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 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!

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!

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.

Guys, I'm still sniffling at this one.

Maybe because I know people who have been adopted, or who have fostered or been fostered. Maybe because the way these two sisters find each other. Maybe because the providence of God was seen so clearly.

In any case, this one was a tear jerker.

The two sisters are so very different. Lillian has been raised in wealth and grandeur, with a loving home, privileges and advantages, and lots of friends.

Grace has been raised in an orphanage, and has hopped around all her life.

Two totally different lives, two totally different views. Yet they unite to help orphans who have faced the same circumstances that they themselves have. And it's a beautiful tale of grace, and love, and selflessly serving.

The stories of the young children were based on true stories from the actual period in history, and that made it all the more real. The way the children are discarded so quickly, because of their circumstances, when they had nothing to do with it . . . someone needed to do something. And these two fictional sisters stepped in to help.

I must confess, I found the way that Lillian waited for her fathers response to her telegram to come in before sharing any plans with Grace quite refreshing. Too often in fiction, we have well-intentioned heroines jumping ahead of their authority figures . . . and to see her wanting her fathers advice and guidance was a blessing. The relationship the sisters had with God was sweet to read, too. This was a strong Christian book, not just in lip service, but indeed and example, as well. And that is always a plus in my book.

Miss Tilly was a sweet soul, and I adored her. I loved the advice she'd hand out, so gently. As a side note, I also appreciated her stance on women working outside of the home -- something I was wondering about playing into the story, since, of course, it's that time era.

I enjoyed the snippets of Hope Valley. With Faith and Carson Shepherd . . . well, hopefully, we'll see more of them in the upcoming books =) Rosemary and Lee figured in, as well, and we saw a glimpse of Elizabeth and her son. I'll confess -- I never finished watching the series after Jack died because it became quite like a soap opera. A very enjoyable one, granted, but there was still so. much. romance. and. drama. But, I've had experience with the books being quite different, and this one was no different. It was different, and good, and I can't wait for book 2. Especially since this one was a cliffhanger, ya'll. If that bothers you -- well, I suggest waiting for the second one before reading this one :D

So . . . romance. From this aspect, I was enjoyably surprised. I was expecting more, to be honest, and I'm totally glad that it was so mild. Both girls have suitors interested in them. There was one ((2?? I can't remember . . . )) kiss. Not really detailed, just barely-there.

I am very thankful to the publisher for a copy of this book!

Unyielding Hope is a story mostly about orphans. It definitely isn't the romance I thought it was, but the story was still good. It follows seven orphans that live with the main characters, their trials and their situations. I enjoyed it for the most part, but was disappointed in the ending. It just left a lot of stings that weren't tied up, like another book is coming. Very dissatisfying..

I loved reading about the British Children's Home Society and I learned a lot.
I first heard of this subject when I read Carrie Turansky's No Ocean too Wide.
I knew that I wanted to read more so I was happy when I discovered this book.
Grace and Lillian are two of the most remarkable ladies that you'll ever want to meet. I felt like they were the sisters I never had. I admired them very much!
The children in the story will make you want to cry when you learn each of their stories and how they came to be with Grace and then Lillian. I already knew I'd love them like my own.
There wasn't a thing that I didn't like about this book. It was very well written and some of these characters are very easy to make friends with and well, some are a little harder in getting to know. I do hope there's a sequel to this book. I don't think the children's stories are over just yet. I have a feeling there's more to tell.
I think I what I enjoyed most was when someone said that it doesn't matter who your family is. They could just be passing through or be staying awhile. They just could be your immediate family, friends or maybe just the townspeople they're still family. Where one or two is gathered in my name there I shall be also.
Another reminder is that you can run but can't hide. Grief will follow wherever you may go. God will use you when you least expect it. Miracles do happen all the time. We just need to open our eyes and see what's in front of us.
I highly recommend this book. It will leave you thinking about the people in the book long after it's over.
I really enjoyed this book! I believe you will too!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own