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Canadian West #2
When Comes the Spring
After a year of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the western frontier, Elizabeth plans her wedding to Wynn Delaney, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As they begin their new life together at his isolated outpost in the far north, Elizabeth is unprepared for the loneliness she feels and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences she's accustomed to. Her deep love for Wynn and her faith in God seem like all she has. But will that be enough?
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
About the author
Janette Oke
299 books3,062 followersJanette Oke writes with a profound simplicity of what she knows best—real life, honest love, and lasting values. With over 23 million in sales, her historical novels portray the lives of early North American settlers from many walks of life and geographical settings. She also writes engaging children's stories and inspiring gift books that warm the heart.
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
December 31, 2015
Hmmm, surprisingly enough, I've decided I didn't like this book as much as I remembered. Not that it was bad, I think it is just something better enjoyed when you're younger. There were a lot of parts I quite enjoyed, but I found Elizabeth to be kind of....whiny? I do like Wynn though, he's a sweetheart.
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November 8, 2017
This book was first published in 1985 and it shows. Elizabeth gets married and suddenly turns into a whiny and clingy child whose husband has to guide her in every step (the pants scene with the two of them was so bad). Also Wynn is so perfect in this book, like Wynn 2.0 in that he knows the answer to EVERYTHING and how dare Elizabeth question anything he says/does. Elizabeth only wants to make a white woman friend in the North and is shocked to find that there are only Native Tribal women there (nooooooo /end sarcasm). She ends up making a friend who is Native in skin only because every other part of that friend - dress, speech, culture, husband, etc. is White.
Also this book gets REALLY preachy, so much so than book 1. I skimmed over many pages having to do with the Bible and Jesus because it felt so direct and sermon-y (especially since it was directed at the Native women and children) that I couldn't stomach it. Plus I felt that this book turned Elizabeth into a hypocrite white woman. She makes no effort to learn the language or culture of the other women in the settlement, instead she gives them tea all the time and now they are all friends (sorry, I did not end the sarcasm above).
I gave it two stars because I felt the writing is actually stronger in this book than the first and I did like it being just about Elizabeth and Wynn and their relationship for the majority of this book but I couldn't get past the white savior complex this book had. Again, I know this book was written over thirty years ago so I'm trying not to hold it too much against it (I know romance fiction books also written in the 80's with savior heroes too) but I do not think I will read more by this author. I was getting too mad/annoyed.
Also this book gets REALLY preachy, so much so than book 1. I skimmed over many pages having to do with the Bible and Jesus because it felt so direct and sermon-y (especially since it was directed at the Native women and children) that I couldn't stomach it. Plus I felt that this book turned Elizabeth into a hypocrite white woman. She makes no effort to learn the language or culture of the other women in the settlement, instead she gives them tea all the time and now they are all friends (sorry, I did not end the sarcasm above).
I gave it two stars because I felt the writing is actually stronger in this book than the first and I did like it being just about Elizabeth and Wynn and their relationship for the majority of this book but I couldn't get past the white savior complex this book had. Again, I know this book was written over thirty years ago so I'm trying not to hold it too much against it (I know romance fiction books also written in the 80's with savior heroes too) but I do not think I will read more by this author. I was getting too mad/annoyed.
February 9, 2022
In this book two of Janette Oke’s Canadian West series Wynn Delaney and Elizabeth get married . Wynn gets assigned to his new post as a RCMP in the North. The trip is long and rough on Elizabeth. She has to adjust from being a pampered city girl to the harshnesses of living in the North . As an RCMP Wynn is gone for long periods of time as Elizabeth struggles to adjust to the loneliness and the ruggedness of living the Northern lifestyle. From insects in the summer to the frigid temperatures and blizzards in the winter her first year is very challenging for Elizabeth. Will she be able to stick it out in this Northern remote Village , far from her family and loved ones in Calgary and Toronto? Will her love for Wynn be strong enough to get her through her first year in her new home?
I thought this story was very enjoyable and entertaining. I love reading these historical stories of how people lived in the early 1900s. Their every day lifestyle being so different than how we live today. Janette Oke is a master story teller and narrator Nancy Peterson did an excellent job in her narration. I was completely drawn into the story and I hated to see it come to an end. I look forward to continuing on in the series.
