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A Prairie Legacy #3
A Quiet Strength
Book 3 of A Prairie Legacy. A new marriage brings both joy and strain, refining Virginia into a woman of character and godliness.
369 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1999
About the author
Janette Oke
310 books3,585 followersJanette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
January 27, 2018
I found this novel even better than the first two.
Virginia is now all grown up and tending her own household, but troubles still manage to dampen her spirit.
This novel followed Virginia as she got married and became a mother.
I loved her relationship with Jonathan. They are a perfect fit for one another, and they managed to meet each obstacle that came their way with grace and peace.
I loved how real and genuine the struggles Virginia went through were. Not only did she survive this new period of her life, but she managed to thrive and mature further.
Another delightful novel, rich in faith, by Janette Oke.
Virginia is now all grown up and tending her own household, but troubles still manage to dampen her spirit.
This novel followed Virginia as she got married and became a mother.
I loved her relationship with Jonathan. They are a perfect fit for one another, and they managed to meet each obstacle that came their way with grace and peace.
I loved how real and genuine the struggles Virginia went through were. Not only did she survive this new period of her life, but she managed to thrive and mature further.
Another delightful novel, rich in faith, by Janette Oke.
March 23, 2016
This series is even better than the Love Comes Softly books; I really enjoyed this one.
July 31, 2008
This is the continuing saga of Virginia Simpson. It follows her spiritual and emotional struggles as she works through a wedding, adoption, birth, and death of a grandmother.
What I especially enjoyed about this story was the struggles she went through as a new bride with many duties. This is not a subject that gets discussed very often and yet almost everyone who marries goes through this type of inner turmoil.
I felt that Oke captured it well and made it something I could relate to. It made me feel like I was not alone and brought up a good discussion in my own relationships.
What I especially enjoyed about this story was the struggles she went through as a new bride with many duties. This is not a subject that gets discussed very often and yet almost everyone who marries goes through this type of inner turmoil.
I felt that Oke captured it well and made it something I could relate to. It made me feel like I was not alone and brought up a good discussion in my own relationships.
January 25, 2021
I came across this while I was browsing Goodreads and thought for sure I had read this as a teen. I was going to re-read it for the "one you read more than 10 years ago" challenge in book bingo. But I really don't hardly remember any of the story. Maybe a little. But I will probably try to find something else for this challenge since I'm somewhat in doubt.
This is related to the Love Comes Softly books but is a couple of generations down the line. The story is about a young woman navigating the first few years of marriage and all the things that interfere with what she imagined life would be like. Fairly sweet and mild, although there's some serious bad stuff going on with a childhood friend. A little too preachy. Very fast read.
This is related to the Love Comes Softly books but is a couple of generations down the line. The story is about a young woman navigating the first few years of marriage and all the things that interfere with what she imagined life would be like. Fairly sweet and mild, although there's some serious bad stuff going on with a childhood friend. A little too preachy. Very fast read.
July 24, 2022
The book appears to have been set with a slow pace over the life of Virginia and her marriage to Jonathan. The pace of the storyline is perfect for one who loves olden kind of setups of courtship and Christian values and marriage. The book is written from Virginia's perspective and thus it may explain a few of the gaps that left me with questions.
Loved listening to the book, but I felt that the writer had left a few things unresolved especially regarding Jennie, I understand she didn't trust God because of what she has been through, I also understand that she chose not to be a mother to Mindy and did not even regret not building a relationship with her daughter. I understand that the husband passed away, but that portion felt like it was unresolved, how long would she be in denial of the love of God and that of her child.
Virginia on the other hand, had a lot of love to give and lot of faith in her heart. She loved everyone around her despite having doubts and natural feelings of the situation around her, I love that the writer ensured, she brought the remorsefulness side of Virginia when she was becoming selfish, that was beautifully done in the book.
