Ariana loves her life as a schoolteacher in a little frontier town. But one evening after classes are done and she prepares to hurry home, her life changes in an instant when a band of rough outlaws abduct her and take her far away from all she has ever known.
Trapped in a small shack, Ariana prays and waits, her emotions swinging between terror and boredom as days stretch into weeks. Still, the outlaws refuse to tell her why they've taken her or what they plan to do.
Then the boss's son appears in the doorway of her cabin. He seems different from the others, but can she trust him? Will she ever again see her mother and father, the couple who lovingly adopted her and raised her as their own? Will she ever wear the beautiful wedding dress so carefully saved for her--her one remaining link to her birth parents?
In this third book in the Prairie Legacy Series, Virginia dreams that having a home of her own will surely satisfy the longings of her heart.
Through the years Virginia Simpson had learned that Grandma Marty's wisdom was right. When God allows something to be taken from you, He replaces it with something better. The long-awaited return of Jonathan and their renewed courtship, with a wedding soon to follow, are proof of God's loving ways. But the inner strength that God has been forming in Virginia's life through trials and disappointments is far from complete.
'Oke's fans will relish the directness and simplicity of the novel, and they will enjoy watching as sensitivity, intelligence, and faith gradually shape Virginia into a young woman who gives generously to others and overcomes the disappointments life brings her way.''Booklist
Virginia Simpson has learned that grandma Marty was right to insist that when God allows something to be taken from you, he replaces it with something better. The return of Jonathan, their renewed courtship, and the upcoming wedding are all shining examples of that. Still though, the trials and disappointments of Virginia's life weigh heavily on her and the inner strength that has continued to build in her is far from completion.
The first test of her new resolve comes soon after her marriage. Waiting for their house to be completed, the couple has no choice but to live with Jonathan's grandmother. Although Virginia loves the woman, she struggles with having to share her new husband's time. When the house is completed, even greater obstacles arise, challenging both the couple's fledgling love as well as Virginia's inner peace. But like gold refined, Virginia will emerge as a woman of character and godliness.
In The Tender Years, Virginia Simpson managed to struggle through adolescence and was looking forward to stepping into adulthood. When her graduation day arrives, she walks to the podium as the class valedictorian to the proud grins of her grandparents, Marty and Clark Davis. College beckoned, and life seemed to be well in hand.
She thought she would feel different. Like an adult, with an inner knowledge that she was on the edge of the nest, ready to try her own wings. And then circumstances began swirling around her, making her rethink her plans and reevaluate her priorities. If She Only Knew What the Future Held?
The yearning deep inside her'to go somewhere, discover something, be a part of the world about her in a new way'would not go away. But what would satisfy it?
In The Tender Years, Virginia Simpson managed to struggle through adolescence and was looking forward to stepping into adulthood. Now her graduation day arrives, and she walks to the podium as the class valedictorian to the proud grins of her grandparents, Marty and Clark Davis. College beckons, and life seems to be well in hand.
But she thought she would feel differently'like an adult, with an inner knowledge that she is on the edge of the nest, ready to try her own wings. And then circumstances begin swirling around her, making her rethink her plans and reevaluate her priorities.
'As with the first in the series, The Tender Years ' the elements for a 'wholesome' read are here: strong family values, the natural integration of Christianity into the story line, and a plot that is easy to follow.''Voya
When she learns that her husband is missing in action during World War II, a desperate young wife decides to give up their baby daughter for adoption. By the time she learns that her husband is still alive, the infant belongs to a wealthy couple. Kyle has never been told that she is adopted. But she has always felt that she doesn't quite fit in with her class-conscious, affluent parents. Now, nearing adulthood, the young woman begins a search for love and acceptance--a journey that will lead Kyle to a new family--and a new faith. Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunn are the best-selling authors of The Meeting Place and many other inspirational novels. Here, they combine their talents to create a heartwarming story of discovery and forgiveness. With Christina Moore's sensitive narration, Kyle's spiritual quest becomes even more touching.