I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and fans of the author. This book is part of a series and though it can be read as a stand alone readers would definitely have a more satisfying experience if they read the books in the order they were written.
I thought this story was very enjoyable and entertaining. I love reading these historical stories of how people lived in the early 1900s. Their every day lifestyle being so different than how we live today. Janette Oke is a master story teller and narrator Nancy Peterson did an excellent job in her narration. I was completely drawn into the story and I hated to see it come to an end. I look forward to continuing on in the series.
I recommend this book to readers of historical fiction and fans of the author. This book is part of a series and though it can be read as a stand alone readers would definitely have a more satisfying experience if they read the books in the order they were written.
August 2, 2018
While I did enjoy this novel, it didn't hold the same appeal for me as the first book. Elizabeth's character didn't seem to be as strong as before, and I'm not really that sold on the romance between her and Wynn. It just felt...one sided, maybe? I don't know, I know it's hard to remove the modern lens and understand that this was a different time, but he just came across as condescending sometimes. She would feel stupid for not knowing something, but why would she know things about living in basically the wilderness when she's never had reason to know it? You should probably tell your spouse what's expected of them and what their new life would be like. It just seemed all on her to make it work, while it sufficed for him to talk to her like a child. Conversely, Elizabeth is a bit naive when it comes to what will be required of her. Communication, people! So, yeah, not my favorite couple ever, and enough about that.
The plot has a slow start. The whole lead up to the wedding felt unnecessary. In a book as short as this, there really shouldn't be a point in which the reader is bored. It took way too long to get to what I consider the meat of the story, and that's when I started to enjoy it and really is what saved it for me. The danger and uncertainty of life, as well as the clash of cultures, held my attention, and I also thought the spiritual aspect to be strong as well. Elizabeth, for having to tackle so much and rely solely on her own fortitude, as well as Nimmie's strength in the face of total loss.
I'm optimistic about book 3 because it seems like it will pick up where book two left off, and it will be nice to be in the middle of the action.
The plot has a slow start. The whole lead up to the wedding felt unnecessary. In a book as short as this, there really shouldn't be a point in which the reader is bored. It took way too long to get to what I consider the meat of the story, and that's when I started to enjoy it and really is what saved it for me. The danger and uncertainty of life, as well as the clash of cultures, held my attention, and I also thought the spiritual aspect to be strong as well. Elizabeth, for having to tackle so much and rely solely on her own fortitude, as well as Nimmie's strength in the face of total loss.
I'm optimistic about book 3 because it seems like it will pick up where book two left off, and it will be nice to be in the middle of the action.
February 7, 2017
An enjoyable continuation of the series about Elizabeth and Wynn. While it isn't the most exciting of books, it has solid storytelling and a strong Christian message. I liked her dog Kip and her friends in the frontier village, and will definitely have to read the next book to see what happens to all of them.
November 9, 2020
I’ve read many other books about the Canadian Mounties, but never one from the perspective of his wife. It was quite interesting and fun to read. I enjoyed Elizabeth and Wynn and their interactions with the trappers, Indians, and others in their little area up north. There were hard times, but there was always hope. And I really liked how the Christian aspects were woven in. I’m looking forward to the third book.
February 23, 2016
About this book:
“After a year of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the western frontier, Elizabeth plans her wedding to Wynn Delaney, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As they begin their new life together at his isolated outpost in the far north, Elizabeth is unprepared for the loneliness she feels and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences she's accustomed to. Her deep love for Wynn and her faith in God seem like all she has. But will that be enough?”
Series: Book #2 of the “Canadian West” series. (Review of #1 Here!) {There is a movie based on the first book of this series with the same name, plus a TV series on Hallmark based on the continuation of the series, “Return to the Canadian West.” }
Spiritual Content- Talks about God, praying & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Prayers; Bible reading & discussing; David & Goliath are mentioned; Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Mentions of Church going; Mentions of a Christian household.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Blood & Injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dog fights (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of an almost suicide; Trapping animals (barely-above-not-detailed, though one knock on semi-detailed); Mentions of cigars, drinking, & drunks.
Sexual Content- 13-not-detailed kisses and ten barely-above-not-detailed kisses; two forehead kisses, a cheek kiss and three nose-kisses; Wanting to kiss; two mentions of a honeymoon; Love, a wedding, marriage, & the emotions.