Loved listening to the book, but I felt that the writer had left a few things unresolved especially regarding Jennie, I understand she didn't trust God because of what she has been through, I also understand that she chose not to be a mother to Mindy and did not even regret not building a relationship with her daughter. I understand that the husband passed away, but that portion felt like it was unresolved, how long would she be in denial of the love of God and that of her child.
Virginia on the other hand, had a lot of love to give and lot of faith in her heart. She loved everyone around her despite having doubts and natural feelings of the situation around her, I love that the writer ensured, she brought the remorsefulness side of Virginia when she was becoming selfish, that was beautifully done in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
I am reading these so rapidly, I love them so far! I would have to say number two in the series is my favorite at the moment, but onto the next (and final) book in the set. Definitely recommend! The struggles that Virginia face are easily relatable--the want for attention, frustration, annoyance--I find it all put together in a great way to help the reader with those very same struggles. So good!
August 10, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up. This had a sweet premise, but everything just felt so rushed. The copy I had was 250 pages, but should have been more like 400 with all the content. Overall, great book, but a let down after the first two.
September 6, 2013
Loved this book (Perhaps my favorite in the series) although better having read the others in this series (A Prairie Legacy) & even more so following the (Love Comes Softly) series. A definite re-read.
September 23, 2007
I thought this was very good.
August 31, 2020
I absolutely adore this book! It is such a sweet book. Jonathon is such a great guy! I also like the twist of the addition of Mindy to the family. Cant wait to read the finale.
August 17, 2026
Another hard-hitting, sweet, and relatable book from Janette Oke!
One thing I hate is the large time skips between books, so I was thankful there wasn't too big of a gap between 2 and 3.
Jonathan definitely grew on me in this one. I see that he and Virginia are better than Jamison was. My thing is, why did she have to fall in love with Jamison and think she was going to marry him?? It caused so much heartache--for me and her.
I loved seeing Virginia's struggles as a newlywed. So many stories end at the wedding, but truly, that is only the beginning. I think it's helpful to not see marriage as "and they lived happily ever after" all the time. Virginia loved Jonathan, but marriage didn't turn out to be all that she had hoped. Her disappointment over living with Grandma Withers, with not spending as much time with Jonathan... it was very realistic.
Speaking of Grandma Withers, I love her. She's the best! I miss her. ❤️
When Jenny visited the first time with Mindy, I was mentally begging Virginia to take that child from her. I'm so glad Mindy is safe. People like Jenny and Hayden have no right to have children. I loved seeing Virginia and Jonathan's tender love for Mindy, as well as their struggles with her temper.
Jenny, my dear, men who don't want children, generally speaking, are walking red flags.
As much as I struggle with Jenny, the fact that she didn't get the dignity of being Hayden's widow cut deep. He was the only one she ever loved, the one she gave everything for, and he didn't love her in the end. In truth, she deserves that, but it still hurts.
I will miss this series when it's over. 😭
One thing I hate is the large time skips between books, so I was thankful there wasn't too big of a gap between 2 and 3.
Jonathan definitely grew on me in this one. I see that he and Virginia are better than Jamison was. My thing is, why did she have to fall in love with Jamison and think she was going to marry him?? It caused so much heartache--for me and her.
I loved seeing Virginia's struggles as a newlywed. So many stories end at the wedding, but truly, that is only the beginning. I think it's helpful to not see marriage as "and they lived happily ever after" all the time. Virginia loved Jonathan, but marriage didn't turn out to be all that she had hoped. Her disappointment over living with Grandma Withers, with not spending as much time with Jonathan... it was very realistic.
Speaking of Grandma Withers, I love her. She's the best! I miss her. ❤️
When Jenny visited the first time with Mindy, I was mentally begging Virginia to take that child from her. I'm so glad Mindy is safe. People like Jenny and Hayden have no right to have children. I loved seeing Virginia and Jonathan's tender love for Mindy, as well as their struggles with her temper.
Jenny, my dear, men who don't want children, generally speaking, are walking red flags.
