Unyielding Hope

This aithror has been one of my favorites for years. These two had me hooked on the story from the beginning. A lovely redeeming book about caring for orphans. The two sisters are enchanting and likeable. The children need live and care and they find it with the sisters. This is a cozy read that will entertain while causing the reader to think deeply about children who have no homes. Let us hope there is a sequel to this one because the ending kept me wanting more.

Wow! What a fantastic and unique historical novel by favorite authors Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. Unyielding Hope tells the story of adopted Lillian who discovers that her younger is alive instead of dead as she'd been told for so many years. As the sisters reunite, younger sister Grace's love for neglected and unwanted or formerly adopted children becomes the passion of both sisters. As Grace and Lillian care for 5 young orphans, the incredible stories of each is shared. The future is unknown to all, but God's hope and grace provides for the unlikely family. Fantastic, unique story. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I was first introduced to Janette Oke through When Calls the Heart, the #1 show on The Hallmark Channel. I found this show when I was looking for something fun I could watch that would be safe for my kids to see as well. We were all hooked from there. While I haven’t read any Janette Oke books, I know she is a prolific author and wrote the books the television series is based upon.

I met Janette this past October at a Hearties Family Reunion. My husband and I attended a gathering for the show When Calls the Heart (I know, husband of the year, right?) She was speaking about her path into writing and she was so inspiring. She talked about how she felt God called her to be at home and then called her into writing at his timing. She talked about setting aside desires for a season while in a pattern of waiting. It spoke to my heart. Sometimes as moms we want to rush the ending, but we need to let the story unfold first.

This past year The Hallmark Channel released a new spinoff series to When Calls the Heart called When Hope Calls. This beautiful story is set around two sisters who have found each other, after being separated as orphans. The book Unyielding Hope is based on this television series.

As a background to my review, I have watched the entire season of When Hope Calls so when picking up this book I was coming at it as a person who somewhat knew the storyline and the characters. You do not need to have seen When Hope Calls to enjoy this book. I picked up this book to review as well as to pass some time during this Quarantine Life we find ourselves in. Right now I knew I needed a story that could help me escape.

This book did just that.

Overall the plot follows the plot of the show. Two sisters are reunited and set up an orphanage. The story of the book follows these sisters helping orphans find their forever homes. It is absolutely heartfelt and beautiful. What I loved about the book is that you get to go much deeper into the backstory of the time. Not all the characters are the same as the television show and I really enjoyed getting to know the children in the story, understanding the heartache they all went through and the beauty of faith woven throughout. The concept of faith was stronger in the book then in the television show, which was not a surprise to me as they have more liberty to dig deeper. I really enjoyed that both sisters have a different perspective of faith as the grapple with the lives they have led and the role that a Creator & Savior plays in both their lives.

I found the personalities of the sisters, Grace & Lillion to be different in the books than the shows. I like both separately but that was interesting for me in my mind to try to separate them. This is a book full of heart and once you get started you won’t want to put it down.

Unyielding Hope comes out on May 5th, 2020 and I highly recommend you pre-order your copy. It is must read for Quarantine Life. If you are a fan of When Calls the Heart of When Hope Calls this is a must own for your collection. You will find yourself pulled into the historical time period of these two sisters, your heart will ache for each of the characters as you get to know them and your faith will be built up as you watch them struggle and ultimately lean into their faith during difficult times. Do yourself a favor and put this on your reading list! It will help you unwind and unplug.

I’m already looking forward to book 2!

I cut my reading teeth on Janette Oke's books, so I have been a fan of hers for as long as I can remember, probably longer than I am old! ;) I own every book she wrote up until these last few with her daughter. I honestly have no idea why I don't have those, too; probably because I thought she had retired and was no longer writing. I am de-lighted to find that even if she did retire, Janette has a new book for me to devour and find great pleasure in reading.

Unyielding Hope does NOT disappoint the reader. It is slow in the beginning as I wondered where they were going with the story and was simply unsure of this new subject matter. That isn't to say that the beginning isn't interesting; I'm simply saying that I was in unfamiliar territory and I had no idea what to expect.

