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Seasons of the Heart #2
The Winds of Autumn
"I don't know who was most excited that morning when the three of us hoisted packs on our backs and started off down the trail. Just before we disappeared from view of our yard, I turned for one more wave. You woulda thought we were marching off to war or something. I even saw Aunt Lou blow her nose on her white hankie. They all looked glad and sad at the same time--happy we were doing something we really wanted to do, anxious that everything would go all right, and a bit sad we were growing up." On the brink of manhood, Josh was facing important questions about life, about love, about himself..."I sure was having a time of it trying to sort out all these different ideas and feelings--maybe I should just go fishing!"
218 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
161 people are currently reading
1602 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
347 books3,430 followersJanette 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 203 reviews
November 24, 2020
This is a Historical Fiction, and this is the second book in the Seasons of the Heart series. I really loved the characters. This book was told by young boy named Joshua Jones, and it was also about Joshua figuring out some things. I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed that the young boy in this book was trying to figured out if he believes in god, and also he try to figure out why God did somethings. This book was written and published in 1987, but I found it still easy to read and understand. (*)
May 22, 2025
4 Stars ✨
Another delightful addition to this sweet series. Joshua is such a great MMC 💗 and all the side characters add so much to the story.
Another delightful addition to this sweet series. Joshua is such a great MMC 💗 and all the side characters add so much to the story.
August 15, 2017
Winds of Autumn is the second book in the Season of the Heart series by Janette Oke.
Now when I borrowed the rest of the books from this series (having already read the first, which I rated 3.5 stars out of 5) I did it for the sake of finishing the series (I like finishing my series if I can), not particularly because I enjoyed the first book. I wasn't expecting to like this one too much.
But wow, was I wrong. I had forgotten how much I love the characters in this series. They're all so sweet and unique, and I grew re-attached to them immediately.
I definitely enjoyed an older Josh. His point-of-view was more interesting now then it had been when he was younger.
Also, YAY for first-person POV without the annoying accents! As I said before, I can deal with it as long as the NARRARATOR doesn't talk in the "accent", like in the first book in this series.
I loved the overall storyline. It kept me entertained and made me feel things.
But the ending was my favorite part. It was literally just what I needed. I'm going through a rough time in my life and this line really helped me: "How could a God who loved me so much that He would die for me be spiteful and mean?" So true. This book came at just the right time. Thank you, book!!!
5 stars out of 5.
Now when I borrowed the rest of the books from this series (having already read the first, which I rated 3.5 stars out of 5) I did it for the sake of finishing the series (I like finishing my series if I can), not particularly because I enjoyed the first book. I wasn't expecting to like this one too much.
But wow, was I wrong. I had forgotten how much I love the characters in this series. They're all so sweet and unique, and I grew re-attached to them immediately.
I definitely enjoyed an older Josh. His point-of-view was more interesting now then it had been when he was younger.
Also, YAY for first-person POV without the annoying accents! As I said before, I can deal with it as long as the NARRARATOR doesn't talk in the "accent", like in the first book in this series.
I loved the overall storyline. It kept me entertained and made me feel things.
But the ending was my favorite part. It was literally just what I needed. I'm going through a rough time in my life and this line really helped me: "How could a God who loved me so much that He would die for me be spiteful and mean?" So true. This book came at just the right time. Thank you, book!!!
5 stars out of 5.
September 9, 2016
I hated to give two stars to this book, I enjoyed the first book of the series Once upon a Summer but this second book was too preachy and seem to be trying to convince the reader to become a Christian. I am a Christian and when I read the genre, I want to explore relationship with the Lord, faith and further development of my belief. This book might be good for a teenager who is on the cusp of deciding where their faith lies. Not enough for my interest to say that I really enjoyed this book. There were some tough subjects such as death but not enough dimension for my personal taste. Also I wonder if the author decided to write from a young boy's perspective because at this period of time, girls weren't able to have the adventures that a boy might have. I never felt convinced that Josh was truly coming from a boy's perspective.
May 26, 2025
Extremely rereadable.
November 3, 2021
Forever and always will hold these books dear to my heart. I’m in a Book Club Group over on IG and we are re reading all the books in this series. So glad to be rereading these.
This second book is deeper on so many levels. It’s comforting to be reminded of foundational truths and promises of God’s word as we follow Josh and Aunt Lou and their story.
Love the parallel of seasons and change in physical seasons to changes and growth in our lives. Perfect fall read!
This second book is deeper on so many levels. It’s comforting to be reminded of foundational truths and promises of God’s word as we follow Josh and Aunt Lou and their story.
Love the parallel of seasons and change in physical seasons to changes and growth in our lives. Perfect fall read!
August 27, 2016
Such a perfect sequel to book one, "Once Upon a Summer"! I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read the rest of this series. :D
August 18, 2015
I think I was born 100 years too late. Something about her books I can read over and over. Love the setting.
August 3, 2019
Such an amazing book! I actually cried at the end..... Janette Oke's writing is so beautiful!
November 17, 2020
This was beautiful and bittersweet! I laughed, smiled, and teared up many times. It made me think. It made me feel thankful and happy. It was perfect listening to it on my autumn walks.🍁❤️ A truly wonderful book!!
October 25, 2024
Wow! If I could give this series thus far, ten stars, I would! I am so excited to keep reading the life of Joshua Jones! This book was so heartwarming and the ending so moving!
May 20, 2019
In Winds of Autumn readers are taken to Josh Jones teen years. At 15 he gets a crush on the new teacher's beautiful daughter. Because Josh is one of the smarter students the new teacher takes a special interest in him. Soon the teacher is requesting that Josh tutor his daughter who can't seem to get good grades in geography. Once Josh starts tutoring her he finds out she probably knows more about geography than he does. So why was his teacher so insistent that Josh help her with her school work when she didn't need help?
Josh finds his Christian beliefs being questioned when the theory of evolution is taught at school. His teacher questions his Christian beliefs and doubts begin to slip into Josh's young mind. Is his teacher right or is what he's been taught all his life and what the Bible teaches, right? Other things happen in his young life that causes Josh to be bitter and unforgiving to a former friend. When the family faces a devastating loss Josh gets angry at God. He struggles with feelings of hate and bitterness throughout the school year. Can he get his feelings and confusion straightened out and find out which path he wants to take in his life.
I loved this book too as it was true to how life can be some times. There were good times and bad times, laughter and tears. Pretty much what real life is like. The motto would be not to question God or let bitterness , hate and lack of forgiveness to others take root in your heart. It's better for us to forgive and let go.
All fans of Janette Oke will love this book and won't want to miss reading the entire series. Readers of Christian Fiction and good clean books that teach family values will want to read this book.
I downloaded Winds of Autumn from the digital library. A review wasn't requested. All opinions shared here are my own honest thoughts.
Josh finds his Christian beliefs being questioned when the theory of evolution is taught at school. His teacher questions his Christian beliefs and doubts begin to slip into Josh's young mind. Is his teacher right or is what he's been taught all his life and what the Bible teaches, right? Other things happen in his young life that causes Josh to be bitter and unforgiving to a former friend. When the family faces a devastating loss Josh gets angry at God. He struggles with feelings of hate and bitterness throughout the school year. Can he get his feelings and confusion straightened out and find out which path he wants to take in his life.
I loved this book too as it was true to how life can be some times. There were good times and bad times, laughter and tears. Pretty much what real life is like. The motto would be not to question God or let bitterness , hate and lack of forgiveness to others take root in your heart. It's better for us to forgive and let go.
All fans of Janette Oke will love this book and won't want to miss reading the entire series. Readers of Christian Fiction and good clean books that teach family values will want to read this book.
