Where Courage Calls
March 1st, 2014. Filed under: This & That.Where Courage Calls
By Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Loban
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?
ISLAND BREEZES
Wealthy Beth Thatcher decides to leave her safe, comfortable life to accept a position teaching school out west in the small town of Coal Valley only to discover how very different life there is from her life in Toronto.
It’s a coal mining town filled with widows, children and immigrants. Beth isn’t sure what she expected, but it was not a lack of electrictiy, plumbing and teaching in a saloon. To top it all off, she arrived with only the clothes on her back. All her belongings were stolen at the last stop along the way.
It’s a good thing she was filled with determination to make a difference for the children there. She needed it to overcome the culture shock.
She did make some close friends, including a few of the male persuasion. I’m looking forward to reading more of Beth’s story. Will you be giving us that book, ladies?
***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***
Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada.
Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of “Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie,” as well as the novel “Dana’s Valley,” which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.