"RETURN TO THE CANADIAN WEST SERIES"--from authors Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan--special companion stories to the fan-favorite Hallmark Channel TV Series "WHEN CALLS THE HEART"

Where Courage Calls

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 REVIEW:  Written by renowned inspirational author Janette Oke, and her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, "Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel" will touch and encourage the hearts of readers. When Beth Thatcher answers the call of the Canadian West, she leaves behind a life of privilege to become a teacher in the impoverished mining town of Coal Valley. Long coddled by her wealthy family, and considered to be of "sensitive" health, Beth is taking a leap of faith, inspired by her beloved and courageous Aunt Elizabeth, who years before made a similar move. What Beth discovers are living conditions far worse than she expected, but she is determined to work out the terms of her one-year teaching agreement. Complicating her days are the attentions of two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers. One, Edward Montclair, is someone she has known for her entire life. The other, Jarrick Thornton, is a new acquaintance who becomes a kind friend. As Beth and the locals come to know each other, they each learn much from one another. Beth's faith is tested time and again, and comes back stronger each time. Despite the hardships, much about the community of Coal Valley and its residents becomes dear to Beth--when the year is over, will she return to her former life? "Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel" is a special companion story to Hallmark Channel's "When Calls the Heart" TV series.

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books


 

Where Trust Lies

Gentle Inspirational Fiction from the Genre's Pioneer

Beth Thatcher returns home from her first year as a schoolteacher in the mining town of Coal Valley and steps into a whole different world. Her life back among her wealthy Eastern family is a stark contrast to her primitive life in the West, and Beth isn't sure where she belongs anymore.

She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday--a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the U.S. Wishing to reconnect with her mother and sister, Beth agrees to go but quickly finds herself at odds with her mother's expectations. After enjoying complete freedom in the western wilds, Beth isn't sure what to make of her mother's ongoing efforts to direct her life--and her heart.

Beth keeps in touch with her Mountie beau, Jarrick, even as young men more of her station catch her eye. Is she ready to fully give her heart to Jarrick, knowing it will mean saying good-bye to her family and her life of privilege once again? And when Beth trusts the wrong person, will Jarrick be able to help her despite the distance between them?

MY REVIEW:  "Where Trust Lies", from authors Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan, continues the story of Beth Thatcher, whom we first met in "Where Courage Calls", Book One in the "Return to the Canadian West" series. After her first year as a teacher in the rural Coal Valley, Canada, Beth Thatcher returns to her family home in Toronto to await word whether or not her teaching career will continue. Leaving behind Coal Valley is harder than she had expected, especially when she also left behind a piece of her heart with Mountie Jack Thornton. Soon after her homecoming, Beth is whisked away on a steamship tour with her family, and many new experiences and acquaintances await. However, Jarrick keeps in touch with letters and phone calls--he won't let Beth forget him--and she is torn between her feelings for him and her ties to her family. When a serious family situation threatens all that Beth holds dear, she must cling to her faith and let her heart be guided by a greater power. But what will her future hold? Is she meant to return to teaching in Coal Valley, and to the man who has her heart, or will family loyalty keep her in Toronto? A wonderfully-written series from a talented mother and daughter duo.

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books 


 

Where Hope Prevails

When Beth Thatcher returns to Coal Valley, she has much to be excited about. She anticipates Jarrick's proposal of marriage and perhaps a spring wedding. 

The mine is expanding, and there are more schoolchildren than ever. But the town's rapid growth brings many challenges. A second teacher is assigned, and Beth finds herself going head-to-head with a very different philosophy of education--one that dismisses religion and rejects God. Fearful for the children who sit under the influence of Robert Harris Hughes, Beth struggles to know how to respond. 

At the same time, Beth wonders if Jarrick is considering a position at her father's company simply for her sake. Should she admit her feelings on the matter? Or keep silent and allow Jarrick to make up his own mind? 


Janette Oke
 

 

  
Janette Oke writes with a profound simplicity of what she knows best—real life, honest love, and lasting values. With over 23 million in sales, her historical novels portray the lives of early North American settlers from many walks of life and geographical settings. She also writes engaging children's stories and inspiring gift books that warm the heart.

Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.

During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.

Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.

After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.

Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.

In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.

http://www.janetteoke.com/ 



Laurel Oke Logan


 


Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Janette Oke, awarding-winning author of Christian fiction, whose bestselling books have sold over eleven million copies, and Dr. Edward Oke. Laurel grew up in a small town on the Canadian prairie with three brothers who kept life exciting and eventful.

She married during her college days and soon after began writing her first novel, Gillian. She and her husband, Marvin, are the parents of four children and Laurel has been able to resume writing on a part-time basis while she homeschools her children.

Laurel Oke Logan has joined with her mother, in the writing of Janette's life story.

Laurel continued her education at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Purdue University. She has taught writing seminars to high school students, as well as assisting Janette Oke with her writing projects. She and her husband and children make their home in Indiana.  

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/laurel-oke-logan/1000