I downloaded Winds of Autumn from the digital library. A review wasn't requested. All opinions shared here are my own honest thoughts.
February 24, 2010
I liked this book about as well as the first one. Josh is still as enjoyable and relatable as ever. We get to see him have his first crush, and then see how he deals with questions and thoughts that really question his faith and what he believes. I like how this book portrays the importance of family and good friends--not just good like loyal, but good like they have good principles and share your beliefs and standards--and how both can help you stand strong to what you believe and are always there to help you through tough times. I think that's a message that doesn't get shared very often. And I'm not going to lie, this one made me cry. But I loved how the characters responded to trials--how sometimes their faith was shaken, but how they found their way back to God. And the camping trip? Priceless.
September 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the character journey that Joshua took throughout it. It was funny, sweet, intense, and inspiring! A very well written sequel that kept me guessing all the way through!
October 13, 2025
Moving to a full 5 stars after allowing a day to cool off. An event made me angry, but this is a very good story full of important lessons and virtues and 'real' characters. And yes, it wouldn't have been quite so poignant without that one thing happening...
September 4, 2023
This was a nostalgic read for me, the last time I picked up these books I was in my teens. This one seemed fitting given the season. I still really enjoyed it after all these years, it still held up! 💛
December 29, 2019
This book is a wonderful coming of age story, about a young boy named Joshua Jones. It follows his life.
It follows along the lines of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. A joy to read, for males or females. Keeping with the life lessons of the Holy Bible, as Janette Oke does.
It follows along the lines of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. A joy to read, for males or females. Keeping with the life lessons of the Holy Bible, as Janette Oke does.
June 18, 2014
I've heard the Evolution vs. Creation debate so often that I am sick of it.
September 23, 2014
This book was sappy and very preachy.
February 17, 2021
This whole book feels so real.
September 6, 2022
I read this many years ago, and recently reread it with a teen. (A book I'd reread is an automatic 5 stars.)
The reasons that I read this book with the teen were partly because we'd loved the prequel, "Once Upon a Summer" so much, and partly because of the intellectual challenges to faith. It's a completely different genre, but it made me think of C. S. Lewis' "Perelandria," that an older child read.
I loved the humor in "Once Upon a Summer," which I read with my own mom, and this book started out funny with the hiking trip, but soon took on a more serious tone.
Two things stood out to me in my first reading - that Josh's faith was intellectually challenged, and his statement towards the end... SPOILER ... "I had nearly thrown away my faith when I had lost someone that I loved - and here, at the loss of someone else I loved, I had had it restored again."
Now I realize that he'd not only had his faith tested intellectually, but emotionally as well. I found that an interesting duo. One youth pastor at our church had studied answers to intellectual questions about faith with the kids; the next youth pastor had studied answers to emotional questions about faith with them. Those two types of challenges to faith have probably always existed, but now, the emphasis from youth seems to be more on the emotional reasons.
Favorite quote:
"Do you get closer to God when you are not so scared about other things, or are you not so scared about other things because you are closer to God?"
The reasons that I read this book with the teen were partly because we'd loved the prequel, "Once Upon a Summer" so much, and partly because of the intellectual challenges to faith. It's a completely different genre, but it made me think of C. S. Lewis' "Perelandria," that an older child read.
I loved the humor in "Once Upon a Summer," which I read with my own mom, and this book started out funny with the hiking trip, but soon took on a more serious tone.
Two things stood out to me in my first reading - that Josh's faith was intellectually challenged, and his statement towards the end... SPOILER ... "I had nearly thrown away my faith when I had lost someone that I loved - and here, at the loss of someone else I loved, I had had it restored again."
Now I realize that he'd not only had his faith tested intellectually, but emotionally as well. I found that an interesting duo. One youth pastor at our church had studied answers to intellectual questions about faith with the kids; the next youth pastor had studied answers to emotional questions about faith with them. Those two types of challenges to faith have probably always existed, but now, the emphasis from youth seems to be more on the emotional reasons.