As much as I struggle with Jenny, the fact that she didn't get the dignity of being Hayden's widow cut deep. He was the only one she ever loved, the one she gave everything for, and he didn't love her in the end. In truth, she deserves that, but it still hurts.
I will miss this series when it's over. 😭
November 12, 2019
4.5 stars
January 10, 2024
In cartea asta nu se poate întâmpla nimica rău? Nici măcar o dată?
Bine, poate exagerez, dar haide...au făcut o operație la un amarat de câine și bam, era dintr-o dată bine și în viața...
E o viață normală, liniștită, pe care cei mai mulți o vor,de care alții se feresc...și m-am plictisit
Bine, poate exagerez, dar haide...au făcut o operație la un amarat de câine și bam, era dintr-o dată bine și în viața...
E o viață normală, liniștită, pe care cei mai mulți o vor,de care alții se feresc...și m-am plictisit
May 28, 2024
The story of Virginia continues. She's grown up now - married and starting a family. But she endures a lot of ups and downs. She learns that life is full of hardships, victories, blessings, and friendships. She endures a lot with a quiet strength she finds in God.
We also see a continuation of Jenny's story. She seems to be the opposite of Virginia - learning lessons the hard way and letting them ruin her. She refuses to hear about God, and her life shows it.
A couple of new characters are introduced and I look forward to seeing where their stories go.
We also see a continuation of Jenny's story. She seems to be the opposite of Virginia - learning lessons the hard way and letting them ruin her. She refuses to hear about God, and her life shows it.
A couple of new characters are introduced and I look forward to seeing where their stories go.
November 10, 2021
The books in this series are like a warm hug. These are my people. I would love to sit on the porch swing with Virginia and Belinda, sipping lemonade and chatting. I also fully enjoy the Christian values that are presented. And so I chuckled at Martha's antics and shed a tear or two with Virginia as she matured, and I breathed deeply in familiar, comforting space.
What I liked about A Quiet Strength:
Once again, there are good life lessons - It's no surprise by this point in the series that Jenny is headstrong and wants to have things her own way, with a hair flip and a foot stomp. But sometimes we get so caught up in having our own way that we fail to see how we're really just hurting ourselves. We are prone to thinking, like Jenny, that old fashioned morals and walking the "straight and narrow" means God has a goal of ruining our fun; it isn't until we experience true faith that we see what God is really about and how it's always to our benefit.
The passage of time feels realistic - Navigating new marriage, motherhood, friendship, faith. The path Virginia travels isn't always tied up in neat bows. There are growing pains and missteps, and, man, if they don't just strike a nerve deep in my gut. I love that Virginia isn't perfect, despite Jenny's assessment, and that she isn't afraid to face it on her knees in prayer.
What I didn't care for:
Some structural "stuff" - More hesitating speech (though not as troublesome as previously encountered) and a few issues that should have been caught by proofreading. Nothing major.
Worth noting:
This is definitely Christian fiction. It isn't preachy or in your face (if you've read any of this series or the Love Comes Softly series or really anything at all by Ms Oke, this is par for the course), just people living out their faith and seeking forgiveness and comfort from life's struggles. Mostly, it's all just very wholesome, but know that Ms Oke does not shy away from placing faith at the very heart of her characters' lives.
I devoured this book. My soul was hungry for it. After all the weight the of the previous three books I picked up (one of which I couldn't even make it through twenty pages), I needed something that would feed me and this was it. Not to say that Virginia doesn't struggle, because Janette Oke's books are not stranger to suffering and challenges, but the way it is approached is like a balm to me. I identify with it; I am bolstered by it in my own walk of life. It won't be long before I'm reaching, with some regret, for the final book in this series, and what I assume will be my last time spent with the ever-expanding Davis clan.
