Where Courage Calls (Return to the Canadian West)

While anticipating the honor of writing a review for Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan’s novel When Courage Calls, I pondered if my words could give proper merit to such creative teamwork from these two superb authors. As a long time reader of Janette Oke – often relating her skilled gift to Laura Ingalls Wilder, I perceive the same in Laurel Oke Logan. I am sincerely humbled to be reviewing this work of perfection Beth Thatcher touched me deeply – she had the true heart of a missionary, with a spirit of kindness within a soul full of God’s Holy Word. All those wonderful characteristics plus courage to venture into the unknown enabled her to face challenges with belief that she could be the impetus to change things through her deep faith in God. Beth made a daring decision to accept a position as the school teacher in remote Coal Valley, an indigent mining area in Western Canada. Beth finds herself in a bit of culture shock without the conveniences of home and wealth she had been privileged to know in Toronto. One of my favorite characters, Molly, the boarding house owner where Beth lived, was delightful and quite appropriately written into this beautiful story. Oh, but then there is Frank…. and the children…..and the unlikely school room…and the Italian miners – there is no end to the unique quaintness versus durability of the people of Coal Valley. When Beth played her violin and enthralled the community to envision the miracle of Christmas…. my heart felt the glory. When you read this story and find out why Beth’s violin played a part in a huge surprise, you will soon realize there are many surprises in store to keep the pages turning. Edward Montclair and Beth were lifelong friends, however Beth considered him an annoyance and was not intending to gratify their mothers’ presumptuous plans that the two would one day marry. Beth’s exhaustive train ride from Toronto to Coal Valley had some unpleasant and unpredicted surprises; in a bizarre way concerning Edward. Beth envisioned no dreams of romance then or after arriving in Coal Valley. However, this is a love story in my estimation about how God’s love can turn hopeless situations to promising. It is no surprise that the authors created the characters of this story to breathe and come alive on the page. Sensational writing includes the vindictive and evil side that plagues the community with mystery. When the hint of romance comes into the story with Royal Canadian Mountie Jarrick (Jack) Thornton, my own heart palpitated a bit and wondered if Beth would have secret thoughts about this warm and charming Christian believer. Before I forget myself and deluge too much – you can find out from the back cover an excellent synopsis of this solid story, as well as peruse many fine written reviews as to why you should acquire this book and read what’s between the covers for yourself. Interestingly, I learned When Courage Calls is a special companion story to Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” TV series. You know you are getting the best when you see it on Hallmark. Where have I heard something like that said before? Unfortunately, I have not seen or read the prior episodes of this series on the Canadian West. Through further information, I found this series of seven books was republished in 2005 with updated covers. These novels will be added to my library as time permits. It is my hope that the Ms. Janette Oke and Ms. Laurel Oke Logan will write another novel in this series continuing the story of Beth and answer all my questions about what happens next. My curiosity is as real as my admiration for the authors. Thank you ladies, for blessing your readers through Beth’s story. I feel blessed having the pleasure of reading it. Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is the first book in the Return to the Canadian West series. Beth (Elizabeth) Thatcher has graduated from college and has been offered a teaching position in Coal Valley. Beth feels she is being called to teach there by God. Beth comes from a wealthy family in Toronto. Beth's older sister, Margret is married to John Bryce and has one son, J.W. Her younger sister, Julie is into shopping, flirting, and having fun. Beth travels to Coal Valley by train. It is her first time traveling by train alone. Partway through the journey she is joined by Edward Montclair, a family friend. Edward's mother and Beth's mother both hope that Edward and Beth will marry. Edward escorts Beth to Coal Valley at the request of Mr. Thatcher. Beth is not fond of Edward. She has found him to be conceited, cocky, and a bully. Thanks to Edward, Beth arrives in Coal Valley without clothing, toiletries, or her teaching supplies. Beth also finds out that she is going to be teaching in a pool hall (it used to be a saloon before prohibition). Beth sets out to teach her almost two dozen students with limited supplies in a smelly room. There are many great characters in this book. Molly McFarland who runs the boarding house, the children, Phillip Davidson, traveling preacher, and Jack Thornton, a Mountie! Beth will have to overcome many obstacles during her year in Coal Valley, but she will also get great rewards. Where Courage Calls has romance, mystery, and humor. It is a great story. Janette Oke is one of my favorite writers and I always look forward to her books. I give Where Courage Calls 5 out of 5 stars. Happy Reading!