As a youth, Henry was rescued from terrible circumstances by the Delaneys, whose loving care helped to heal his painful memories. Now, as a young man of character and of deep faith, working as a representative of the law, his duties bring him disturbing news of the world outside his own family. Henry meets a young widow and baby boy whom he longs to help. But her tragic loss and deep grief have left her frightened and vulnerable.
Some years after Henry was adopted, Christine also joined the Delaney family. When she moves to the city to find employment, it is with full determination to follow in the faithful footsteps of her parents and beloved older brother. She marries the son of her employer, yearning to help fill the void left from his lonely childhood.
But what will brother and sister find, beyond the gathering storm?
Best-selling author Janette Oke, noted for vivid historical settings and heartwarming spiritual drama spins the tale of a close-knit family facing separation and change. Years ago, Wynn and Elizabeth Delaney adopted Christine and Henry. Now Christine has moved to a nearby city. Working as a secretary in a prosperous company, she is drawn to her employer's handsome son. Henry has joined the Canadian Mounties, where one of his first duties is to help a young widow and her infant. In their new lives, as new relationships grow, can Christine and Henry still draw on the faith they have learned from their parents?
The bittersweet reunion of the Robichaud family and the Harrows in the land of the Acadians has brought two mothers and two daughters full circle. They rekindle those early bonds and experience restoration of those lost years, but time and tragedy have left their indelible imprints on all who have endured the decades of separation and uncertainty. Moving forward with their lives now means further farewells--not as devastating as the one long ago, but no less heart wrenching.
Their connection, which goes beyond that of "sisters" to best friends, will be tested by the coming Revolution and the lure of England--parted again, the reunited, but for how long...? Can their friendship sustain the startling revelation concerning...The Birthright?
Her stirring tales of spiritual conflict have made award-winning author, Janette Oke, one of today's most beloved inspirational novelists. Drums of Change is her moving story of a Native American girl's coming-of-age amidst turbulent changes in the late 1800s. Running Fawn loves the rugged mountains and lush green forests of the Northwest where her Blackfoot tribe lives. She dreams that someday she will share a teepee with the chief's handsome son, Silver Fox. But pale-faced people are moving into the surrounding prairies, bringing strange ideas, and depleting the life-sustaining buffalo. When Silver Fox learns to farm like the white men, and embraces their beliefs, Running Fawn suddenly finds herself alone-clinging to the traditions of her people. In this captivating novel based on actual events in Alberta, Canada, Janette Oke provides an exciting glimpse into an often misunderstood time in history. With Barbara Caruso's heart-warming narration, you'll laugh and cry along with Running Fawn as she faces her uncertain future.
Through her dozens of novels, including The Bluebird and the Sparrow and Too Long a Stranger, Janette Oke has become one of today's most beloved inspirational writers. In Julia's Last Hope, drawing on the Canadian landscapes she knows so well, Oke crafts the tale of a courageous woman faced with one of the most difficult times of her life. Julia Harrigan, her husband John, and their two daughters live in scenic Calder Springs, high in the Canadian Rockies. John manages a large lumber mill, and their home is the grandest in town. But when the mill closes, many jobs disappear. To give her family and community support, Julia must now draw on her faith in God more than ever. Alexandra O'Karma's warm narration enhances each of Julia's heartfelt moments and encouraging messages. In this wonderful testament to divine wisdom, the combination of O'Karma's voice and Oke's moving story creates a truly inspiring audio experience.
For her significant contribution to Christian fiction, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association honored Janette Oke with their 1992 President's Award. Like Gold Refined is vintage Oke, full of the gentle warmth that captivates fans the world over. Happily married with four children, Virginia Lewis is perfectly content with her peaceful existence on the family farm. But change looms on the horizon. Grandma Marty and Grandpa Clark have always been a source of emotional strength, but their health is failing. And Virginia's adopted daughter, who has long been a blessing, may be torn from the family when her absentee birth mother resurfaces and pursues custody. Virginia may fear the unknown, but her unshakable convictions will help her embrace it. Like Gold Refined is a timeless testament to the strength of family and the power of faith. Narrator Alexandra O'Karma gracefully illuminates Janette Oke's wholesome prose and brings her inspiring message to life.
