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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was going to be a re-read, but other demands are cutting my revisit short. That may not be a bad thing.
I first read this series as a young teen, and though I don't remember the specifics of the saga, I recall the warm feelings it inspired. The television adaptation is much loved, and, though I know the two have little other than basics in common, it seemed a good time to revisit this flavor of storytelling to refresh insight into its appeal. Unfortunately for my purposes, I was confronted with how the writing style seems to be very much a product of its time and the characterization strikes false notes. Ironically, Elizabeth lacks...heart.
audiobook note: One pleasant surprise was the higher quality of audio production. My experience with faith fiction adaptations has been mediocre at best, but this is evidence that devotees interested in audio don't need to compromise. Strong, clear narration with moderated emotion successfully realizes the author's vision.
I first read this series as a young teen, and though I don't remember the specifics of the saga, I recall the warm feelings it inspired. The television adaptation is much loved, and, though I know the two have little other than basics in common, it seemed a good time to revisit this flavor of storytelling to refresh insight into its appeal. Unfortunately for my purposes, I was confronted with how the writing style seems to be very much a product of its time and the characterization strikes false notes. Ironically, Elizabeth lacks...heart.
audiobook note: One pleasant surprise was the higher quality of audio production. My experience with faith fiction adaptations has been mediocre at best, but this is evidence that devotees interested in audio don't need to compromise. Strong, clear narration with moderated emotion successfully realizes the author's vision.
2015 Reading Challenge: Book Made Into a TV Show. Very simply written but a sweet story and I enjoyed the setting of 1910 Alberta Canada. I would like to watch the TV show now.
A book where the main character works at your current or dream job
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Though the style of writing was a bit dull at times, I did enjoy the plot! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
I had to read this book for our week on Christian fiction for my grown-up books class. And the reason why I didn't like this book wasn't because it was Christian fiction, as I had expected. I actually thought that the spiritual/religious part was pretty tastefull and not overly preachy. Cheesy at parts, but tolerable. Not that I have a problem with religion or anything (I don't at all), but I just don't like being preached to and feeling like fictional characters are morally superior to me because they constantly talk about religion, which I think (admittedly, stereotypically) often happens in these kinds of books. But I could handle it here.
The problem is that the writing is pretty terrible. It's an interesting enough premise and there are sections of the story that are nice. But it's just not pulled together very well. I had been hoping that the romantic tension - what the summary on the back builds up to be at the center of the story - would keep things interesting, but Elizabeth and Wynn's motives and their resulting actions just didn't add up in my mind, and I just have a hard time believing that it can all culminate in a "I'm-going-back-East/Please-don't-leave-me" scene like we got in the final chapters. Elizabeth's frontier life was more interesting than the romance, which was what really disappointed me in the end.
The problem is that the writing is pretty terrible. It's an interesting enough premise and there are sections of the story that are nice. But it's just not pulled together very well. I had been hoping that the romantic tension - what the summary on the back builds up to be at the center of the story - would keep things interesting, but Elizabeth and Wynn's motives and their resulting actions just didn't add up in my mind, and I just have a hard time believing that it can all culminate in a "I'm-going-back-East/Please-don't-leave-me" scene like we got in the final chapters. Elizabeth's frontier life was more interesting than the romance, which was what really disappointed me in the end.
Cute clean story. Only 3 stars because I don't like it when there is no build up for a relationship and they are confessing their undying love for each other. Also I have no idea what era this was based. Too many modern day sayings. Yet had buggies.
While this does share a name With the Hallmark show, neither are the same.
When Calls The Heart is the first book in the Canadian West series by Janette Oke. Elizabeth puts here trust in God and excepts a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. While determined to stay, she learns new things and makes new friends. Maybe even find love as well.
What I liked most about this book as well as other’s by this author is that I get so immersed in the story that I could barely put it down. While the romance toward the end did seem a little rushed it could also just have been that fact that this is less than 300 pages. This was such a good story and start to a series that I’m surprised they did not stick to it while making the show. I think it would have been more interesting. From what I understand and have read the Elizabeth in the show is this Elizabeth’s niece.
A fantastic start to a series and a great book perfect for fans of Mrs. Oke or Christian romances in general.
When Calls The Heart is the first book in the Canadian West series by Janette Oke. Elizabeth puts here trust in God and excepts a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. While determined to stay, she learns new things and makes new friends. Maybe even find love as well.
What I liked most about this book as well as other’s by this author is that I get so immersed in the story that I could barely put it down. While the romance toward the end did seem a little rushed it could also just have been that fact that this is less than 300 pages. This was such a good story and start to a series that I’m surprised they did not stick to it while making the show. I think it would have been more interesting. From what I understand and have read the Elizabeth in the show is this Elizabeth’s niece.
A fantastic start to a series and a great book perfect for fans of Mrs. Oke or Christian romances in general.