Adventure Between the Pages: When Courage Calls
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Age
Appropriate For: 11 and up for reading level and
mildly scary scenes
Best
for Ages: 15 and up
Description: Her courage and her
heart will be tested in ways she never expected...
Beth
Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her
family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But
Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the
rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went
west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father,
Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes
her way. But the conditions in Coal Valley
are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town
grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very
little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There
isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two
young men--both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man
who comes to her aid more than once. Despite the many challenges, Beth is
determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister
visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up,
will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is
over?
It has been far too long since I have
read any book by Janette Oke. I read her entire Love Comes Softly series, Seasons
of the Heart series, The Canadian West series, and a couple others of her stand-alone
books. However, over the past few years I haven’t read any of them. I had forgotten
how much I had loved her books.
This story was a refreshing change from
the books I have been reading. Beth was neither shy nor submissive to a fault,
or so strong and boyish as to lose her femininity. Beth was sweet, but was also
courageous. She wanted to teach despite her mother’s protests, without hating
her parents. She wanted to have a job, without thinking that homemaking was stupid.
She wasn’t a stereotype character.
The story itself was a slower pace than
many I have read lately. There isn’t any heavy romance or heart-stopping
action. It is about the day-to-day struggle of Beth trying to teach in
primitive situations, and help a mining town that has been devastated by a
recent cave-in. There isn’t much action, yet the story pulled at my
heartstrings and kept me turning the pages.
The cast of characters was rich and
diverse. From the kind hearted, Italian miner, to the kind and wise woman who
runs the boarding house, to the children in the class room; the characters were
so real.
I really enjoyed that the romance, although
a part of the story, wasn’t the main element of the book. As much as I love a
good romance, it is nice to have some books that are not all about passion and
romance.
I highly recommend this book for
readers who love Jennet Oke, light romance, and stories of courageous women.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange
for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The
opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Other posts you might enjoy:
Adventure Between the Pages: Dear Mr. Knightley
Adventure Between the Pages: Wren
Adventure Between the Pages: Just Jane
Other posts you might enjoy:
Adventure Between the Pages: Dear Mr. Knightley
Adventure Between the Pages: Wren
Adventure Between the Pages: Just Jane
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