When Calls the Heart Tag // Seaon 4 in ONE HOUR

(I apologize for the formatting issue above! I could not get rid of the space! Why?! ALSO SPOILERS AHEAD for people who have not watched ALL episodes! There's a minor spoiler in question #6, but I give extra warning beforehand. ;))

Hey there, guys! My friend, Faith, who blogs at Stories by Firefly, and her friend, Rebekah, put together this fun tag in honor of When Calls the Heart! Speaking of, this is perfect timing, because season four beings in ONE hour! Check out Faith's post here, and Rebekah's here! Now, let's get the party started, shall we?

1. What's your favorite season of When Calls the Heart?

 Definitely season three. Season one comes in second place, and season two takes third.

 2. Who is your favorite character, and why?

*thinks* Hmm...it's between Bill Avery, Lee Coulter, and Rosemary LeVeaux (now Mrs. Coulter). When Bill first came in the show, I liked him...and then they made him seem rather suspicious and "bad guy-ish," so I became rather unsure about him. But now-a-days I like him again. I liked Lee almost immediately - after I got over the fact that he was "new" and therefore "suspicious" (also the fact that he actually liked Rosemary...um, sir, I think you just played a bad card and turned most of the Hearties against you?). Well, now? Now he's one of my favorite characters! And Rosemary. Oh, Rosemary! When she first came on the show, I disliked her so much, so very much. But she's really changed, and she's perfect for Lee, so - what more can I say? 

3. Who is your least favorite character, and why?

I'm gonna say Nora and the Hamilton swindler guy in season one. I also don't care for Elizabeth's dad (though he's MUCH better in the books) or mom, and I don't like Frank Hogan very much anymore. *coughs loudly* What?! I much prefer Abigail with Bill.

4. When did you first start watching When Calls the Heart?

Around April/May-ish of 2014. Not even sure how I heard about it. XD

 

5. Do you have a favorite couple from the show? If so, who, and why are they your favorites?

 

Lee and Rosemary. That is all.

 

Just kidding! They're kinda...adorable? To be completely honest...I much prefer them over Jack and Elizabeth. *runs from angry Hearties* What I like so much about their relationship is that they're truly there for each other, and they show it by the things they do. GUYS, I'm givin' ya some examples of their supportive-ness and overall fantastic qualities:

 

Lee had an elaborate construction plan to build Rosemary that theater. 

Lee encouraged Rosemary to go to California for that acting job because he wanted her to follow her dreams.

And she stayed. Because she loved him. *melts*

(Can we talk about that proposal? Probably my favorite moment of When Calls the Heart...ever.)

Rosemary tried to downsize Lee's spending because she thought his business was going under.

And then she did the sweetest thing...told him that he didn't need to build her that theater. At least not now. Because his business was more important.

Also, they're such opposites that they kinda bring out good in the other person. 

 

 

Oh, Jack! XD

 IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE CLOSE YOUR EYES AND DON'T LOOK AT THE PICTURE BELOW.

 

6. Do you have a favorite quote from the show?

 

Woah! I don't know? I liked the scene in season one when Jack goes to Abigail...for her advice about Elizabeth, who was being rather stubborn when it came to the Hamilton dude (I can't remember his first name, okay), and she does the "honey not vinegar" thing - but I guess that's not a quote? (Spoilers ahead for those who haven't watch the Christmas movie yet!) I really liked the scene in the new Christmas movie where Bill Avery is cooking in Abigail's cafe, and someone complains about their eggs. So he whips out a rolling pin and charges out to see who the guy was. (see above picture)

AND THEN

 

Bill: *starts back toward the kitchen* *spots Jack sitting there* "How's your food, Constable?"

Jack, with an amused smile: "Nothing to complain about."

Bill was literally hilarious. 

