Return to Harmony [Paperback]

Janette Oke (Author), T. Davis Bunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2010

Jodie Harland and Bethan Keane, two young women with very different goals and personalities, develop a strong friendship when the plight of a homeless puppy brings them together. Soon their shared joys and trials make them more like sisters than friends. Then tragedy strikes Jodie's family, and her faith begins to waver. Through it all, Bethan remains a loyal companion. But when Jodie's possible romance with Bethan's brother causes a rift between the two girls, reconciliation seems impossible. When Jodie leaves for college, the distance between them becomes even greater. Will the girls be able to move beyond past hurts and restore their friendship?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Janette Oke pioneered inspirational fiction and is the leading author in the category today. Love Comes Softly, Janette's first novel, has sold over 1 million copies. Janette is now the best selling author of over 40 books, 32 of which have been translated into fourteen languages. Janette receives fan mail from all over the world and answers each letter personally She received the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for her significant contribution to Christian fiction, and has been awarded the coveted Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and nine grandchildren and make their home in Canada.

A native North Carolinian who now lives abroad, T. DAVIS BUNN was recognized internationally as a consultant, lecturer, and speaker in the area of international finance and received invitations to address symposiums, conferences, and management meetings. His professional interests took a decided turn nearly eighteen years ago. Although he continued his career in international finance, he became a "closet" novelist. For nine years, he wrote with discipline and drive, never to have anything published. When one of his novels came to the attention of Bethany House Publishers, his status as an unpublished novelist changed. His first book, The Presence, was published in 1990 and quickly became a bestseller.

A prolific writer, he now has over twenty books in publication, including three with Janette Oke, a wonderful children's picture book called Princess Bella and the Red Velvet Hat, the heartwarming gift book The Quilt, and his latest, The Dream Voyagers, originally published under the pen name Thomas Locke.

"The novels I've had published by Bethany House are the direction I hope my future writing will take--captivating stories of intrigue, drama and faith, with compelling characters in an enjoyable contemporary fictional setting," says Bunn. "The emotional bonding that occurs with the reader in good fiction often gives the Christian message more direct meaning in the reader's life."

Prior to his work in international finance, Davis completed studies in psychology and economics at Wake Forest University. Fluent in three languages, he has traveled extensively in more than forty countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Davis has also avocationally become a serious student of comparative religion, learning from Jewish rabbis, Buddhist monks, Muslim imams, Catholic priests, and Baptist ministers. Drawing on these experiences, Davis fills his books with colorful dialogue and richly textured settings.

size : 5.4 x 8.3

From AudioFile

A sentimental story of two girls living during WWI, this book demonstrates the power of faith to overcome painful circumstances. Notwithstanding their different environments, Bethan and Jodie are best friends. In spite of the few female science students at the time, Jodie goes to college, straining the friendship. Nancy Schifferdecker reads the narrative fairly well but disintegrates when portraying anger or excitement. The dialogue in which Bethan pleads for Jodie's continued friendship sounds whiny and annoying. Nonetheless, the narrator's light and childlike voice is well suited for this tale of two innocent girls. A.G.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1st edition (November 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158165006X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581650068
• ASIN: 1556618786
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,086,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, June 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Return to Harmony (Paperback)

Once again, Janette Oke has out done herself. She has been a favorite of mine since Marty and Clark Davis came to be "friends" of mine in the Love Come Softly series. It is wonderful to get to know the characters and feel part of their lives! I was afraid to venture beyond the Love Come Softly series for fear of leaving the Davis' behind. I was excited to find that Mrs. Oke has made each family in her books come to life. I can't put the books down and am sad when they end. She always leaves me wanting more! Return to Harmony is a wonderful book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 2 Thumbs Up, August 1, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Return to Harmony (Paperback)

When I saw that my 2 favorite authors had collaborated to write a novel, I knew I had to check it out...I was not disappointed! Janette Oke's down-home, easy-to-relate-to characters combine with T. Davis Bunn's detailed, captivating descriptions and humor to keep the reader's attention throughout the narrative. It is obvious that both of these authors love to write, and although their styles and themes may somewhat differ, the combination in Return to Harmony made for enjoyable reading. Thank you both for another terrific title to add to my Christian fiction library!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Return to Harmony, December 7, 2005

By 

C. Edens "book girl" (all over) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Return to Harmony (Audio Cassette)

This was a great book that had many wonderful truths in it. I was a bit flustered when i read the first review from "Pcsgrl" or whatever. I guess if you don't believe in God and all the "Jesus stuff" then you wouldn't get anything out of this book, however, for those who do you will find it to be one of Janette Oke's finest books- I've read every one of them, and loved this one!