-Elizabeth Thatcher
1st person P.O.V. of Elizabeth
Set in 1911-1912
255 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
In my opinion, “When Comes the Spring” wasn’t as good as “When Calls the Heart”, but I still enjoyed it, though it was different. Elizabeth and Wynn’s marriage is very sweet and it was very, very clean!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“After a year of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse on the western frontier, Elizabeth plans her wedding to Wynn Delaney, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As they begin their new life together at his isolated outpost in the far north, Elizabeth is unprepared for the loneliness she feels and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences she's accustomed to. Her deep love for Wynn and her faith in God seem like all she has. But will that be enough?”
Series: Book #2 of the “Canadian West” series. (Review of #1 Here!) {There is a movie based on the first book of this series with the same name, plus a TV series on Hallmark based on the continuation of the series, “Return to the Canadian West.” }
Spiritual Content- Talks about God, praying & trusting Him; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Prayers; Bible reading & discussing; David & Goliath are mentioned; Scriptures are quoted & mentioned; Mentions of Church going; Mentions of a Christian household.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: two ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Blood & Injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dog fights (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of an almost suicide; Trapping animals (barely-above-not-detailed, though one knock on semi-detailed); Mentions of cigars, drinking, & drunks.
Sexual Content- 13-not-detailed kisses and ten barely-above-not-detailed kisses; two forehead kisses, a cheek kiss and three nose-kisses; Wanting to kiss; two mentions of a honeymoon; Love, a wedding, marriage, & the emotions.
-Elizabeth Thatcher
1st person P.O.V. of Elizabeth
Set in 1911-1912
255 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
In my opinion, “When Comes the Spring” wasn’t as good as “When Calls the Heart”, but I still enjoyed it, though it was different. Elizabeth and Wynn’s marriage is very sweet and it was very, very clean!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
February 16, 2017
I really liked When Comes the Heart ...Elizabeth was independent, smart, capable and had a nice sense of humor. In this second book in the series...she is just some silly, little wife to a condescending husband. She is no longer smart (does a SCHOOLTEACHER really not know how to say an animals name in singular/plural form? Or how to tell when Spring is coming?! The snow is melting, the river if running, it's getting WARMER...boom Spring! You don't need your husband to tell you that!) Elizabeth cries often, and doesn't even know how to make a decision for herself anymore, even though she survived her first year alone at the teacherage the year before. She allows Wynn to laugh at her "silliness" and thinks it's charming. She also thinks Wynn is completely perfect, and honestly, this book made me like him a lot less. He talks to Elizabeth like she's a child...not that one can totally blame him since she acts like one most of the time.
Another thing in this book that really bothered me is how Elizabeth seems to think that the native people don't know how to survive the harsh winter and need some white mountie police man and his wife to show them how it's done. It's not like they've been doing it for hundreds of years before that. I'm sure they didn't need Wynn to tell them how to hunt or gather food when they almost ran out during the winter. They weren't dumb, or dependent, but from Elizabeth's point of view, they are all just children that need looking after by the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. After thinking it over a while, I understand that this could be Oke's attempt at showing how the white settler mentality worked OR that she really does believe that the mounted police were saviors sent to the Canadian wilderness to save the native people from their way of life. Something tells me it's probably the latter.
I enjoy Christian literature, but this one was a little too heavy handed for me. Especially given Elizabeth's idea that she needs to completely submit to her husband, and in doing so, she completely lost herself in the process. I plan on reading the next book in hopes that the old Elizabeth returns, but if not, I'll be done with this series.
Another thing in this book that really bothered me is how Elizabeth seems to think that the native people don't know how to survive the harsh winter and need some white mountie police man and his wife to show them how it's done. It's not like they've been doing it for hundreds of years before that. I'm sure they didn't need Wynn to tell them how to hunt or gather food when they almost ran out during the winter. They weren't dumb, or dependent, but from Elizabeth's point of view, they are all just children that need looking after by the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. After thinking it over a while, I understand that this could be Oke's attempt at showing how the white settler mentality worked OR that she really does believe that the mounted police were saviors sent to the Canadian wilderness to save the native people from their way of life. Something tells me it's probably the latter.
