Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

Introduction

The first two books I ever read by Janette Oke were the second and third books in her “Love Comes Softly” series. I had purchased them not realizing there was another book set before them.

After having read the second and third books, I decided that the wise thing to do would be to read the first. I promptly checked it out from my local library, and I wasn’t disappointed.

I recently began reading again, and this series was one that I wanted to refresh in my memory. Since I owned the second and third books, I reread both of them quickly. Then, one Sunday at church I walked into my church’s library and checked out the first and fourth books.

The first book in the series “Love Comes Softly” bears that same name.

The Story

Marty is a young girl, 19, and on her way west with her husband Clem, of less than two years, who she loves as much as life itself. They are sharing the joy of the expectation of their first child.

Then, like lightning, tragedy strikes. While on a jaunt to look for help with their broken wagon, Clem is thrown from his horse and is killed.

You can just imagine how raw Marty’s emotions are, as she’s in a strange place and must rely on the help of strangers and borrowed land to bury her beloved Clem. Add to it the misery of knowing that she had no way to get back east, as the wagon trains were done traveling that way until spring.

After Clem's funeral, a man Clark Davis approaches Marty. He tells her they need each other. Clark has lost his wife and is left with a daughter under the age of two, and Marty is a woman with no way to support herself. Clark proposes that they be married so that she can be a mama to his daughter, Missie, and in turn he will provide for her and pay her fare back on the first wagon train in the spring with Missie in tow.

Marty is hurt and angry at the proposal, but is still feeling numb from the hurt. She knows that she has no choice, so she agrees to the man’s proposal. She’s angry and bitter towards him for being so cold and cruel, in her eyes. Clark doesn’t mean to be insensitive, but the traveling minister just happens to be in town and will be leaving that very afternoon.

All of this happens in the very first chapter of the book, and it gets you interested in the plot and characters enough to want to finish it as fast as you can.

After their marriage, the book goes on to tell of Marty’s adjustment to being a mother to young Missie. She rejoices every day that takes Clark away from the house. Although their marriage is only one of convenience, she cannot bear his company even in a social manner.

Gradually, Marty’s heart softens towards Clark—a man of deep faith in God. No matter how cold she is to him, he shows her nothing but kindness and generosity. She finally starts to consider what he’s lost instead of just her own pain.

Will Marty still leave come springtime? As this is a multi-book series, I’m not giving anything away by telling you that she won’t. How will a love for Clark ever come to her? Softly, sneaking up when she isn’t away.

I won’t tell you how it all comes about, that much I will leave you as a surprise.

My Thoughts and Recommendation

As with every book of Janette Oke’s that I’ve read, this one is a winner.

I do not particularly care for her style of using poor grammar for the dialog in the books, but that is to be representative of the times.

Aside from the poor grammar, the writing of the book is wonderful. Janette Oke captures the heart and soul of her characters and puts it to pen in a way that makes them come alive.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone enjoying Christian fiction, and especially those with an interest in pioneer times.