1. Where Courage Calls, Return to the Canadian West #1
    Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan
    Bethany House / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$11.49 Retail Price$15.99 Save 28% ($4.50)
    4.3 out of 5 stars for Where Courage Calls, Return to the Canadian West #1. View reviews of this product. 29 Reviews
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Displaying items 11-15 of 29
  1. An Old Fashioned Girl
    Minnesota
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Sweet and uplifting
    March 5, 2014
    An Old Fashioned Girl
    Minnesota
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    In Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan's collaboration, Beth Thatcher, middle daughter of a wealthy Toronto family, strikes out from the norm and decides to teach school in the far west, much like her aunt before her. When she arrives, baggage-less, she is immersed in the "primitive" culture even more than she anticipated. While learning to cope without the luxuries to which she was accustomed, she also learns that she has a heart for the families of the poor town - not just the school children, but even the Italian immigrant miners. However, her contract is only for one year - can she make a difference in the lives of these people in so little time, and will she even want to come back if given the opportunity?

    Beth grows considerably through the story, from a coddled peace-maker who can barely stand up for herself to an independent young teacher reaching out to outcasts. Left frail from a childhood illness, her mother has always been overly protective of her, keeping Beth hemmed in and safe, but not really free to be herself. By striking out on her own, she is finally given the opportunity to grow into her potential. Though she may never be terribly strong physically, she becomes a strong woman of faith.

    While Molly is full of nuggets of wisdom, one that hit home for me (and one that I need constant reminding of) is to cast my cares on Jesus, not try to carry that burden myself. Molly says, "Cast yer cares and worries at His feet, and in trade He gives ya a burden you can lift. Amazing how hard it is to carry all them worries - and then it turns out that the burden of the real work ain't near as vexin' as yer worries been." (227-228). It really is true - there is little that can weigh one down faster than anxiety and worries, and God asks us to give those to Him to shoulder. In exchange, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

    Where Courage Calls is not so much about courage in the face of grave peril, but rather courage to go where God leads, even if it is not where others would choose. I love that the story is not really about the romance, but rather about Beth's decision to come west to teach and what she learns along the way. Reading this novel, I remember again why I so loved the Women of the West books on which I grew up. It is a book that I can recommend without reservation to anyone from young adult on up. I hope Oke and Logan choose to continue the story. 5 out of 5 stars!

    Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free e-copy for the purpose of review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
  2. JCMorrows
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A fantastic retelling of a somewhat mediocre movie
    March 3, 2014
    JCMorrows
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I knew right away that I would like this book better than the movie that was made about Where Calls the Heart. And it's not at all a surprise.

    Books are almost always better than movies — not to mention, the movie was actually the story Janette and her daughter have written here - when the storyline was supposed to be about Elizabeth and Wynn.

    In the movie, Elizabeth's niece — Beth was reading about her aunt's story as she embarked on an adventure of her own. I don't know if the movie was always meant to be a gateway into a series for Hallmark (if it was — I would have thought they'd cast the people they intended to stay through the series...) or not but that's how it turned out.

    I don't know if Janette Oke ever envisioned her stories being made into movies but I can not imagine that she truly had "that" picture in her head when she wrote the wonderful stories that Hollywood has twisted into their very own versions.

    Personally I don't care for some of the things that were added into the movie and I am thrilled to see that Janette and her daughter did not put them into this new novel. But that's not surprising either. Janette Oke is, and has always been, a superb writer. She writes each story so well, you feel as if you're right there with the characters.

    I can remember listening to my mother as she read the Love Comes Softly series to us as young children. Janette painted such a beautiful picture through her wonderfully vivid descriptions and the truly realistic plots. Each book was a treasure-trove of intrigue and adventure.

    I think Janette Oke was the first writer who inspired my own stories. She made it all sound like a wonderful fairy tale while also making it feel like you were listening to a story about one of your own ancestors — passed down through the generations.

    This story is no different. She hasn't lost a bit of her touch and I'm thinking that it also bodes well that he daughter collaborated with her on this latest novel. The story is so much like her others, it feels less like a collaboration than a true meeting of the minds.

    BRAVO Janette and Laurel!

    I hope we see many more stories from the two of you!

    Disclaimer: I received this book free in exchange for an honest review
  3. Wanda
    NC
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke
    March 2, 2014
    Wanda
    NC
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Elizabeth Thatcher lived a life of privilege. With a wealthy father and mother she never lacked for anything. But she had a heart for people, a desire to help and a love of teaching. Seeing the courage she displayed when she left a home of wealth to travel alone to an unknown land to teach was so encouraging. She stepped out into the unknown to walk a path she knew in her heart God had predetermined for her. In doing so she left the only home she had ever known and the family she loved. I loved when her father, on her departure to Coal Valley, gave her the compass she had treasured since she was a child.

    ________________Book Quote________________

    "Please," he insisted. "I want you to have it. I know you've always loved it." That was true. Father's compass had been special to Beth since she was a little girl, enamored by anything that had to do with her father's work at sea--but this object more than any other was her delight. And it had been a symbol to them both of his love and guidance to his daughter.

