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Love Comes Softly #3
Love's Long Journey
Clark and Marty's daughter, ready to start her own life, must rely on faith in the face of mounting hardships.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1982
272 people are currently reading
4153 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
347 books3,429 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 345 reviews
July 29, 2017
Another great book by Janette Oke!! ❤ I do think that I enjoyed the second book slightly more though...it was still a good book all in all! Hoping I can find the other 5 books in this series at my local used bookstores or else I might just have to borrow them from the library :P.
March 5, 2021
This is Historical Christian Fiction, and this is the 3rd book in the Love Comes Softly series. I really enjoy the characters in this book, and this is a short book that shows some of the hard times that the people traveling on the Journey West. I really enjoyed taking this journey with these characters, but I did feel that this book did not show how bad traveling the traveling west was really. This book was written well, and the characters was developed. (*)
May 25, 2018
After the second book (which really just felt like a bridge between the first and this one) I was really excited to actually get back to the story. I loved seeing Missie as an adult and building her life. I look forward to the next book!
March 3, 2023
“Love! That’s what makes a home. So welcome, Mama and Pa. Welcome to our love-filled home.”
—Janette Oke, Love's Long Journey
Rating: ★★★★★
Cleanness: ★★★★★
Ahh!!! This is such a sweet and beautiful story! I absolutely loved seeing Missie and Willie all grown up and having a family together! There were so many moments while reading where I smiled and some I felt like crying.
A beautiful faith filled and emotional story of love and trusting God! This is my favorite of the Love Comes Softly books! I can’t wait to continue Missie and Willie’s story in the next book!
…
For more bookish content at https://fablerosemc.blogspot.com/ and @fablerosemc
February 17, 2025
Very sweet! 🥰
October 18, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Love's Long Journey was another wonderful story in the Love Comes Softly series that is so reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books. The author really brought to life the stark reality of the hardships on a wagon train and how sometimes people died along the way. There was also the sheer boredom and monotony of doing the same things and eating the same things day after day. Even once Missie and Willie get settled in a temporary home on the frontier, dangers and boredom still factor in, especially during the winter months. In between the wagon trip and getting settled, Missie and Willie experienced a long, difficult separation as she stayed in the closest town, which was several days ride from their ranch, awaiting the birth of their baby, while Willie went on to get things set up for them. And of course, there was the homesickness of being separated from their families who were so far away with very little means of communication. It all makes me really thankful to live in modern times, and also thankful for those courageous souls throughout history who braved the hardships of the frontier to expand our nation.
Much the same as with her mother, Marty's book, this one is told entirely from Missie's POV. She was a brave young woman who obviously loved Willie a lot to want to help him pursue his dream of cattle ranching. Although the journey itself and living in such an isolated area was often difficult and brought disappointments, Missie rarely complained. She just set her mind to doing what needed to be done and eventually she adjusted quite well. Her attitude was admirable, but that's not to say that I always agreed with her decisions to keep certain things from her husband. I understood that she was trying to avoid adding stress on Willie by not telling him at first about being pregnant or about her severe homesickness, but as someone who shares nearly everything with my husband, I felt like she should have trusted that he could handle it. Once she finally fesses up, Missie comes to that same conclusion herself, but later in the story she still keeps a couple of things from him, including an incident where one of the ranch hands menaces her. I really felt like she should have told Willie about that and allowed him to share her burdens a little more. Even though I sometimes didn't agree with Missie, overall, she was still a very relatable heroine with all of her emotional ups and downs. Missie is a keen observer of people and seems to have an intuitive sense about how they might be feeling or what they might need, and was always ready to lend a hand, which is something that I can really identify with.
I do kind of miss having the male perspective in these books, but the reader can get a pretty good feel for Willie through Missie's eyes. He is a kindhearted man toward others, a good husband to Missie, and a loving father to Nathan. He is a hard worker, a great provider for Missie and his child, and very protective of them both, always doing what was in their best interests even if it was difficult. Willie is a bit of a dreamer with his aspirations of starting a cattle ranch, but still pretty practical, and doesn't really take chances. I think what I liked most about him is the way he comforts Missie in times of sorrow and truly wants to share her burdens, and also his quiet faith and optimism.