I enjoy Christian literature, but this one was a little too heavy handed for me. Especially given Elizabeth's idea that she needs to completely submit to her husband, and in doing so, she completely lost herself in the process. I plan on reading the next book in hopes that the old Elizabeth returns, but if not, I'll be done with this series.
July 13, 2021
This was a sweet, wholesome, and interesting.
Loved seeing Wynn and Elizabeth married!! 🥰
I found it so interesting learning about the life of a Canadian Mountie. I also found it interesting watching Elizabeth adjust to this new way of life in the north. I felt bad for her but admired her at the same time.
Meeting the new characters was fun too. I really liked Nimmie! Ian too.
Overall, I enjoyed this! It was a relaxing book to read. I’m really excited to start the next book in the series!
Loved seeing Wynn and Elizabeth married!! 🥰
I found it so interesting learning about the life of a Canadian Mountie. I also found it interesting watching Elizabeth adjust to this new way of life in the north. I felt bad for her but admired her at the same time.
Meeting the new characters was fun too. I really liked Nimmie! Ian too.
Overall, I enjoyed this! It was a relaxing book to read. I’m really excited to start the next book in the series!
January 7, 2013
I really wanted to like this book, but I thought it was incredibly boring. The first book was great, and it had an interesting plot. We were wondering if she would survive that first year teaching in the wilderness, and what would happen between Elizabeth and Wynn. I just didn't feel that same excitement in the plot in When Comes the Spring as I did in the first book. It almost felt like I was reading a diary since it all seemed to read "I washed the dishes, then I made the fire, then I made tea, then I waited for Wynn. Wynn didn't come home so I got scared. It snowed a lot." There wasn't much tension in the plot or twists and turns. There wasn't anything in the story line that made me want to keep reading to see what happens, and there was no real climax in the story. Overall, an OK book to read before bed, but mostly boring. I won't be reading the third.
July 1, 2017
I feel as though I should of stopped at book one because this book just went on and on and mostly talked about daily life. Elizabeth is learning a lot and trying a lot of different things out of her comfort zone in this book which seemed like the main theme to this book. I also felt that there was a lot of tears in this book. Other things went on in this book but didn't really take over as the "main drive" of this book. I feel that I might not continue this series but I would recommend the first book as a standalone. 2.5 stars.
March 23, 2015
When Comes the Spring
By: Janette Oke
Rating: 4 stars
Ages: 12 and up (for mild romance and mildly dangerous situations)
Elizabeth, the lovely young eastern schoolteacher, has braved the western frontier and spent a year teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Now she and Wynn, her Royal Canadian Mountie, are planning their wedding and their new life together at his outpost in the far north. Will their love for each other sustain them through a harsh winter, loneliness, and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences they have been accustomed to?
I recently posted a review of When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. Well, not too long ago, I also read the second book in the Canadian West series - When Comes the Spring. And, I enjoyed it even more than the first book!
When Comes the Spring was undoubtedly fun! I love Elizabeth and Wynn, and I loved reading about their struggles settling into life in the far north - with no modern conveniences.
This book really gave me a deeper look into the life of a Canadian Mountie. A Mountie's life was extremely difficult most of the time.
Wynn was home late in the evenings most days, and, during winter, would have to leave for days at a time to travel to a far off cabin to check on a trapper. A Mountie was the law, doctor, dispute-settler, and overall caretaker of the entire village where he was stationed. I see now why Wynn was so adamant that an elegant lady from the East couldn't live in the North.
But Elizabeth did prove him wrong on that account! She was very strong and determined throughout the entire book. She went to a village where she knew no one, and could converse with approximately about five people, including Wynn - one of those being a sweet, young Indian woman named Nimmie (the wife of the man who runs the trading post), the others being Nimmie's husband, Mr. Ian McClain, Ian's bitter, impolite younger sister, Miss Katherine McClain, and another Indian woman.
Elizabeth handled everything that the North had to throw her way with dignity and grace - and she never complained. Even when Wynn had to leave in the middle of a snowstorm and she was left alone, excepting her dog, Kip.
Overall, When Comes the Spring gave me a deeper knowledge of what a Mountie's life really looks like, the bitter winters of the North, the Indians that live there, and what it would be like to live the life of a Royal Canadian Mountie's wife, and was also exciting, charming, and enjoyable.
