Review: Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Title: Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel
Author: Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1231-4
Publication Date: February 4th, 2014

Synopsis:

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?

Review:
Janette Oke's books hold a special place in my heart. Her books introduced me to Christian historical fiction. I have read all of her previous books and I still look forward to her new books. So, it was safe to say I was thrilled when I saw Janette Oke and her daughter Laurel Oke Logan were releasing a new novel, Where Courage Calls, part of When Calls the Heart.

It was enjoyable to dive back into the When Calls the Heart stories. Instead of continuing with the original characters, we are introduced to newer characters. We did see Beth briefly in the original series, but as a little girl. Here, Beth has grown and made it through college and is ready to put her knowledge to use, just like her aunt, in the wilds of the Canadian frontier.

It was a delight experiencing the quiet, but busy life Beth had as a teacher in a small coal mining town. Beth faces many challenges, but she does her best to push through with her intelligence and with her faith. She is also quick to make friends and as she becomes accustomed to the town, this small town starts to become her home.
 
There is a small romance that buds in these pages, but it isn't the main focus of the story. I saw this story as Beth finding out who she is and who God wants her to be. She has been led by her mother to be certain ways, but here in Coal Valley away from her mother's nudging, Beth is able to discover what her own strengths are. I liked how Beth was finding out who she was before pursuing a relationship. That shows a wonderful strength in her.

The story was left open to possibly continue, I hope it does, I would like to see where Beth's story takes her.

Too Read
4 out of 5


About the Author:

Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.

Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Giveaway:
Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.

Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.

One winner will receive:

• iPad Mini
• Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
• When Calls the Heart DVD

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!

So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.