A truly delightful read, the story moves along at a very nice pace and never once was it disappointing. The characters are very well rounded and believable and each one holds his or her place in the story line with a draw to the reader to know more and turn that next page to find out what will happen in Coal Valley next. I would encourage you to pick up the book and visit Coal Valley and get to know the wonderful characters that you will find there. Happy reading!

This book was written by the author along with her daughter and is a companion piece to the Hallmark Chanel's new series When Calls the Heart and not to be confused with the author's book by the same name. It's very good and tries to bring together elements of the movie, When Calls the Heart, as well as the series. If you are looking to have the pieces fall into place, you will be disappointed. However it is a good read and many new plot lines are introduced that will keep you interested in reading right to the end. The movie, from what I can gather introduces Elizabeth as well as a plot line about her aunt (cousin) with the same name. Many new characters are introduced and Coal Valley bears little resemblance to the Coal Valley we know from the series. And what's with the automobiles? Gives a new turn to Royal Canadian Mounted Police!

Great read!

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan (Janette’s daughter) portrays life in a mining community after a mine explosion killed many miners and how a young inexperienced school teacher attempts improvements for the widows and their children. Beth unlike her mother and sister Julie was not enamored with Toronto society. She felt ready to journey far away to teach school in a coal mining town in Western Canada. Especially, she wished to escape from Edward, her tormentor since childhood, and the man her parents and his expected her to marry. On the train traveling west, Edward unexpectedly appeared saying that her father asked him to look after her. Edward announced that he is now with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Arriving at Coal Valley, Beth was astounded at the sight of shabby houses and the realization that there was no electricity. The absence of running water for the kitchen or indoor bathroom facilities shocked her. But the greatest change for a young lady used to living in her parents’ wealthy lifestyle occurred within herself, when she realized her deep concern about the widows’ poverty and the welfare of their children. The schoolroom by day became a pool room by evening. Children even the older ones had been taught very little schooling. As an outsider how could she reach these people? Beth lived in Molly McFarland’s boarding house where mine supervisors lived. Molly became a second mother to Beth offering her wisdom and a soft shoulder to lean on. Beth missed her parents, Julie, her older sister Margret and baby JW. Still, Beth determined to teach her contract year. Jarrick Thornton another member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police came to Beth’s aid a number of times. She made friends with Philip, the traveling minister, and an Italian miner Frank who played a violin with a stub of a hand. On occasional visits from Edward, Beth perceived that he had changed into becoming a good friend. She lived in fear of Davie Grant the owner of the building where she held school. I recommend this book as it gives insight into the hardships of those left behind in terrible times and how they overcome. Read this story to learn what gave Beth her strength, how she overcame trying situations, and who won her heart.

After watching When Hope CAlls for the many seasons on Hallmark it took a little bit to recognize that this,was the story the show was based on. I'm glad to have seen the adaptation before reading this first book. I love all the details unfold in book that the series left out. It was great to read as life was left in the hands of God so each character was allowed to mature into the person they were intended to become. I felt their growth from much hesitancy to acceptance to deep feelings of family toward one another. Through your beautiful craft with words we learned to work with compassion, acceptance, trust, love and much more. I look forward to see how this story continues as new relationships develop new characters and challenges are formed, and how the theme town develops.

Sometimes as a teacher, you get depleted emotionally, even mentally and physically, and only other teachers really understand what it's like. We love and care for our students. We work hard to be the teacher our students need, while trying to also fulfill state and school mandates. However, we're often looked down upon and taken for granted by those that don't realize how difficult this job really is. It's those times, when my spirit is low and I need inspiration to continue on in this seemingly impossible job I have chosen, that I reach for this book. It reminds me that through God, and with hard work, all things are possible. It also reminds me that the relationships we build with our students is so much more important than the academics we teach. Thank you Jeanette Oke for this lovely story!

Thoroughly enjoyed the story of Beth and her heart if love and service towards the people in her life. It was quite interesting and enjoyable.

Besides the book being wonderful, I received it well before the deadline and in perfect condition.

It was a very interesting book about Canadian life. It was well written.

Loved this book, fairly religious but that didn't put me off it. Also loved the TV series which is only loosely based on the book.

Très beau livre d'un point de vu littéraire et esthétique. C'est une très jolie histoire! Le livre est arrivé plus tôt que prévu et très bien protégé. Je suis très satisfaite