As the story unfolds with the grace and dignity typical of a Jenette Oke book, I found it increasingly difficult to put the book down and quit reading. I de-voured it, hungrily, anxious for the next event in the lives of this wonderful family I fell madly in love with.

I wanted to take Lillian into my bosom and share her pain with her as she struggled with her faith and understanding God's plan in all that was happening around her.

I wept with joy and sorrow, like Grace with Grace as I learned more of her story and of the great love she has for those in her care.

I wanted to bop Lillian over the head to get her to see sense with "her man." LOL. I admit that I love a good romance!

I cried with uninhibited joy and sorrow over little Byrony's whole story. I pray that we are not yet finished with her.

And Lemuel. Oh, heavens. Lemmy. Even at the tender manly age of 14, I wanted to love on him as only a mother is able to love her Precious.

Each of the children: Matty and Milton, Hazel and George, 'Arrison. Byrony. Lemuel. Miss Tilly. Grace. Lillian. The doctor. The Thompson's. Marisol!

UNYIELDING HOPE, like each and every one of Oke's previous books, is one I fell in love with and will remember for the rest of my life. I am excitedly looking forward to the next book in the story of this amazingly wonderful family.

I know when I pick up a Janette Oke book that I will get a story that is clean and has a solid, Biblical lesson. “Unyielding Hope” is no different. It is the story of two sisters, orphaned and separated at a young age, their discovery of each other, and how they work together to make a patchwork family with other orphans.

This is one of those “settle into a comfy chair and read” books. It’s not especially plot or character driven. It’s more the sweet story covering the lives of a few characters.

I loved the realistic picture that the authors painted with orphans and foster children, their easily-shattered worlds, and their long road to piecing together their own lives.

There were hints at romance in this, but it seemed to set up more for a more in depth romance for book two. It was sweet.

Like I said, there was a solid, Biblical message in this book. I didn’t find it to be quite as prevalent on the pages as her “Return to the Canadian West” series, for instance, but it was still a story that revolved around Christ and His work in people’s lives.

I loved this quote:

“Often it’s in the timing of things where I see God’s hand most easily.”

*I received this book from NetGalley and provided my honest review*

I remember reading Janette Oke's books some 30 years ago. I enjoyed them at that time, but never revisited them until recently. I was browsing through a list of books available to review a week or two ago, and Unyielding Hope caught my eye. Because I recognized the author, I looked closer, and liked the sound of this book. It even sounded like maybe it wasn't a romance, which appealed to me; I get tired of every book having a romance in it.
Lilian had a happy girlhood, with loving parents who had adopted her after she was left alone in the world. Now, though, her mother has died. As they struggle to come to terms with their loss, Lilian and her father plan a trip to Wales to visit his family. Then, a lawyer appears on their doorstep with the startling news that Lilian may still have a sister living. She certainly can't go to Wales with her father, knowing that if she stays home she may be able to find her long-lost sister!
When Lilian finds Grace, she is surprised to find that Grace has a “family.” Grace has made a home for several children who were brought to Canada from England to be adopted, but the children's new families sent them back. Lilian knows she wants to help Grace with the children—but how? And then, they find Lemuel. This young boy, too, has been hurt by the adoption scheme, and needs help and a family. How can all these young people, who know what it is like to be alone, help each other?
I really enjoyed the story. I've read a few books now about this child immigration scheme. It did seem that, for some of the children, things fell into place for them a little too easily to be believed. I appreciated Grace's faith in God and how she shared her faith with Lilian, and I could too easily identify with Lilian's struggles to trust God. There was a little bit of romance in the story; it wasn't a lot, but I would have enjoyed the book just as much if it hadn't been in there at all. My biggest frustration with the book, though, was the last sentence. Obviously, the story is not finished yet—I sure hope there will be a sequel to clear things up!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: No warnings!

