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Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another

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A queen, an educator, a missionary, a pastor's wife. Some of them single, some married, some widowed, some mothers. All of them, like women today, knew the joys and heartaches of life. But the bond that drew this generation of women together and connects them to women today was their heart for God and devotion to Christ. In this year's worth of devotions, you will find spiritual insights from godly women of the past who, like us, struggled with sin, loneliness, and disappointments yet rejoiced in God's love, mercy, grace, and providential blessings. Join them in the various seasons of their hearts and find timeless encouragement and wisdom from one generation of women to another. Authors include Ruth Bryan, Anne Dutton, Isabella Graham, Elizabeth Julia Hasell, Frances Ridley Havergal, Sarah Hawkes, Susan Huntington, Harriet Newell, Katherine Parr, Susannah Spurgeon, Anne Steele, and Mary Winslow. - 366 days of Scripture verses and brief devotional meditations that provide timeless truths, encouragement, and wisdom for your daily walk with God
- Updated language makes meditations accessible to modern reader
- Brief, inspiring biographies of each of the contributing authors
- Excellent gift for Christmas, graduation, Mother's Day, and birthdays for women of all ages

416 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2013

20 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Donna Kelderman

3 books2 followers
Donna Kelderman is a pastor’s wife and mother of six children, one of whom is married. Her family resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her husband, Mark, is dean of students and spiritual formation at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Donna is active in the seminary’s Ministry Wives Institute, seeking to teach and encourage wives of the seminary students.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Harper.
873 reviews42 followers
January 13, 2020
Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another was compiled by Donna Kelderman from the writings of “twelve godly women from both Great Britain and America who lived from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries” (from the Preface).

Some of these women’s names are familiar. Susannah Spurgeon was the wife of oft-quoted pastor C. H. Spurgeon and had a thriving writing ministry herself. Frances Ridley Havergal was the author of several hymns we still sing today, like “Take My Life and Let It Be.” Harriet Newell and her husband sailed out with Adoniram and Ann Judson to India as America’s first foreign missionaries, and she died just a year later. Her writing was published posthumously.

I did not know the rest of the ladies, but Donna has a page-long biography of each one at the end of the book. She says in the preface that the ladies came from a variety of backgrounds. Some were married, some were single. Some had children, some did not. Some were widows. Many faced a variety of health issues. Some faced persecution. Some were published authors in their day. Some of the writing is taken from journals or letters.

One thing true of all the women is that their writing is saturated with Scripture. Donna notes that some of the letters and journals were written informally with Scripture, hymns, etc. incorporated from memory without chapter and verse notations. That’s my biggest takeaway from this book: to minister to others spiritually, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and filled with His Word.

Donna said that she “lightly updated” the language from the originals. I looked up the original sources of some of these in order to quote them, and that made me immensely appreciate Donna’s editing. In just a few places, the language is still a little hard to plow through, but it’s not insurmountable.

My one slight disappointment is that, this being a book by women for women, there were hardly any passages pertaining specifically to women. I believe women’s books shouldn’t just focus on what are called the “pink passages” of the Bible relating to women. We should read and study the whole counsel of God: all of it speaks to us. But since it does contain some special passages for women, it would have been nice to have little Titus 2 teaching.

Nevertheless, in encouraging a close walk with God, diligent study of His Word, faith in Him through every circumstance, and vigilant combat against sin, this book will touch all areas of life. This is a book I can highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kim Jordan.
39 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2020
I wanted this book because I had heard a couple of the devotions read during a retreat. Those that I heard must have been the only good ones in the book however. This would be a book that your grandmother or great-grandmother might appreciate but I had a hard time relating to most of what was written.
Profile Image for Jan.
15 reviews
December 31, 2019
Enjoyed these daily readings. Though I did not read every one, I read a majority and often marveled at the timelessness over generations. There timely is. I thing new under the sun.
Profile Image for Josh.
83 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2013
Born of a heart burdened down during a period of prolonged health problems, Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another, is a book written by Donna Kelderman as a way to minister to other women who might also be in the midst of struggles in their own life (whether those struggles are health-related, financial, family-related, etc.). As the burdens of these struggles weigh us down, there are a myriad of ways that God can minister to His children, and these ways are what this devotional would like to assist with (alongside of prayer and Bible reading). In Donna's own words: "Since I have often been fed with the writings of these dear sisters in the Lord who have gone before us, my prayer in compiling these devotional pieces is that their writings, such a rich treasury, would not be forgotten but that the Lord would use these devotionals to correct, admonish, comfort, cheer the downcast, and lead many to the foot of the cross." The question that I want to answer in my review is, "does this devotional accomplish the goals that the author set out for it to accomplish?".

With any devotional, you almost have to begin with who is contributing the writings for each day of the week. Is it one author throughout the whole book writing on a multitude of topics, or are there multiple authors contributing to the book? In either case, the main thing that a reader needs to be concerned with are if the author(s) are theologically sound or not. In other words, are the daily devotions grounded firmly in the Word of God, or are they a bunch of self-esteem driven, American moralistic nonsense that will inflate your ego for a few short minutes, but will not fill you with the biblically sound awe and wonder of a Saviour who purchased you with His precious blood and who has equipped you to walk in momentary obedience to Him through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Seasons of the Heart is itself a devotional filled with daily devotions from a variety of authors, all of which are extremely sound theologically speaking. There are 12 authors in total, and they include the following godly ladies: Mary Winslow, Elizabeth Julia Hasell, Frances Ridley Havergal, Ruth Bryan, Susannah Spurgeon, Sarah Hawkes, Anne Dutton, Susan Huntington, Katherine Parr, Harriet Newell, Sarah Hawkes, and Isabella Graham. One of the neat things about this devotional is that not only are the ladies theologically sound, but they also lived in both Great Britain and America during the 16th - 20th centuries, so readers are getting exposed to women throughout church history who both struggled, and overcame those struggles, and are willing to share these stories with modern readers. It is a way to expose readers to church history without having to read an academic book on the subject, which is a great thing. My continual hope and desire, and seemingly Donna's desire as well based on what she put in this devotional, is that we never lose sight of the fact that our church fathers (or in this case, "church mothers") of the faith can help encourage/exhort us in overcoming the trials, struggles, and temptations that we continually face in our lives.

I personally have to thank Donna for putting together a devotional that is both theologically sound, and is geared towards ministering to women. My wife has read this devotional almost every day since I received it in the mail, and she has thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the fact that my wife is being ministered to by a group of ladies from church history that will help encourage her to maybe broaden her horizons and read other writings by these ladies as she gets the time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Reformation Heritage Books (October 21, 2013), via Cross Focused Reviews, a service of Cross Focused Media, LLC, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,219 reviews41 followers
November 4, 2013
About the Book:

"Perhaps some of the most challenging yet tender words ever penned come to us from the writings of godly women of the past. Selected by Donna Kelderman as daily readings, here is a collection of such writings. And who can tell what blessings may be in store for us with a year spent in the company of women like Ruth Bryan, Mary Winslow, Susannah Spurgeon, Frances Ridley Havergal, and many others?" Faith Cook, author of Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan, Lady Jane Grey: The Nine-Day Queen of England, and several other titles.

About the Author:

Donna Kelderman is a pastor s wife and mother of six children, one of whom is married. Her family resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her husband, Mark, is dean of students and spiritual formation at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Donna is active in the seminary s Ministry Wives Institute, seeking to teach and encourage wives of the seminary students.

My Review:

Set in multiple time periods, the author took some of the most beautiful words written by Christian pioneers of their day and turned it into a lovely devotional sure to get to the depth of your soul with their touching tributes to our Father. I read through many of the devotions in the book along with the short biographical summaries of some of the strongest, bravest women I have ever heard of. Some of the things these women had to deal with seem mountains above what I have to face each day.

The lady that touched me the most and her plight bringing tears to my eyes was Mary Winslow. A woman that was handed a horrible blow when her infant daughter and her husband both passing away at virtually the same time leaving her in a new land with 9 growing boys to provide for. This woman with the odds stacked against her is using the words that came to her all those years ago to comfort me in my circumstances is nothing short of amazing. Out of all the ladies she was my very favorite!