 

7. What are your thoughts on Rosemary LeVeaux? Did you like her right away or did she grow on you?

Rosemary is one of my favorite characters. *points back to question two* She brings humor to the show. And she's incredibly generous. Giving up her bridesmaids' dress material and all of her food to help the settlers? I would've...never seen that coming when she showed up so unexpectedly - and horrifyingly - in season one. And no, I certainly did not like her at first! I really wanted her leave. XD She was very forward and was forcing her way back into Jack's life in the most annoying of ways... But she grew on me. I like her character now! And she's perfect for Lee - and so caring. 

8. Have you read the When Calls the Heart book series?

Well, there's two book series - of  the original, I have read the first four novels. Of the companion novels to the T.V. series, I've also read the first two books in that trilogy!

 

9. Was there anything in season 3 that surprised you? (characters, plots, etc...)

Yes! I was surprised to have Jack's mom show up! And she's different than expected. XD Also, I was kind of surprised when Jack almost....died. I knew they wouldn't dare kill him, but it was still a little shocking! It's actually surprising in itself that Jack lived through all that! Overall, the flood surprised me. And the mine explosion. And things with Gowen. And Frank's past and the whole gang showing up! I didn't see a lot of the season coming! Which is nice. ;) OOH AND THE WEDDING AND PROPOSAL. I loved that! 

 

10. What do you foresee happening in season 4? (Be creative and as detailed as you like :))

I was hoping Lee and Rosemary were going to have a little Coulter baby, but I read an interview with Pascalle Hutton, and I guess not? Hopefully, Jack finally proposes to Elizabeth. *looks at him* Ya know we know that you still have that ring? ;) And I hope Abigail gets back together with Bill! *grins* I like Bill quite a bit now, and think he's a good match for her! She kinda needs him. ;) 

 

That was fun! Huge shout out to Faith and Rebekah for creating the tag! Also, Faith is currently having people sign-up to beta-read her new novella, SO GO CHECK IT OUT. 

 

Until next time,

 

My Top Ten Books of 2015

Christmas is right around the corner. So is New Years. Because of that, I thought maybe I should drop by and give you the best books I read in the year of 2015...

10. Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke

One of the best I've read from Mrs. Oke. This book had little pieces of wisdom I enjoyed stumbling upon. And that Christmas scene with Edward and the scarf? Yeah, that was fun.



9. Secret of the Lost Settlement by John J. Horn

I reread this in August, I think. I was again brought to tears and impressed by the amazing message. It was gritty, adventurous, heart-pounding, and even humorous in rare moments.

 




















8. The Island Queen by R.M. Ballantyne

When three ship-wrecked siblings end up on an island that's deserted, more castaways show up, and a 'government' forms, you're in for a fun ride! I liked this book a lot - it's one of the best of Ballantyne's! It was very humorous and lots of fun! I smiled through almost a whole chapter. Yup. That happened. ;)



7. Becoming Nikki by Ashley Elliot

This book was really cool! The main characters were, interestingly enough, brother and sister. They're broken relationship needs mending - little do they think that a horrible accident will become the starting point. I really enjoyed the story and some of the characters. It was funny, touching, and sweet.



6. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

Man, this book. I cried multiple times. I saw World War II in a whole new light - it changed my perspective on the time. The Hiding Place was highly interesting, engaging, touching, and had such a great message.



5. The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager

Surprisingly, this one made it on the list. I say surprisingly because as I read each book in the Arcrean Conquest series, the one I had just finished became my favorite Arcrean book. However, after months of not really thinking about the books, I thought about them again and ended up realizing that the first novel in the series, The Heart of Arcrea, was, honestly, the best. We're introduced to fun characters and taken along a sometimes agonizing but interesting and life-changing journey. I loved the way that Druet, the hero of the tale, followed God's leading. Not many books have that in it, and I thought it was really cool. Plus, it's fantasy - a really fun, non-magical fantasy in a land that is seriously unique. You won't forget it.



4. Fighting the Flames: A Tale of the London Fire Brigade by R.M. Ballantyne

A book about the London Fire Brigade in the mid-1800s? How cool is that!? I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the story and Willie Willders, one of the main characters. It was interesting and fun and one of the best by Ballantyne I've read.

