Love Comes Softly 40th Anniversary (2019) - Book Reviews

MY REVIEW

Series: Love Comes Softly (Book 1)

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 40th Anniversary ed. edition (August 6, 2019)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764234382

ISBN-13: 978-0764234385

“Marty and Clem set out for the pioneer West full of hopes and dreams. They would stake a claim of their own on the new frontier, and build a home for themselves and their family.

But just after they'd arrived and Clem had chosen the perfect setting for their new home, an accident took his life...leaving Marty alone and pregnant. Then, on the day of his funeral, Clark Davis came along...and asked Marty to marry him!

Marty was infuriated -- but with no money, no shelter, and a baby on the way, what choice did she have? Besides, Clark said he only wanted her to be a mama to his baby girl, Missie. If Marty was still unhappy come spring, he would pay for her ticket back East.

Determined not to be a burden to Clark, and intending only to earn her keep. Marty threw herself into her new role of "Mama." But she had never been anyone's mama before, and she didn't even know how to keep a house! If only she could do right by this lonely man and his daughter just long enough to earn her train fare back home...

Now, Marty must learn wholeness and love through patience and faith.”

  

First published in 1979, Janette Oke's beloved classic launched a new wave of inspirational fiction and inspired and captivated readers with its endearing story of loss and love. Adapted for television in 2003 by the Hallmark Channel, it went on to become one of their most watched films ever. Millions have laughed, wept, and rejoiced with Marty and Clark Davis, whose tragic circumstances threw them together, suddenly and unexpectedly, on the frontier prairies of the late 1800s.

Thank you to JustRead Publicity and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a print copy to review. A positive review was not required nor am I being compensated for this review. This is my first introduction to the series and to this book.

“Love Comes Softly” covers the tragic pairing of 19 year old Martha “Marty” Lucinda Dandridge with Clark Davis. After Clem Dandridge’s tragic death and the death of Clark’s wife, Clark suggests that they both get married if only for convenience. Clark needs a mama for his baby Missie while Marty needs a place to stay until she can get home to her family.

That’s all he asks – nothing more.

Marty hates Clark’s suggestion. However, he’ll give her the money to head home if she isn’t happy, but she has to agree to take Missie with her. Marty, being pregnant with Clem’s child, reluctantly agrees to the arrangement.

The first few days aren’t easy for Marty, who is angry and hurting. Still Clark doesn’t complain at all. Missie is confused as to what is going on. Marty doesn’t know the God that Clark believes in, and isn’t sure she wants to.

Marty then slowly starts making Clark’s home her home and caring for Missie. After making friends with Ma Graham, Marty learns the circumstances around Ellen’s death, this softening her own pain.

Marty and Missie start bonding and Clark learns about Marty’s secret – that she is pregnant. Clark makes sure that Marty is comfortable and taken care of, never straying from his promise from “nothin’ more”.

After Marty’s baby is born, things start changing for the Davis family. Ma Graham tells Marty about her own loss similar to that of Marty’s. But, tragedy will strike the Graham family.

Despite catastrophe and sorrow, Marty realizes through God how softly love can come and deepen the affection between two strangers in joy and sorrow.

Oke carefully crafts the story in an endearing manner. For those used to “proper” English – you won’t find it here. Many of the plains people, and those from the South (back East) talked differently (yer, thet, iffen). Some still use “iffen” today along with other words. While that might bother some readers, it is important to remember the time it is set in – education was sometimes an option and not required – children talked like their parents before them as well.

I found the “dialogue” very real and authentic, almost as if I could hear the characters talking as I read along. It brought them to life and you could feel for them and their situation. It was appropriate to the time and circumstances. If you aren’t used to this type of people, it can seem phony or fake. While it took place in the West, we don’t know the origin of the characters, only Marty mentions “back East”.

One reviewer noted the premise of the divorce idea was absurd given the time. Indeed it is. However, it is important to note, that not once in the book was the word divorce mentioned. All Clark said was that he’d give Marty the fare to get back home if she wasn’t happy.

This is book one (1) of the eight (8) “Love Comes Softly” series by Janette Oke that originated in 1979. Over 40 years, this classic has sold 1.6 million copies, and has a new look for the anniversary for a new generation of readers to enjoy.  It launched a new wave of Inspirational Fiction as well as Christian Fiction.

It was also adapted by the Hallmark Channel in 2003, becoming one of their most watched films.

It is at times heart-breaking, endearing, frustrating (especially because of Marty’s attitude), beautiful, and inspiring. It is realistic of the times and gives the reader a look at a life that wasn’t always so easy.

There are biblical passages throughout, there are religious references, and there is talk about God.

If you enjoy pioneer, settler, and Christian themed stories – I’d definitely recommend this book. I’m definitely interested in the rest of the series.

5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Janette Oke has written dozens of novels, been awarded the ECPA Gold Medallion and the Christy Award, and has influenced an entire generation of readers and writers of inspirational fiction. More than thirty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. She and her husband live near Calgary in Alberta, Canada.