When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Book #1) [Kindle Edition]

Janette Oke (Author)

Book Description

Nothing in her cultured East Coast upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. Yet, despite the constant hardships, she loves the children in her care. Determined to do the best job she can and fighting to survive the harsh land, Elizabeth is surprised to find her heart softening towards a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Book 1 of the bestselling Canadian West series.

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. size : 5.2 x 8

Product Details

• File Size: 430 KB
• Print Length: 228 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764200119
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (February 1, 2005)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005BOXICM
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,982 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the best of Janette Oke November 21, 2000

By Amelia Sunderland

Format:Paperback

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.

41 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great novel to read!!!!! July 20, 2006

By G. Quinn

Format:Paperback

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 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Something different and refreshing from Oke June 10, 2001

By D. M Flynn

Format:Paperback

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 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story June 6, 2011

By Karen B

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars one of my favorites July 15, 2005

By puff

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When Calls the hart February 2, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

It was a really good book. It made me laugh, almost cry, and kept me on the edge of my seat till I was done. I would LOVE to read the others

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book; the others in the series aren't, though January 15, 2002

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I have read most of Janette Oke's books, and I must say that "When Calls the Heart" is really one of her best books. It is one of the few Janette Oke books I have actually enjoyed, without getting annoyed at the characters or finding historical inaccuracies.

The book's heroine, Elizabeth, travels to the western frontier to be a teacher. Her adventures are interesting and often humorous (but not outlandish) as she adapts from city life to frontier life. Of course, she meets a handsome Mountie and falls in love with him... Untypically, Janette Oke doesn't have them meet each other right away, and quickly marry them off; she allows Elizabeth to remain in suspense for quite some time and get to actually know Wynn (the Mountie) better. That is one thing I liked better about this book than other Janette Oke books- the characters were more realistic (on the whole) and they did not fall in love at first sight and want to get married right away. I liked that because it left the plot freer for other topics besides the characters' romance.

I must say, however, that one must not let the good reviews of "When Calls the Heart" to lead them into buying the other three books in the "Canadian West" series. They are not nearly as good as the first book. In fact, I highly suggest that you read "Mrs. Mike", by Benedict and Nancy Freedman, instead. "Mrs. Mike" is a true story, and when you compare it with the remainder of the Canadian West books, it is obvious where Janette Oke got much of her material for incidents and characters.

You'll enjoy "When Calls the Heart." I definitely did. The other three books aren't as good, but you can read "When Calls the Heart" by itself; it doesn't necessarily need sequels.

More About the Author

Janette Oke (pronounced 'oak') pioneered inspirational fiction and is the leading author in the category today. Love Comes Softly, her first novel, has sold over one million copies. Janette is now the bestselling author of over 70 books, 32 of which have been translated into fourteen languages. Her books have sold over 22 million copies.
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, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award and has been awarded the Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and enjoy their many grandchildren. They make their home in Canada.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#54 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#93 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#54 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#93 in Books > Religion & Spirituality