Unyielding Hope is one of those stories that not just warms the heart but enters your thoughts about a time when the good intentions of some had unintended consequences. And sometimes, those consequences turn out just the way they should. Two young sisters lost their parents to consumption. Lillian was told her younger sister Grace also died of the disease that we know of today as tuberculosis. Little did she know, Grace survived.

Grace and Lillian, through God's grace, found each other again in His own time. To find each other after so many years and build a life together was amazing. Each had her own story, with Grace never finding a forever home through adoption and Lillian, a young woman who was afforded many opportunities is a very loving home. Grace, who grew up with so little was so open to possibilities while Lillian, was a little more reticent. Yet, she brought Grace and all of the orphan children in her care back to live in the family home in Brookfield.

I have enjoyed reading Janette Oke's stories over the years and they leave me with something to think on when the story is long gone. Unyielding Hope, written with her granddaughter Laurel Oke Logan, is a good lesson in putting things into perspective. It isn't what we have been given but what we do with what we have that matters most. Giving love when it is needed most to those who need it is far better than all the riches of the world. I heartily recommend this book for the hope it brings and the laughter the children provide in the midst of two sisters reconnecting.

Great title for such a promising endeavor. After watching the television show, When Hope Calls, I loved reading this book. The book gives an in-depth view of the background of the show. Readers will enjoy the details that are not included in the show. Loved the preface that explains about the orphan orphan. Excited to read the next installment. Recommended!

UNYIELDING HOPE by JANETTE OKE and LAUREL OKE LOGAN is the sensitively written story of two sisters, who, having themselves experienced the loss of their parents, give children a loving home while they await adoption. It is both a heart warming and heart wrenching story - heart warming when we see Lillian and Grace's unconditional love for the children in their care, and heart wrenching when we see the horrific treatment some of the children received, and the attitude of some of the members of the community.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's many children were rescued from the streets in English cities and shipped off, some of them ending in up in Canada, which is where this story takes place.
There is a great Christian message running through the book, the characters are beautifully portrayed, and it is a thought provoking and inspirational read.
I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I have loved Janette Oke’s work for more than 30 years. Hers were some of the first Christian Fiction books I read, and she hooked me. Unyeilding Hope doesn’t disappoint.

Mrs. Oke and her daughter set their story in Western Canada as many of her books. This early 20th Century setting provides a wonderful backdrop for this story of unusual family. I can’t wait for book #2 to release!

First and foremost I really enjoyed the book. I am always excited to see a new book come out with Janette Oke’s name on the front and I was not disappointed with this one! This book/series is based off the Hallmark TV show When Hope Calls. Quick clarification, it is very different. The TV show was released first so only a couple of the characters are the same. So don’t expect the TV show when reading the book or vice versa.

I was drawn into this book quickly! Both of the sisters were adorable and I enjoyed reading their stories. This book mainly follows Lillian and her perspective. But it does change perspective to a young orphan boy a few times. At first I did not like that but then it grew on me and I did not mind reading the story per his point of view.

While reading this story I could almost imagine being there and living out the book. It was extremely interesting and sad to read about the Canadian version of the orphan trains. I could never imagine the horror of being separated from a sibling. I guess that is what drew me in. I have sisters so I could understand how the sisters felt. Even though they lived different lives the sisterly bond was stronger.

I do have to mention this. If you are a true fan of Janette’s books this one was written with her daughter so the writing style was different. It was not bad but there is a difference in this book’s writing style compared to her original books.

Overall this book was excellent and I really enjoyed this vivid story. When I finished this book, I was a little sad that I finished it and would have to wait for the next book. But I most definitely will be reading the next book in this series.

So final comment… I highly recommend this story and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story from many aspects. It contains heartache, suspense, familial love, prejudice, and the power of prayer. Most of us have endured injustice and heartache but it probably doesn’t hold a candle to what these children “rescued” from the streets and sent to another country had to endure. The author does a tremendous job in bringing their plight to life in the words of this book. Wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not but was cemented to the story before halfway through the first chapter. And though I’m a big fan of happy endings, I understand why this soul-wrenching tale couldn’t be held down to just one book.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my volunteer review.

