3.85 AVERAGE


3 ⭐️

I decided to read this book on a whim. The end of summer is approaching, and I have been trying to get some "fun" reading in before I have to hit the books I don't decide. Recently, I saw the film adaptation of this book, and it brought me back to my teenage years when I read Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. So, I thought I would give this one a try, and take a walk down memory lane.

I was unimpressed. I am an English major, and hold high expectations for literature. Her writing style did not flow as smoothly as I would have liked (there seemed to be some plot holes), the characters had some development, but for the most part felt flat. I could guess the whole plot of the novel even if I had not seen the film adaptation. Elizabeth seemed smart and charming (when it came to her students and teaching), but not smart when it came to the man she was falling for. Honestly, I felt like this was a run of the mill, generic "Christian prairie romance". I was hoping for more. I might read the next one for hope of improvement, but I am not too hopeful.

I haven't read this in over 20 years, and I was worried that it wouldn't hold up over time. Wynn was my first book crush, as a teenager. I am happy to say that I still adore this book and immediately started book 2
hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

I had a hankering for a grown Laura Ingalls type book. Little Town on the Prarie vibes. This scratched that itch, but for my next search, I'm going to look for something similar but more smutty.

The more I reflect on this, the more insipid this book is. But hey I always have a regret hangover after reading the Little House books too.
adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Loved this book! I love the When Calls the Heart TV Series so I wanted to read the books. This book is more like the movie but it was so good. I love Janette’s writing and storytelling. I love Elizabeth and Wynn. I love Elizabeth’s comical situations she gets it but also admire her bravery and kindness. This book does have a sad moment that I definitely cried at. I loved the Christian message throughout the book. Great story and I can’t wait to read the next book!
hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes

jandrus76's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 0%

Library loan ran out

Christian romance novels are not what I usually read. At all. But gotta admit that this one was so adroable and sweet and had me go "aww" more than once.

Really enjoyed it :)