It was a fantastic story set in a backdrop of rugged north Canada - with its rough terrain, high mountains, long winters, short summers, annoying mosquitoes, and charm - with wonderful, memorable characters. I would recommend to readers who love historical fiction.
By: Janette Oke
Rating: 4 stars
Ages: 12 and up (for mild romance and mildly dangerous situations)
Elizabeth, the lovely young eastern schoolteacher, has braved the western frontier and spent a year teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Now she and Wynn, her Royal Canadian Mountie, are planning their wedding and their new life together at his outpost in the far north. Will their love for each other sustain them through a harsh winter, loneliness, and the rigors of life without any of the conveniences they have been accustomed to?
I recently posted a review of When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke. Well, not too long ago, I also read the second book in the Canadian West series - When Comes the Spring. And, I enjoyed it even more than the first book!
When Comes the Spring was undoubtedly fun! I love Elizabeth and Wynn, and I loved reading about their struggles settling into life in the far north - with no modern conveniences.
This book really gave me a deeper look into the life of a Canadian Mountie. A Mountie's life was extremely difficult most of the time.
Wynn was home late in the evenings most days, and, during winter, would have to leave for days at a time to travel to a far off cabin to check on a trapper. A Mountie was the law, doctor, dispute-settler, and overall caretaker of the entire village where he was stationed. I see now why Wynn was so adamant that an elegant lady from the East couldn't live in the North.
But Elizabeth did prove him wrong on that account! She was very strong and determined throughout the entire book. She went to a village where she knew no one, and could converse with approximately about five people, including Wynn - one of those being a sweet, young Indian woman named Nimmie (the wife of the man who runs the trading post), the others being Nimmie's husband, Mr. Ian McClain, Ian's bitter, impolite younger sister, Miss Katherine McClain, and another Indian woman.
Elizabeth handled everything that the North had to throw her way with dignity and grace - and she never complained. Even when Wynn had to leave in the middle of a snowstorm and she was left alone, excepting her dog, Kip.
Overall, When Comes the Spring gave me a deeper knowledge of what a Mountie's life really looks like, the bitter winters of the North, the Indians that live there, and what it would be like to live the life of a Royal Canadian Mountie's wife, and was also exciting, charming, and enjoyable.
It was a fantastic story set in a backdrop of rugged north Canada - with its rough terrain, high mountains, long winters, short summers, annoying mosquitoes, and charm - with wonderful, memorable characters. I would recommend to readers who love historical fiction.
February 16, 2019
This was a fun book to read! (more so the last half than the first, but still.) The only other thing I can recall that bugged me was sometimes the plot line seemed extremely cheesy and Elizabeth would have opinions that... oh my. XD They annoyed me a bit, but she resolved them!
I'm also interested to learn more about Ms. McLain....
I'd recommend to readers 12+
4 stars!
I'm also interested to learn more about Ms. McLain....
I'd recommend to readers 12+
4 stars!
January 21, 2013
I enjoyed the first book for what it was, but this book was horrible. I did give it two stars because at least it was well written and edited.
The story had a lot of potential, but really - I mean REALLY TRULY - how unprepared could someone have been to move to the wilderness? Surely her fiance/husband would have had many LONG, SERIOUS talks with her about whether the life would suit her? And her obsession with finding another WHITE WOMAN to talk to did not sit well with me at all. I *do* understand that it was part of her character's development, but still - there was a real feeling of 'ugh' about it.
So back to the start. Elizabeth is preparing a ridiculously OTT wedding to her Mountie fiance. Then they have to bring the date forward, and she's still all stressed out preparing a slightly less but none-the-less still OTT wedding. Now, I understand that her character came from a fairly well off family back east, but I have read historical accounts of weddings in the 1800s and early 1900s and they were not the modern day monstrosities we know today. However, the author tried to make it like that.
Then proceeded a couple of totally unbelieveable things. They went on a trip out to Banff for their honeymoon. Firstly, Elizabeth - who had just married a mountie was going to spend the next four years in the far north wilderness living in the Taiga - refused to wear pants to climb a mountain because she was too ladylike to be seen in trousers. AS IF they wouldn't have discussed the realities of an active / wilderness lifestyle before they got married... And THEN, Elizabeth, the ladylike teacher who only ever swished around in heavy skirts, managed to wear the pants and climb up to the top of a mountain with no path, going vertical in places, and practically without losing her breath. I have been hiking on established trails around Banff, and I was very outdoorsy at the time - and even I suffered.
