Thursday, February 27, 2014

Where Courage Calls by Jannette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN: 9780764212314
Paperback $14.99
Bethany House a division of
Baker Publishing Group
About the book: 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'd 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?

My thoughts:  Those of us who remember the days when there were not many Christian fiction books available recall with delight when authors such as Grace Livingston Hill (one of the earliest I recall), Jannette Oke, Frank Peretti came along with books written by Christian authors, published by Christian publishing houses, and that were good stories with wholesome characters. Of course, with Mr. Peretti’s books, he had some really evil characters to which he exposed us but his books were clean, safe reads.

Having not picked up a Jannette Oke book in a few years, it was a delight to begin turning the pages of her gentle writing. A well-told story, good characterization, and a trip into the days of early Americana will delight. Jannette Oke and her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, have written a story that transmits with one voice the reader into the depressed coal mining area of Canada. They bring in a spoiled, never deprived of anything, young lady who wants to teach. Her teaching opportunity brings her into the midst of desolation, deprivation, and despair.

A mining disaster has occurred prior to her arrival leaving the mothers and children of dead miners to cope. No education. No resources. New miners who have migrated from Italy and whom the mothers and town fear
and simply don’t trust. Then the miracle of a young gentile lady, who is going to teach these destitute children, arrives. She brings hope and happiness.

Though the story is not truly a romance, we still have a couple of heroes dressed in the red jackets of the Canadian Mounted Police. Strong, honest, problem solvers who seem to arrive at the right moment each time.

There is the rough, but good, lady who runs the boarding house and who has taken in two orphaned teens; and the old retired miner from Italy, who has learned to speak English and who is wise and caring.  These bring richness and warmth to the story.

All-in-all, This “Oke” story is a good read. One you won’t mind handing to your teen to read or your church friends.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

GIVEAWAY:  One of Chat With Vera's readers will be the recipient of a copy Where Courage Calls. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  Begins February 27 & ENDS March 20 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA residents only.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

34 comments:

  1. I think my most joyful time is time alone walking on a beach with my husband. Seems like we can just let our selves relax and open up to one another. So peaceful and calm there.
    Blessings
    joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com

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  2. The Centurion's Wife Davis Bunn, Where Courage Calls A When Calls the Heart Novel by: Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan February 2014 This is two other people she has written books with.

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  3. I have read the Love Comes softly series. I loved them

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  4. As a child growing up in a safe, quiet, little town, never worrying about anything as we walked to and from school each day, playing outside till dark and feeling safe from everything in our home, that was joy, and peace.

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  5. I have not read any of her books. But I would love to.

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  6. Seeing the excitement, confidence & joy on my tween son's face as he ran through the banner at his first flag football game.

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  7. Tomorrow's Dream - w/Davis Bunn and Dana's Valley - Laurel Oke Logan.

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  8. I have read the Love Comes Softly series and just checked out When Courage Calls from the library.

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  9. Joyful moments for me are when I walk outside and my horses race each other to come and see me. If they are already nearby they'll give me a nicker. It melts my heart. Ü

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  10. The link provided for Jannette's information does not go to her site, but rather a different author. :(

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    1. Cindi- Oops & double-Oops! It is fixed now. I apologize to you and anyone else who tried. Please try again. :)

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  11. I have not read any of Jannette's books yet.
    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. A joyful moment is hearing my sweet granddaughter's voice in the morning. So cheerful!

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  13. Song of Acadia series with T. Davis Bunn

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  14. Love Comes Softly series, The Canandian West series, Prairie Legacy series, Song of Acadia series, Women of the West series, New Kid in Town.

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  15. A joyful moment has to be holding my daughter for the first time!

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  16. Have you been watching the Hallmark version, Vera? I've been recording it and watched the first episode today - loved it! I'm looking forward to reviewing this book.

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    1. No, Carole, I haven't. They sound delightful, though.

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  17. Hi Vera. I loved all of the Love Comes Softly series on TV. Also loved Roses for Mama and Gown of Spanish lace. Still have others to read. She co-authored with T. Davis Bunn on a number of books.One was the Acadia series. I have these. She has her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan co-write with her, and a couple with Cheri Bladholm. Very good author. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  18. I have read some of Janette Oke's books. Roses for Mama, A Gown of Spanish Lace, and some Love Comes Softly , and have more to read. Acadia series, and Woman of Damascus. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  19. This looks like one I would really enjoy reading. Oh and to share something joyful today while I was driving home I noticed all of the beautiful blossoms on the tress and the flowers are starting to open Spring is here so pretty best time of the year.
    heather hgtempaddy@hotmail.com

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  20. Something joyful, My hubby and I are expecting after 7 years of trying, we just found out we will be welcoming a sweet baby boy into our family! Thank you so much for all that you do!
    Crystal Gibson
    mrs.gibson24@yahoo.com

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  21. Dana's Valley, co-written with Laurel Oke Logan
    I chose this one because my roommates daughters name is Dana! How awesome is that!!
    Crystal Gibson
    mrs.gibson24@yahoo.com

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  22. I have read the Love Comes Softly series, Women of the West series, Canadian West series, A Prairie Legacy series. :) I really would love to read Where Courage Calls.

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  23. Coming home to my husband every night is a joyful moment I hope I never take for granted (newlyweds). :)
    Janette has written the Song of Arcadia series with T. Davis Bunn.
    I started reading Janette Oke books when I was barely a teenager. I've read the Love Comes Softly series, the Seasons of the Heart series, the Canadian West series, the Prairie Legacy series, the Women of the West series, and some of the Song of Arcadia series. Love Comes Softly and Canadian West were my favorites! :) I love the new When Calls the Heart series on Hallmark and would love a chance to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  24. She wrote The Meeting Place with T.Davis Bunn.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  25. Happy news: Our first grandchild was born about 3 months ago!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  26. she co-wrote the song of acadia series with T. Davis Bunn

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  27. I have not read any of her books but would love to try her books.

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  28. I have spent many joyful moments reading Janette Oke books! I particularly loved her series with T. Davis Bunn about the French Canadians. I also love the Seasons of the Heart series and this one and the Love Comes Softly one. Okay, I love most of them! :) I reread The Bluebird and the Sparrow approximately once a year. That one touches my heart in a way few books do. I'm going to stop now! :) Thanks for linking this up with Booknificent. I didn't know about this book and am really looking forward to reading it!
    Tina

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  29. T. Davis Bunn and Laurel Oke Logan

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  30. My joyful moment was my children's first trip to Disneyland. We went on a overcast day so the park was almost empty of patrons and they had a great time

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  31. She has coauthored books with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan (Dana's Valley) and T. Davis Bunn.

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  32. I love snuggling with my little boy in the morning :)

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