Friday, February 2, 2024

Book Review: Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke

 


Join Missie and Willie LaHaye as they journey west on the wagon train to their new home in Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke. 

The Davis family saga continues in the third book of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series. Missie (Davis) LaHaye said goodbye to her family and joined her new husband, Willie, on the wagon train headed further west than her mother, Marty, ever travelled. The hot, dusty trail isn't easy, and then when the rain comes, it makes the river impassable. But the LaHayes eventually arrive at their new place and begin their lives as ranchers.

With Love's Long Journey, Oke shares with readers the trials and triumphs pioneers faced as they moved across the country to settle out west. Missie and Willie symbolize just one of the many couples who endured the pain of separation from their families, knowing they might never see them again. Women followed their husbands into the unknown, leaving behind the safety and security of living near towns with doctors, schools, stores, and churches. Oke captures it all. 

Love's Long Journey is also about a sense of community. With the wagon train leader dedicated to keeping one and all safe, Missie and Willie befriend others joining them along the way. Once the LaHayes reach their new home, a new sense of community is built around their ranch and the ranch hands they employ. 

This is a beautiful addition to the Love Comes Softly series. Missie's struggles in this story are balanced by Willie's sense of adventure and optimism. And as their growing family spends two years in their little sod house, Missie ends the book with a touching note to her parents about all the exciting things that are happening, like the train that is coming soon, which might allow her Mama and Pa to pay them a visit.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bantam Doubleday Direct; Book Club edition (January 1, 1982)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0871233150
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0871233158

This review of a book from my personal collection contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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