Winds of Autumn

This is part of Janette Oke's "Seasons of the Heart" series, following young Josh as he grows up from a 12 year-old to a grown man supporting a family. Delightful story, full of faith and overcoming real-life struggles.

Review; The Winds of Autumn by Janette Oke.

I have read many of Janette Oke’s novels and I always thought her writing, characters and stories were intriguing and easy relaxing reads. This is the second book in the series but it holds the story alone. It’s about a young boy, fifth teen-year-old, named Josh Jones who is brought up between two members of his family. Off and on he lives with his Gramps, Grandpop and an uncle on a farm helping them with the chores and really enjoys being there. At times he stays with his Aunt Lou and Uncle Nat, who is also a Reverend in a small town. Josh helps them with errands and anything else they need to be done. Plus, he does odd jobs around town to earn some spending money.

Josh does go to school show more but right now he’s waiting for a new teacher who’s coming to town with his family because the other teacher went away. After a week Josh meets his strange new teacher, Mr. Foggelson and his pretty teenage daughter, Camellia. It wasn’t long before Camellia was interested in Josh which led his friends teasing him. The teacher chose Josh over other students because he was smart and the teacher wanted to change Josh’s Christian life to the strong belief in evolution which only confused Josh.

Josh and his friends next goal was to go camping for three days without a chaperone
that only turned into a disastrous trip. The story gets back to Josh going to school and being asked to tutor Camellia once a week at the teacher’s house. Josh thought that was strange because Camellia was smart in her studies. Poor Josh doesn’t know what he is getting himself into. This teacher had more in mind than tutoring Camellia show less

Josh is 15 in this volume of the series, living part time with his Grandpa, Great Uncle, and Great Grandfather and part time with his aunt Lou and her minister husband. Josh is still trying to understand God as he is confronted with new ideas that challenge his teachings, dealing with friends who are growing apart and his first feelings for a girl. Good story.

On the brink of manhood, Josh's world is filled with studies and life with Aunt Lou and the menfolk, along with an occasional fishing trip thrown in. When a new teacher arrives, Josh thrives under his encouragement -as well as from the attentions of the teacher's pretty daughter. Josh faces important questions about life and love-and about himself. A new season-and new choices for Josh....

The sequel to the bestseller Once Upon a Summer. Josh faces questions about life, love, and God.

" On the brink of manhood, Josh was facing important questions about life, about love, about himself."

This whole book feels so real.