Janette Oke
Author of Love Comes Softly
About the Author
Janette Oke (pronounced "oak") was born in Champion, Alberta, Canada, during the depression years. She graduated from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta where she met her husband, Edward. She and Edward married in 1957 and went on to serve churches in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada, and show more Indiana. Oke published her first book, Love Comes Softly, in 1979. The book experienced immediate success because works of fiction were a virtually unknown genre in the Christian publishing industry. Oke has gone on to publish some 36 romance novels, earning her the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. She is the author of the "Love Comes Softly" and the "Prairie Legacy" series of books. Oke enjoys a large reading audience primarily comprised of teenagers, homemakers and working women. She recently started writing for young children. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Series
Works by Janette Oke
Seasons of the Heart - Books 1-4 (Once Upon a Summer / The Winds of Autumn / Winter is Not Forever / Spring's Gentle Promise) (1989) 379 copies, 1 review
Love Comes Softly Box Set 5-8: Love's Unending Legacy / Love's Unfolding Dream / Love Takes Wing / Love Finds a Home (1993) 109 copies
Women of the West II: They Called Her Mrs Doc / The Measure of a Heart / A Bride for Donnigan / Heart of the Wilderness (1993) 30 copies, 2 reviews
Father of My Heart: Spiritual Insights from the Seasons of the Heart Series (1990) 27 copies, 2 reviews
Love Comes Softly/Love's Enduring Promise/Love's Long Journey/Love's Abiding Joy/Love's Unending Legacy/Love's Unfolding Dream (1982) 9 copies
Love Comes Softly/Love's Enduring Promise/Loves' Long Journey/Love's Abiding Joy/Love's Unending Legacy/Loves' Unfolding Dream/Love Takes Wing (1980) — Author — 5 copies
When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 9 — Author — 4 copies
Guideposts Children's Library Volume 2- Duck Tales/A Cote of Many Colors/The Impatient Turtle 4 copies
Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Book #7): Classic Christian Historical Romance of the Old West 3 copies
When Calls the Heart: Complete Seasons 1-5 [DVD] — Author — 3 copies
Seasons of the Heart - Volumes 2 & 3, 'Once Upon a Summer' and 'The Winds of Autumn' (1988) 2 copies
Guideposts Condensed Books (#4) 2 copies
Wenn Die Liebe Siegt 2 copies
Janette Oke Children's Library Volumes 1 2 & 3 (ducktails, Prodigal Cat, Trouble in a Fur Coat) (volumes 1 2 & 3) (1984) 2 copies
Wof W #3, Roses for Mama 1 copy
L C S #4, Loves Abiding Joy 1 copy
Season of the Heart 1 copy
Wof W #2, Julia's Last Hope 1 copy
L C S #8, Love Finds a Home 1 copy
L C S #7, Love Takes Wings 1 copy
S o H #1, Once Upon a Summer 1 copy
PL #1, The Tender Years 1 copy
Animal Friends 1 copy
Love Comes Softly (Love Comes Softly Book #1): Classic Christian Historical Romance of the Old West 1 copy
The Janette Oke Collection 1 copy
反樸歸愛系列： 不朽的承諾 1 copy
Uma mulher chamada Damaris 1 copy
Classic Children's Stories 1 copy
Love Finds a Home (Love Comes Softly Book #8): Classic Christian Historical Romance of the Old West 1 copy
L C S #1, Love Comes Softly 1 copy
When Breaks the Dawn 1 copy
Love Comes Softly - DVD set 1 copy
Love Takes Wing 1 copy
Niemals hört die Liebe auf - Träume sind wie der Wind - Wohin das Herz uns führt - Ein Zuhause... (2000) 1 copy
Die Jahreszeiten 1 copy
C W #5, When Tomorrow Comes 1 copy
Love's Unfolding Dream DVD 6 1 copy
C W #3, When Breaks the Dawn 1 copy
C W #1, When Calls the Heart 1 copy
Living with Adult Children 1 copy
Reise in eine neue Welt 1 copy
Love's Unending Legacy DVD 5 1 copy
Love's Long Journey DVD 3 1 copy
Loves come softly - DVD 1 1 copy
4. When Hope Springs New 1 copy
Associated Works
Guideposts Condensed Books: Simple Faith/Disciplines of the Home/Gifted Hands/They Called Her Mrs Doc (1992) 15 copies
When Calls the Heart: Complete Season 8 — Author, some editions — 5 copies