I love "When the Heart Calls," and this book is linked to a companion show that I haven't watched yet, When Hope Calls (but I want to watch it now!)

Vivid detailing quickly pull the reader in, and the story, in general, tugs at the reader's heartstrings. I haven't read many books about child immigration schemes, so that was interesting. Grace's faith was solid, and her and Lilian were easy characters to relate to. The ending paves the way for a sequel, which I look forward to reading.

Lillian and Grace. Sisters but yet different as day from night. Lillian was sheltered but Grace was exposed to the ills and troubles of life.
I loved reading about Grace's faith despite the many troubles she had gone through. The way she spoke about God's faithfulness was so inspiring. Wow! The work she was doing with adopted children was so heartwarming.
I enjoyed reading about these courageous and bold young unmarried women as they took care of orphans and street children alone. Their care, love and support of the children seeped into my hearts from the pages of this book.


I received a copy of this book from netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Janette Oke is a remarkable writer. As a kid I would visit the library as often as I could and pull her books off the shelves to read and then reread. I jumped at the chance to read her new books. I love the new series When Hope Calls. This book was so enjoyable and I hope we see more characters from the show in the next book.

Fans of these two authors will be most pleased with their latest offering. Fans of Hallmark's When Hope Calls series will also enjoy this first book in the book series by the same name, although they will notice some differences. Hearts will rejoice with the sisters' reunion, and grieve for their losses. They will rise with emotion as they come to love the children under the sisters' care, and will grow concerned over their hurts. This book is definitely not a stand-alone read as it ends with a cliff hanger. I only hope it won't be a long wait until the release of the series' second book. I am grateful to have received a copy of Unyielding Hope from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

When I learned that Janette Oke and her daughter Laurel Oke Logan had released a new book, I was absolutely thrilled. Reading books by this duo feels like coming home. Since I was a teenager, Janette Oke has been a staple in my reading repertoire. To still be reading her books decades later is the ultimate comfort.

Their latest series, When Hope Calls, is a spin-off of their previous When Calls the Heart trilogy. The first book, Unyielding Hope, is a gentle read, presenting a bevy of characters that will hopefully continue to appear in future novels. In many ways, this book feels like an introduction, with the ending clearly leaving knots unraveled.

In Unyielding Hope, we meet two sisters who are working to provide homes for children from the British Children’s Home Society. I loved learning about the plights of these children, and my interest was quickly piqued as my heart rooted for each child. With a heart-warming and compassionate tone, this story is one that resonated with me.

I encourage you to grab onto this book. It promises to be the start of a great new series.

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

#Unyielding Hope# by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is an historical fiction book. takes place during the Janette has written over 70 books. She received the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for her significant contribution to Christian fiction, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award and has been awarded the Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and enjoy their many grandchildren. She lives in Canada. This outstanding book takes place in the 1800's. in the Industrial Revolution. During that time period there were many orphans . Many people died of diseases . The children were left on the street as orphans. These orphans were sent to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and some parts of Africa to be adopted. These children were not often treated well. They were often abused. The author writes this outstanding book to ask us are " We able to meet the challenges in our generation and be Jesus' hands and feet?, " The characters are well described . The setting is Canada. The reader will feel like they are truly experiencing the difficult days of life during the 1800's . I walked away from the book thinking about the characters and reliving the beauty of this book. I commend the author for this excellent book and reminding us not to allow this to happen again. The themes are forgiveness, unyielding hope , steadfast love, Jesus hands and feet for the weak . Thank you to the publisher and netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are my own . I will share my review with Amazon, facebook netgalley , Goodreads, Bookhub, my blog, with the church staff. ,