    Then her father added huskily, "So you will always be able to find your way home."

    _________________End Quote_________________

    That was a very emotional part of the book for me as it reminded me of my own dad who passed away almost five years ago. Saying goodbye is always so hard and it was very hard for Beth to leave her family behind. Where Courage Calls is the perfect name for Beth's journey. Her time in Coal Valley was fraught with hardships but the love of her students and the wonderful people she met more than made up for it. The people in this small town were so lovable. Frank Russo, and Italian immigrant that worked in the mine until he lost his hand in a mining accident. I loved it when he pulled out his violin and played the most beautiful music Beth had ever heard. Philip Davidson who was a circuit preacher that came to Coal Valley once a month, Edward Montclair a young man Beth grew up with and was expected to marry, Jarrick Thornton, an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that patrolled the area, the adorable children and Miss Molly who ran a boardinghouse and took Beth in for the duration of her stay. I loved Miss Molly. She was so full of wisdom and Beth often came to her for advice and sometimes received it even when she didn't ask.

    ________________Book Quote________________

    "Now, dearie, ya gotta take care. That word should, it's a slip'ry one. Who gets ta measure shoulds? Only God gets ta say. If He says ya should, then ya mind Him. If folks say ya should, ya jest go back an' ask God. Don't need more'n that to measure up to." She smiled to herself and reached for the next plate. "Good thing 'bout getting old--ya don't think near so much 'bout what folks think of ya--what they say ya should do. Ya spend more time wond'rin' what ya still can do. Wish I could go back over my own life and not bother with all the silly things folks said I should. Sure woulda made life more simple--less confusin'."

    _________________End Quote_________________

    One Bible verse was carried throughout the story, it's my favorite verse and it gave Beth the courage and strength she needed to do what had to be done. Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Beth faced some very difficult times during her one year tenure and the courage and strength she displayed was nothing short of inspiring. This is a story of hope through adversity and spiritual as well as physical healing. The romance takes a backseat and doesn't really start to take root until two-thirds of the way into the story. The main focus is Beth's calling and God's faithfulness to see her through. I really enjoyed this book. It was a huge encouragement in my own life because it reinforced the lessons I have already learned, to wait on God and trust in Him for my every need, hope and desire. I would love to have seen a tad more focus on the romance aspect simply because I am a romance reader at heart but I still loved the story, nonetheless, and I sincerely hope and believe we will be hearing more from Miss Elizabeth Thatcher. Where Courage Calls is a must read for Janette Oke fans as it holds true to her style of writing where God takes center stage and is woven throughout the pages. A beautiful story of courage in the face of numerous adversities. Highly recommended!

    Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. If I recommend a book it's simply because I enjoyed it. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
  4. MaureenT
    Syracuse NY
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Finding New Family
    February 28, 2014
    MaureenT
    Syracuse NY
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    When I saw that one of my all time favorite author had a new book out, co-authored by her Daughter Laurel Oke Logan, I knew I had to read it. Again, I was not disappointed.

    In this book we have Elizabeth's niece Beth. Beth comes from a well to do family, and has always had a delicate health. When she decides to take a teaching job out West in Coal Town. Her Mother doesn't want her to go, but her father prevails and Beth is off on a new adventure in her life.

    Long time family friend Edward, meets her as she gets off the train, he has been there on the train with her all along. He precedes to help Beth getting to her hotel, and hires a man to take her things there. I find this quite a funny part of the story, as Edward is in his Royal Mounted Police uniform, and pays the guy....who steals everything.

    What a start to a new life?? Arriving in a new town as the teacher, with no clothes or books, or anything...no underwear! Now this is a small, small town, you cannot go out and buy what you need. Thank goodness Mom comes to the rescue.

    Through out all of her stay here, she finds a new family. The people make her feel so welcome, and Beth keeps coming up with new ways to help these miners and their families. I can see God's hand in a lot of what happens here. He seems to answer a lot of prayers.

    We will sympathize with the plight of the families here, and hope something can be done for them. Beth sure is trying!

    You will wonder if there is a bit of romance in the air, and I see at least three possibilities. Will any of them work out?

    I hope that there will be more stories coming, I feel like I need to know what is going to happen next! Enjoy!

    I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
  5. VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Coal Valley, Wonderful Characters, Adventure & Rom
    February 27, 2014
    VicsMediaRoom
    Irvine, CA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: male
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan in their new book, "Where Courage Calls" published by Bethany House takes us into the life of Beth Thatcher.

    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'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?

    A special companion story to Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series

    Welcome back to Coal Valley. The Oke's have done a previous six book series that featured Elizabeth. "Where Courage Calls" starts a new series that features Elizabeth's niece, Beth. Beth wants to be a school teacher and Coal Valley is the place to start. The Oke's have given us plenty of wonderful characters to fall in love with, lots of adventure and romance. There is a lot going on in Coal Valley and the Oke's know how to take us through each event by letting us in on the lives of the participants. This is a great start to a new series. I have enjoyed it immensely and I look forward to the next book to see what will happen with Beth.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Displaying items 11-15 of 29