Guideposts Condensed Books: A Bride for Donnigan/The Women of Catawba/Grace Awakening/Heaven Your Real Home (1997) 3 copies
Guideposts Condensed Books: Drums of Change/A Room of My Own/The Power of the Powerless/A Time to Pray God's Way (1999) 2 copies
Guideposts Condensed Books: Too Long a Stranger/Well Done!/Diligence in Love/Boundaries (1994) 2 copies
Guideposts Condensed Books: Heart of the Wilderness/When You Can't Come Back/Come Walk with Me/I Never Know What to Say (1993) 2 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Oke, Janette
- Legal name
- Oke, Janette Steeves
- Birthdate
- 1935-02-18
- Gender
- female
- Education
- Mountain View Bible College
- Occupations
- author
- Awards and honors
- Gold Medallion Award
Christy Award (The Meeting Place, 2000)
CBA Life Impact Award (1999) - Relationships
- Logan, Laurel Oke (daughter)
Bunn, T. Davis (co-author) - Short biography
- Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight. - Nationality
- Canada
- Birthplace
- Champion, Alberta, Canada
- Places of residence
- Champion, Alberta, Canada
Didsbury, Alberta, Canada - Associated Place (for map)
- Alberta, Canada
Members
Reviews
This book was so frustrating! The beginning wasn't that bad. I was excited to return to Marty and Clark while reading more about Missie's budding family. So far, the books have been sweet with a dash of drama. I didn't mind the slower, calmer pace. What I do mind is unrealistic optimism.
To lose a limb is devastating, regardless of who you are. While there are people who've recovered (somewhat) and made their stories inspirational, they only succeeded after months or even years of struggling. show more That is completely fair. Their entire life has changed. For a farmer like Clark, losing his leg could mean the difference between life and death. He wouldn't be able to plow his fields or feed his family.
When this horrible thing happened, I settled in to read about how this inspirational family overcame this tragedy. Instead, that was solved in one page. I kid you not. Clark spends a page - one afternoon - crying and praying, and then he's fine. That's it. One afternoon of wallowing, and then he's accepted it. Not only is it unrealistic, it's just uneventful. There's no point in the rest of the book. Not only did Clark accept his new life, so did everyone else. No more conflict. No more struggle. No more story.
I guess Clark is supposed to be a Christian's fantasy: a simple yet manly man whom other men look up to who is also very spiritual. Taking this into consideration, it makes sense why Clark would get over his loss so quickly. That said, it doesn't excuse the poor storytelling. What strengthens faith is doubt. It's ironic, but it's like having day without night. You need one to really value the other. Since Clark never doubts, never struggles, neither his character nor his faith grows. This book is preachy and bland and did a disservice to the more complex character in the first Love Comes Softly book. show less
To lose a limb is devastating, regardless of who you are. While there are people who've recovered (somewhat) and made their stories inspirational, they only succeeded after months or even years of struggling. show more That is completely fair. Their entire life has changed. For a farmer like Clark, losing his leg could mean the difference between life and death. He wouldn't be able to plow his fields or feed his family.
When this horrible thing happened, I settled in to read about how this inspirational family overcame this tragedy. Instead, that was solved in one page. I kid you not. Clark spends a page - one afternoon - crying and praying, and then he's fine. That's it. One afternoon of wallowing, and then he's accepted it. Not only is it unrealistic, it's just uneventful. There's no point in the rest of the book. Not only did Clark accept his new life, so did everyone else. No more conflict. No more struggle. No more story.
I guess Clark is supposed to be a Christian's fantasy: a simple yet manly man whom other men look up to who is also very spiritual. Taking this into consideration, it makes sense why Clark would get over his loss so quickly. That said, it doesn't excuse the poor storytelling. What strengthens faith is doubt. It's ironic, but it's like having day without night. You need one to really value the other. Since Clark never doubts, never struggles, neither his character nor his faith grows. This book is preachy and bland and did a disservice to the more complex character in the first Love Comes Softly book. show less
The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke is a window into the raw, complex realities of faith, identity, and the journey of a woman caught between a world of religious piety and the revolutionary love of Christ.
In this remarkable story, Oke transports us back to 33 A.D., into the heart of a tumultuous Jerusalem. We meet Mary—known as Simona—a humble, young woman whose life is abruptly shifted when Enos, a Pharisee, selects her as his wife. A rising star in the Pharisaic world, Enos views show more marriage not as a covenant of love, but as a transaction that secures his status. Mary’s destiny, like so many women of her time, is sealed by her family’s poverty, and with it, the expectations and burdens of being the wife of a Pharisee.
What makes this book truly unforgettable is Oke's exploration of the psychological and emotional landscapes of her characters. Mary’s inner conflict is palpable—trapped in a marriage with a man who views her as little more than a prized possession, her search for meaning becomes intertwined with her growing awareness of a Carpenter from Galilee who is turning the world upside down.
Enos, on the other hand, embodies the self-righteousness and pride that so often defines the Pharisee’s pursuit of power. His ambition blinds him to the deeper call of truth that Jesus represents. Through Oke’s masterful prose, we see the devastating effects of pride and ambition, but also the transformative power of grace and redemption.
I was particularly moved by Oke’s portrayal of Mary’s internal struggle, the subtle tension between loyalty to her husband and the growing pull of a Savior who promises to rewrite everything she knows about love and worth. There’s a poignant moment when Mary reflects on the difference between believing in God and truly knowing Him—a question that resonates deeply in a world still grappling with the same divide.
Oke’s narrative is rich with biblical truth. She captures the heart of the Gospel message through the lives of characters who must grapple with the questions of faith, identity, and sacrifice. As Mary and Enos are swept into the life-altering events surrounding Jesus’ ministry, Oke expertly highlights the way the Messiah's message of love and redemption infiltrates every corner of life.
The Pharisee’s Wife is a story of a soul’s journey toward redemption, a woman’s discovery of her true worth, and a man’s reckoning with the truth that changes everything. It’s a reminder that no one, no matter their status or sin, is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Oke balanced historical accuracy with deep emotional depth. As someone who loves both the historical and spiritual aspects of biblical fiction, I was captivated by how Oke wove the past and the present together in a way that felt both personal and powerful. The ending is profound, leaving me with a renewed sense of awe at the sacrifice of Jesus and the impact His life continues to have on all of humanity.
The Pharisee’s Wife is, without a doubt, a must-read for anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, but it is especially powerful for readers who crave a story that goes beyond surface-level romance and delves into the heart of faith. Oke’s storytelling is as compelling as it is convicting, and I find myself reflecting on the themes of redemption, grace, and transformation long after finishing the book.
For those ready to dive deep into the world of first-century Israel and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel through the eyes of a woman caught in the throes of duty and faith, this book will not disappoint. Mary’s story is one of incredible depth, and through her journey, we are reminded that Jesus sees the heart, not the outward appearances, and His love knows no bounds.
This book will linger in your soul and ignite a profound reflection on the path your own faith is taking. Highly recommended!