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan takes us to Brookfield, Alberta, Canada where Lillian Walsh lives with her father. Lillian deeply misses her adoptive mother who recently passed away. They are preparing to depart for Wales where Mr. Walsh will be giving a series of lectures as well as visiting his family. Mr. Dorn, a lawyer, arrives to inform Lillian that she has inheritance from her birth parents and that her baby sister, Grace is still alive. Lillian is shocked because she had been told that Grace died with her parents. Lillian postpones leaving and works with the law firm to locate Grace. The sisters have a tearful reunion that touches those in attendance. Grace is a joyful woman of deep faith and hope. Grace has begun an undertaking that will change the course of Lillian’s life. Unyielding Hope is the debut novel in When Hope Calls series. I always look forward to a novel by Janette Oke (I have been reading them since I was a teen). I know I will be getting a well-written Christian novel featuring a likeable female protagonist. I got myself comfortable and began reading this engaging historical novel that quickly transported me back in time. I was not disappointed with Unyielding Hope. Two sisters separated at a young age who rediscover each other. They take on children who are without parents or a home. They create a special family for these orphans. I like how the sisters treated these poor kids. They did not view them as a burden or extra help. The sisters gave them love, structure and a safe home. The authors deal with the topic of Home Children. A program where hundreds of children from England were transported to various countries that included New Zealand, Australia, and Canada (the author’s preface explains the program). We get a realistic picture of what life was like for these children. Some were fortunate and found good homes, but many of these kids were treated like farm hands and servants. They would be discarded like a newspaper in a recycling bin. I loved the kids in this tale. There were a variety of ages and personalities. It is just terrible what they had been through in their young lives. I found it delightful how Harrison would introduce himself to people. There is a hint of romance in this story which I believe it will be explored further in the next book. I am glad that it was not the prevalent theme in the book. There are good Biblical messages in the story. Grace was a woman with a strong faith. I like how she expressed it and showed by example. Hope is the dominant theme throughout the story. Unyielding Hope is a touching story that will linger with you long after you finish it.

I love Janette Oke and was excited to see she has a new book out. Her When Calls the Heart books are a favorite of mine. I also love the TV series based off the books on the Hallmark channel. This book is also a series on the Hallmark channel, When Hope Calls. If you love historical Christian fiction, than this book will be a great read for you. The story of the sisters is very heartwarming and a great read for a time like this.

I was blessed to receive an e copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

What an incredible story of two young women, sisters, orphaned and separated as children, living in frontier towns of Canada, finding each other again in adulthood.

Lillian is still learning to live without her mother, and struggling to find God's love and peace in her life, but she is given a gift... the gift of the sister she thought she lost many years ago. Grace , a vibrant soul, comes in to Lillian's life, with a whole slew of children in tow -- orphaned children that wants to send to good homes. The work that these two will do together in their new sistership and new life getting to know each other again, is equally inspiring and amazing.

What I love about the historical details in this book is that I'm learning about new things from the Okes. I learned about Home Children, who were sent away from other over-crowded countries, to Canada. These children were adopted into homes there, usually farms. For some, perhaps this move was the best thing that could have happened to them, for others, it left them scarred.

This story is greatly intriguing, illustrates God's graciousness to us, and honestly... I'm really anticipating what happens next to Lillian and Grace! Can't wait for book #2 of the When Hope Calls book series.

A clean read. Suitable for ages 12 and up.

* NOTE: To fans of the TV show, When Hope Calls, please note that this book series actually follows a different plotline. While some of the basics of the story may be similar, many of the events and supporting characters are quite different.

Unyielding Hope
by Janette Oke; Laurel Oke Logan
Bethany House
You Like Them You Are Auto-Approved
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 05 May 2020 | Archive Date 05 Jun 2020

Thanks to Net Galley and Bethany House for the ARC of this book. I have patrons who will really like this book and the "barely"descirbed romance. Some of our patrons find other romance books too steamy so this book and authors provide me an opportunity to give them more of what they want.
Great book! Tear-Jerker.

I have loved Janette Oke as an author since I was young, but it has been years since I have read any of her books. This one, though new was like a long lost friend. I missed the wilds of Canada and her good Christian message. It was a blessing in this world. I am hoping this book is a part of a series as I was left with so many questions, but the main conflicts were resolved enough that for the most part I was satisfied.