What I liked about A Quiet Strength:
Once again, there are good life lessons - It's no surprise by this point in the series that Jenny is headstrong and wants to have things her own way, with a hair flip and a foot stomp. But sometimes we get so caught up in having our own way that we fail to see how we're really just hurting ourselves. We are prone to thinking, like Jenny, that old fashioned morals and walking the "straight and narrow" means God has a goal of ruining our fun; it isn't until we experience true faith that we see what God is really about and how it's always to our benefit.
The passage of time feels realistic - Navigating new marriage, motherhood, friendship, faith. The path Virginia travels isn't always tied up in neat bows. There are growing pains and missteps, and, man, if they don't just strike a nerve deep in my gut. I love that Virginia isn't perfect, despite Jenny's assessment, and that she isn't afraid to face it on her knees in prayer.
What I didn't care for:
Some structural "stuff" - More hesitating speech (though not as troublesome as previously encountered) and a few issues that should have been caught by proofreading. Nothing major.
Worth noting:
This is definitely Christian fiction. It isn't preachy or in your face (if you've read any of this series or the Love Comes Softly series or really anything at all by Ms Oke, this is par for the course), just people living out their faith and seeking forgiveness and comfort from life's struggles. Mostly, it's all just very wholesome, but know that Ms Oke does not shy away from placing faith at the very heart of her characters' lives.
I devoured this book. My soul was hungry for it. After all the weight the of the previous three books I picked up (one of which I couldn't even make it through twenty pages), I needed something that would feed me and this was it. Not to say that Virginia doesn't struggle, because Janette Oke's books are not stranger to suffering and challenges, but the way it is approached is like a balm to me. I identify with it; I am bolstered by it in my own walk of life. It won't be long before I'm reaching, with some regret, for the final book in this series, and what I assume will be my last time spent with the ever-expanding Davis clan.
July 3, 2009
I don't know why I had such a difficult time with this book the first time I read it but I loved it this time around. You absolutely have to read the first two before this one and recognize that there is a fourth. Also, I imagine reading the series that comes before this one would help even more, but it still makes sense without that background knowledge.
I feel this book was even better than the first two. Virginia grew a lot! There was more character development (and a little more excitement) throughout this book than the others I thought.
I chuckled a little at Virginia's troubles She sure grew and matured a lot in the first chapters of the book.
I greatly admire Jonathon. How many men wouldn't get defensive in an argument but just quietly apologize and then work off his steam somewhere else? And he is very hard working, dedicated, has high standards and morals, and his heart is always in the right place. Seriously, that's a good guy right there.
My heart ached for little Mindy. No child should have to endure the things she went through. Seriously, what's up with Jenny?! She just shows up after years of no contact, hangs around for a few hours or a day and then just disappears again? And the whole time she's there, she insults and berates Virginia. I was livid with her behavior If she doesn't appear in the fourth book, I will not be sad.
I feel this book was even better than the first two. Virginia grew a lot! There was more character development (and a little more excitement) throughout this book than the others I thought.
I chuckled a little at Virginia's troubles She sure grew and matured a lot in the first chapters of the book.
I greatly admire Jonathon. How many men wouldn't get defensive in an argument but just quietly apologize and then work off his steam somewhere else? And he is very hard working, dedicated, has high standards and morals, and his heart is always in the right place. Seriously, that's a good guy right there.
My heart ached for little Mindy. No child should have to endure the things she went through. Seriously, what's up with Jenny?! She just shows up after years of no contact, hangs around for a few hours or a day and then just disappears again? And the whole time she's there, she insults and berates Virginia. I was livid with her behavior If she doesn't appear in the fourth book, I will not be sad.
May 4, 2009
Jenny returns for a visit looking rather badly with a neglected child (Mindy). Jonathan returns from a trip west to court Virginia but just can't wait so they marry after only 2 weeks. After living with Grandmother Withers the newlyweds move into their own home on the ranch but Jenny returns again and leaves her young daughter. Mindy is a handful and becomes even more so when Virginia gives birth to a daughter (Martha) After a time Grandmother Withers also moves in with Virginia and Jonathan (she helps Mindy to come out of her shell and learn to love and help others). It is a time for Virginia to find herself by giving herself to others. The book ends with the death of Jenny's ex husband though she herself is still not ready to come home or make any changes. Grandmother Wither's also passes away. Jonathan's nephew Slate is granted permission to stay at the ranch and work with Jonathan. Mindy begins school and Virginia tells Jonathan that she is expecting their second child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2017
I am both happy and sad. This book was amazing! But when you finish it you feel (at least I do) sad because there is only one other book in the series. Janette Oke is an amazing author, her books are always good, well that is what I think anyway. Virginia gets married to ____ and they have a happy life together (for those who haven't read the second or first book, don't feel disappointed). They 'adopt' a child and have one of their own. But very soon Virginia realizes that a married life is not what she had expected. She feels alone, and most of the time prays about it. Virginia's life doesn't go exactly as planned... but she gets through it all.
Right now I am wondering what will happen to Jenny. Will she come back for Mindy? Will Jenny give up the life she has lived for a MUCH better one? and finally: Will Virginia's prayers come true? (those questions haven't been answered in this book)
Right now I am wondering what will happen to Jenny. Will she come back for Mindy? Will Jenny give up the life she has lived for a MUCH better one? and finally: Will Virginia's prayers come true? (those questions haven't been answered in this book)
March 25, 2024
This was such a good read! Virginia truly grown up and is facing the trials of marriage and adulthood. She has become much more rounded as a character. Her responsibility to care and love God’s children- her children and husband, those in need, and aging family members is truly called upon.
Possessing “a quiet strength” is an attribute that everyone could benefit from… Especially if the alternative is chaotic resistance to life’s storms.
Possessing “a quiet strength” is an attribute that everyone could benefit from… Especially if the alternative is chaotic resistance to life’s storms.
June 22, 2017
I think Mrs. Oke did an excellent job of portraying life after marriage (and children!) in this saga of Virginia's life. It is nice to read a story that doesn't end with "happily ever after". Although I have never been married, I think this captures what a realistic marriage would be like. Struggle after struggle, with the love and encouragement to see one another through.
June 18, 2010
I must say, Virginia has far more patience with her friend Jenny than I ever would!! ...I really enjoyed the romance between Virginia and Jonathan. Does he have any brothers who live in this time period?!
January 8, 2011
I really liked this book!!! The main character learned how to be selfless and more caring in the midst of chaos. She also learned how to trust God in hard times and deal with disappointments and loss.
March 30, 2013
Don't know if it is me or the book, but I am beginning to appreciate these books more. This one seemed to be somewhat a faster read! I may have to go back at some point and re-read these and see how I feel about them then!
January 24, 2016
I am so enjoying this series!!! It is so much fun to re-visit characters from the "Love Comes Softly" series, as well as meet some new ones. :)
September 3, 2026
These are just such practical books and proof that while so much changes over time, so much stays the same. Problems Viriginia deals with in this book in the 1910-1920's, (guessing this time period because they get a phone installed) are similar 100 years later. Adjusting to marriage and letting go of expectations and working on communication. Dealing with your husband's family - ah, you think you are just marrying your husband? Virginia had to live in her husband’s grandmother’s house while he started building their house on their land. Not a very romantic start to marriage! And then shortly after she finally got to move into her new house, and just had her new baby, more family complications came along! Even complications from her friend Jenny and Jenny's daughter Mindy, who would throw tantrums. Jonathan was so sweet and patient with her.
The part with the grandmother really touched my heart. Scroll down a bit if you want to keep reading because for this particular book I need to spoil what happens.
The grandmother broke her leg and couldn’t take care of herself, so Virginia and Jonathan had to move her into their living room of their new house, since she also couldn’t climb the stairs to one of the bedrooms. Virginia struggled with her attitude about all this even though the grandmother was very sweet, like my mom, but also wanted to stay as independent as possible, like mom, which complicated things - I could so relate!!! Eventually she healed up enough and insisted on moving into a boarding house to give the young couple their privacy, but she didn’t know anyone there and her room was small and it was kind of heartbreaking - made me even more sure that I don’t want to have to put mom into a nursing home, even if it means bringing her into my home, which they eventually did again, and Virginia missed her so much when she passed on about a year later.
The part with the grandmother really touched my heart. Scroll down a bit if you want to keep reading because for this particular book I need to spoil what happens.
The grandmother broke her leg and couldn’t take care of herself, so Virginia and Jonathan had to move her into their living room of their new house, since she also couldn’t climb the stairs to one of the bedrooms. Virginia struggled with her attitude about all this even though the grandmother was very sweet, like my mom, but also wanted to stay as independent as possible, like mom, which complicated things - I could so relate!!! Eventually she healed up enough and insisted on moving into a boarding house to give the young couple their privacy, but she didn’t know anyone there and her room was small and it was kind of heartbreaking - made me even more sure that I don’t want to have to put mom into a nursing home, even if it means bringing her into my home, which they eventually did again, and Virginia missed her so much when she passed on about a year later.
January 24, 2020
I'm glad I'm done with this series. The stories were good, but the character of Jenny was too much! The so-called friendship between her and Virginia was not realistic at all as well as her incredible survival after two serious accidents. Then in this book, I found it hard to believe that a 9 year old child would choose to go live with an unloving birth mother and leave the comfort of a loving family. I loved the first 3-4 books in the Love Comes Softly series. I really enjoyed Clark and Marty and their story. I haven't felt as connected with the books about the children and grandchildren with little mention of Clark and Marty. I also didn't care for how the author concentrated on Belinda and then her daughter Virginia in this series with very little mention of the other family members. I don't usually read such long series, but I had to follow the Marty and Clark story to the end.
September 14, 2021
Virginia is finally married, but it's not what she thinks.She thinks she'll have a honeymoon, have a nice house, and just be alone with her love. But suddenly her friend Jenny decides to give her child up for adoption and Virginia and her husband Jonathon decide to take her. But Jenny's child, Mindy, has had so much trauma, that Virginia and Jonathon spend months "setting her straight". As Mindy is finally adjusting, Virginia finds out she's expecting and Mindy is NOT excited.
Through the love Virginia and Jonathon go through, they also have their arguments and tough times they have to go through. But they manage and grow closer in their love.
Through the love Virginia and Jonathon go through, they also have their arguments and tough times they have to go through. But they manage and grow closer in their love.
January 21, 2021
This book has been sitting unread on my shelf for years. I had forgotten how much I love Janette Oke. I haven’t read the first 2 books in this series, but this book was just what I needed to read at this time in my life. I can relate to so many aspects of
Virginia’s life. Seeing her shift her attitude from one of discouragement and resentment to an attitude of faith in God and a willingness to serve spoke volumes to me and convicted me about the way I’ve been handling the challenges in my own life.
Virginia’s life. Seeing her shift her attitude from one of discouragement and resentment to an attitude of faith in God and a willingness to serve spoke volumes to me and convicted me about the way I’ve been handling the challenges in my own life.
March 24, 2021
Virginia must learn to navigate marriage as a newlywed. Things aren’t the romantic fairytale that she had imagined and she has to figure out the ins and outs of married life while taking care of a live in grandmother, a surprise commitment from her wayward friend Jenny, her growing family and a new home with all the struggles that come with that. Through her hurt, anger, and resentment, God changes her heart to make her see things through His eyes and test her faith and dependence on Him and his faithfulness.
August 7, 2020
A quiet strength is #3 in Janette Oke's Prairie Legacy series. I have not read the first two but it holds up as a stand alone read. Janette says of herself...I don't see myself as a professional writer, but as a wife and mother who writes. She tells a lovely story. The book is totally clean, and God reigns supreme in the family life of almost all of the characters. You can't help but like them all. It was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews