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Women of the West #4
A Woman Named Damaris
She was almost fifteen on the night she dared for the first time to think of what life might be like away from home. Pa again had come home drunk and mean; the trauma of the subsequent scene had been repeated as long as Damaris could remember. The idea that she no longer needs to tolerate this, that maybe she's old enough to manage on her own, is planted in her mind and begins to grow. She must plan her escape carefully, but she must get away from him.
When the opportunity comes, Damaris carries with her the strength of her mother's love. Two treasures hidden for years from her father- her grandmother's lacy golden brooch and her grandfather's lovely watch- are Damaris' only legacy from her past. That and her name. Her mother said it came from the Bible and had a special meaning that she can't remember anymore. What difference might it make?
But Damaris can't escape the "aloneness" that haunts her life or the bitterness she feels when she sees others suffering, particularly children. Ultimately, she must come to terms with her past, learn to live in her present circumstances, and trust her future to another Father.
She Discovered Much More Than the Meaning of Her Name in That Book
When the opportunity comes, Damaris carries with her the strength of her mother's love. Two treasures hidden for years from her father- her grandmother's lacy golden brooch and her grandfather's lovely watch- are Damaris' only legacy from her past. That and her name. Her mother said it came from the Bible and had a special meaning that she can't remember anymore. What difference might it make?
But Damaris can't escape the "aloneness" that haunts her life or the bitterness she feels when she sees others suffering, particularly children. Ultimately, she must come to terms with her past, learn to live in her present circumstances, and trust her future to another Father.
She Discovered Much More Than the Meaning of Her Name in That Book
287 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
133 people are currently reading
1586 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 165 reviews
April 17, 2021
I think out of the four books I've read so far in Women of the West series that I enjoyed this book the most. I love that Jeanette Oke has taken a situation that was bad at the beginning and by the end of the book has turned it to a happy situation. I loved the ending because I had hopped it would be uplifting and I wasn't disappointed. I also enjoy reading stories that are historical and from the mid to late 1800s. I loved the simple and less complicated lifestyle of the people back when horse and wagon was the only mode of transportation available. Wagon trains were slowly becoming a thing of the past with the railroad and trains taking over. I do enjoy reading a good wagon train story and I was really drawn into this story. .
Readers of Historical Romance and fans of Jeanette Oke will enjoy this book. It is book four in The Women of the West series but it can be read as a stand alone.
I borrowed this book from the Hoopla Library therefore a review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Readers of Historical Romance and fans of Jeanette Oke will enjoy this book. It is book four in The Women of the West series but it can be read as a stand alone.
I borrowed this book from the Hoopla Library therefore a review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 16, 2021
At nearly fifteen years old, Damaris has never known a life other than the hard one she lives with her downtrodden mother and a father who's addicted to liquor. When her mother hints at the idea of escape, Damaris dares to think of striking out on her own to head west in A Woman Named Damaris by author Janette Oke.
Gee. I was a good deal younger the first time I read this ChristFic novel from one of my (sentimentally) favorite series, Women of the West. Now that I've reread it in a much different stage of my life, the effects of alcoholism and abuse in the story hit me in a different way. Just...gee.
Now, apart from Damaris's initial courage to leave home, her quiet and timid personality is pretty lackluster, even considering her background. As is the case in a lot of this author's novels, there's too much halting speech from the characters, with sentences constantly broken up by multiple dashes. (Perhaps that issue is cleaned up in the latest editions of the novels?)
Because a key theme in the story could have used a bit more development, it might send an inadvertent message that it's sinful to think of fighting back against an abuser. Also, some key plot points and people are introduced so late in this story that it dulls their emotional effect. Damaris cries an awful lot toward the end, but I couldn't feel those tears with her.
Still, I never forgot the significance of this book's title, which was a pleasure to see unfold again. Revisiting this rather simple novel was straight-up comfort reading for me.
Gee. I was a good deal younger the first time I read this ChristFic novel from one of my (sentimentally) favorite series, Women of the West. Now that I've reread it in a much different stage of my life, the effects of alcoholism and abuse in the story hit me in a different way. Just...gee.
Now, apart from Damaris's initial courage to leave home, her quiet and timid personality is pretty lackluster, even considering her background. As is the case in a lot of this author's novels, there's too much halting speech from the characters, with sentences constantly broken up by multiple dashes. (Perhaps that issue is cleaned up in the latest editions of the novels?)
