Where Courage Calls

Written by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Narrated by Morgan Hallett

Janette Oke Returns with a New Prairie Romance! After years of schooling, Beth Thatcher has graduated and is determined to become a teacher. But when she's assigned the position no one else wants--in the tiny mining town of Coal Valley, located in the rugged foothills of western Canada--she worries she doesn't have the courage to accept. Inspired by the diary of her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years earlier, as well as her father's encouragement, Beth eventually decides to put her trust in God and leave behind all she's ever known. 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 very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. 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 unexpected 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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490619101

Janette Oke

Bestselling author Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies, and she is the recipient of the ECPA President's Award, the CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.

Reviews for Where Courage Calls

[penelopemarzec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When Elizabeth bravely sets out to teach in a one-room schoolhouse in the wilds of Canada she finds a welcoming community of eager students and one stubborn Mountie. This sweet old-fashioned romance delighted me with its warmth and charm.

[judyg54 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Thatcher is a city girl from Toronto. She finds herself agreeing to teach in a new frontier town in Alberta to please her mother and become better acquainted with her half-brother Jonathan and his family. Elizabeth is somewhat reluctant and not sure what to expect, but soon finds herself quickly learning to love her new family and the students she teaches in a small one-room school all by herself. Enter Wynn, a handsome and loyal member of the North West Mounted Police. Elizabeth is determined not to be matched up with anyone and Wynn is determined that his job is too demanding to ever be able to marry. Elizabeth begins to have feelings for Wynn, but can't get Wynn to respond. It will take a drastic move to get him to admit his love.I haven't read any of Janette Oke's books for quite a few years, but enjoyed her writing style once again in this story. It was an easy read, and made me want to begin the next book in this series to find out what happens next!

[cherryblossommj_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is my first experience with Janette Oke, which had a lot riding on it because of the recommendations from my sister-in-law as well as the making of the movies, etc. I was pleased. It was a quick and enjoyable read. At first I did not like how it was write as a Dear so-and-so letter perspective, but I think that it works well, as if it is Elizabeth telling you the story, as to children or a friend. Love, patience, and waiting for God's will not your own are very valuable lessons learned here, as well as to get out of your comfort zone to see what he has in store for you. I look forward to the rest of the series and then others.

[lindz2012 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Are you a fan of the When Calls The Heat series on Hallmark. Did you know what it based off of the books Jeannette Oke wrote? It may not be exactly the same but it based off it and I really do enjoy it.I had not read her books I wanted to. I was able to do so with Where the Courage Calls. It about woman named Beth Thatcher. Her goal to being a teacher in a frontier town. Will she get her wish or will she be turned out.She thrown into a mining community to teach the children. Will she make it will she not. The town see friendly and she try and help the town after a disaster. The book is really good. I am sorry it been a while since I read the book. I will want to read more of the author's book when I can get a chane.Will she make friends in her new mining community? Will she find love? Beth seem to be tested and about her skills. Read to see how it ends up.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is the first book in the Return to the Canadian West series. Beth (Elizabeth) Thatcher has graduated from college and has been offered a teaching position in Coal Valley. Beth feels she is being called to teach there by God. Beth comes from a wealthy family in Toronto. Beth's older sister, Margret is married to John Bryce and has one son, J.W. Her younger sister, Julie is into shopping, flirting, and having fun. Beth travels to Coal Valley by train. It is her first time traveling by train alone. Partway through the journey she is joined by Edward Montclair, a family friend. Edward's mother and Beth's mother both hope that Edward and Beth will marry. Edward escorts Beth to Coal Valley at the request of Mr. Thatcher. Beth is not fond of Edward. She has found him to be conceited, cocky, and a bully. Thanks to Edward, Beth arrives in Coal Valley without clothing, toiletries, or her teaching supplies. Beth also finds out that she is going to be teaching in a pool hall (it used to be a saloon before prohibition). Beth sets out to teach her almost two dozen students with limited supplies in a smelly room. There are many great characters in this book. Molly McFarland who runs the boarding house, the children, Phillip Davidson, traveling preacher, and Jack Thornton, a Mountie! Beth will have to overcome many obstacles during her year in Coal Valley, but she will also get great rewards. Where Courage Calls has romance, mystery, and humor. It is a great story. Janette Oke is one of my favorite writers and I always look forward to her books. I give Where Courage Calls 5 out of 5 stars. Happy Reading!

