Customer Reviews

Too Long a Stranger (Women of the West #9)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an interesting, fast-paced book about the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and the extent one woman is willing to sacrifice herself for her child. Sarah was such a strong heroine and it was easy to admire her for all she sacrificed in her passionate mission to be independent and provide for herself and her daughter. Her work ethic was incredible! In her position, I don't know if I'd have the courage and strength to do as she did, especially with TWO handsome, loving and kindly gentlemen offering to take care of me and my daughter. In fact, it was very frustrating that even after successfully achieving her goals, Sarah wasn't open to a new relationship with either of these good men, and didn't allow herself to fall in love again, relieving the intense loneliness she often struggled with, and making her daily life more joyful. She certainly deserved as much! I ached alongside her when Rebecca returned home from boarding school with values and ideas that were in conflict with Sarah's humble lifestyle. Even though this story would be considered to have a happy ending, I felt very heavy-hearted and empty that Sarah worked so hard for such bittersweet rewards. Although she made admirable choices, the price she paid was far too much, as well as unnecessary. Was being independent and admired/respected at the expense of developing close and solid relationships truly worth it?

This book is a wonderful gift for mothers and daughters alike. The reader empathizes with Sarah from the first page of the book, as she wonders what to do to support her daughter. Rebecca is a little harder to "like," and at first glance she does seem to become spoiled; but while she might not be an admirable character, she is easily understood. Oke does a commendable job creating two different worlds, both equally vivid, and showing how Rebecca feels when she leaves the refined world to enter the rustic one. The way in which she realizes her pride and finds forgiveness is believable and touching. All in all, a wonderful keepsake book you'll want to read again and again!

This is one of the best Janette Oke books I have read. However, as usual, everything was wrapped up nice and tidy in the last chapter. I often wonder if Ms. Oke is running out of paper as she writes the last chapters of her books. Or maybe her editor allots her only so many pages (303 in this case) and she has to rush the ending. I would like to see her write a book on what happens to the characters after conversion and reconciliation. Or maybe give the woman some more pages!

This is one of the most *feel like you are there* books I have ever read. Jannette Oke takes her writing style and uses it very well in this book. You feel as if you are there with Sara Perry as she goes through rough, sad, happy, and trying moments. This is a great book and a must read for any one who enjoys Jannette Oke or historical fiction!

I have liked all the Janette Oke books I have read except for this one. It was shallow and disappointing. For one thing, I thought it was unrealistic that a woman would have a freight run in the "olden days". Also, the ending wasn't complete enough, like the other reviewers said. It also seemed inconsistant that a supposedly Godly man like Seth would fall for a snobby city-slicker like Rebecca (before she had her change of heart). And was Sarah ever going to marry Boyde? I thought that this book was uncharacteristically shallow and had a lack of spiritual depth unlike Janette Oke's other books. I really enjoyed her Seasons of the Heart series and A Bride for Donnigan.

This was I good book. However,like the other reviewer, I felt it was incomplete. The whole story revolves around the main character, Sarah.
Then at the end of the book the focus changes to Sarah's daughter Rebecca.
When the story is over you are left wondering "What about Sarah?" Is there a sequel out there that I'm not aware of? If so I would sure like to read it.

wow this one really surprised me I have to admit that the back cover doesn't do the story justice, at all I loved it am very glad I read it.

This is my favorite book in the Women of the West series. I could not put it down until I had finished the book.

Oke has done it again, she pulls us right into the heart of her characters, and I recommend her work to everyone

"Too Long a Stranger" was a so-so book. I enjoyed "Roses For Mama," by Oke, much more. The plot seemed more relevant of today's family situations - I found that ironic. It seems Janette Oke didn't know if she wanted to focus on Sarah or Rebecca. It shifted main characters all of a sudden, with no hint of it. I couldn't feel for the characters - I don't think Oke developed them well, they had no dimension. It felt like Seth was thrown in the story to help the ending along. I didn't understand why Sarah would finally give into hiring help, when for more than 10 years she was against it - it didn't make sense. The ending came very fast and abruptly, without a sense of closure - an Epilogue would have been helpful. I do not recommend.