"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 truly incredible read, I guess this is a part of "When Calls the Heart" that is or is to be on television. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the total different life styles, the beauty of the mountains --- and the main characters boldness in striking out and being her own self, which most women didn't do at the time of this story! A most enjoyable, remarkable read.
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 truly incredible read, I guess this is a part of "When Calls the Heart" that is or is to be on television. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the total different life styles, the beauty of the mountains --- and the main characters boldness in striking out and being her own self, which most women didn't do at the time of this story! A most enjoyable, remarkable read.
Jasmine A. (jasmineflower88) reviewed Where Courage Calls (Return to the Canadian West, Bk 1) on + 51 more book reviews
The When Calls The Heart series has always been dear to my heart. The first four books were given to me by my Mom as a gift when I turned 10, they were my very first Janette Oke books and I read them through two or three times. Later I bought the fifth and sixth books on my own. I was so thrilled to find out that Janette and Laurel had decided to revisit that wonderful series and tell the story of a new Beth Thatcher. Where Courage Calls did not disappoint any way!
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!
(I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.)
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!
(I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.)
This novel picks up years down the road from one of my favorite collections: When Calls the Heart. I read these little mass market paperback books enough times to wear out my parents copies until I finally got my own where they hold a coveted place on my book shelves.
But Im afraid I didnt love Where Courage Calls as much as I felt I should and as much as I wanted to. There wasnt any surprise to the characters, nothing was really left to my imagination to wonder and explore as everything was simply laid out in front of me. Much of the story simply moved forward without a great deal of action and instead much internal processing.
I wouldnt say I completely disliked the book or didnt have anything about it that made me want to stop reading it. I liked how Elizabeth took on the town and brought a sense of grace and upstanding to their schools, while also being changed from the person she was when she got there. And there is certainly room for further stories in the series. But Im afraid that this title didnt garner enough interest in the characters to read further.
I dont write this review to discourage other readers, because the story is sweet and means well. It just hasnt been my favorite of tales so far this year.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
But Im afraid I didnt love Where Courage Calls as much as I felt I should and as much as I wanted to. There wasnt any surprise to the characters, nothing was really left to my imagination to wonder and explore as everything was simply laid out in front of me. Much of the story simply moved forward without a great deal of action and instead much internal processing.
I wouldnt say I completely disliked the book or didnt have anything about it that made me want to stop reading it. I liked how Elizabeth took on the town and brought a sense of grace and upstanding to their schools, while also being changed from the person she was when she got there. And there is certainly room for further stories in the series. But Im afraid that this title didnt garner enough interest in the characters to read further.
I dont write this review to discourage other readers, because the story is sweet and means well. It just hasnt been my favorite of tales so far this year.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through Litfuse for my copy to review.