Susannah Spurgeon, wife of the famous C.H. Spurgeon, seemed very real to me. Probably the reason because she felt like God was getting more of her husband than she was. And it was only after visiting with her mother she came to realize after some guidance from her, that her husband was no ordinary man that he was a chosen man set aside for God's purpose, she went home to him and stayed by his side until his duties to the Lord were through.

Amazing women set aside to show us, after all these years, standards and instructions that we should still live by today. Their words, many of them so touching and heart felt have a way of you wanting to stand along side them and soldier on no matter the cost. This devotional is good for the entire year, one read each day. Simple and right to the point, with Bible verses and small biographical summaries included.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Cross Focused Reviews.
Profile Image for Suzanne Jackson.
30 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2013
On our recent flight home from Arizona, I found myself with nothing to read. For some reason, this was a low-tech flight: no media screens or headphone jacks. After reading the in-flight magazine, browsed the catalog of unique and overpriced items, I remembered that I had downloaded a book by a popular Christian author to my laptop. This author promised to remind me that I'm deeply loved, accepted, and celebrated by God. As I read for the next half hour, it was clear to me that the author could weave a beautiful story, very trying to connect with the reader. And yet, I found myself longing for more -- more substance, more unpacking of Scripture, more focus on God and His glory.

When we returned home, I found another book waiting for me. Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another is a unique compilation of writings from women of the past. These women are from varied backgrounds and seasons of life; many endured hardships and sufferings beyond what most of us might experience. But the common element, the common thread, is their enduring faith in God. And their focus, even in the midst of their own struggles? Encouraging others to draw near to Christ, look to Him, and abide in Him.

I'm not a huge fan of devotional books, as a rule, but I find myself drawn to this book. Because many of the writings are taken from personal letters and journals, composed with no thought of being published, an informal and personal tone is maintained. I found myself connecting with these women, especially after reading through the brief biographies at the back of the book (I'd encourage you to read these first).

During our trip to Arizona, we took advantage of the great Mexican food and, of course, In-N-Out Burger every chance we had. As much as I enjoyed it, by the time we were heading home my body was telling me it needed something different, some nutrients I'd been lacking. When I read my first page of Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another, I felt like it was providing me with the substance that the earlier book had lacked. I think I devoured about ten devotions that night, wondering if I'll ever attempt to finish that other book.

Seasons of the Heart is a book you'll want to keep on your nightstand, and it would make a great gift for a woman in any season of life, wherever she might be in her walk of faith.

Cross Focused Reviews provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, the views stated here are my own. This review has also been posted on Amazon.com and www.princapecos.blogspot.com.
Profile Image for Deborah.
274 reviews
November 15, 2013
A queen, an educator, a missionary, a pastor's wife. Some of them single, some married, some widowed, some mothers. All of them, like women today, knew the joys and heartaches of life. But the bond that drew this generation of women together and connects them to women today was their heart for God and devotion to Christ. In this year's worth of devotions, you will find spiritual insights from godly women of the past who, like us, struggled with sin, loneliness, and disappointments yet rejoiced in God's love, mercy, grace, and providential blessings. Join them in the various seasons of their hearts and find timeless encouragement and wisdom from one generation of women to another. Authors include Ruth Bryan, Anne Dutton, Isabella Graham, Elizabeth Julia Hasell, Frances Ridley Havergal, Sarah Hawkes, Susan Huntington, Harriet Newell, Katherine Parr, Susannah Spurgeon, Anne Steele, and Mary Winslow. 366 days of Scripture verses and brief devotional meditations that provide timeless truths, encouragement, and wisdom for your daily walk with God - Updated language makes meditations accessible to modern readers - Brief, inspiring biographies of each of the contributing authors - Excellent gift for Christmas, graduation, Mother's Day, and birthdays for women of all ages.

My Review:

This devotional contains devotionals from women in the 1700's and 1800's. They contain journal entries, letter and poetry from great women of faith. I was most familiar with Katherine Parr (King Henry the 8th's sixth and final wife) and Susannah Spurgeon from the historical perspective and I was thrilled to learn about them in their private lives. In my personal life, I have no female interactions. Yet I found myself being able to relate to all these women in the different stages of their lives and faith.

