When Beth Thatcher returns to Coal Valley, she has much to be excited about. She anticipates Jarrick’s proposal of marriage and perhaps a spring wedding. The mine is expanding, and there are more schoolchildren than ever.
But the town’s rapid growth brings many challenges. A second teacher is assigned, and Beth finds herself going head-to-head with a very different philosophy of education–one that dismisses religion and rejects God. Fearful for the children who sit under the influence of Robert Harris Hughes, Beth struggles to know how to respond.
At the same time, Beth wonders if Jarrick is considering a position at her father’s company simply for her sake. Should she admit her feelings on the matter? Or keep silent and allow Jarrick to make up his own mind?
From Janette Oke comes the end of the Return to the Canadian West series. Like the Love Comes Softly series, Oke has followed the Thatcher family through two generations and continued the adventure into the Canadian wilds. Like her Aunt Elizabeth, Beth needs to decide whether she will remain in the West or return to ‘civilization.’
Oke writes with her signature sweet style. The story flows smoothly, with the primary action being spiritual and emotional in nature. Molly continues to provide wise counsel for Beth, and Beth struggles against change in the valley that she loves so dearly.
I would have loved to read about Beth sharing her concerns for their future with Jack. He shared about his premarital counseling, and they discussed other important issues regarding their marriage, but I would have loved reading this important conversation; but even when they resolved this issue, the conversation was brief and vague.
Beyond that, I loved the wise view of marriage shared throughout the story, and from many different perspectives. This deep and mature look at marriage is rare in today’s society, and I appreciate that these lessons are shared throughout the story.
Love Comes Softly was the first Christian story I read, and I was about ten at the time. My daughter has been devouring Oke’s books for the past year, and she can’t wait to read this one. I love that Oke writes stories that are both timeless in nature, sweet enough for children to read, and yet full of wisdom that will steer them well in the coming years.
I hate that this is the last Thatcher book. I hope that the Okes have something new in the works.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What are your thoughts?