[morphidae_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I requested this book because I read another inspirational novel by Janette Oke, Love Comes Softly,and didn't feel beaten over the head with the CHRISTIAN MESSAGE. I'm bloodied and battered this time. Not more than four or five pages went by without some mention of God, Jesus, or the Bible. I tried to enjoy the story despite this but the main character has things happen to her rather than because of her. Plus she was too much of the "oh, woe is me" type. It's a shame because I liked the premise and in another author's hands it could have been a good book.

[billyburgess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author Janette Oke's novels cross my radar after I watched the TV-movie Love Comes Softly on the Hallmark Channel back in 2003. I ended up buying all the books on eBay, including the spinoff Prairie Legacy books. Over the years, I have picked up a few other novels by the author. I was pleasantly surprised and excited to hear about her new novel Where Courage Calls, which she co-writes with daughter, Laurel Oke Logan.Where Courage Calls is the seventh novel in the Canadian West series, written fourteen years after the sixth novel, When Tomorrow Comes. The first book in the series, When Calls the Heart, was turned into a TV-movie on the Hallmark Channel, followed by a weekly series.Where Courage Calls was written as a companion story to the new series, which centers on Beth Thatcher as she leaves the life that she has always known and travels to western Canada for a teaching position, following in the footsteps of her aunt Elizabeth (main character from When Calls the Heart).Settling in Coal Valley isn't as easy as she expected to be, as there was a mining accident that took the lives of several works and the town isn't quite over it. To make matters worse, there isn't a proper schoolhouse. Her students have had a very poor education. Most of the locals don't even speak English, including a few of her students.Beth has more than enough challenges to deal with, including two men whom are both pining over her.Its been awhile since I have read the first book in the series, but Where Courage Calls follows the same basic plot, but only with new main character (though they are related). The young schoolteacher traveling to a small town to teach has been done to death in Christian novels, but the authors ignored all the typical cliches and wrote an intriguing story with likeable characters. Will this be the final book in the series? I hope not, as I enjoy Janette Oke's storytelling.

[yonitdm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters were great, the conflict was believable and the mystery was interesting. I would love to read more about what the next year brings Beth, Jarrick and the town!

[mybookaddiction_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is an engaging inspirational Historical Fiction/Western Canada/Women Pioneers set in Western Canada during the early 20th century. *A special companion story to Hallmark Channel's WHEN CALLS THE HEART T. V. Series*A mother-daughter team that can only be described as a powerhouse of talent!WHERE COURAGE CALLS is tells more of the famous Thatcher family story and what a story!Meet, schoolteacher, Beth Thatcher, who is sent to Coal Valley, on her first teaching assignment. What she finds is grief,deplorable conditions, locals who don't speak English, and no proper schoolhouse. Coming from a life of luxury, Beth will have to decide her fate, stay in this backward, rustic frontier, or go back to her pampered life, leaving her lifelong dream behind.Along comes two Mounties, one a long time friend, Edward Montclair, the other a quiet man who comes to help her more than once, Jarrick,aka Jack Thornton. Which will steal her heart?With engaging characters and vivid descriptions you will not go wrong with WHERE COURAGE CALLS. It was rather fascinating to watch Ms. Thatcher come to her own. With romance in the air,the faith to survive, and the knowledge to go farther, this book will capture your heart as you watch these characters come to life. I enjoy the T. V. version and enjoyed this tale of a rustic frontier, and the families who live there. A compelling and well thought out tale. I hope there will be another coming soon, as we are left with a bit of a cliff hanger at the end, will Beth return to Coal Valley and continue to her new found relationships? Or continue her pampered life in Toronto?Beth is patient, kind, wise at times, giving,strives to help others, and loves the children of Coal Valley. A must read and a true treasure to any library. Received for an honest review*Coming in April 2014 from Bethany House , a division of Baker Publishing Group*RATING: 4.5HEAT RATING: SWEETREVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[barbjan10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

While anticipating the honor of writing a review for Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan’s novel When Courage Calls, I pondered if my words could give proper merit to such creative teamwork from these two superb authors. As a long time reader of Janette Oke – often relating her skilled gift to Laura Ingalls Wilder, I perceive the same in Laurel Oke Logan. I am sincerely humbled to be reviewing this work of perfectionBeth Thatcher touched me deeply – she had the true heart of a missionary, with a spirit of kindness within a soul full of God’s Holy Word. All those wonderful characteristics plus courage to venture into the unknown enabled her to face challenges with belief that she could be the impetus to change things through her deep faith in God. Beth made a daring decision to accept a position as the school teacher in remote Coal Valley, an indigent mining area in Western Canada. Beth finds herself in a bit of culture shock without the conveniences of home and wealth she had been privileged to know in Toronto. One of my favorite characters, Molly, the boarding house owner where Beth lived, was delightful and quite appropriately written into this beautiful story. Oh, but then there is Frank…. and the children…..and the unlikely school room…and the Italian miners – there is no end to the unique quaintness versus durability of the people of Coal Valley. When Beth played her violin and enthralled the community to envision the miracle of Christmas…. my heart felt the glory. When you read this story and find out why Beth’s violin played a part in a huge surprise, you will soon realize there are many surprises in store to keep the pages turning.Edward Montclair and Beth were lifelong friends, however Beth considered him an annoyance and was not intending to gratify their mothers’ presumptuous plans that the two would one day marry. Beth’s exhaustive train ride from Toronto to Coal Valley had some unpleasant and unpredicted surprises; in a bizarre way concerning Edward. Beth envisioned no dreams of romance then or after arriving in Coal Valley. However, this is a love story in my estimation about how God’s love can turn hopeless situations to promising. It is no surprise that the authors created the characters of this story to breathe and come alive on the page. Sensational writing includes the vindictive and evil side that plagues the community with mystery. When the hint of romance comes into the story with Royal Canadian Mountie Jarrick (Jack) Thornton, my own heart palpitated a bit and wondered if Beth would have secret thoughts about this warm and charming Christian believer.Before I forget myself and deluge too much – you can find out from the back cover an excellent synopsis of this solid story, as well as peruse many fine written reviews as to why you should acquire this book and read what’s between the covers for yourself. Interestingly, I learned When Courage Calls is a special companion story to Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” TV series. You know you are getting the best when you see it on Hallmark. Where have I heard something like that said before? Unfortunately, I have not seen or read the prior episodes of this series on the Canadian West. Through further information, I found this series of seven books was republished in 2005 with updated covers. These novels will be added to my library as time permits.It is my hope that the Ms. Janette Oke and Ms. Laurel Oke Logan will write another novel in this series continuing the story of Beth and answer all my questions about what happens next. My curiosity is as real as my admiration for the authors. Thank you ladies, for blessing your readers through Beth’s story. I feel blessed having the pleasure of reading it.Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[wanda_barefoot-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Thatcher lived a life of privilege. With a wealthy father and mother she never lacked for anything. But she had a heart for people, a desire to help and a love of teaching. Seeing the courage she displayed when she left a home of wealth to travel alone to an unknown land to teach was so encouraging. She stepped out into the unknown to walk a path she knew in her heart God had predetermined for her. In doing so she left the only home she had ever known and the family she loved. I loved when her father, on her departure to Coal Valley, gave her the compass she had treasured since she was a child.________________Book Quote________________"Please," he insisted. "I want you to have it. I know you've always loved it." That was true. Father's compass had been special to Beth since she was a little girl, enamored by anything that had to do with her father's work at sea--but this object more than any other was her delight. And it had been a symbol to them both of his love and guidance to his daughter.Then her father added huskily, "So you will always be able to find your way home."_________________End Quote_________________That was a very emotional part of the book for me as it reminded me of my own dad who passed away almost five years ago. Saying goodbye is always so hard and it was very hard for Beth to leave her family behind. Where Courage Calls is the perfect name for Beth's journey. Her time in Coal Valley was fraught with hardships but the love of her students and the wonderful people she met more than made up for it. The people in this small town were so lovable. Frank Russo, and Italian immigrant that worked in the mine until he lost his hand in a mining accident. I loved it when he pulled out his violin and played the most beautiful music Beth had ever heard. Philip Davidson who was a circuit preacher that came to Coal Valley once a month, Edward Montclair a young man Beth grew up with and was expected to marry, Jarrick Thornton, an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that patrolled the area, the adorable children and Miss Molly who ran a boardinghouse and took Beth in for the duration of her stay. I loved Miss Molly. She was so full of wisdom and Beth often came to her for advice and sometimes received it even when she didn't ask.________________Book Quote________________"Now, dearie, ya gotta take care. That word should, it's a slip'ry one. Who gets ta measure shoulds? Only God gets ta say. If He says ya should, then ya mind Him. If folks say ya should, ya jest go back an' ask God. Don't need more'n that to measure up to." She smiled to herself and reached for the next plate. "Good thing 'bout getting old--ya don't think near so much 'bout what folks think of ya--what they say ya should do. Ya spend more time wond'rin' what ya still can do. Wish I could go back over my own life and not bother with all the silly things folks said I should. Sure woulda made life more simple--less confusin'."_________________End Quote_________________One Bible verse was carried throughout the story, it's my favorite verse and it gave Beth the courage and strength she needed to do what had to be done. Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Beth faced some very difficult times during her one year tenure and the courage and strength she displayed was nothing short of inspiring. This is a story of hope through adversity and spiritual as well as physical healing. The romance takes a backseat and doesn't really start to take root until two-thirds of the way into the story. The main focus is Beth's calling and God's faithfulness to see her through. I really enjoyed this book. It was a huge encouragement in my own life because it reinforced the lessons I have already learned, to wait on God and trust in Him for my every need, hope and desire. I would love to have seen a tad more focus on the romance aspect simply because I am a romance reader at heart but I still loved the story, nonetheless, and I sincerely hope and believe we will be hearing more from Miss Elizabeth Thatcher. Where Courage Calls is a must read for Janette Oke fans as it holds true to her style of writing where God takes center stage and is woven throughout the pages. A beautiful story of courage in the face of numerous adversities. Highly recommended!Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone. If I recommend a book it's simply because I enjoyed it. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I saw that one of my all time favorite author had a new book out, co-authored by her Daughter Laurel Oke Logan, I knew I had to read it. Again, I was not disappointed.In this book we have Elizabeth's niece Beth. Beth comes from a well to do family, and has always had a delicate health. When she decides to take a teaching job out West in Coal Town. Her Mother doesn't want her to go, but her father prevails and Beth is off on a new adventure in her life.Long time family friend Edward, meets her as she gets off the train, he has been there on the train with her all along. He precedes to help Beth getting to her hotel, and hires a man to take her things there. I find this quite a funny part of the story, as Edward is in his Royal Mounted Police uniform, and pays the guy....who steals everything.What a start to a new life?? Arriving in a new town as the teacher, with no clothes or books, or anything...no underwear! Now this is a small, small town, you cannot go out and buy what you need. Thank goodness Mom comes to the rescue.Through out all of her stay here, she finds a new family. The people make her feel so welcome, and Beth keeps coming up with new ways to help these miners and their families. I can see God's hand in a lot of what happens here. He seems to answer a lot of prayers.We will sympathize with the plight of the families here, and hope something can be done for them. Beth sure is trying!You will wonder if there is a bit of romance in the air, and I see at least three possibilities. Will any of them work out?I hope that there will be more stories coming, I feel like I need to know what is going to happen next! Enjoy!I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[dandelionroots · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set during prohibition, an affluent young woman from Toronto accepts a teaching position in an impoverished and grief-stricken coal mining town on Canada's western frontier. I enjoyed the positive portrayal of religion, it's ability to create and strengthen a community. Oh, and she's wooed by a couple of mounties - yum. I won't be reading any more of this series though, a bit too heartwarming for my liking.

[lewislibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beth has been hired to teach in the remote town of Coal Valley, where there is only one street in town, and poverty is in abundance. Beth grew up wanting for nothing, so at first Coal Valley is shocking to her. Once she adjusts however, she comes to love the students, the parents and the others in the community. The novel leaves you anticipating what surely will be a sequel..... hoping Beth gets asked to come back for another term at Coal Valley and wondering where the budding romance may lead.

[wrbinpa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

You'll be encouraged and uplifted with the strong doses of inspiration written through the bits and pieces of scripture throughout. The writing is simple and flowing - a relaxed and easy read. Following in her Auntie's footsteps, Beth Thatcher leaves Toronto and travels West to Coal Valley to take on a teaching job for one year. Traveling by train, Beth encounters many problems. Her trunks are stolen and she loses everything - her clothes, books and teaching materials. Also lost are her violin and most cherished possession of all - her father's compass. Beth, an endearing character, comes from a wealthy family that is very close and dear to her. She is rather stubborn and strong-willed, but believes she was called to this teaching position by God and is determined to do her best. But a gloomy shadow hangs over her and it is difficult to escape the turbulent thoughts running through her mind about her unknown future. She finally arrives at her destination and discovers the amenities are few - no plumbing or electricity. Most of the women in this mining town were widows. They had lost their husbands to a mining accident. Also the teaching job seemed less than desirable. The school would be located in a tavern. Life would prove to be difficult in these primitive conditions. And the story unfolds ---The storyline moved along slowly. The tempo just never picked up and I lost interest, not being able to stay engaged with the characters or their relationships. I found myself skimming through pages. The storyline felt forced when the author tried too hard for a certain ending and forced the characters into a box to create a certain relationship. The book was just luke-warm and unfortunately not one I'd enthusiastically recommend or interested in reading any more in the series. Rating - 3 stars. I was given an ARC from Bethany House through NetGalley to read and review.