Over the years, I’ve had opportunities to review books that I knew my children would enjoy. In the past, I’ve read the books myself before passing them onto my children for their opinion before writing up the review. More recently, though, I’ve started asking them to write the reviews!
My middle daughter loves Janette Oke, so she’s been delighted to get her hands on the Return to the Canadian West series, cowritten by Oke and her daughter Laurel Oke Logan. She agreed to write the review for the series’ third book, Where Hope Prevails. Here’s what she has to say!
Where Hope Prevails is the third book in Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan’s series Return to the Canadian West. Beth Thatcher is returning to Coal Valley after a family vacation which ended surprisingly (Where Trust Lies, book two). She highly anticipated seeing her beloved mountain town again, but many things have changed. Coal Valley is growing up, and some of the changes throw Beth rather for a spin.
I very much enjoyed the Return to the Canadian West series, and Where Hope Prevails is my favorite of the three books. I think it is a good young adult read, although twelve and thirteen year olds would probably enjoy it too!
During the book, Beth’s faith is taken for a turn. She had clung to it during her trying summer and had grown deeper. But now she has to face a question: what does it mean to love your enemies?
Through all her confusion comes the happiest time in her life – and more questions. But as her day approaches, another day comes along which makes her think. As Beth learns what it truly means to love her enemies, she finds both her own love and the place where she’s truly meant to be.
I loved Janette Oke when I was my daughter’s age, and it is fun to watch her devour the same books and add new ones to the list. Although I have not yet read this new series, I know I can hand these to my daughter without concern over the content.