Because a key theme in the story could have used a bit more development, it might send an inadvertent message that it's sinful to think of fighting back against an abuser. Also, some key plot points and people are introduced so late in this story that it dulls their emotional effect. Damaris cries an awful lot toward the end, but I couldn't feel those tears with her.
Still, I never forgot the significance of this book's title, which was a pleasure to see unfold again. Revisiting this rather simple novel was straight-up comfort reading for me.
May 12, 2016
This is an amazingly woven story of a young woman's journey to find love, self-worth, and that Something More that's sorely missing from her life. It was such a lovely story and so sweetly told. :) I enjoyed it immensely and I would recommend it to anyone! One of my favorite of Janette Oke's books! :)
July 21, 2024
This book is one of the most grim of Janette Oke's novels. Damaris comes from a home with an abusive, alcoholic father, and that gives a solemn feeling to it right from the start. The seriousness continuous as she finds more such people in the world, but her life is lightened when she learns that there are good, upstanding people, too - especially those who name the name of Christ. Her search for her name is a great side quest! Loved the small western town and the way a smattering of unconnected people come together to help her and give her a home. The fact that a close family member of mine experienced much of what she did growing up gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for what children suffer in abusive homes. It isn't a book I read often, but I have returned to it more than once.
June 17, 2022
Beautiful story and a lovely ending. I enjoyed this one alot!
April 1, 2021
A nice story with lots of fear, crying and overcoming the fear and forgiving even though it's hard!!! Of course finding love too:)
A great Christian read
4/5 stars
A great Christian read
4/5 stars
June 19, 2020
A woman named Damaris is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the first three books.
This is one of my favourite book by Janette Oke. I read it many years ago when I was younger. This book was sitting in my ebook library so I had to revisit it again. It felt good reading it and I enjoyed it more this time around.
It has 24 chapters. Each page is attention grabbing and interesting.
I love Damaris. What a young lady she is!
You need to read this book.
It might be an oldie but it is a goldie!
“Oh yes.I have a Bible,I don’t know how I would ever have survived without it”. Miss Dover’s words. I love Miss Dover. She is a good character you need to watch out for in this book.
Damaris is a name from the Bible. You might need to read this book to find the exact Bible chapter and verse.
This is a clean and enjoyable Christian fiction novel. It will always be among my favourite books. I highly recommend it to everybody especially fans of Janette Oke.
This is my honest review.
This is one of my favourite book by Janette Oke. I read it many years ago when I was younger. This book was sitting in my ebook library so I had to revisit it again. It felt good reading it and I enjoyed it more this time around.
It has 24 chapters. Each page is attention grabbing and interesting.
I love Damaris. What a young lady she is!
You need to read this book.
It might be an oldie but it is a goldie!
“Oh yes.I have a Bible,I don’t know how I would ever have survived without it”. Miss Dover’s words. I love Miss Dover. She is a good character you need to watch out for in this book.
Damaris is a name from the Bible. You might need to read this book to find the exact Bible chapter and verse.
This is a clean and enjoyable Christian fiction novel. It will always be among my favourite books. I highly recommend it to everybody especially fans of Janette Oke.
This is my honest review.
March 12, 2023
Janette Oke is brilliant and these books are so entertaining. 😂
July 11, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Damaris' attitude shows both ways of living with and without Christ Jesus in your life. Without Jesus, Damaris suffered with anger and hatred toward every drunken man she came into contact with. She was also timid and shy. When she accepted Christ and believed every word in the Bible she became happier and more forgiving as time went on. ♡
February 11, 2021
I really enjoy Janette Oke's books, but some of the dialogue is kind of difficult to follow. Her main characters tend to stutter their way through the story, which can get a bit annoying.
October 19, 2024
a reread from my old days of like only reading Christian Fiction lol. still love
July 30, 2016
I had read this book as a kid, and I was wondering if it would hold up 20 years later. Maybe it was nostalgia, but I enjoyed reading it this time too. In this historical fiction novel, Damaris leaves her abusive home at age 15 and heads west. In her new town she pieces together a living working 3 different jobs. She even meets someone who helps her find where the name Damaris appears in the Bible, which was something she had always wanted to know. The book is uneven at times, with Damaris’s journey west taking up a lot of time while the ending is rushed.
July 31, 2016
I love anything Janette Oke. :) This book was no exception.
February 29, 2024
I enjoyed this story and found it to be so far, one of my faves when it comes to the Women of the West Series. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books, as well.
March 8, 2024
Great book about moving on from an abusive childhood and forgiving them and finding yourself
June 15, 2023
Nice summer read.
December 3, 2021
I read the book back in 1997 & loved it! Wanted to read something uplifting after reading a very deep intense book. I was not disappointed! I love Demairis! As a child of an abusive family I can relate to her very well. I loved that she was so strong even though she never thought of herself as strong. I loved the ending and wished for more!
May 21, 2021
I've always enjoyed the movies and TV shows based off of Janette Oke's books. The only 2 books I read of hers before now was Love Comes Softly and When Calls the Heart which was years ago. Recently joined the Hearties Facebook reading group and A Woman Named Damaris was on the schedule. Was only supposed to read Chapters 1-5 this week. Started reading yesterday and just couldn't put it down. Finished it today. Others in our group have done the same thing. Yes, it's just that good! It's an easy read. Although Damaris finds God and a few Bible verses are mentioned, I wouldn't really consider this a full blown Christian novel. It's more closer to one of the Little House books when Laura is older. This book has a little bit of everything...drama, heartache, adventure, coming of age, prairie western, family, and a little bit of romance.
Had I not been prompted to read this book by the bookclub, I may not have chosen to read it based on the title alone. But I'm so glad I did. Plan to get busy reading more of Janette's books. 📚
Had I not been prompted to read this book by the bookclub, I may not have chosen to read it based on the title alone. But I'm so glad I did. Plan to get busy reading more of Janette's books. 📚
July 10, 2011
"A Woman Named Damaris" is a Christian historical novel with some romance. It's set after train travel was available but while a few wagon trains were still active. Some historical and setting information was woven into the story and helped bring the story alive in my imagination.
The characters were interesting, varied, and had realistic struggles and reactions. A low level of suspense was maintained by curiosity about just how things were going to work out for Damaris as she ventured out on her own at age 15. She's a hard worker, but her timidity--especially around men--sometimes got in her way.
There were a few Christian characters and some talk about what Damaris was reading in the Bible as she searched for her name. However, the Christian element flowed naturally from the story. There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of "he cussed" style of bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, engaging novel.
The characters were interesting, varied, and had realistic struggles and reactions. A low level of suspense was maintained by curiosity about just how things were going to work out for Damaris as she ventured out on her own at age 15. She's a hard worker, but her timidity--especially around men--sometimes got in her way.
There were a few Christian characters and some talk about what Damaris was reading in the Bible as she searched for her name. However, the Christian element flowed naturally from the story. There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of "he cussed" style of bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, engaging novel.
August 10, 2010
I read this on a hot day when I found it lying around in my mom's house and had nothing else to do. It was okay, I guess, but I think there were a lot of plot holes. For instance, I think it's very odd that a frontier town that had been in existence for a couple of decades would still have no church. And after Damaris ran away from home, good fortune just seemed to fall into her lap. I don't think it would have been that easy in real life.
If you like Christian fiction and prairie type stories, I suppose you would like this. It was a bit too tame for me, though, and the plot too thin.
If you like Christian fiction and prairie type stories, I suppose you would like this. It was a bit too tame for me, though, and the plot too thin.
June 30, 2017
I was working at a public library when I first stumbled upon this book. I was surprised, amazed, and was in awe. First, I finally found a book with MY NAME on it. Well, aside from the Bible, that is. Then as I've read it through multiple times (16th times to be exact), I can't believe how much Damaris' story actually resonate to mine. We basically share the same story line minus the adopting kids and marrying Finnick.
February 17, 2021
This is probably my favorite book I’ve ever read. It’s moral being of bitterness, forgiveness, and trusting in the Lord, I find it touches me time and time again. Though Damaris’s situation is different than my own, I can still apply the things she did to my life and her heart for the young children makes my heart warm every time I read it. I’ve probably read this book at least five times, but I will never tire of it.
May 15, 2021
I’ve read this book like 2-3 times now. If I was a pleasant, uplifting, clean, and sweet (I could go on) read, I always turn to Janette Oke.
The world needs more Jannette Okes, just saying.
If you need a break from this crazy world, need a book to relax and wind down with, then pick up this book (or any of her other works). You won’t be disappointed.
I have yet to find an Christian Fiction author I enjoy as much as Janette.
The world needs more Jannette Okes, just saying.
If you need a break from this crazy world, need a book to relax and wind down with, then pick up this book (or any of her other works). You won’t be disappointed.
I have yet to find an Christian Fiction author I enjoy as much as Janette.
May 9, 2017
Literary candy, but so sweet and enjoyable.
Janette Oke is predictable. I knew Damaris would get married, and I knew when he appeared in the story line. But her books are always enthralling, relaxing and good clean romance.
Janette Oke is predictable. I knew Damaris would get married, and I knew when he appeared in the story line. But her books are always enthralling, relaxing and good clean romance.
November 13, 2020
Janette Oke writes books that speak to me in such encouraging ways. "A Woman Name Damaris" does not disappoint in this. I identify so much with this character that feels consistently that she does not do enough. I pray I can learn the lesson she learns in this heart-touching story.
October 1, 2021
This is my first time reading Christian fiction and I was pleasantly surprised at how well written it was. Thoroughly enjoyed it, I finished it in 2 days! Hope to read more of Jannette Oke’s works. The fact that she’s based out of Canada makes it even more related to me in some ways.
February 7, 2008
See review for "A Bride for Donnigan." I accidentally picked these up, not realizing they were xian fiction. If you like boring books, this one is for you!
April 1, 2018
Beautiful!!
I love her books. I'm a writer and I'm hoping my books will be as good as hers one day. :)
I love her books. I'm a writer and I'm hoping my books will be as good as hers one day. :)
January 24, 2020
Another good book by Jeanette
If you love Pioneer stories, you will love her books. This is a good stand alone book you must read!
If you love Pioneer stories, you will love her books. This is a good stand alone book you must read!
December 4, 2020
This was a really quick read. I actually started and finished it yesterday evening. Took me maybe two hours at the most.
I have mixed feelings about Janette Oke's work. Some of her stuff I've been hooked into but a lot of it, not. Yet I find myself occasionally picking up her books. This one wasn't the worst I've read, but it wasn't the best. I felt like it was a little scattered with what it was trying to do. Was it a story of a girl finding faith? Sort of, but I didn't think it was very well developed. Was it the story of a girl overcoming her fear of men and finding love? Maybe. But, again, it wasn't well developed either. I also felt like there were some things just left unfinished. I also felt like Miss What's Her Name (Oh goodness, I just finished this and I've already forgotten her name) the seamstress was kind of a wasted character. I mean, she starts off strong and then just kind of disappears during the end of the book and does nothing which in some ways doesn't seem like it would be in her character. Also, why is there no church in this town? I feel like that was one thing pretty much every frontier town had.
I kept waiting for Oke to pick up on one of the threads and go somewhere with it, but it just never quite happened. Okay, so maybe Gil will start a church? Maybe Damaris will finally confront her Father?
All in all, I don't recommend this book and if it had taken me any longer to read, I might've felt cheated of my time.
I have mixed feelings about Janette Oke's work. Some of her stuff I've been hooked into but a lot of it, not. Yet I find myself occasionally picking up her books. This one wasn't the worst I've read, but it wasn't the best. I felt like it was a little scattered with what it was trying to do. Was it a story of a girl finding faith? Sort of, but I didn't think it was very well developed. Was it the story of a girl overcoming her fear of men and finding love? Maybe. But, again, it wasn't well developed either. I also felt like there were some things just left unfinished. I also felt like Miss What's Her Name (Oh goodness, I just finished this and I've already forgotten her name) the seamstress was kind of a wasted character. I mean, she starts off strong and then just kind of disappears during the end of the book and does nothing which in some ways doesn't seem like it would be in her character. Also, why is there no church in this town? I feel like that was one thing pretty much every frontier town had.
I kept waiting for Oke to pick up on one of the threads and go somewhere with it, but it just never quite happened. Okay, so maybe Gil will start a church? Maybe Damaris will finally confront her Father?
All in all, I don't recommend this book and if it had taken me any longer to read, I might've felt cheated of my time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews