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Women of the West #8
Heart of the Wilderness
She loves the woods of her childhood, but something else is calling to her . . .
Orphaned at a young age, Kendra Marty comes into the care of her only living relative, her grandfather. A trapper who lives alone in the backwoods, George McMannus doesn't know what he can offer Kendra, but one look into her green eyes and he is certain they belong together.
Papa Mac, as Kendra calls him, teaches her how to survive among the mountains and trees and rivers, but he knows his granddaughter needs an education he can't provide. What will become of Kendra when she leaves the only home she can remember to enter a scary and confusing world far from the wilderness she loves?
Orphaned at a young age, Kendra Marty comes into the care of her only living relative, her grandfather. A trapper who lives alone in the backwoods, George McMannus doesn't know what he can offer Kendra, but one look into her green eyes and he is certain they belong together.
Papa Mac, as Kendra calls him, teaches her how to survive among the mountains and trees and rivers, but he knows his granddaughter needs an education he can't provide. What will become of Kendra when she leaves the only home she can remember to enter a scary and confusing world far from the wilderness she loves?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
69 people are currently reading
1440 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
347 books3,450 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 99 reviews
August 13, 2021
I know that this is not a new story but I absolutely loved reading it. I thought it was a beautiful story and in my opinion it is the best book of the series and maybe the best book I've read this year.
The story focuses on a Grandfather and his little granddaughter. Kendra had become an orphan at three years of age. Both her parents died in a canoeing accident. Her Grandfather George McMannus was her closest living relative. He lived far away in the wilderness of Alberta Canada. He made the trip to Edmonton to make arrangements for her care but he fell in love with his granddaughter and took her back home with him.
Life would not be easy for them. George made a living as a fur trader. That meant he would be gone from home many hours every day . He made the sacrifice and did what he needed to for this broken hearted little girl. This is their story. It spans over a number of years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I recommend to readers of Historical Fiction. If you enjoy reading Janette Okes classic books you will love this book. It's number eight in the Women of the West series. It can be read as a stand alone.
This book is a part of my own personal library . I bought it used and have had it for years. A review wasn't requested . I have given my truthful opinion about this book.
The story focuses on a Grandfather and his little granddaughter. Kendra had become an orphan at three years of age. Both her parents died in a canoeing accident. Her Grandfather George McMannus was her closest living relative. He lived far away in the wilderness of Alberta Canada. He made the trip to Edmonton to make arrangements for her care but he fell in love with his granddaughter and took her back home with him.
Life would not be easy for them. George made a living as a fur trader. That meant he would be gone from home many hours every day . He made the sacrifice and did what he needed to for this broken hearted little girl. This is their story. It spans over a number of years. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I recommend to readers of Historical Fiction. If you enjoy reading Janette Okes classic books you will love this book. It's number eight in the Women of the West series. It can be read as a stand alone.
This book is a part of my own personal library . I bought it used and have had it for years. A review wasn't requested . I have given my truthful opinion about this book.
January 25, 2023
I didn't really care for the storyline to start with, but I ended up really enjoying it as it progressed!
February 25, 2015
I found this book very interesting. Kendra is raised in an Indian village between her grandfather (who isn't a Christian) and an older Indian woman (who teaches Kendra the superstitions of Indians). As she grows, she begins to search for Truth - beautiful!
July 22, 2023
I give this one 4.5 stars rounded up. It was a good story although not my favorite by Oke. It basically follows Kendra from when she looses her parents at age 4 through her life with her trapper grandfather in the far north wilderness. I found it a bit slow, but learning about what their life was like was pretty interesting. Overall, a sweet story especially as she finds the answers in the Lord to the questions her heart is asking.
June 25, 2018
When Kendra is orphaned at a very young age, her grandfather, George, sees no better choice than to take her to live with him in the backwoods. But given that George has lived alone as a trapper for years, the life he provides Kendra, away from the city, may not be enough for her in Heart of the Wilderness by author Janette Oke.
I first read this novel a number of years ago, so it didn't hold any big surprises for me. Indeed, it's not the kind of read for major surprises or twists. It's a simple, easygoing story with only a few characters most of the way through.
Now, while I've enjoyed a good deal of this author's easy reading over the years, this one almost seems to wander along the path of Kendra's childhood, girlhood, and young womanhood. There's not really a driving focus until quite late in the book. Then the last few chapters awkwardly rush to pull the faith theme together, to introduce some rather last-minute characters, and also to squeeze in a new, underdeveloped romance.
Nevertheless, even with the weaknesses I recognize in these novels, I still consider the Women of the West series to be one of my all-time favorites. It's trailblazing fiction: some of the first of its kind in ChristFic as we now know it. Historical stories that are easy to digest but that also tuck some important nuggets inside.
I first read this novel a number of years ago, so it didn't hold any big surprises for me. Indeed, it's not the kind of read for major surprises or twists. It's a simple, easygoing story with only a few characters most of the way through.
Now, while I've enjoyed a good deal of this author's easy reading over the years, this one almost seems to wander along the path of Kendra's childhood, girlhood, and young womanhood. There's not really a driving focus until quite late in the book. Then the last few chapters awkwardly rush to pull the faith theme together, to introduce some rather last-minute characters, and also to squeeze in a new, underdeveloped romance.
Nevertheless, even with the weaknesses I recognize in these novels, I still consider the Women of the West series to be one of my all-time favorites. It's trailblazing fiction: some of the first of its kind in ChristFic as we now know it. Historical stories that are easy to digest but that also tuck some important nuggets inside.
May 9, 2018
The book really gave me the feel of what God can do in a new believers life. I also felt that I could see Kendra's little cabin in the wilderness.
July 16, 2022
Wow! Now, I understand why Janette Oke is one of the top Christian authors of our time. This book blew me away!
I adored Kendra's character. I love how she never gave up to find the truth of who God really was. Though, I was raised in church my whole life. I truly believe I would have went on a search like Kendra if I wasn't.
I loved how this book wasn't romance. Yeah, there was some romance in the end, but it was done appropriately and didn't take away from the story, but added to it.
So many parts of this story hit me emotional. It was so touching!
Lastly, this story is written in omniscient POV. This is not my favorite POV to read, but I thought Janette Oke did it very well. That it actually enhanced the story and wasn't confusing.
Overall, fantastic story! I'm sure one day, I'll return to Kendra's story.
I adored Kendra's character. I love how she never gave up to find the truth of who God really was. Though, I was raised in church my whole life. I truly believe I would have went on a search like Kendra if I wasn't.
I loved how this book wasn't romance. Yeah, there was some romance in the end, but it was done appropriately and didn't take away from the story, but added to it.
So many parts of this story hit me emotional. It was so touching!
Lastly, this story is written in omniscient POV. This is not my favorite POV to read, but I thought Janette Oke did it very well. That it actually enhanced the story and wasn't confusing.
Overall, fantastic story! I'm sure one day, I'll return to Kendra's story.
March 31, 2021
4.5 stars
Oh, this was a just a lovely book! I almost choked up reading through her story. (That is saying a lot too from this unemotional potato..)
I really enjoyed reading about the setting as well. I can't say that I have read a book that is based in such a rural area as this was.
Kendra, to me, is a very independent, strong girl. I loved the way she interacted with "Papa Mac" as a little girl. She was such a cute, talkative, little thing. <3
Not to mention, I love the spiritual aspect of it, and that, basically, her whole life Kendra is searching for the Truth until she is able to find it.
Definitely one of my favorite of Ms. Oke's books. Highly recommend!
Oh, this was a just a lovely book! I almost choked up reading through her story. (That is saying a lot too from this unemotional potato..)
I really enjoyed reading about the setting as well. I can't say that I have read a book that is based in such a rural area as this was.
Kendra, to me, is a very independent, strong girl. I loved the way she interacted with "Papa Mac" as a little girl. She was such a cute, talkative, little thing. <3
Not to mention, I love the spiritual aspect of it, and that, basically, her whole life Kendra is searching for the Truth until she is able to find it.
Definitely one of my favorite of Ms. Oke's books. Highly recommend!
September 1, 2019
This book is pure nostalgia for me. I remember my Gran lending it to me as a girl and how much I loved the story then. I think it was the first Janette Oke book o ever read. So for the sake of how it brings back happy childhood memories and reminds me of how my Gran also loved to read it gets 5 stars.
September 19, 2007
This was a good story of a girl and her grandfather. it kinda reminded me of the story of Heidi at first. it's pretty good.
January 29, 2008
this book is so sweet i love it
September 13, 2008
Wonderful book--Janette Oke books are the best!
July 31, 2008
This was an easy read,good book. I enjoyed learning more about a western trappers life.
March 5, 2019
I love all of Janet Oke books and what amazes me is each one is totally different but totally enjoyable. These are books you should read before going off to dreamland.
January 29, 2008
Great book... Illustrates, even, wonderful reasons for Homeschooling... ;o)
May 19, 2025
Kendra was only four years old when her entire world changed. After her parents were killed by the rapids, she spent several weeks in a children's home before her Trapper Grandfather came to determine where she would live. But, after spending several days with his granddaughter, George could not possibly imagine his life without Kendra.
Kendra grew up living with her grandfather in the Canada wilderness just outside an Indian settlement. Between George and Nonie, Kendra learned the ways of the land, but she still had many questions and a desire to learn.
Once Kendra was old enough, she returned to the city to attend university. There, she discovered herself and desired to be different from the typical student. Through her friend Amy, she found a personal relationship with Jesus and passionately longed to share the Truth with George and Nonie.
After a year of studies, she returned to the Wilderness to be with Nonie and George, only to face tragedy and a serious accident. After George's accident, the two returned to the city where Kendra found the love she never knew she needed.
Kendra grew up living with her grandfather in the Canada wilderness just outside an Indian settlement. Between George and Nonie, Kendra learned the ways of the land, but she still had many questions and a desire to learn.
Once Kendra was old enough, she returned to the city to attend university. There, she discovered herself and desired to be different from the typical student. Through her friend Amy, she found a personal relationship with Jesus and passionately longed to share the Truth with George and Nonie.
After a year of studies, she returned to the Wilderness to be with Nonie and George, only to face tragedy and a serious accident. After George's accident, the two returned to the city where Kendra found the love she never knew she needed.
August 12, 2025
This was a solid book. Wholesome, heartwarming, and sweet.
Unfortunately, I can't say a lot more. The characters felt a little flat and never seemed to act their age. Kendra was interesting, but didn't really feel realistic. The other characters, such as Papa Mac, Aunt Maggie, and Amy were quite solid though. However,I kind of loved Nonie. She and Oscar were my favorite characters. Unfortunately, I just didn't care for Kendra as much. As I said, she was really naive and seemed much younger than her real age. I also wish her little 'love story' had had more depth. Taking up only about fifty or less of a two-hundred plus page book, I didn't care for it. While I liked her choice, I didn't get to know him at all.
So, if you want a chill book for a quick, brainless read, this book is the way to go. If you want a really compelling story with deep characters (and a real love story) I suggest you go somewhere else.
Unfortunately, I can't say a lot more. The characters felt a little flat and never seemed to act their age. Kendra was interesting, but didn't really feel realistic. The other characters, such as Papa Mac, Aunt Maggie, and Amy were quite solid though. However,I kind of loved Nonie. She and Oscar were my favorite characters. Unfortunately, I just didn't care for Kendra as much. As I said, she was really naive and seemed much younger than her real age. I also wish her little 'love story' had had more depth. Taking up only about fifty or less of a two-hundred plus page book, I didn't care for it. While I liked her choice, I didn't get to know him at all.
So, if you want a chill book for a quick, brainless read, this book is the way to go. If you want a really compelling story with deep characters (and a real love story) I suggest you go somewhere else.
November 15, 2021
George McMannus, is a trapper, who lives in a small cabin in the wilderness in Alberta.
He receives word that his daughter and son-in-law have died by drowning. He has a granddaughter
that has been taken to a home until he can arrive.
Once in the city, he finds Kendra who is 4 years old and decides to bring her back home with hm.
Kendra is taken care of by Nonie, an indian woman when George is away from the cabin.
When Kendra is around 8 years old, George sends to the city for schooling. When that does not work out he brings her back home.
Eventually Kendra wants to go to university and is accepted. She meets Amy and thy become good friends.
This is a story of love and belonging.
Excellent story.
He receives word that his daughter and son-in-law have died by drowning. He has a granddaughter
that has been taken to a home until he can arrive.
Once in the city, he finds Kendra who is 4 years old and decides to bring her back home with hm.
Kendra is taken care of by Nonie, an indian woman when George is away from the cabin.
When Kendra is around 8 years old, George sends to the city for schooling. When that does not work out he brings her back home.
Eventually Kendra wants to go to university and is accepted. She meets Amy and thy become good friends.
This is a story of love and belonging.
Excellent story.
June 9, 2025
This is a beautiful story that follows Kendra, a girl raised by her grandfather in an isolated cabin deep in the wilderness. She embarks on a journey to the city to attend university, where she discovers God, the truth of the gospel, and makes new friends—possibly even finding love. Torn between two worlds, Kendra is unsure whether to stay in the city or return home to her grandfather.
The relationship between Kendra and her grandfather is truly heartwarming. He wants what is best for his granddaughter, even if it means sending her away to school.
As an animal lover, I found the parts about trapping and hunting animals (which both the grandfather, and eventually Kendra do for a living) to be bothersome. However, I was able to skip those sections and enjoyed the rest of the story!
The relationship between Kendra and her grandfather is truly heartwarming. He wants what is best for his granddaughter, even if it means sending her away to school.
As an animal lover, I found the parts about trapping and hunting animals (which both the grandfather, and eventually Kendra do for a living) to be bothersome. However, I was able to skip those sections and enjoyed the rest of the story!
July 30, 2017
Notice: Boiler-plate paragraph follows.
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.
nd Boiler-Plate:
A somewhat sad story with a happy ending about a little girl, orphaned sometime before her fourth birthday, who was taken in to be raised by her grandfather in the Canadian wilderness. It was a good story about the little girl, surrounded by good, loving people, finding God and bringing others to know God along the way, while growing to be a young woman.
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.
nd Boiler-Plate:
A somewhat sad story with a happy ending about a little girl, orphaned sometime before her fourth birthday, who was taken in to be raised by her grandfather in the Canadian wilderness. It was a good story about the little girl, surrounded by good, loving people, finding God and bringing others to know God along the way, while growing to be a young woman.
August 24, 2022
In the spirit of summer reading programs counting a significant number of pages read as one book, I'm officially marking myself done with this. I slogged through well over a hundred pages (the last chapter number I confidently remember is 19), and I don't think I even got to the story's main conflict. It was a good book to read at bedtime. Girl lives in wilderness. Wilderness is nice. Wilderness can be hard, but always nice. 😴
Honestly, there was nothing objectionable about this story. It just bored me. It could be quite nice to read to mixed-age children at bedtime, chapter by chapter, but it failed to hold my interest for solo reading (and I really, really tried... 130+ pages).
Honestly, there was nothing objectionable about this story. It just bored me. It could be quite nice to read to mixed-age children at bedtime, chapter by chapter, but it failed to hold my interest for solo reading (and I really, really tried... 130+ pages).
September 18, 2021
A north country story
A story about living and working up north. It's harsh and also very beautiful. The girl Kendra is very young and when her grandpa was out taking care his traps Kendra was in the care of an Indian neighbor. Her name was n. Kendra really loved. she took her out and taught her about the herbs and berries that were good for her. up and became a Christian and and help both her grandpa and the Indian to become Christians too..
A story about living and working up north. It's harsh and also very beautiful. The girl Kendra is very young and when her grandpa was out taking care his traps Kendra was in the care of an Indian neighbor. Her name was n. Kendra really loved. she took her out and taught her about the herbs and berries that were good for her. up and became a Christian and and help both her grandpa and the Indian to become Christians too..
February 22, 2024
I wanted to like this book, and I appreciated Kendra's need to find a meaning in life. It was clear that she was seeking faith, especially when she was so interested in Nonie's Native American teachings. While I know this was a story of Kendra growing up with Papa Mac (her grandfather), I felt like it took too long to get to the message.
September 24, 2024
This is a great book. I felt the emotions as I read. I wanted to cry at the sad parts. This book caught my attention and I was reading all day long.
Although, I do have to say that I feel as though there was an excess of commas and there was a typo. That doesn't affect my rating because it was just a few times and I was still able to enjoy the book.
Although, I do have to say that I feel as though there was an excess of commas and there was a typo. That doesn't affect my rating because it was just a few times and I was still able to enjoy the book.
February 4, 2025
I enjoyed this book for the most part, but I felt the ending was super rushed and a little too preachy. Otherwise, the rest of the book was an exciting tale of Kendra growing up in the Canadian Wilderness with only her Grandfather, a neighborly Indigenous woman, and a dog as her companions. It was a very engaging story and I was thoroughly drawn into the story.
July 29, 2022
I enjoy the show "When Calls the Heart" , so when I saw a book by Oke sitting on my parents bookshelf, I thought why not?!
This is what I call a cute story. Its interesting, clean, not too long or drawn out. I enjoyed the journey into the wilderness, but theres not ton of substance to the story.
This is what I call a cute story. Its interesting, clean, not too long or drawn out. I enjoyed the journey into the wilderness, but theres not ton of substance to the story.
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August 12, 2023Very interesting how a women doing a man’s work to raise her daughter. Hard times when she sends her daughter away to school thinking for the better. 10 plus years without seeing your daughter would be awful!
January 12, 2024
A young girl who is left an orphan goes to live with her grandfather who is a trapper in the wilds of Canada. When she goes into the city of Edmonton t0 go to school, she is introduced to a new life, and to Christianity. Love this author, really enjoyed the book.
September 15, 2024
"In spite of my circumstances, I felt that...that God would work it all out in the right way for... for all of us."
I love it! I enjoyed the survival aspect of it. But the love story felt a bit rushed.
I love it! I enjoyed the survival aspect of it. But the love story felt a bit rushed.
September 18, 2025
This girl grew up on the frontier and went to college in the big city. Her grandpa raised her and they don't get to see each other while she is away at school which is heartbreaking because the grandpa is the only family she has known.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews