s so interesting. This series is the perfect example of where words on a page can take you.


Would I recommend this book?

Absolutely. Especially if the person is a fan of Janette Oke or just simple contemporaries, because this series and this book are great examples of those two things.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so maybe this whole series was sappy but I am a sucker for that stuff. I love series like this where you can really feel the characters personality and visualize the story playing out. I could hardly wait to read the next book and was definitely disappointed when I finished them.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't as eventful as the first two in the series, but it's been fun watching Josh grow into a man and the struggles he has with life, farming, relationships, etc. I can tell that this installment is leading up to the last in the series and I can't wait to see what is in store for Josh.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh still has a tendency to be stupid but this was better than the previous book.

[Puiu Mirela · Rating 4 out of 5]

💦🖤 În acest volum îl regăsim pe Josh la finele liceului, cu un viitor în față, dar unul plin de incertitudine. Deși rezultatele școlare sunt foarte bune, fiind cel mai bun elev, Josh nu știe ce să facă în continuare, de aceea preferă să ia o pauză de la studii, pentru a-și pune în ordine gândurile și frământările sufletești.
💦💛 Traiul alături de mătușa Lou și unchiul Nate la oraș, în timpul săptămânii, era unul plin de viață, dar la ferma bunicului și a unchiului Charles, în weekend, se simțea cu adevărat împlinit. Astfel, decide să se întoarcă la fermă și să își ajute bunicul și unchiul la muncile câmpului, având încredere că Dumnezeu îi va arăta un semn în ceea ce privește viitorul.
💦🤍 Cu fiecare zi care trece, Josh realizează cât de mult iubește ferma, pământul, munca în aer liber, natura trezită la viață primăvara, plină de frumusețe și simplitate vara, plină de nostalgie toamna, dar și cea înghețată, dar feerică iarna. Aici este acasă, aici sunt rădăcinile sale, aici se regăsește pe sine și își găsește împlinirea. Încă nu știe ce îi rezervă viitorul, ce planuri are Dumnezeu pentru el, dar cu credință în suflet și dragoste de viață, știe că va face față tuturor provocărilor.

O poveste plină de duioșie, frumusețe și simplitate, despre credință, încredere, speranță, dragoste de viață și familie 💝.

[Nicoleta Deca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moartea strabunicului la finele celui de-al doilea volum il fac pe Joshua John sa isi puna foarte multe intrebari cu privire la moarte dar si la caile Domnului. Inceputul romanului insa aduce bucurie si speranta in casa pastorului dar si bunicului si lui Joshua Johns prin nasterea fetiei si mai apoi a unui baietel. În aceasta parte îl regăsim pe Josh la finele liceului. Deși rezultatele școlare sunt foarte bune, fiind cel mai bun elev, Josh nu știe ce să facă în continuare, de aceea preferă să ia o pauză de la studii,si decide sa vina la ferma sa isi ajute bunicul si unchiul. Spear ca Dumnezeu îi va arăta un semn în ceea ce privește viitorul lui si ce trebuia sa faca mai departe. Cu fiecare zi care trece, Josh realizează cât de mult iubește ferma, pământul, munca în aer liber. Desi iarna va fi una dificila nu va renunta la ferma ba se straduieste sa o faca cat mai productiva asa ca va apela la un specialist in domeniul agriculturii si in final va cumpara chiar si un tractor. Partea amuzanta a acesti povesti este angajarea in casa a doua fete care sa aiba grija de casa. Ramane in continuare o poveste plină de duioșie, despre credință, poate cu citate si indemnuri crestinesti prea dese pentru gustul meu.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Seasons of the Heart series by Janette Oke. It picks up right where Book 2 left off.
Josh is finishing high school and comes to a point of decision about the direction his life should take. At the same time his help is needed back on the farm. Uncle Charlie can’t manage the farm work and Grandpa can’t do it alone. The natural and right thing to do would be to help out. So he does. But is this the direction God would have him take? Josh works hard and stays on several years. Grandpa and Uncle Charlie are not getting any younger. But what does God really want him to do?
This book is full of lessons on seeking God’s will for our lives and the importance of obedience. By the end, Josh comes up with some surprising answers.
Another gem in Janette Oke’s collection of inspirational books. I highly recommend it.

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories have my heart. No one pens faith and God’s promises like Oke does. I’ve been reading these wholesome and heartwarming stories this month. Someone recommended this series to me a couple of years ago and I was finally able to find them and enjoy them. And now I’ll pass on the recommendation to you. If you’re looking for comfort reads this is the series for you.

In this particular book, Josh is encountered with the big decision of what to do after graduating high school. He was looking for God’s will and calling. Which path to take, going to college, join the work force or farm the land his family owns. So relatable for the youth today. He saw his friends defined their lives by what they chose to do after graduation and he felt behind because he didn’t see which path to take. But all in all his family were there to offer support on whatever decision he took, loved that about all his friends and family, support but not pushing him on decisions. In the end he found satisfaction on knowing he was doing what God called him to do.

Here are some gems I’ve gathered for my collection of quotes. There are still many more but I thought to share only these ones. Read on and you’ll fall in love with the Jones family, too.

‘Winter is not Forever’
Grandpa ❣️
“…in any area of life, God doesn’t take pleasure in second-rate work.”

Nate 💙
“…but the most exciting thing in the world is to live day by day in the will of God. He has a perfect plan, and if we are obedient to Him, He will accomplish it, whether it takes fifty years, twenty years or a single day.”

“The important thing isn’t where we serve, but how. The question is not “what does He have for me in the future?”, but, “Am I obedient to Him right now?” And you can walk in obedience wherever you live and serve.”

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janette Oke was one of the first Christian authors I discovered many years ago. She still captures my heart with her novels. I had read the first two of the Seasons of the Heart series, but somewhere along the way didn't get the last two read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the Jones family that included Josh, his Grandpa and Uncle Charlie. The story is set in the Canadian prairies and focuses on the family farm and the small town where they live.

The storyline and the characters were both excellent, and I look forward to finishing this series to see what happens to the Jones family.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh is graduating and has no idea what God wants him to do with his life. His Grandpa and great Uncle need him on the farm and he loves farming so opts for that while waiting for a calling. His best friend is going to missionary training and he determines to support his work. When the issue of his strained relationship with his girl leads him to decide what his calling is he seems to have found his spot. This is probably my least favorite of the series so far. Lots of introspection and half resolved issues; sort of a place holder.

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

You have to read the books that came before this in the series for it to make sense. Considering that it is part of a series, it is a good continuation of the story line.

I do think that time was hard to follow in this book because 2 years or 3 years would go by in two sentences and if you're not careful, you'll miss it.

I enjoy Janette Oke's writing style and stories so for me this was a good read.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Audible (Included). This is part of a series. It might be read as a stand alone, but I think there’s more continuity when read as series. In this book, Josh (MC) has to decided what to do with his life after his schooling is finished. He learns that God’s will for his life doesn’t always look the same as it does for his friend’s life. If this were a book chosen for a book club, there could be a good discussion around this topic. I wish the book didn’t end so abruptly, though.