Title: When Calls the Heart (Canadian West #1) Author: Jeanette Oke
Publisher: Bethany House, February 2055
Number of Pages: Paperback, 220 pages
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Western, Cultural - Canada
Plot: (Goodreads.com) 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.
Personal Thoughts: These types of historical stories are some of my favorites to read and Jeanette Oke writes them so well. I'd already read her Love Comes Softly series about people settling in the Old West, dealing with Indians, sickness, and how to find love when tragedy strikes. Oke does a great job in describing her characters and surroundings with out going over board. Her stories can be a little predictable, but most romance stories are. There are a few twists and turns along the way, but the main character ends up with who she's supposed to be with. I also love that these stories are clean - no sex and no cursing.
The added element of his being part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police adds some extra mystery to the story. Elizabeth comes out west to settle in a small country area where she lives in a teacherage next door to the school where she's to teach the local children. In this particular area, the children had never had a chance to attend school, so her being there was a huge deal and she was welcomed with open arms.
Needless to say, this story ended the way I wanted it to and I am excited to pick up book #2 in the series and see what I think about it as well as the story of Elizabeth and Wynn continues.
Recommended Age Level: 14+
Rating: 4