The format of the book is very user friendly, with dated entries for every day of the year. There are biographies of the women in the back of the book, as well as a Scripture index. I recommend this devotional to women of every age, culture and marital status. You will be greatly blessed to take a peek at the lives of these women - and to see that they have the same struggles and triumphs that we do.

This book was provide by the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary-ann.
163 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2013
A queen, an educator, a missionary, a pastor s wife. Some of them single, some married, some widowed, some mothers. All of them, like women today, knew the joys and heartaches of life. But the bond that drew this generation of women together and connects them to women today was their heart for God and devotion to Christ. In this year s worth of devotions, you will find spiritual insights from godly women of the past who, like us, struggled with sin, loneliness, and disappointments yet rejoiced in God s love, mercy, grace, and providential blessings. Join them in the various seasons of their hearts and find timeless encouragement and wisdom from one generation of women to another. Authors include Ruth Bryan, Anne Dutton, Isabella Graham, Elizabeth Julia Hasell, Frances Ridley Havergal, Sarah Hawkes, Susan Huntington, Harriet Newell, Katherine Parr, Susannah Spurgeon, Anne Steele, and Mary Winslow. 366 days of Scripture verses and brief devotional meditations that provide timeless truths, encouragement, and wisdom for your daily walk with God - Updated language makes meditations accessible to modern readers - Brief, inspiring biographies of each of the contributing authors - Excellent gift for Christmas, graduation, Mother s Day, and birthdays for women of all ages.

I love devotional books, and this is no exception. I believe that devotions are a very important part of our lives, and Ms. Kelderman has taken the writings of many Godly women in different phases of their lives and shared them with us. Each woman is an inspiration and I feel that this devotional is a must for all women to read. No matter what your day is like, what your feeling, I know that you can relate to these women, and share the depth of their faith.
I received this book free from www.crossfocusedreviews.com . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cross Focused Media, LLC


Profile Image for Jill.
422 reviews
November 12, 2013
“Seasons of the Heart” contains the journal entries, letters and poetry of twelve women of the faith from the 1700s and 1800s. Women such as Susannah Spurgeon, the wife of C.H. Spurgeon; Katherine Parr, who was named after Henry VIII’s first wife; Anne Steele, who served with her father who was a minister and wrote 144 hymns, 34 psalms in verse and 50 poems; Mary Winslow, who lost an infant daughter and her husband within days of each other and though she became despondent later accepted her suffering as from God and wrote some amazing letters of faith and the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer.

Inspiring selections from some remarkable women are included in this year of devotions. At the back of the book, you will find a biographical sketch of each of them. After reading the sketches, you will be amazed and inspired at what they lived through and struggled with while still holding on to their faith and trust in God.

I am grateful for Donna Kelderman for compiling their works in “Seasons of the Heart”. Seeing the faith of other women who lived generations before is encouraging and inspiring. Knowing that they struggled and made it through reinforces my faith.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Cross Focused Reviews, a service of Cross Focused Media, LLC, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Taryn Raulston.
Author 1 book4 followers
November 6, 2013
Compiled by Donna Kelderman, Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions from One Generation of Women to Another is a deep and rich treasury of thoughts and encouragements from godly women of the past.

The book includes daily devotions for January through December from 12 women who lived between 1512 and 1903. Some of these inspirational women I was familiar with like Susannah Spurgeon and Harriet Newell. For others, like Ruth Bryan and Sarah Hawkes, I was kindly introduced to through the helpful biographical sketches at the back of the book.

All of these women clearly had a firm foundation in Scripture and a strong faith in Christ as their Savior, as reflected in the meaningful thoughts they share. These devotions are full of deep theology and may require more focus from the reader than other modern devotions, but each reading is well worth the effort for the wisdom and insight gained.

Facing many of the same struggles and trials in life as modern women, these genuine and honest devotions show the hearts of women whose desire to love and obey the Lord carried them through life and will inspire the reader to persevere in the faith as well.

*Special thanks to Reformation Heritage Books and Cross Focused Reviews for providing this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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