So yeah... The unbelievability started there and didn't stop.
The author *tried* to show the character developing... e.g. coming to accept spending time with the first nations women - but took an easy way out by having Elizabeth befriend a woman who was essentially an aboriginal person with all the qualities of an early 1900s white woman - married to a white man, spoke english with no accent, no strange customs. She didn't form close friendships with the aboriginal women who lived in the settlement, and she didn't learn any of their language. It was insulting.
I really really didn't enjoy the book, and I was disappointed because I actually spent $5 on the book (I read the first one for free).
The story had a lot of potential, but really - I mean REALLY TRULY - how unprepared could someone have been to move to the wilderness? Surely her fiance/husband would have had many LONG, SERIOUS talks with her about whether the life would suit her? And her obsession with finding another WHITE WOMAN to talk to did not sit well with me at all. I *do* understand that it was part of her character's development, but still - there was a real feeling of 'ugh' about it.
So back to the start. Elizabeth is preparing a ridiculously OTT wedding to her Mountie fiance. Then they have to bring the date forward, and she's still all stressed out preparing a slightly less but none-the-less still OTT wedding. Now, I understand that her character came from a fairly well off family back east, but I have read historical accounts of weddings in the 1800s and early 1900s and they were not the modern day monstrosities we know today. However, the author tried to make it like that.
Then proceeded a couple of totally unbelieveable things. They went on a trip out to Banff for their honeymoon. Firstly, Elizabeth - who had just married a mountie was going to spend the next four years in the far north wilderness living in the Taiga - refused to wear pants to climb a mountain because she was too ladylike to be seen in trousers. AS IF they wouldn't have discussed the realities of an active / wilderness lifestyle before they got married... And THEN, Elizabeth, the ladylike teacher who only ever swished around in heavy skirts, managed to wear the pants and climb up to the top of a mountain with no path, going vertical in places, and practically without losing her breath. I have been hiking on established trails around Banff, and I was very outdoorsy at the time - and even I suffered.
So yeah... The unbelievability started there and didn't stop.
The author *tried* to show the character developing... e.g. coming to accept spending time with the first nations women - but took an easy way out by having Elizabeth befriend a woman who was essentially an aboriginal person with all the qualities of an early 1900s white woman - married to a white man, spoke english with no accent, no strange customs. She didn't form close friendships with the aboriginal women who lived in the settlement, and she didn't learn any of their language. It was insulting.
I really really didn't enjoy the book, and I was disappointed because I actually spent $5 on the book (I read the first one for free).
June 11, 2022
Definitely better than the first one! I love the (clean)marriage relationship in here! They both lean on each other and God through all their hardships (love that).
January 22, 2024
:') I love these books.
July 5, 2015
This book is the second in the Canadian West series written by Janette Oke. I enjoyed the first book, When Calls the Heart, but this one was a bit tedious to get through. In this book Elizabeth is more prissy and petty than in the first one. In When Calls the Heart Elizabeth is stronger and more independent. Marriage was not on her mind and she was determined to have a career as a teacher. All of s sudden in this book she can't seem to get along without her husband Wynn. She seems to need his company 24/7 to be happy. Her neediness in this book was disappointing.
October 22, 2007
Still not as good as Mrs. Mike (which I just found in a box my mother sent me), but better than some of the other Janette Oke books. Also too prissy.
March 23, 2016
This one really didn't do it for me, which is unfortunate because I loved the first one. Wynn went from a sweet guy to being kind of bossy and condescending and Elizabeth basically just said "well he's my husband and I should be submissive to him." Now granted Wynn had more experience in the wilderness but he seemed like the kind of person who always had to have everything his way.
I liked Elizabeth the schoolteacher far more than Elizabeth the pioneer woman as well. The characters that made the first book so good were barely in this one.
I would have liked a book about their courtship rather than jumping right into moving to the wilderness. It seemed like it took them forever to confess their feelings and then - BAM - they were married with no time at all.
Definitely not as good as the first one. I'd probably give it a 2.5
I liked Elizabeth the schoolteacher far more than Elizabeth the pioneer woman as well. The characters that made the first book so good were barely in this one.