Be sure to read “A Note from the Author” —Oke’s heartfelt reflections that unveil powerful insights, enriching the story with profound layers of meaning that will leave you deeply moved.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the fantastic writing and story’s incredible content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less
In this remarkable story, Oke transports us back to 33 A.D., into the heart of a tumultuous Jerusalem. We meet Mary—known as Simona—a humble, young woman whose life is abruptly shifted when Enos, a Pharisee, selects her as his wife. A rising star in the Pharisaic world, Enos views show more marriage not as a covenant of love, but as a transaction that secures his status. Mary’s destiny, like so many women of her time, is sealed by her family’s poverty, and with it, the expectations and burdens of being the wife of a Pharisee.
What makes this book truly unforgettable is Oke's exploration of the psychological and emotional landscapes of her characters. Mary’s inner conflict is palpable—trapped in a marriage with a man who views her as little more than a prized possession, her search for meaning becomes intertwined with her growing awareness of a Carpenter from Galilee who is turning the world upside down.
Enos, on the other hand, embodies the self-righteousness and pride that so often defines the Pharisee’s pursuit of power. His ambition blinds him to the deeper call of truth that Jesus represents. Through Oke’s masterful prose, we see the devastating effects of pride and ambition, but also the transformative power of grace and redemption.
I was particularly moved by Oke’s portrayal of Mary’s internal struggle, the subtle tension between loyalty to her husband and the growing pull of a Savior who promises to rewrite everything she knows about love and worth. There’s a poignant moment when Mary reflects on the difference between believing in God and truly knowing Him—a question that resonates deeply in a world still grappling with the same divide.
Oke’s narrative is rich with biblical truth. She captures the heart of the Gospel message through the lives of characters who must grapple with the questions of faith, identity, and sacrifice. As Mary and Enos are swept into the life-altering events surrounding Jesus’ ministry, Oke expertly highlights the way the Messiah's message of love and redemption infiltrates every corner of life.
The Pharisee’s Wife is a story of a soul’s journey toward redemption, a woman’s discovery of her true worth, and a man’s reckoning with the truth that changes everything. It’s a reminder that no one, no matter their status or sin, is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Oke balanced historical accuracy with deep emotional depth. As someone who loves both the historical and spiritual aspects of biblical fiction, I was captivated by how Oke wove the past and the present together in a way that felt both personal and powerful. The ending is profound, leaving me with a renewed sense of awe at the sacrifice of Jesus and the impact His life continues to have on all of humanity.
The Pharisee’s Wife is, without a doubt, a must-read for anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, but it is especially powerful for readers who crave a story that goes beyond surface-level romance and delves into the heart of faith. Oke’s storytelling is as compelling as it is convicting, and I find myself reflecting on the themes of redemption, grace, and transformation long after finishing the book.
For those ready to dive deep into the world of first-century Israel and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel through the eyes of a woman caught in the throes of duty and faith, this book will not disappoint. Mary’s story is one of incredible depth, and through her journey, we are reminded that Jesus sees the heart, not the outward appearances, and His love knows no bounds.
This book will linger in your soul and ignite a profound reflection on the path your own faith is taking. Highly recommended!
Be sure to read “A Note from the Author” —Oke’s heartfelt reflections that unveil powerful insights, enriching the story with profound layers of meaning that will leave you deeply moved.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the fantastic writing and story’s incredible content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less
I loved this ChristFic book when I first read it back in my teens. Something about a young heroine in an uncertain season between high school and college spoke to me. It's still comforting to see that Virginia's uncertainty and unraveling plans don't mean that she'll have no way to make it.
While I still greatly appreciate that aspect of the story, I'll admit Virginia's character irritated me somewhat this time around. She's pretty timid and tongue-tied while the young men she meets do pretty show more much all the talking. The couple of times when certain characters' jerky behavior gets to Virginia and she finally shows a little fire by calling them out on it, she shrinks back afterward. She rather comes off as a "Mary Sue" beside her fast-lane, selfish...friend, Jenny—a girl Virginia has almost nothing in common with. And especially during the second half of the novel, Virginia is frequently in tears.
