Our Stories Through Every Season — A book of real-life journeys

What started as a simple journaling assignment has grown into a book that aims to give a voice to women’s experiences of loss, healing, renewal, and joy.

Our Stories Through Every Season is a new devotional-style book led by Christine Jacobs, from Athlone, founder of the Complete Women movement. 

The project brought together women from different walks of life, each tasked with journaling their personal stories over two months. These reflections have now been carefully compiled into a book that captures life’s rhythms in all their honesty.

Each story in the book is linked to a season—Autumn, Winter, Spring, or Summer—symbolising the highs and lows that many women go through, she said.

“No one is exempt from life’s seasons,” said Ms Jacobs. “Some stories reflect letting go, others speak of silence and grief. Then there are moments of new beginnings, and others celebrate freedom and joy. We even created space for the women who feel like they’re experiencing all four seasons at once.”

The group will be celebrating the launch of their debut book at their sold-out book launch on Women’s Day, Saturday, August 9.

Ms Jacobs said the project revealed how deeply courageous women are, particularly those who shared stories of trauma, illness, heartbreak, or loss. But it wasn’t only about hardship. 

“There are stories of joy, purpose, and rediscovery,” she said. “Growth doesn’t only come through pain—it also happens when we choose joy, when we forgive, and when we find our way forward again.”

She hopes the book helps women feel seen and understood. “I want every reader to find a piece of her own journey in these pages,” said Ms Jacobs. “We are not defined by one season. We are shaped by all of them.”

One of the writers, Candice Alexander, from Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain, said the process of writing was unexpectedly healing. “When I read back my own words, I cried,” she said. “I realised how far I’ve come. Letting go of something I had kept hidden - smoking - was one of my hardest decisions. But it taught me how to trust deeply and begin again.”

Contributor of the book and writer, Bianca Brandt, from Welcome Estate, Athlone, said this book is for every woman who has ever questioned whether her story matters. “Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, healing, or starting fresh—this book reminds you that you’re not alone. Every stage matters, even the ones we try to hide. It helped me see my pain with more kindness, and to trust that even in difficult seasons, growth is still happening.”

Contributor and writer, Claudette Page, from Montevideo, said the writing process spoke to areas of pain she was still affected by. “It helped me slow down and recognize where healing was still needed,” she said.

She resonated most with the winter season of healing, which reminded her that growth doesn’t have to be perfect. “This book is the voice of women. I hope it encourages others to reflect, take small steps, and realise they’re not alone in their journey.”

For more information on the book, follow the writers' social media pages or email tops@ecclesia.org to order a book for R200.