I would have liked a book about their courtship rather than jumping right into moving to the wilderness. It seemed like it took them forever to confess their feelings and then - BAM - they were married with no time at all.
Definitely not as good as the first one. I'd probably give it a 2.5
April 25, 2017
Originally posted in the April 2017 Mini Reviews
I really enjoyed this continuation of Elizabeth and Wynn’s story. I feel like it was dashed up somewhat hastily (could even use some editing), but it was still great. I especially liked all Elizabeth’s little escapades and the characters (Nimmie was a favorite, and Wynn, too, of course!).
Elizabeth was pretty silly … like not knowing the ‘deer’ is both singular and plural and stuff like that. She’s a schoolteacher. Seems weird that she wouldn’t know that. Also, Beth. Stop acting like a three-year-old. *glares*
Still, I’m looking forward to reading book three.
~Kellyn Roth
I really enjoyed this continuation of Elizabeth and Wynn’s story. I feel like it was dashed up somewhat hastily (could even use some editing), but it was still great. I especially liked all Elizabeth’s little escapades and the characters (Nimmie was a favorite, and Wynn, too, of course!).
Elizabeth was pretty silly … like not knowing the ‘deer’ is both singular and plural and stuff like that. She’s a schoolteacher. Seems weird that she wouldn’t know that. Also, Beth. Stop acting like a three-year-old. *glares*
Still, I’m looking forward to reading book three.
~Kellyn Roth
June 3, 2018
Nu stiu sa explic cum si de ce, dar seria asta mi a intrat la suflet. Sunt parca parte din viata lor, Beth este o femeie usor de îndrăgit si de care m am atasat fără să mi dau seama. Povestea se citeste usor, este scrisa intr un mod absolut minunat si daca după primul volum m am arătat îndrăgostită de autoare, acum întăresc cele spuse încă o dată. Este o serie absolut superba. Este despre viata, despre oameni, despre necazurile zilnice si despre puterea de a trece peste tot. Dumnezeu, își are de asemenea închinate pasaje întregi, si cred ca autoarea mi a răspuns la unele întrebări pe care mi le am pus de a lungul vremii legate de religie. 5 stele mi se pare putin.
July 2, 2019
Elizabeth and Wynn take on the Northern Frontier as a newlywed couple, facing new challenges and opportunities along the way. While a heartwarming read, the second book doesn't have the same 'wow' factor as the first one - most likely due to the fact that Elizabeth and Wynn are now married and not courting or flirting with each other.
December 3, 2021
This is absolutely golden. #lifegoals
September 16, 2022
4.5 stars.
Another pleasant book to listen to, with more interesting characters. Kip is adorable! And I have come to the conclusion that living up north is not for me, not if I can help it. Also, I think Wyn and Elizabeth being married is much cuter than the original romance was XD They're so sweet and cute together.
I believe I have read some of this series a long, long time ago. I have this faint impression of Elizabeth being all lonely during the winter and depressed. I don't know if that was this book, or another? Anyhow, after this, I believe I'm venturing into unchartered territory with the other books, and I'll be interested to see how it goes!
Another pleasant book to listen to, with more interesting characters. Kip is adorable! And I have come to the conclusion that living up north is not for me, not if I can help it. Also, I think Wyn and Elizabeth being married is much cuter than the original romance was XD They're so sweet and cute together.
I believe I have read some of this series a long, long time ago. I have this faint impression of Elizabeth being all lonely during the winter and depressed. I don't know if that was this book, or another? Anyhow, after this, I believe I'm venturing into unchartered territory with the other books, and I'll be interested to see how it goes!
July 17, 2020
Rating: 3 / 5
Unlike the first book in this series, wherein all of Elizabeth's struggles were charming in how well she handled them, this one seems like it's increased her vulnerability tenfold--and therefore, her complaining ways.
I understand the general setup: harsh Canadian wilderness vs. "properly bred" lady. A showdown between those two is bound to end up with the lady whining about a lot of things and finding difficulty in most everything. Sure, realistic there, I completely agree.
But boy is it annoying to read through, especially for a girl like me who can get down and dirty in rough tomboy ways when need be, and all without a word of complaint! (But then, maybe a lot of modern-day women can, seeing as we're all now more assertive and don't cave in to that whole "let the man be the head of the house" mentality--which, by the way, was also a big annoyance for me regarding Elizabeth, especially in comparison to how free-spirited I thought she was in the first book.)
The romance was upped a lot in this book as compared to the previous one, but other than the pre-wedding romance that was lovely and gushy to read through, a lot of this is just Wynn helping Elizabeth out and doting overly on her in every little thing. I mean, their first argument, for goodness' sake, it over her wearing pants (Oh my!) on a mountain climbing and hiking trip. Er...why this is even a thing to argue about, I never understood. Wynn's being stubborn because he know it's the right thing for Elizabeth to wear pants, but then she's just being a prissy little girl for...reasons of fashion? What the--?!
Anyway, considering that I was expecting for the continuation of their story to be...well, different in better ways than what I got, I can't say that I'm really impressed with anything or even satisfied. I will still give it a three stars rating for the beginning pre-wedding parts though, and the fact that Oke doesn't mind going into specifics on the harshness of life up north. Some authors, I feel, rather sugar-coat that or just skip it overall so that they can focus on something more plot-relevant. In this case, the location is in fact one of the most plot-relevant things though, so at least it fits.
Don't think I'll be continuing this series, but I also won't be giving up on Oke altogether! Still got other reads to try out--hopefully better ones.
Unlike the first book in this series, wherein all of Elizabeth's struggles were charming in how well she handled them, this one seems like it's increased her vulnerability tenfold--and therefore, her complaining ways.
I understand the general setup: harsh Canadian wilderness vs. "properly bred" lady. A showdown between those two is bound to end up with the lady whining about a lot of things and finding difficulty in most everything. Sure, realistic there, I completely agree.
But boy is it annoying to read through, especially for a girl like me who can get down and dirty in rough tomboy ways when need be, and all without a word of complaint! (But then, maybe a lot of modern-day women can, seeing as we're all now more assertive and don't cave in to that whole "let the man be the head of the house" mentality--which, by the way, was also a big annoyance for me regarding Elizabeth, especially in comparison to how free-spirited I thought she was in the first book.)
The romance was upped a lot in this book as compared to the previous one, but other than the pre-wedding romance that was lovely and gushy to read through, a lot of this is just Wynn helping Elizabeth out and doting overly on her in every little thing. I mean, their first argument, for goodness' sake, it over her wearing pants (Oh my!) on a mountain climbing and hiking trip. Er...why this is even a thing to argue about, I never understood. Wynn's being stubborn because he know it's the right thing for Elizabeth to wear pants, but then she's just being a prissy little girl for...reasons of fashion? What the--?!
Anyway, considering that I was expecting for the continuation of their story to be...well, different in better ways than what I got, I can't say that I'm really impressed with anything or even satisfied. I will still give it a three stars rating for the beginning pre-wedding parts though, and the fact that Oke doesn't mind going into specifics on the harshness of life up north. Some authors, I feel, rather sugar-coat that or just skip it overall so that they can focus on something more plot-relevant. In this case, the location is in fact one of the most plot-relevant things though, so at least it fits.
Don't think I'll be continuing this series, but I also won't be giving up on Oke altogether! Still got other reads to try out--hopefully better ones.
April 18, 2016
3.5 stars!
As much as I adore Janette Oke and her series, I thought this book did't have the writing edge as her first one in the series. The story was a bit slow, though still great. As a wife to a "half" native, I completely resonate with this story. I really loved Nimmie and thought the elements of Elizabeth's faith such a beautiful aspect to this book. The fact that she could endure certain things through her faith and ultimately share it in uncertain times, was wonderful! I am interested to know more about the next book.
As much as I adore Janette Oke and her series, I thought this book did't have the writing edge as her first one in the series. The story was a bit slow, though still great. As a wife to a "half" native, I completely resonate with this story. I really loved Nimmie and thought the elements of Elizabeth's faith such a beautiful aspect to this book. The fact that she could endure certain things through her faith and ultimately share it in uncertain times, was wonderful! I am interested to know more about the next book.
January 23, 2014
Elizabeth's story continues, as she discovers important lessons about how to make a good marriage, to be a good partner to her Mountie husband, and how to relate to people without prejudice. I actually enjoyed this one more than the first, though again it reminded me of a prettier version of Mrs. Mike.
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