 


 
















3. Millie's Steadfast Love by Martha Finley

Granted, I did re-read this one, (okay, okay! And the one below...), but I loved it all over again. The characters and the story are so fun. I adore this book. The Millie Keith series holds a special place on my ever burgeoning bookshelves.



2. Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon by John J. Horn

This book has been one of my favorite novels for a few years now. It still holds a very special place in my heart and is one of the best books I have read to date. Fun, heart-pounding adventure, charming characters, exotic locations... It's incredibly fun, and I'm so looking forward to rereading it AGAIN with my younger brother.



















1. To Get to You by Joanne Bischoff

This book is all about redemption, grace, and second chances. Though the message isn't forced, it seeps into the crevasses of the story (and your heart). I enjoyed it a lot! The characters were fun, and the whole road-trip/broken-son-and-father-relationship story was fantastic and really well done. Intertwined was an adorable romance between the unlikely hero and the homeschooled heroine. (Yes, she's homeschooled.) Super cute.



And theeeeeeeere you have it! The top ten books that I read this year. Totally check 'em all out, and totally let me know if you do. (Or if you've already read any of the above books, and if you liked them as much as I did!) ;)

They all come recommended (and I've reviewed most of them too. Either here, on my blog, or on Goodreads.)

That's all for now, but be on the lookout for another 'Top Ten' post!

Merry Christmas!

~Micaiah K.~

An Update + Birthdays + Road Trip + Book Challenge

Wow, is that a title... ;)

It has been a long time since I last posted (sorry about that!), but a lot has gone on in the interim. I have been working towards tying up the loose ends of school, and I literally just did my last test in Home Ec. yesterday!

I finally finished the quilt that I've been sewing, and it actually turned out rather well. (I even used an even slipstitch to sew the spot left open for turning the quilt right side out! I was pretty happy with it...) All that's left is some writing and drawing - hopefully those will go easy enough! :)

This last week has been the week of birthdays (still is, actually)! I had my fifteenth birthday on Monday the 27th, and had a ton of fun. I got some great gifts, including a new purse with a compartment the perfect size for a book, the 2009, mini-series version of Emma (we watched the first episode last night. Mr. Knightley is quite a good friend to Emma, and I must *cough* admit that so far he's my favorite character.), a novel - Ashburn by Julia Erickson (which I've already read!), and even some new music - Luminate's Welcome to Daylight - which is great if you're looking for music with a lot of depth and message - and Crowder's newest: Neon Steeple.

My niece, Stephanie, and I on my birthday. She's eating a banana. Her face is so funny!

Tuesday, my older brother had his birthday, and we made him a S'mores Pie. Yes, you heard right! S'mores Pie! It was so good I thought I'd share the recipe with you (thank Pinterest!). It's super sweet, but good. And Jesse liked it so much...I've made it again today. (It's cooling.) It's great for a once-in-a-while-treat!

My pie from today!

All right, enough rambling about the pie. ;)

Tomorrow is my sister's twenty-second birthday. She's requested banana bread for her special dessert, so Mom and I will throw that together tomorrow morning.

(Can you tell I like baking?)

I'm also very excited...because in exactly 11 or 12 days, we're going on a road trip to visit my grandparents! All the way from Washington to Russell, Iowa! That's a 1,600 mile trip through Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and through parts of Iowa I've never seen...

And I'm actually looking forward to the trip (albeit, it'll be long. Two or three days long.). I'll get to see new places, stop by Waldrug, South Dakota, and Devil's Tower in Wyoming, and I'll also bring a book along. (When Jesus Wept, Into the Depths, and Ain't We Got Fun will be making the trip with me... As long as I don't cave in and read one first! I'll make sure I don't...) ;) I am so excited to go back to Russell - we haven't been on vacation there in nearly three years! - and spend time with my grandma and grandpa. We'll go to tea houses, shop, play Domino Train, maybe kayak and fish, and just hang out. Oh, and my grandpa goes up a few blocks for coffee everyday, so we get to go get frozen yogurt with him! Perhaps I'll do a post when we get back detailing our adventures!