There are many things to love about this book. The young love that Willie and Missie share and the way they can hardly stand to be apart from one another is so sweet and tender. The faith message is not at all preachy, but instead is a gentle one of relying on God to sustain you through difficult times. There is a full compliment of secondary characters, other pioneers, ranch hands, townspeople in Tettsford Junction, and more, who all give the story the flavor of the Old West and the sense of oneness as a community. Everything just came together to make Love's Long Journey a very enjoyable read, or perhaps I should say re-read, since I'm pretty sure I first read it years ago as a teenager. In any case, it was every bit as good today as it was back then, and I'm really looking forward to continuing the series. I can tell that there is more story for Missie and Willie, and I'm eager to find out what happens next for them.
Love's Long Journey was another wonderful story in the Love Comes Softly series that is so reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie books. The author really brought to life the stark reality of the hardships on a wagon train and how sometimes people died along the way. There was also the sheer boredom and monotony of doing the same things and eating the same things day after day. Even once Missie and Willie get settled in a temporary home on the frontier, dangers and boredom still factor in, especially during the winter months. In between the wagon trip and getting settled, Missie and Willie experienced a long, difficult separation as she stayed in the closest town, which was several days ride from their ranch, awaiting the birth of their baby, while Willie went on to get things set up for them. And of course, there was the homesickness of being separated from their families who were so far away with very little means of communication. It all makes me really thankful to live in modern times, and also thankful for those courageous souls throughout history who braved the hardships of the frontier to expand our nation.
Much the same as with her mother, Marty's book, this one is told entirely from Missie's POV. She was a brave young woman who obviously loved Willie a lot to want to help him pursue his dream of cattle ranching. Although the journey itself and living in such an isolated area was often difficult and brought disappointments, Missie rarely complained. She just set her mind to doing what needed to be done and eventually she adjusted quite well. Her attitude was admirable, but that's not to say that I always agreed with her decisions to keep certain things from her husband. I understood that she was trying to avoid adding stress on Willie by not telling him at first about being pregnant or about her severe homesickness, but as someone who shares nearly everything with my husband, I felt like she should have trusted that he could handle it. Once she finally fesses up, Missie comes to that same conclusion herself, but later in the story she still keeps a couple of things from him, including an incident where one of the ranch hands menaces her. I really felt like she should have told Willie about that and allowed him to share her burdens a little more. Even though I sometimes didn't agree with Missie, overall, she was still a very relatable heroine with all of her emotional ups and downs. Missie is a keen observer of people and seems to have an intuitive sense about how they might be feeling or what they might need, and was always ready to lend a hand, which is something that I can really identify with.
I do kind of miss having the male perspective in these books, but the reader can get a pretty good feel for Willie through Missie's eyes. He is a kindhearted man toward others, a good husband to Missie, and a loving father to Nathan. He is a hard worker, a great provider for Missie and his child, and very protective of them both, always doing what was in their best interests even if it was difficult. Willie is a bit of a dreamer with his aspirations of starting a cattle ranch, but still pretty practical, and doesn't really take chances. I think what I liked most about him is the way he comforts Missie in times of sorrow and truly wants to share her burdens, and also his quiet faith and optimism.
There are many things to love about this book. The young love that Willie and Missie share and the way they can hardly stand to be apart from one another is so sweet and tender. The faith message is not at all preachy, but instead is a gentle one of relying on God to sustain you through difficult times. There is a full compliment of secondary characters, other pioneers, ranch hands, townspeople in Tettsford Junction, and more, who all give the story the flavor of the Old West and the sense of oneness as a community. Everything just came together to make Love's Long Journey a very enjoyable read, or perhaps I should say re-read, since I'm pretty sure I first read it years ago as a teenager. In any case, it was every bit as good today as it was back then, and I'm really looking forward to continuing the series. I can tell that there is more story for Missie and Willie, and I'm eager to find out what happens next for them.
May 4, 2015
Where can I find my Willy please?!?
March 24, 2020
In Loves Long Journey Missie and Willie LaHaye leave their families and set out by covered wagons to head further West. Missie realizes she may never see her parents and siblings again. During the trip she suffers from home sickness but doesn't want to let Willie know how she feels. She also suspects she may be pregnant and keeps it from her husband until she is sure.
Willie has big plans for the future. He already has bought property and plans to set up a ranch there. He's very optimistic and doesn't notice that his wife is suffering from home sickness. The journey is long, tedious and tiring. Sometimes they travel through driving rain or scoring heat. They lose time because of the rain and fall behind schedule.
I felt like I was right there on the wagon train with Willie and Missie. I love to read books about the early travels on wagon trains and what these travelers had to endure to start out again in a new place. Missie may have been a petite little lady but she was also though. Oh she may have wished that Willie would give up and turn around to take her back to her parents but she didn't voice her discomfort to her husband. She hang in there despite all of her aches and pains and morning sickness.
Readers who enjoy historical wagon train adventures will love the Love Comes Softly series. Many have already read it and may be ready to re-read it. If you haven't read this series yet you definitely should make it a point to add it to your reading schedule.
I read a paperback copy of Loves Long Journey. A review wasn't requested. I have been honest with my thoughts and opinions shared here in this review.
Willie has big plans for the future. He already has bought property and plans to set up a ranch there. He's very optimistic and doesn't notice that his wife is suffering from home sickness. The journey is long, tedious and tiring. Sometimes they travel through driving rain or scoring heat. They lose time because of the rain and fall behind schedule.
I felt like I was right there on the wagon train with Willie and Missie. I love to read books about the early travels on wagon trains and what these travelers had to endure to start out again in a new place. Missie may have been a petite little lady but she was also though. Oh she may have wished that Willie would give up and turn around to take her back to her parents but she didn't voice her discomfort to her husband. She hang in there despite all of her aches and pains and morning sickness.
Readers who enjoy historical wagon train adventures will love the Love Comes Softly series. Many have already read it and may be ready to re-read it. If you haven't read this series yet you definitely should make it a point to add it to your reading schedule.
I read a paperback copy of Loves Long Journey. A review wasn't requested. I have been honest with my thoughts and opinions shared here in this review.
June 30, 2019
Books like this make you really appreciate the spirit and tenacity of the pioneers. It’s incredible the trials and tribulations that they willingly faced in the pursuit of bit of land and the promise of a future.
My favorite thing about these books is the simplicity. Sometimes that’s all you need.
My favorite thing about these books is the simplicity. Sometimes that’s all you need.
April 17, 2025
I'm just loving this series! This third book focuses on Missy and Willie, and their journey to setting up a homestead somewhere in the west, far away from Marty and Clem. There wasn't much detail of homesteading, which left me a bit disappointed. There was a strong focus on young love, which was very sweet. As well as a community feel, which surprised me because I expected Missy and Willie to be mostly on their own, but that was not the case. It was really a delightful story full of hardship, but long-suffering love, full of sacrifices and perseverance. I found myself laughing and swooning quite a bit with this book! As with the other books in this series, the faith based content was strong.
Last note, the part where Cookie was at the tea party was probably my favorite part of the whole book!
Last note, the part where Cookie was at the tea party was probably my favorite part of the whole book!
December 2, 2024
This book was a whirlwind. The hardships that these characters had to endure was heartbreaking! Also, I grew up watching the movies and this is my first time through the books. The movies aren't anything like the books! Missy and Willy spend a majority of the time in the wagon train in this book. It intrigues me now what has actually happened in the rest of the series as well! I'll be back to read the next book, that's for sure!
December 1, 2023
Have I mention how much I love Janette Oke's Love Come Softly books? Because I do. All of them.
September 22, 2023
This is probably one of my favorite Love Comes Softly books. I like Willie and Missy’s new life out west and the realistic challenges and disappointments they face. But it’s also another sweet story.
January 17, 2022
Another great book by Janette Oke. I love the clean stories, the accents, the uncluttered way they lived, the way that I want to clean my house after I read one of her stories. Sometimes I even learn something along the way, for example, in this book I felt like I got a window into what it was like to be on a wagon train.
Notes for me to remember: Missie and Willie move out west and get started.
Notes for me to remember: Missie and Willie move out west and get started.
September 18, 2018
If you enjoy The Oregon Trail game, you will enjoy this.
This one started out great, but 25% in to it, I lost interest.
I'm beginning to realize that I'm not enjoying Janette Oke's writing.
This is a historical read.
One of my gripes about the writing is Janette Oke doesn't make it interesting.
It comes across as repetitive and .....boring.
I've read historical reads before so I know they can be made engrossing.
I don't really desire to own her books.
I may not be a fan of her writing style but I'm invested in her characters and settings.
I will continue reading this series and her other works my library owns.
Who knows? .....They might get better?
November 12, 2023
3.5. I really loved her portrayal of the strength and grit of prairie women.
April 21, 2024
a wholesome lite read
October 8, 2025
4 ⭐ See review here: https://boundlessbookshelfreviews.blo...
May 24, 2022
While I might’ve enjoyed the first two in the series a bit more, it was fun and bittersweet getting to journey with Willie and Missie out west. I love these two so much! And little, precious Nathan. This book had its sad moments but also happy ones. I enjoyed it a lot!
April 25, 2023
This book was just as delightful and heart-warming as the first two in the series. Having gone through a divorce and a drastic change in the way I view romance, I was wary to begin reading this series for fear the love stories would eclipse the rest of the content in the story. I’ve found, much to my relief, that this is not the case! Each book has been wholesome and so free from today’s distractions. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the perspective of each woman and her struggles to trust God in every circumstance and maintain a selfless attitude in the face of adversity. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 23, 2025
3.5 stars
This was an improvement to the previous book. Had more action and a consistent storyline. Glad to stick with one set of characters. Had more of a western/cowboy vibes which was fun and entertaining.
We see Willie and Missy move out west to start their own ranch. We follow the wagon train to the town that's a six day drive to their land. Loved Cookie the cook! Had a group scene similar to Anne of Green Gables.
Still more fru-fru than my usual reading, but lighthearted and encouraging read.
This was an improvement to the previous book. Had more action and a consistent storyline. Glad to stick with one set of characters. Had more of a western/cowboy vibes which was fun and entertaining.
We see Willie and Missy move out west to start their own ranch. We follow the wagon train to the town that's a six day drive to their land. Loved Cookie the cook! Had a group scene similar to Anne of Green Gables.
Still more fru-fru than my usual reading, but lighthearted and encouraging read.
February 6, 2024
Amazing story, amazing love, amazing read!!!
October 13, 2024
So sweet and lovely. I’m glad we got back to focusing on a couple main characters after how spread out the second book was.
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed the book but I think I prefer the movie adaptation better.
🎧Listened via Audible
🎧Listened via Audible
February 4, 2025
I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first two but still worth the read I think.
August 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this one out of the series! The story of Missie establishing happiness in a new home was very heartwarming. I still enjoy the first one best, but they’re all so good. Definitely rereads.
October 30, 2024
4.5 stars
February 24, 2025
Not really much to say about the second and third in this series — just fit the bill for pleasant light entertainment.
March 12, 2025
Big fan of my girl Janette. Another good one. (Audiobook)
April 17, 2013
Love's Long Journey is mainly about Missie and Willie's trip to Willie's recently purchased ranch, where they travel by wagon train to their new homestead. At first I thought that a whole book about traveling on a wagon train sounded pretty uneventful, but once I started reading I realized this was not the case as there were many "mini-adventures" that happened during the trip.
For me the biggest reason why I just loved this book is because of the relationship between Missie and Willie and the wonderful picture of what a godly marriage looks like through the example they gave. Now days there aren't many books written that promote a wife being submissive and joyfully obedient to her husband, but this book was the perfect way to sum up the essence of the godly wife model based on Scripture passages in the Bible. But over and over there were parts where Missie openly submitted to Willie and not only did she submit, but she willingly and joyfully submitted and put her husband above herself. Such situations were the scenes where she offering to live in their tiny one room house for another year so the house money could go towards cattle, and by giving up seeing her family and living in the town she had always known to move out to the cattle ranch with her husband so far away from her family. It was such a beautiful picture of marriage and for that alone I gave it a firm 5 stars.
Another thing I liked about this book is how when reading it, it lead me to gain a deep respect for the people who lived during this prairie time period, as it was not an easy life and there were not any of the modern conveniences we have today. Through the sorrows and hardships of this story, it opened my eyes to how difficult, but fulfilling it was to live in that time.
For me the biggest reason why I just loved this book is because of the relationship between Missie and Willie and the wonderful picture of what a godly marriage looks like through the example they gave. Now days there aren't many books written that promote a wife being submissive and joyfully obedient to her husband, but this book was the perfect way to sum up the essence of the godly wife model based on Scripture passages in the Bible. But over and over there were parts where Missie openly submitted to Willie and not only did she submit, but she willingly and joyfully submitted and put her husband above herself. Such situations were the scenes where she offering to live in their tiny one room house for another year so the house money could go towards cattle, and by giving up seeing her family and living in the town she had always known to move out to the cattle ranch with her husband so far away from her family. It was such a beautiful picture of marriage and for that alone I gave it a firm 5 stars.
Another thing I liked about this book is how when reading it, it lead me to gain a deep respect for the people who lived during this prairie time period, as it was not an easy life and there were not any of the modern conveniences we have today. Through the sorrows and hardships of this story, it opened my eyes to how difficult, but fulfilling it was to live in that time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews