Winter's Past

2nd Chance Series Book 1

Christian - Fiction
331 Pages
Reviewed on 03/12/2015
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Mary Hanks wants to inspire hearts with stories of second chances and the journey "back" to love. She and Jason have been married for thirty-nine years and raised four children. They know firsthand what it means to get a second chance with each other, and with God.

Mary worked in Christian education for eighteen years. She still loves Youth Theater, and has written twenty full-stage productions and is directing her twenty-sixth. She and Jason live in the country near Blanchard, Idaho. Besides writing, Mary enjoys meeting her kids in town for coffee, reading, crocheting, and hiking in the woods, enjoying the beauty.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Catrina Sparkman for Readers' Favorite

Winter’s Past is the first book in contemporary Christian romance writer Mary E. Hanks' Second Chances Series. Winter’s Past tells the story of Winter Cowan, a Christian Evangelist and motivational speaker. Winter’s ministry, Passion’s Prayer, travels all around the country in a beat-up old jalopy of a station wagon, preaching the Word of God. When Winter’s prayer conference is canceled unexpectedly in one city, due to the death of the wife of the host church's pastor, Winter and her team receive a last minute invitation to go to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a city Winter has avoided like the plague for the last ten years and one she has no intention of ever returning to again. But Winter and her Passion Prayer ministry staff are full time ministers of the gospel, so the ministry conference booking in Coeur d’Alene is a godsend. Winter can’t afford to turn it down, certainly not without spilling the beans to her team about the handsome Ty Williams and the details of their brief but shameful past. Winter must prepares herself mentally and spiritually to return to Coeur d’Alene, to face her past, and the man who broke her heart.

I really enjoyed Mary E. Hanks' Winter’s Past. I found it to be a pleasantly sweet and super fun romantic read. I’m a confessed sucker for great plots, second chances, and happy endings and Mary E. Hanks' Winter’s Past has all of the above. This is a book that does not disappoint.

Cathy L, Amazon Reviewer

"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!"

Amazon Customer

"Can't wait for part 2!!!"

Nadine H, Amazon Reviewer

"This is a powerful story that held my interest and I really liked the climactic ending. It is a Christian romance and deals with second chances. I found it to be both inspiring and enjoyable. While encouraging faith, it takes the readers on a journey they will like. You will be glad when you have finished reading it."

Kel_H, Amazon Reviewer

"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."

Katherine, Amazon Reviewe

"Winter's Past is a delightful story of faith, love,perseverance, and redemption. Ty and Winter have been separated for 10 years following their divorce. Winter vows to never re-marry and pursues a calling for evangelism, while Ty sinks into despair, but finds redemption through Christ. Unexpectedly, Ty is given a second chance to find the love he callously discarded. Ty and Winter courageously seek God's guidance as they struggle with an unknown future. Winter's Past will leave you feeling warm and assured of God's unfailing love for His children, even when we need a "second" chance at love and life."