Also, regarding an aspect of her view on Christianity that hit me differently this time than it might have when I was an adolescent... Well, I'll say that asking questions of your faith doesn't have to mean you're losing it or in danger of doing so. A faith that can't face uncomfortable, honest questions can lead to insular beliefs that a person can only hold on to while they're in a safe bubble or in an echo chamber with people who think the same way. Many times, people don't truly grow into a faith that can last through life's confounding twists and complexities until they grapple with questions from outside of their one, limited perspective.
God can handle people asking all kinds of questions.
On a different note, I still like how this novel brings together characters from two previous series. Granted, similar to other books by this author, the story sort of just finds a place to eventually stop rather than having a real climax and resolution, and a romance squeezed in around the last ten pages doesn't make for compelling romantic development.
Even so, the gentle pacing overall, the warm cups of tea, the "everyday-ness" of regular folks working through some normal problems, the ultimate sense of hope... There are still reasons why I've turned to this author again and again for comfort reading over the years. show less
While I still greatly appreciate that aspect of the story, I'll admit Virginia's character irritated me somewhat this time around. She's pretty timid and tongue-tied while the young men she meets do pretty show more much all the talking. The couple of times when certain characters' jerky behavior gets to Virginia and she finally shows a little fire by calling them out on it, she shrinks back afterward. She rather comes off as a "Mary Sue" beside her fast-lane, selfish...friend, Jenny—a girl Virginia has almost nothing in common with. And especially during the second half of the novel, Virginia is frequently in tears.
Also, regarding an aspect of her view on Christianity that hit me differently this time than it might have when I was an adolescent... Well, I'll say that asking questions of your faith doesn't have to mean you're losing it or in danger of doing so. A faith that can't face uncomfortable, honest questions can lead to insular beliefs that a person can only hold on to while they're in a safe bubble or in an echo chamber with people who think the same way. Many times, people don't truly grow into a faith that can last through life's confounding twists and complexities until they grapple with questions from outside of their one, limited perspective.
God can handle people asking all kinds of questions.
On a different note, I still like how this novel brings together characters from two previous series. Granted, similar to other books by this author, the story sort of just finds a place to eventually stop rather than having a real climax and resolution, and a romance squeezed in around the last ten pages doesn't make for compelling romantic development.
Even so, the gentle pacing overall, the warm cups of tea, the "everyday-ness" of regular folks working through some normal problems, the ultimate sense of hope... There are still reasons why I've turned to this author again and again for comfort reading over the years. show less
I read this book (and the series) years ago when a friend introduced me to Janette Oke. The book recently came up as a free offering for Kindle so I decided to read it again. I enjoyed it both times.
The title seems to refer to the fact that most of us think that love is some frisson of energy or fireworks whenever we're together or something like that, but in reality, sometimes, love sneaks up on you. It might be that after a time of being together as friends etc. that the relationship show more deepens into love without ever having that initial spark.
In this case, Marty and Clark end up getting married for convenience: Marty's just lost her husband to a sudden illness and is pregnant with his child. Clark lost his wife within the past year and has a young daughter whom he feels needs a mother. The area preacher is a traveling one who is due to leave the next day, so for propriety's sake, they get married, even though they don't live together as husband and wife. Over time though, Marty grows to realize that she loves Clark. show less
The title seems to refer to the fact that most of us think that love is some frisson of energy or fireworks whenever we're together or something like that, but in reality, sometimes, love sneaks up on you. It might be that after a time of being together as friends etc. that the relationship show more deepens into love without ever having that initial spark.
In this case, Marty and Clark end up getting married for convenience: Marty's just lost her husband to a sudden illness and is pregnant with his child. Clark lost his wife within the past year and has a young daughter whom he feels needs a mother. The area preacher is a traveling one who is due to leave the next day, so for propriety's sake, they get married, even though they don't live together as husband and wife. Over time though, Marty grows to realize that she loves Clark. show less
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Statistics
- Works
- 244
- Also by
- 19
- Members
- 66,669
- Popularity
- #204
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 561
- ISBNs
- 1,269
- Languages
- 17
- Favorited
- 40
