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Canadian West #1-6
Canadian West Collection
A beloved series from Janette Oke! Nothing in her cultured upbringing prepared Elizabeth for life in the West. The frontier will test this teacher's faith but also stir her heart.
1451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2015
1190 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
347 books3,430 followersJanette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 9, 2021
It has been ages since I read any books written by Janette Oke, and reading her Canadian West series was like a trip back to my teenage years. I used to peruse the library shelves regularly to see what was there that I hadn't read yet. Somehow, this series never made it to their shelves. :( It wasn't until there was a TV show made based on book 1 (When Calls the Heart) that I realized I hadn't read anything from this series.
I read this series in one fell swoop as I wanted so much to know what happened next with Elizabeth and Wynn. Out of all 6, I must say that book 1 and book 4 (When Hope Springs New) were worthy of 5 stars. Book 1 was so endearing with its slower pace of life and the beginnings of a new relationship. Book 4 was a difficult read, but so well written. I ached for Elizabeth and the hardships she faced. She longed for a child, but if she only knew what she was about to experience, the timing of children coming into their lives was worth the wait. Being a Mountie's wife was never painted in rose-colored glasses, and I truly wondered if she was going to survive. Their postings became more primitive, and at times, I wondered how they would live until their next meal.
Book 4 was definitely finished as an ending to the original series, but there were two additional books written that focused on their children, Henry and Christine. To be honest, I did not love those as much, although the writing is much better (more descriptive, less telling, more showing). Book 6 seemed to end rather abruptly, and I didn't enjoy Christine's character much at all.
All in all, this series gets a well-deserved 4 stars. For those thinking that they'll find the tv series in these pages, prepare yourself for something different, yet entirely worth reading.
I read this series in one fell swoop as I wanted so much to know what happened next with Elizabeth and Wynn. Out of all 6, I must say that book 1 and book 4 (When Hope Springs New) were worthy of 5 stars. Book 1 was so endearing with its slower pace of life and the beginnings of a new relationship. Book 4 was a difficult read, but so well written. I ached for Elizabeth and the hardships she faced. She longed for a child, but if she only knew what she was about to experience, the timing of children coming into their lives was worth the wait. Being a Mountie's wife was never painted in rose-colored glasses, and I truly wondered if she was going to survive. Their postings became more primitive, and at times, I wondered how they would live until their next meal.
Book 4 was definitely finished as an ending to the original series, but there were two additional books written that focused on their children, Henry and Christine. To be honest, I did not love those as much, although the writing is much better (more descriptive, less telling, more showing). Book 6 seemed to end rather abruptly, and I didn't enjoy Christine's character much at all.
All in all, this series gets a well-deserved 4 stars. For those thinking that they'll find the tv series in these pages, prepare yourself for something different, yet entirely worth reading.
Want to read
October 4, 2021#1: When Calls the Heart ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (214)
orig. publ. date: 1983
#2: When Comes the Spring ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (243)
orig. publ. date: 1985
#3: When Breaks the Dawn ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (175)
orig. publ. date: 1985
#4: When Hope Springs New ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (173)
orig. publ. date: 1986
#5: Beyond the Gathering Storm ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (202)
orig. publ. date: 2000
#6: When Tomorrow Comes ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (209)
orig. publ. date: 2000
*
orig. publ. date: 1983
#2: When Comes the Spring ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (243)
orig. publ. date: 1985
#3: When Breaks the Dawn ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (175)
orig. publ. date: 1985
#4: When Hope Springs New ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (173)
orig. publ. date: 1986
#5: Beyond the Gathering Storm ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (202)
orig. publ. date: 2000
#6: When Tomorrow Comes ?* ?/?/? - ?/?/? (209)
orig. publ. date: 2000
*
May 27, 2024
I love the whole series in general but the last book was disappointing. It was about Christine I believe her name is? And I really loved the Mountie but she ended up up marrying the doctor. (Ok, so it’s realistic and all but still…it dashed my hopes to pieces!) like, the doctor guy is okay, but couldn’t the Mountie have not gone back to the west and still married Christine? I don’t know, he just seemed more for her than the doctor. At least her brother marries the woman I wanted him too. ;) sorry about this guys! Just wanted to let you know my feelings though they might change…it has been awhile since I’ve read them! 🧐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
This collection includes six of Janet Oke's books about the Canadian West and the Royal Mounted Police which inspired a Hallmark Channel series based on the main character Elizabet and titled after book one, When Calls the Heart. If you pick up this series expecting it to be like the TV show, you may be disappointed. Apart from Elizabeth traveling West to become a school teacher and marrying a Mountie there are not many similarities between the two. With that being said, I did find this entire series to be wholesome and charming. The first four books focus on Elizabeth and Wynn as they go through the struggles of living in the remote North among the Indians and trappers. There is a heavy focus on their faith and religion but not enough to turn me off from the books. I did enjoy the first four books more than the last two which focused more on Elizabeth and Wynn's adopted children Henry and Christine. To me Christine seemed to be a rather weak character and wasn't very pleasant but I still enjoyed the story. I think the ending of the series could have been a little more as it felt like it ended abruptly. Overall I really enjoyed this series and look forward to reading more of Janet Oke's work.
November 7, 2017
I had a few issues with this series. It was odd for four books to be about Elizabeth and then the other two to be about Henry and Christine. I would have liked to read about how Christine came to the family (as was done with Henry). I would also have liked to see Laray (if you read this, you know who I mean) come out on top. I know it's not the focus... But I think it was odd to make him such a large part of the last two books... And then for him to simply "wash off the wall" like that didn't make sense to me. I would have gone half star on this... 3.5. But they still don't let us do that...
March 15, 2017
I stumbled upon the When Calls The Heart series on Netflix and then reread these books from over twenty years ago. They were as encouraging and inspiring now, in my current stage of empty nesting, as they were when I read them as a newlywed. The Royal Mounted Police, schoolteacher and the wild Canadian West themes were captivating.
October 23, 2024
I really enjoyed these books. They are a light read, like the TV series, the story starts with similar things but is vastly different, but still really good. I liked seeing the characters develop and figure things out. I really related to them as a someone learning how to walk my day to day with God. Definitely recommend.
The last two books are about related but different characters, which at first was meh because I wanted to stay with the original pair, but I ended up enjoying them too!
The last two books are about related but different characters, which at first was meh because I wanted to stay with the original pair, but I ended up enjoying them too!
April 25, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book series by Janette Oke and I now look forward to reading more of her written works.
Note: Other than having one or two of the same names for characters, and being set the same time period in Canada, this book series shares little to no similarities with the "When Calls the Heart" television series on the Hallmark channel.
Note: Other than having one or two of the same names for characters, and being set the same time period in Canada, this book series shares little to no similarities with the "When Calls the Heart" television series on the Hallmark channel.
December 1, 2023
This series is NOTHING like the tv series but it still was really good and I learned a lot about Native American culture and people.
kindle-ebook-to-read
November 2, 2020Includes:
1 When Calls the Heart
2 When Comes the Spring
3 When Breaks the Dawn
4 When Hope Springs New
5 Beyond the Gathering Storm
6 When Tomorrow Comes
1 When Calls the Heart
2 When Comes the Spring
3 When Breaks the Dawn
4 When Hope Springs New
5 Beyond the Gathering Storm
6 When Tomorrow Comes
May 26, 2019
A great story
I read all six novels consecutively. The journey begins with Elizabeth becoming a teacher on her own in the north. Each novel takes you through a different part of Elizabeth's life; she grows up, falls in love with a mountie, lives among the natives, has a family, who in turn, grows up and have families of their own. The reader is swept up in all of this families celebrations and trials, all the while, being wholly inspired by their deep devotion to their faith. This is a feel good, love story that is totally worth all the time devoted to reading all six books. Now that I am through reading this set, I will miss Elizabeth and her family. Jeanette Oke is a wonderful author and I will be seeking out her other works as well, with no doubt her other stories will sweep me away as well!
I read all six novels consecutively. The journey begins with Elizabeth becoming a teacher on her own in the north. Each novel takes you through a different part of Elizabeth's life; she grows up, falls in love with a mountie, lives among the natives, has a family, who in turn, grows up and have families of their own. The reader is swept up in all of this families celebrations and trials, all the while, being wholly inspired by their deep devotion to their faith. This is a feel good, love story that is totally worth all the time devoted to reading all six books. Now that I am through reading this set, I will miss Elizabeth and her family. Jeanette Oke is a wonderful author and I will be seeking out her other works as well, with no doubt her other stories will sweep me away as well!
April 28, 2021
I read all six books over a one month period. Loved the first three which covers Elizabeth's move to Calgary, her transfer to the very undeveloped town of Lacombe, her teaching career, her meeting of the handsome RCMP Wynn Delaney, and their move and struggles in the Great North area where life was difficult - very, very difficult. I found Book 4 a little slower and it lost my interest somewhat. Books 5 and 6 pick up the stories of their long-awaited son Henry and daughter Christine, the yearnings of their hearts and the way God blesses and enriches this family with love for each other and love for their extended families and those who come into their lives. Lessons are learned, struggles are endured and God's guidance takes them through the difficult times.
Thanks Janette Oke for writing the story of the Delaney family over many years.
Thanks Janette Oke for writing the story of the Delaney family over many years.
January 15, 2020
I was really skeptical at first...I haven't read much of Janette Oke, but this book actually kept me interested. Or should I say six books. The character of Elizabeth captured me. I was super interested by life in Canada, way up North. Where things aren't easy, especially in the early 1900s. As time progresses we get to around 1930s. The last two books deal with the children of Elizabeth and Wynn. I was happy about that, the second to last dealing more with Henry, and the very last more with Christine. The ending was not what I had expected..I had thought something different was going to happen, but I'm satisfied anyhow. Six books for under $2.00 was totally worth it.
January 28, 2020
Beautiful Experience
This was such a great read! At first I felt like it was just like a fairy tale love story... with everything going well. But by the time it got to book two I was hooked!. I truly appreciated how the author gave us an insight into the thoughts and prayers of the characters and how they learnt to trust God despite their errors and and losses. Elizabeth is really a strong woman and it was great "growing up with her" throughout the stages of her life.
The discourse on the different cultures was exciting for me having never visited Canada myself.
A very good read for anyone.. Christian or not... young or old!
This was such a great read! At first I felt like it was just like a fairy tale love story... with everything going well. But by the time it got to book two I was hooked!. I truly appreciated how the author gave us an insight into the thoughts and prayers of the characters and how they learnt to trust God despite their errors and and losses. Elizabeth is really a strong woman and it was great "growing up with her" throughout the stages of her life.
The discourse on the different cultures was exciting for me having never visited Canada myself.
A very good read for anyone.. Christian or not... young or old!
February 25, 2020
I give this series five stars. I was captured with every character and felt part of every person as if I was right there with them fighting along with them. I love series and sorry to see this one end. I was really surprised at Chistines decision in the last book but know that it was a right one that she allowed God to guide her.
I give this series five stars. I felt as if I was right there with every character and struggling and rejoicing along with them. Elizabeth and Christine really captured my heart. When I finished one book I couldn't wait to get into the next book. I was surprised by Christine's choice in the last book but know she made the right choice.
I give this series five stars. I felt as if I was right there with every character and struggling and rejoicing along with them. Elizabeth and Christine really captured my heart. When I finished one book I couldn't wait to get into the next book. I was surprised by Christine's choice in the last book but know she made the right choice.
August 16, 2021
West Canada
A set of six books that I found very hard to put down. I recommend these books to Christians and fans of the writer. I was hooked in straight from the beginning and continued reading as Wynn and Elizabeth’s story, their relationship, relationship with God and with the Indians in the North. I felt that there’s part of their story is missing… I felt like I was sitting on a mountain ledge scratching my head.. the missing piece is what has happened between the fourth book and the fifth book which goes straight to Catherine’s leaving me aghast and wondering on who is she. I am left wondering what happened to their friends in the north and of Wynns family.
A set of six books that I found very hard to put down. I recommend these books to Christians and fans of the writer. I was hooked in straight from the beginning and continued reading as Wynn and Elizabeth’s story, their relationship, relationship with God and with the Indians in the North. I felt that there’s part of their story is missing… I felt like I was sitting on a mountain ledge scratching my head.. the missing piece is what has happened between the fourth book and the fifth book which goes straight to Catherine’s leaving me aghast and wondering on who is she. I am left wondering what happened to their friends in the north and of Wynns family.
