Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Where Courage Calls By Jannette Oke And Laurel Oke Logan Book Review

// Where Courage Calls //
 
A When Calls The Heart Novel
 
By Janette & Laurel Oke

{Review By Madi}
 
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 076421232X
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: February 4th, 2014
Source: Litfuse Publicity Group
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
 
// Book Synopsis //
 
Taken from Good Reads
 
"After years of schooling, Beth Thatcher has graduated and is determined to become a teacher. But when she's assigned the position no one else wants--in the tiny mining town of Coal Valley, located in the rugged foothills of western Canada--she worries she doesn't have the courage to accept.

Inspired by the diary of her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years earlier, as well as her father's encouragement, Beth eventually decides to put her trust in God and leave behind all she's ever known.

But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. 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 unexpected 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?"

 
 
// Madi's Book Review //
 
Janette Oke Strikes again! In this heart wrenching tale of a woman following her calling, you will laugh, cry, and smile. This book has a television series based off of it (When Calls The Heart can be found on Hallmark), and after watching a few episodes, I was really looking forward to reading this novel. I have always adored Janette Oke. I think that it is just so sweet that she wrote this book with her daughter. A talent for creating wonderful literature must run in the family. I have an entire bookshelf dedicated to Janette Oke's books, and I'm glad to be able to add this darling little novel to it. Where Courage Calls is about a privileged city girl that left her home town to teach in what her family would consider and uncivilized mining town. The children are poorly fed, ill clothed, but hungry for knowledge. Beth is a kind hearted soul with a compassionate heart. Sometimes she puts such responsibility on herself to care for the people of Coal Valley that her own health declines, but because of her efforts she quickly finds acceptance amongst the strong people of this rural town. Beth refuses to let thoughts of suitors such as her childhood . . . friend Edward or the handsome Mountie Jarrik (also known as "Jack") distract her from her work. She is determined to help everyone that she can that surrounds her new home, and though the road gets bumpy, she makes it through with the help of her Lord and Savior. This book had wonderfully created characters with inspiring personalities and a plot that kept me interested from start to finish. I am fully convinced that Janette Oke could make a story about a potato interesting. She really is a fantastic author, and her historical fiction has no competition. I can't recommend this book enough.
 
~The Literary Maidens
 
Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book by The Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts and sentiments expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.
 
 
 
 
 

1 comment:

  1. I LOVE the television series, but was really confused about the characters in the book. I thought it was based on the book "When Calls the Heart" which does not feature a coal town or these characters. After reading your review, I get it! It's based on THIS book. I really want to read this book now!! Thanks for the review!

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