Historical
Where Courage Calls
When Calls The Heart book 7
by Jannette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan
-From the back cover- HER COURAGE AND HER HEART WILL BE TESTED IN WAYS SHE NEVER EXPECTED. . . . BETH THATCHER has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way. But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men – both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once. Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over? | This Book earned a 5 Bark rating. |
I really liked Beth. She was the image of what every growing Christian should be, she prayed for strength, she asked God to help her with her failings, she did her best to share her faith and encourage the faith of others. She might have been a little idealistic but with her own sense and the wise help of some good friends she manages to genuinely help the town in her time there.
The romance was light and understated. I honestly wondered which of the two men would start to catch her interest though I had my own favorite the entire time.
Two of Beth's more interesting relationships are between her and the mother figures in her life. Her relationship with her mother is a bit rocky with her mother's over-protectiveness. The woman that runs the boarding house encourages, instructs, and helps Beth not only aid the town but also learn a little bit about real life.
Janette Oke has been a staple in Christian Fiction for years and for good reason, she knows how to write a good story and it seems like they only get better with each one. Her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, brings something extra to the stories that they write together, I remember how powerful Dana's Valley was as to me as a then-teenage reader.
I really can't say enough positive things about this book! The only problem was.... that it isn't longer!
I enjoyed every page of Where Courage Calls, the characters were great, the scenery was well painted, and most of all it was a good story. I sincerely hope that there is a sequel to this story published in the near future, I would most definitely read it!
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan a 5 Bark rating.
| Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 4, 2014) ISBN-10: 0764212311 ISBN-13: 978-0764212314 | |
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