Favorite quote:
"Do you get closer to God when you are not so scared about other things, or are you not so scared about other things because you are closer to God?"
June 6, 2024
Set in a simpler time, this is the story of young men as they become more adult. Josh is 15 and being raised by his aunt and uncle after the death of his parents with the help of his Grandpa, Gramps, and his great uncle where he spends time on the farm. He attends a one room school in town that has just gotten a new teacher. Josh's Uncle Nat is the small town preacher, and Josh has been raised with a deep faith from all of his family. Josh is quite bright, and the new teacher who is a die hard evolutionist tries to convince not only Josh but also his class that evolution is the real truth. What will happen to friendships as well as the town that is filled with deep connections to their faith?
Janette Oke is a strong Christian author who always includes a deep faith thread in her novels as well as giving the reader something to truly think about. She does no less in this novel. This is a book that I believe would be a perfect read for young adults who are questioning their own faith. Since the main characters are 4 boys, this would be especially good for them.
Janette Oke is a strong Christian author who always includes a deep faith thread in her novels as well as giving the reader something to truly think about. She does no less in this novel. This is a book that I believe would be a perfect read for young adults who are questioning their own faith. Since the main characters are 4 boys, this would be especially good for them.
January 13, 2019
*Review based on Audible.com version, though I do own the paperback copy.
Great Heart Lessons
Joshua is growing up, almost a man. A camping trip doesn't go as planned. The new teacher's daughter catches his eye. He faces trials with his friends, great loss in his family, and he struggles with his faith. His friend shows him some Biblical truths as does Gramps.
I really enjoy Johnny Heller's narration. It is bringing this longtime favorite series back to life for me. I read them when the books were first published.
Great Heart Lessons
Joshua is growing up, almost a man. A camping trip doesn't go as planned. The new teacher's daughter catches his eye. He faces trials with his friends, great loss in his family, and he struggles with his faith. His friend shows him some Biblical truths as does Gramps.
I really enjoy Johnny Heller's narration. It is bringing this longtime favorite series back to life for me. I read them when the books were first published.
April 18, 2024
Oh my goodness I love this book 🤍🤍
May 7, 2025
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. 😆
July 18, 2021
While this second book in the series has more (very mild) romance in it as young Josh is now growing older, the main focus is on his spiritual struggles and the sovereignty of God. I thought the book was well written and had a good storyline.
November 15, 2025
This book helped me so much, love and loss, fear and Joy, sadness, love, this book even helped me spiritually. Forgive.
Mark 11:25-26 (KJV) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25-26 (KJV) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
February 26, 2019
THIS BOOK. WOW. AMAZING!!!
Starting off with Once Upon A Summer... this series is SO GOOD!! *squeal*
Here I come Winter Is Not Forever!!
Starting off with Once Upon A Summer... this series is SO GOOD!! *squeal*
Here I come Winter Is Not Forever!!
January 14, 2025
Chiar nu am putut să nu îi dau un review bun! Chiar nu am putut!
Povestea a vorbit sufletului meu…si mi-a plăcut nespus ca a fost plina de învățătură. Mi-a plăcut ca personajul a trecut prin mai multe răzvrătiri, care l-au făcut să înțeleagă mai bine umblarea cu Dumnezeu, dar totuși nu s-a lăsat și a continuat ba chiar mai mult și mai bine să îi slujească. Acum, mă rog să meargă totul bine în continuare!
Povestea a vorbit sufletului meu…si mi-a plăcut nespus ca a fost plina de învățătură. Mi-a plăcut ca personajul a trecut prin mai multe răzvrătiri, care l-au făcut să înțeleagă mai bine umblarea cu Dumnezeu, dar totuși nu s-a lăsat și a continuat ba chiar mai mult și mai bine să îi slujească. Acum, mă rog să meargă totul bine în continuare!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 203 reviews