June 10, 2022
Great stories , woven through. the way to living a life of genuine faithful
Great Stories , wholesome reading with a sound biblical foundation woven through the the circumstances of redeemed followers of Jesus counting the cost of true discipleship and those who are not . I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy Christian Fiction. I was challenged by the gentle presentation of biblical truths and encouraged to persevere in faith irrespective of my circumstances and my failings . The books were an enjoyable read . I was initially disappointed when Book 5&6 left “the North” but quickly got into the younger Delaney’a stories. Thank you Janette
Great Stories , wholesome reading with a sound biblical foundation woven through the the circumstances of redeemed followers of Jesus counting the cost of true discipleship and those who are not . I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy Christian Fiction. I was challenged by the gentle presentation of biblical truths and encouraged to persevere in faith irrespective of my circumstances and my failings . The books were an enjoyable read . I was initially disappointed when Book 5&6 left “the North” but quickly got into the younger Delaney’a stories. Thank you Janette
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June 29, 2022Excellent Christian novels
I read this series about 25 years ago.
It is very well written. I love Janette Oke!
I have just read it all over again because of the show, WCTH. I have been very disappointed that the writers are not following the story that Janette wrote.
My favorite character is Wynn. I love his devotion to the people he serves and takes care of as he serves as a mountie.
My only disappointment, the series had to end.
You will not be disappointed if you are looking for a goid Christian love story and story of keeping faith in extreme circumstances.
This is not David its Judy
I read this series about 25 years ago.
It is very well written. I love Janette Oke!
I have just read it all over again because of the show, WCTH. I have been very disappointed that the writers are not following the story that Janette wrote.
My favorite character is Wynn. I love his devotion to the people he serves and takes care of as he serves as a mountie.
My only disappointment, the series had to end.
You will not be disappointed if you are looking for a goid Christian love story and story of keeping faith in extreme circumstances.
This is not David its Judy
November 19, 2020
Deeply Edifying
Well, this was more than I expected. I really only ready this series because one of my favorite shows is When calls the HEART. And I thought this would be somewhat like the show. But actually , not only is it NOT like to the show , its better! This was so enriched with love and the truth of God's character and word that I can't wait to read more from this author. What a deeply edifying read I highly recommend to all who love historical fiction, romance, and more importantly God.
Well, this was more than I expected. I really only ready this series because one of my favorite shows is When calls the HEART. And I thought this would be somewhat like the show. But actually , not only is it NOT like to the show , its better! This was so enriched with love and the truth of God's character and word that I can't wait to read more from this author. What a deeply edifying read I highly recommend to all who love historical fiction, romance, and more importantly God.
August 15, 2021
I picked up this book because I enjoyed the tv show based on the book. The only thing the series and the book have in name is the main character’s name and the name of the first book.
That being said this series was a delightful read. The stories start in the early 1900’s and end in the 1940’s.
The first 4 books revolve around a young woman and her love for a Mountie who is posted in the north of Canada and the highs and lows of their life. The last two books are about her children and complete the series beautifully.
Altogether a lovely read.
That being said this series was a delightful read. The stories start in the early 1900’s and end in the 1940’s.
The first 4 books revolve around a young woman and her love for a Mountie who is posted in the north of Canada and the highs and lows of their life. The last two books are about her children and complete the series beautifully.
Altogether a lovely read.
February 24, 2020
Canadian west collection
Janette Oke once again has outdone herself. Every book she has authored is the best. I started with Love Comes Softly many years ago.
This Canadian series is outstanding. I highly recommend reading any of her books. They will make you happy and shed a few tears. They will send you to the Bible to read more of God's Word.
Can not recommend reading her books enough.
Janette Oke once again has outdone herself. Every book she has authored is the best. I started with Love Comes Softly many years ago.
This Canadian series is outstanding. I highly recommend reading any of her books. They will make you happy and shed a few tears. They will send you to the Bible to read more of God's Word.
Can not recommend reading her books enough.
January 20, 2021
Real issues, nice people, heartwarming
Loved this set; loved the biblical truths woven into memorable stories. I’m really glad I picked it up. The characters were close to perfect (which isn’t always great) but it was heart soothing- sometimes you want a writer to take you down a familiar albeit wilderness path and not have to always be thrown about by shocking bends in the road.
Loved this set; loved the biblical truths woven into memorable stories. I’m really glad I picked it up. The characters were close to perfect (which isn’t always great) but it was heart soothing- sometimes you want a writer to take you down a familiar albeit wilderness path and not have to always be thrown about by shocking bends in the road.
March 9, 2017
Wonderful story teller
I really enjoy this series. I know the story of mounties but never thought much of their way if life much less their family. I really enjoy the history and that of this fictional family.
Janet oke writes for Christian readers but there is no reason why any reader can't enjoy these books
I really enjoy this series. I know the story of mounties but never thought much of their way if life much less their family. I really enjoy the history and that of this fictional family.
Janet oke writes for Christian readers but there is no reason why any reader can't enjoy these books
November 19, 2019
Touching
I have watched the tv series and decided to read the books. The characters are just as intriguing and captivating in the books. I did feel that I was short-changed when she skipped over a big part of Elizabeth and Wynn's story to introduce their grown children and their stories. But overall, these books are heartwarming and precious.
I have watched the tv series and decided to read the books. The characters are just as intriguing and captivating in the books. I did feel that I was short-changed when she skipped over a big part of Elizabeth and Wynn's story to introduce their grown children and their stories. But overall, these books are heartwarming and precious.
January 24, 2020
Great series!
I have always liked Janet Oke's writing. I seem to love them and am disappointed when the book is over and I have to leave them. This series has done the same thing. I want to know more about each character and follow through their lives. Get the series. You will not be disappointed.
I have always liked Janet Oke's writing. I seem to love them and am disappointed when the book is over and I have to leave them. This series has done the same thing. I want to know more about each character and follow through their lives. Get the series. You will not be disappointed.
February 12, 2020
A Winner!
I always enjoy reading books by Nanette Oke. This series is no exception. I love the plot, the characters, and the finish of each book. The characters are believable, human but doing the right thing to the best of their abilities. I like happy endings and these novels do not disappoint. I recommend this series if you like clean, wholesome, Christian novels.
I always enjoy reading books by Nanette Oke. This series is no exception. I love the plot, the characters, and the finish of each book. The characters are believable, human but doing the right thing to the best of their abilities. I like happy endings and these novels do not disappoint. I recommend this series if you like clean, wholesome, Christian novels.
May 26, 2020
Beautiful family story of God,s love working in all situations
Such a delightful story that will not let you put the book down. Characters are so real and lovable and down to earth. Plenty of nail biting episodes and not always turning out the way you think. Excellent and uplifting message and fun to read.
Such a delightful story that will not let you put the book down. Characters are so real and lovable and down to earth. Plenty of nail biting episodes and not always turning out the way you think. Excellent and uplifting message and fun to read.
August 3, 2021
An oldie but a goodie
I first read Janette Oke's books as a 12 - 14 year old. I loved the stories of Canada and its development as a nation. Oke has a light touch, but her characters have real warmth and substance that is endearing. She writes stories to encourage and inspire and I find I often am.
I first read Janette Oke's books as a 12 - 14 year old. I loved the stories of Canada and its development as a nation. Oke has a light touch, but her characters have real warmth and substance that is endearing. She writes stories to encourage and inspire and I find I often am.
August 12, 2021
A series must read
The whole series made me laugh, cry, think "what's next?" The storyline was excellent, drawing you to believe the characters were real and you were experiencing with them. I wanted to throw a log on the fire even tho I live in FL. I wanted to pray for Beth to have a natural child. Their reliance upon God refreshes your soul. A must read.
The whole series made me laugh, cry, think "what's next?" The storyline was excellent, drawing you to believe the characters were real and you were experiencing with them. I wanted to throw a log on the fire even tho I live in FL. I wanted to pray for Beth to have a natural child. Their reliance upon God refreshes your soul. A must read.
March 11, 2022
Lovely stories
Janette Oke is a masterful storyteller. The characters reach into your heart and live there for awhile. The endings may be a bit open but Mrs. Oke has thoroughly provided you with the confidence that God will direct the lives of the characters. And in this confidence, you can apply it to your own circumstances and be certain that God will guide you as well.
Janette Oke is a masterful storyteller. The characters reach into your heart and live there for awhile. The endings may be a bit open but Mrs. Oke has thoroughly provided you with the confidence that God will direct the lives of the characters. And in this confidence, you can apply it to your own circumstances and be certain that God will guide you as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews