Showing results by author "Janette Oke" in All Categories

Janette Oke is a pioneering author of inspirational fiction. Her novels are international best-sellers that entertain as they refresh the soul. Spring's Gentle Promise is the fourth and final book of the Seasons of the Heart series that follows Joshua Chadwick on his journey into adulthood. Josh is as happy as a clam now that Grandpa and Uncle Charlie have signed over the family farm to him. But soon the serious responsibility of managing the farm has him looking for help.

In the 18th century, the residents of Acadia live in a fragile truce. The settlers of this rough Canadian island are either French or British, and the two nationalities do not mix, no matter how close their villages are. One day in a meadow, two women begin a friendship.

Like most young women in ancient Israel, Mary has little control over her own destiny. When Enos, a rising Pharisee, sees her one day in the market―the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on―and determines to make her his wife, Mary’s fate is quickly sealed. His exorbitant bride price is the only hope her parents have of escaping abject poverty, but surely the fact that such a devout and esteemed man has chosen a girl of her station must be a sign of blessing.

Dana, a young teenager, is diagnosed with a terminal illness and her solidly Christian family deals with the resulting turmoil. A teen son strays, a younger child feels neglected and a sister struggles with bitterness toward God.

Anne and Nicole are together again at the Harrow estate in England, but they find themselves facing divergent futures. While Anne comfortably settles into British life, Nicole once again searches the far horizon. Despite the raging War of Independence, she sets sail for the American colonies to manage her uncle's landholdings.

Jodie and Bethan are about as different as two young women can be, but growing up they develop a strong bond of friendship in the quiet town of Harmony, North Carolina. As the world plunges into war, though, their friendship is tested by a devastating loss.

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, 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.