Oh...and one last thing: While there, WE'RE GOING TO SEE TIM HAWKINS LIVE!!!!! I am so excited. Tim Hawkins, the Christian comedian, is hilarious to watch, and I can't wait to see him in person! It'll be so fun!

Aside from all the wonderful craziness (okay, so it hasn't been that crazy), I have been endeavoring to finish a book challenge a friend and I decided to do together for 2015. It's actually a pretty short one, but it's been kind of fun. I have read a book in each category listed except one! I thought I'd share with you:

(Links go to my Goodreads review of that book!)

Read a book that...

Takes place in your state or country... Quiet in His Presence
Makes you cry... The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
You love as a child... Millie's Faithful Heart (based on the books by Martha Finley)
Your best friend recommends... The Heart of Arcrea by Nicole Sager
Features someone that shares your eye color... Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (on the cover I'm pretty sure Marianne has brown eyes, but I may need to read another book in this category!)
Is over 500 pages long... Hebbros by Nicole Sager
Begins a series... Ashburn by Julia Erickson
Is in a genre you don't normally read... Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey
Has a child main character... The Island Queen by R.M. Ballantyne
Takes place in your favorite time period... It Took a War by Emily Ann Putzke
Is written by an author you've never heard of... Eric Liddell by Catherine Swift
Was made into a movie... Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
Reminds you of someone you love... Bruchko by Bruce Olsen
Includes a Christmas scene... Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke
Is a classic you've never read... Persuasion by Jane Austen (this was actually the first book I read in 2015!)
And last, but not least: Has a great cover... To Be Decided (But I'm pretty sure THIS book - To Get to You by Joanne Bischof - will take this category if I get to read it!)

I've also been reading to complete my Goodreads challenge for this year! Are any of you doing it too? It's a great way to keep track of books, page count, and keep you motivated to read. I really like it! (It's great for keeping the books I've read and want to read in order. I'm not sure how I'd find books to read without it!) Be sure to get an account if you love reading... ;)

To end, I'll leave you with one of my favorite songs from each of the albums I got for my birthday:

'Love is Loud' from Welcome to Daylight:

And Crowder's 'I Am':

Enjoy!

Are you doing any reading challenges? If so, which ones? (I'd love to find some new ones!) Have you watched Emma? What did you think of it? Would you make S'mores Pie - or is it too weird? (It's really good!!)

~Micaiah~

P.S. I probably won't be able to do much, if any, blogging while in Iowa, so I may officially disappear for about three and a half to four weeks! I'll try to post an update or two, but I apologize in advance if I don't get to!

When Calls the Heart - Season 2 Review (A Few Spoilers!)

**SPOILER ALERT: There are a few spoilers for those who haven't watched all of season two yet! I didn't reveal too much, but those who haven't watch this last season may not want to know everything I've said.**

Watching the second season finale of When Calls the Heart (which aired on 6/13) left me raising my voice in indignation and horrified phrases of "I thought that was going to happen!". Needless to say, the ending was a cliffhanger. A major one. One that made me realize what Mr. Bird meant when he said the season ending was the 'best thing' but also the Hearties' 'worst nightmare'. I can't reveal the details, but the writers are doing a pretty good job keeping us on our toes!

Throughout the season there have been many (many...) ups and downs, but maybe those ups and downs needed to happen. Jack and Elizabeth, the charming Mountie and our head-strong heroine, have faced trials this last season (I'm sure those trials aren't the last we'll see!) and have grown. Where is character development if there is no battle and triumph?

Speaking of characters, I adore some of the newer ones. Take Lee Coulter, for instance. He's the new timber mill owner, who totally beats Gowen at a game of Poker and totally wins over Rosemary. From the beginning, I liked him. I loved the way he and Rosemary interacted, and it was so nice to see her with someone she genuinely liked! They make a great pair; and they make a really good team. That last episode where Lee gets Molly to act as though they're courting to get Rosemary jealous? Loved it. Rosemary's 'advice letter' to herself (with a little help from Abigail)? Oh, yes. Was I laughing/smiling? Of course! Seriously, though, can we keep Rosemary and Lee around?

 

I'm sure many people have begun to grow fond of Rosemary, myself included. I probably would've been pretty skeptical if someone would've told me so in the end of season one. Like Rosemary? Never, I dare say! But I would've been proven wrong, because this season her character has developed into someone I really hope sticks around! Yes, sometimes she shows a bit of her more selfish side, but I really have enjoyed her this season! She's probably one of the main sources of good laughs! She's so dramatic - and it's really funny to watch. And Lee...well, he takes it in stride, and I think he kinda loves it.

Then, we have all the intertwined stories developing in Hamilton, an expansion to our dear TV series. It's the place of Elizabeth's childhood, where old friendships and...family members lie (I do hope we'll see more of it in season three!). Some of those family and friends don't quite take to Jack as much as Elizabeth and Julie, her younger sister, have. And Tom Thornton, Jack's brother? Well, he seems to be a bit of a scoundrel when we're first introduced to him - or, maybe I should say, 'troubled youth' - but he...well, he kind of comes around eventually. He was an interesting addition to the cast, and hopefully we'll see more of him next season.

Julie, being her head-strong, naïve self makes for some shake-your-head moments. I do think Julie needs to be able to go out on her own and make some of her own decisions, but I also think she's been coddled, or undisciplined, for most of her life, so now she doesn't really know much about how to really live responsibly, and her parents are facing consequences of her somewhat-free-reign upbringing. That might all be resolved in...dare I hope?...season three. But! I can see her side of things...

The whole Jack-Elizabeth-Charles (maybe even Faith) love triangle could've gotten a bit frustrating. It wasn't actually as bad as I was expecting it to be when the season started, though. I was grating inside (before the season started) waiting for Jack and Elizabeth to break up and end up with Rosemary and Charles. But things turned out better than I expected. Can I just say: those trailers make things seem so much worse than are!!! Okay, so sometimes...most of the time. ;) But there can be certain exceptions...

I think my favorite episode of the season has to be the finale episode. The interaction between Jack and Elizabeth was kind of fun (especially the part in the mine!), and I liked the Lee-Rosemary scenario. But it also left us with questions, which is good storytelling! "What is Elizabeth going to say to Charles?" Almost more importantly: "What is Jack going to say!?" "What IS going on with Bill Avery?" "What is the pastor (whom I kind of like) hiding?" "Where has Julie gone?" etc. etc.

 

Speaking of Bill Avery, the pastor, and Nora: Bill's been acting shifty, so I cannot tell whether I should believe what he said to Jack or stick with what I've been thinking (which I won't say!). The pastor? He and Abigail are kind of cute together. They make a pretty good pair. But he is hiding something, and I have a little bit of a feeling it will shatter a little piece of Abigail's trust in him when and if she finds out what that 'something' is. And Nora? She is...kind of creepy. And she's teamed up with Gowen, so we know she's trouble. ;)

I enjoyed the storyline of Clara, Abigail's daughter-in-law. She's been a good addition to the series, and I hope we'll see more of her also in the season/s to come!

In this season, the focus of the story really shifted from Elizabeth and her students and the people of Coal Valley to specific characters and their own personal stories. We don't see a lot of Elizabeth teaching the children this season. But that was okay, because we really wanted to see what was happening in the specific characters' storylines, and that was the writers gave us!

This series is really good, and I hope it continues!

To draw this rather lengthy review to a close (albeit, I could say more!), I want to thank the cast and crew for making a show that's fun - and clean - and great for the whole family to watch! You guys are making a great show and, to Michael Landon Jr., Brian Bird, Daniel Lissing, Erin Krakow, Lori Loughlin, Pascale Hutton, and Kavan Smith and the rest of the cast (and crew, o' course), I hope we'll see you all back for a season three!