I love the relationships, I love the premise. There was so much I didn't know about the treatment of orphans in this time and place. I love the overall message of healing.

Welcome back Janette Oke, and Laurel! As someone who grew up on the Love Comes Softly series, and so many of Janette's other books, I was excited to learn about this new one, and knew I had to read it!
This book is based on true stories in history, about the Home Children, whom I had never heard of before. I love to read stories based on real history.
For any of you who enjoyed reading Janette One's stories before, or who enjoy historical fiction based on true stories, this is a very enjoyable and informative book!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you so much! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A story of Home Children who were sent from England to Canada. Lillian has lost her mother and is about to travel overseas with her adopted father when she is made aware of her birth parents' estate in the US and that her sister had actually survived. She stays behind determined to find her sister. Even though others had already tried to find her sister, Lillian's insight makes it possible. When she finds Grace, she learns that she has been caring for outcasts from an orphanage and then becomes involved herself. A very interesting story of love in a family of a different kind. It brings to life what was possible in the lives of children who were taken away, with no control, from their country and given away, often with no follow up.
It takes special people to be foster her parents. I am acquainted with a young woman who has such a heart for children. I have the utmost respect for her and her family, and the difficulties they have been though. And that's without changing countries. This book has beautiful and special characters to get to know. God's lessons and wisdom unfold. I can't wait until the next book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #UnyieldingHope #NetGalley

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for a gifted digital copy of Unyeilding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan.

Unyielding Home is book 1 in the When Hope Calls series. Yes, this is the same series as the Hallmark Channel tv series. If you've seen the tv series should you read the book? Absolutely yes. They are not exact duplicates. I enjoyed the tv series and loved this book.

Lillian and Grace are sisters that have been separated for most of their lives, since the death of their parents. Lillian is adopted by a wonderful and loving couple. She is told her sister died shortly after her parents. Grace grew up in orphanages and was never adopted. She finds her passion and calling in helping orphans like herself. When Lillian finds Grace she has taken in some of the children from the children's home. Together they take the children to Lillian's father's home and create a temporary family until the children can be adopted.

I enjoyed the preface by the authors describing home children. Home children are orphans who came to Canada from England. Some were adopted into families but unfortunately many were also treated more like indentured servants. Sadly many were abused. The children in Grace's care were home children.

I like that the characters are strong in their own ways but they are not perfect. They make mistakes. There are struggles with faith. This is an uplifting and positive book about faith, family and unconditional love.

Janette Oke is a longtime favorite author of mine. I adore her Love Comes Softly and When Calls the Heart the series. There is an enjoyable crossover in this series with When Calls the Heart. Hope Valley and some of my favorite residents make an appearance in this book.

This is a beautiful beginning to a new series by Janette Oke and her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan. I am so excited to continue this series.

Christian
June 5, 2020

Unyielding Hope was written by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. It is book one in the When Hope Calls series.

Summary: Lillian Walsh has endured more family tragedies than most. So when she discovers her sister is alive, she is determined to find her.

What she finds though, is quite a bit more family than she ever bargained for.

Can Lillian let go of the past, learn to trust God, and move forward in her new life?

My Thoughts: This story drew me in, and didn’t let go. I was absolutely fascinated (and saddened) by the stories of the children in this book as I know they are representative of things that happened to real children in history past.

The characters were well-written, and the plot so interesting, I couldn’t help but be engrossed in the story.

I really enjoyed it, and would read it again. Only one word of warning though. THIS BOOK IS A CLIFFHANGER! Aarrgghhh! I am glad I didn’t read it in May when it came out, because I don’t think the next one comes out until June of 2021. Yikes.

It really is a wonderful book though (despite the cliffhanger ending.) I highly recommend it, and am looking forward to the next one (rather anxiously!)

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

Mini Review: I'm a big fan of the TV show When Hope Calls (and of course, When Calls the Heart!) on Hallmark, so the moment I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to request it! I'm happy I did! It's really different from the TV show, but still a very good book, that I would definitely recommend!