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53 of 55 found the following review helpful:
 the best of Janette OkeNov 21, 2000
By Amelia Sunderland
"tesslouise"
I have read most of Janette Oke's books, and this series is my favorite by far. The story takes place in a different setting from most Christian historical fiction (i.e., not the prairie), and with the first-person narration Elizabeth's voice shines through. If you are tired of finding the same plot in many books, try this series; the books do stand out. They are also laugh-out-loud funny in places.
40 of 44 found the following review helpful:
Great novel to read!!!!!Jul 21, 2006
By G. Quinn
"Luvs2Read"
I absolutely loved this novel.
I am a Christian, and I enjoy Janette Oke's books dearly. They are so wonderfully written--such wonderfully story lines, great details, great plots, and great faith in God.
I have read many of her novels, but I must say this one was my favorite. Something about this wonderful story made me just couldn't put it down! I found myself wanted to read it until I finished.
The story is wonderful, with Elizabeth's heart for teaching and her courage to moving to the west, and I love that is a love story at the same time. And her faith in God is so wonderful as well...
It's so neat cause when I read Janette's books, I don't just read a great story, but I learn something at the same time---great principles to apply to life - every time
If you want to read a great story (with no worries if younger readers want to read it) I truly recommend this story!
I loved it!!!!!!!! And you will too.
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
Something different and refreshing from OkeJun 11, 2001
By D. M Flynn
I found this book delightful because it was different. Yes it had alot of the typical things that you expect to find in historical Christian romance novels. But it also had a lot of new twists and a very different setting and plot. I too, enjoyed the first person narration, it served to pull me into the story much more effectively. The only down side to the book was that the ending was a bit too predictable.This is my favorite Janette Oke series just for the sheer difference in writing style and plot.
15 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 Sweet storyJun 07, 2011
By Karen B
"Karen B"
I originally read this book about 20 years ago as a teenager. At that time I would have rated it 4 or 5 stars because it was such a sweet story.
But, having just finished reading this for the second time, I find my tastes have changed considerable and I'm pickier than I used to be with what I read. I would give it 3.5 stars.
The beginning of the story starts out very slow. It's easy to see from very early in the first chapter that Elizabeth will be moving West. The first ten chapters or so summarize a great deal, making it extremely difficult to get immersed in the book. It reads more like a letter to a friend (I did this, and then this, and then this.)
About two-thirds of the way through the book it starts to read more like real time. There's more dialogue and more introspection on Elizabeth's part.
I was sorely disappointed that the romance barely sparked in any way until very, very late in the book. I would have loved to see more depth in Elizabeth's reflection of her feelings--something more than "I loved him, I hated him, I pined for him."
This book is a prime example telling versus showing. Much of the story is relayed in a "tell" way which really prevents the reader from feeling connected to the characters or a part of the story. I thought Janette Oke's collaboration with Davis Bunn (the Songs of Acadia Series) does a much better job of showing versus telling.
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
one of my favoritesJul 15, 2005
By puff
This is my second favorite Janette Oke book. (My first is A Gown of Spanish Lace.)I am currently rereading it for about the tenth time and once again falling in love with all the characters.
It is about a somewhat pampered and sheltered young woman named Elizabeth who decides to accept a teaching position in western Canada where life is backward compared to her hometown.
She encounters a few obstacles with courage and spunk. She adores her students and is an awesome teacher and role model.
She is determined not to marry right away, but when an attractive Mountie comes into her life, her mind changes. Mine would too if I met someone like Wynn! Jannette Oke has good taste in men. :) I highly recommend the entire Canadian West Series for females ages 15 and up. I especially love the first 2 of the series. It is easy to fall in love with both the characters and Canada.
In order to really enjoy an Oke book you really have to read it slowly. So if you don't have the time and patience to spend a few days quietly reading a book, this isn't for you.I often have a hard time settling down for the first chapter or two of her novels since they are slowpaced, but then I am able to really get into the story and am glad I decided to slow down and smell the roses.
I hope someday Hallmark (or anyone else)makes this book into a movie.
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