When Calls the Heart's Hallmark website: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/when-calls-the-heart
When Calls the Heart store: http://www.whencallstheheartstore.com/

Special shots from the episode!

 

 

Where Trust Lies (Book Review)

Where Trust Lies
(Return to the Canadian West #2)
By: Janette Oke
Rating: 3.5
Ages: 14/15 and up (girls)

Beth Thatcher returns home from her first year as a schoolteacher in the mining town of Coal Valley and steps into a whole different world. Her life back among her wealthy Eastern family is a stark contrast to her primitive life in the West, and Beth isn't sure where she belongs anymore.She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday--a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the U.S. Wishing to reconnect with her mother and sister, Beth agrees to go but quickly finds herself at odds with her mother's expectations. After enjoying complete freedom in the western wilds, Beth isn't sure what to make of her mother's ongoing efforts to direct her life--and her heart.

Beth keeps in touch with her Mountie beau, Jarrick, even as young men more of her station catch her eye. Is she ready to fully give her heart to Jarrick, knowing it will mean saying good-bye to her family and her life of privilege once again? And when Beth trusts the wrong person, will Jarrick be able to help her despite the distance between them?

I have to say that Where Trust Lies was a bit of a disappointing sequel to Where Courage Calls, which I enjoyed and liked. This book didn't have the Godly feel that the first did, or the good advice that I so liked in the last novel.

I personally would have preferred the sequel to Where Courage Calls to have gone in another direction. I didn't like the way Beth hid things from her mother and family, and never did end up telling them exactly what happened in Coal Valley in the whole trial with Mr. Grant. I can see why she would want to keep that from them (her mother) - she would probably not let her go back. But I really didn't like the keeping secrets. And then there were secrets about Julie's new friends, and nearly lying to get out from telling all... I know that the consequences might have been larger, but honesty is always the best route.

I did, however, like the fact that Beth's relationship with her mother did end up greatly improving. It was also sweet how Jarrick travelled such a long ways to be by Beth's side.

Another thing that slightly bothered me were some remarks made throughout the book (only around three or so), that I wouldn't say were crude, but just were a little uncomfortable.

This book did, however keep me guessing! I was not positively certain who the person was that one of Beth's family members wrongly puts their trust in - I was guessing between three-ish characters. And finally I thought that I had narrowed it down to who it might really be... But then one character kept me questioning - all of the things that he/she said didn't add up. Should I suspect...?   

I was glad, also, that what happened in the ending totally changed Beth's younger sister, Julie. She was so naïve before...and now I think she's learned a very important lesson that will stay with her for many, many, many years to come!

Overall, it was disappointing, but not terrible. It wasn't one of Janette Oke's best novels, but I'll still be interested in the next book.
 
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The feelings expressed herein are entirely my own.

Where Courage Calls (Book Review)

Where Courage Calls By: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan Rating: 5 stars Ages: 13 and up This book was amazing! I immensely enjoyed the story, the characters, the setting, and the tidbits of advice strewn throughout the book. I had had 'Where Courage Calls' sitting on one of my shelves for a long while before I decided to read it the other evening. I have watched the first season of the Hallmark show 'When Calls the Heart' (which I love, by the way!) and so knew some of what to expect - or did I? Where Courage Calls (Return to the Canadian West #1) By: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan Rating: 5 stars Ages: 13 and up This book was amazing! I immensely enjoyed the story, the characters, the setting, and the tidbits of advice strewn throughout the book. I had had Where Courage Calls sitting on one of my shelves for a long while before I decided to read it the other evening. I have watched the first season of the Hallmark show When Calls the Heart (which I love, by the way!) and so knew some of what to expect - or did I? The main plot of Elizabeth going West to teach in a small, primitive coal mining town and falling for...a certain Mountie (who I can't mention!) was the same, but many other aspects of the book were different than the show - some of the characters were in different positions (Beth didn't stay with Abigail Stanton - she stayed with Molly), Edward was in the story quite a bit, whereas in the movie he rides off to catch...outlaws, was it?, and a few other things I shan't mention because there's a chance I could spoil something that happens! Beth was a fun character, one whom I enjoyed reading about. She's not frilly like her little sister Julie - she's steady, level-headed, and much more mature. I also enjoyed the character of her father. He was so kind and understanding and wise (for the small section of the story he was in)! I also liked Molly, Pastor Philip, Jarrick, Frank, and Edward! Molly was kind and motherly, with very great advice (may I emphasize on the 'great'). Many a-time her advice spoke not only to Beth, but to me. Pastor Philip was an enjoyable character who was a good friend to Beth and helped out in her endeavors. Frank was so kind to Beth, and just in general! Jarrick was of course the charming gentleman! And Edward too, for that matter (especially after having been called a 'nuisance' by Beth herself!). Edward was a lot of fun. He was very respectable and honorable, going to great lengths to retrieve Beth's stolen items. I enjoyed having him in the story, and I hope we'll eventually see more of him! (The same for Jarrick!) Overall, I really loved this book and am looking forward to Beth's 'return to the Canadian West'! This story was a lot of fun, and Janette Oke is a great author! I would certainly recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction and Janette's other works, those who like sweet stories with just a bit of conflict, and fans of the When Calls the Heart movie or TV show!

Quote of the Week

"The compass needle tells the truth, Beth, even in a storm. And then one must adjust the rest of one's circumstances in accordance - even though sometimes it feels amiss. It reminds me that the Bible is like that too. It tells us the truth, and then we must adjust our thinking, our actions, to match." - Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan, When Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel (Return to the Canadian West #1)

When Comes the Spring

When Comes the Spring
(Canadian West #2)
By: Janette Oke
Rating: 5 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! My thoughts:

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.

When Calls the Heart

When Calls the Heart
(Canadian West #1)
By: Janette Oke
Rating: 4.5 stars
Ages: 13 and up (for mild romance)

Nothing in her cultured Eastern upbringing prepared Elizabeth for a teaching position in the Canadian West. Despite the many hardships, she cares deeply for the schoolchildren, but she is determined not to open her heart to any of the local frontiersmen. Then she meets a certain member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police...

 I adore the Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart. Who wouldn't? It is wonderful. It was inspired (loosely) on the first book in the Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart. I have heard great things about Janette Oke, so I decided to give her Canadian West series a try. Here are my thoughts:

When Calls the Heart was intriguing and humorous. I started the book and really enjoyed the beginning, when Elizabeth first gets the invitation to head West, and her emotions and reactions and thoughts are normal and easily understood. Actually, her whole character and the way she acts throughout the entire book is so easily understood. 

The plot was simple and fun - it is a good, light summer read. It wasn't as much fun as the movie version (starring Stephen Amell as Wynn Delaney, and Maggie Grace as 'Aunt' Elizabeth Thatcher), but it was enjoyable. I related some of the things that both Wynn and Elizabeth did throughout the story to my older sister and we both ended up laughing. It was fun.

The 'boxed lunch' scene in the school when the men are bidding for the boxed lunches made by the ladies was quite humorous. The game was that the ladies would make and bring a boxed lunch (enough to feed two people or more) and the men would bid on the lunch and whoever won got to eat the lunch with the lady who made it...Poor, poor Wynn...being snubbed by Elizabeth again and again and he has no idea why! 

The ending was very satisfactory. Honestly, Elizabeth's hasty decision to leave town was just that - hasty. Thank goodness Wynn caught up with her at the train station!

Overall, a cute clean romance I would recommend to Janette Oke fans and historical fiction/romance readers.

Quote of the Week

"When you read, you can have every adventure. In the pages of a book you can be anyone you ever dreamed of being...They can never tell you you're too young to slay the dragon because it all happens right here - where it's safe." - Janette Oke