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Love Comes Softly #8
Love Finds a Home
Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ISBN 10: 1-55661-086-6
The last book in the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke, Belinda finds that she once again faces decisions about her life, but now with God's peace.
In Love Takes Wing, Belinda left her little prairie town, never dreaming that the excitement of living in Boston would leave her restless, lonely and empty inside. Wealth, literature, travel and romance touched her life with choices and decisions that brought dissatisfaction rather than joy. She discovered that only when God had first place in her life was her peace restored.
Belinda once again faces decisions about her life that are no less difficult than before. A very unexpected responsibility makes the choice even harder.
And then the one person she'd never expected to see again returns...
The last book in the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke, Belinda finds that she once again faces decisions about her life, but now with God's peace.
In Love Takes Wing, Belinda left her little prairie town, never dreaming that the excitement of living in Boston would leave her restless, lonely and empty inside. Wealth, literature, travel and romance touched her life with choices and decisions that brought dissatisfaction rather than joy. She discovered that only when God had first place in her life was her peace restored.
Belinda once again faces decisions about her life that are no less difficult than before. A very unexpected responsibility makes the choice even harder.
And then the one person she'd never expected to see again returns...
221 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
153 people are currently reading
3991 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
347 books3,428 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 230 reviews
May 7, 2009
I think my favorite couple in this whole series was Belinda and Drew.
April 15, 2025
Oh my.
I have just one complaint with this book.
The happy ending was too short. I want more of them.
I have just one complaint with this book.
The happy ending was too short. I want more of them.
August 19, 2020
Love Finds A Home is the conclusion of the Love Comes Softly series. It's mostly about Belinda Davis and her life in Boston. She did make it back home for a six weeks visit with her family. Belinda found it very hard to adjust to life at home when she was used to living in luxury with Mrs Stafford-Smyth in Boston. She didn't feel like she fit in at home anymore.
After returning to Boston life Changed for Belinda when Mrs Stafford-Smyth passed away one night in her sleep. She was planning to return home to her family when she learned that her former patient had left her house and a sizable amount of money as an inheritance. Belinda was forced to remain in Boston to keep the house running and allow the staff to continue in their employment there. Belinda wanted to do something worth while with the house and it was while she was at her lawyers office getting things set up legally that she ran into Drew Simpson, a friend she knew from back home. Belinda had a crush on him when she was younger and felt attracted to him once again. Was it possible for the two to have a future together or should she return home to her family?
I found this book to be sad in so many ways. It's never easy to say goodbye when you come to the end of a series. I fell in love with these characters and shall miss them terribly. I always enjoy Janette Oke's books because I love to go back in history to a simpler time. I like that she shares her faith with readers. I have so enjoyed getting to know the Davis family and their simple lifestyle through this series.
I bought a complete set of the original Love Comes Softly series at a garage sale. Of course I was under no obligation to review any of the books. Everything I've shared in this review is my honest opinion about my experiences reading the book.
After returning to Boston life Changed for Belinda when Mrs Stafford-Smyth passed away one night in her sleep. She was planning to return home to her family when she learned that her former patient had left her house and a sizable amount of money as an inheritance. Belinda was forced to remain in Boston to keep the house running and allow the staff to continue in their employment there. Belinda wanted to do something worth while with the house and it was while she was at her lawyers office getting things set up legally that she ran into Drew Simpson, a friend she knew from back home. Belinda had a crush on him when she was younger and felt attracted to him once again. Was it possible for the two to have a future together or should she return home to her family?
I found this book to be sad in so many ways. It's never easy to say goodbye when you come to the end of a series. I fell in love with these characters and shall miss them terribly. I always enjoy Janette Oke's books because I love to go back in history to a simpler time. I like that she shares her faith with readers. I have so enjoyed getting to know the Davis family and their simple lifestyle through this series.
I bought a complete set of the original Love Comes Softly series at a garage sale. Of course I was under no obligation to review any of the books. Everything I've shared in this review is my honest opinion about my experiences reading the book.
March 11, 2015
I have to admit that I didn't like reading from Belinda's view as much as I did Marty's or Missie's. I'm not sure why. Probably because she seemed more restless and independent. Either that or it had nothing to do with that at all. It might've just been because she lived in the city and I prefer the country. I'm not quite sure.
I believe I laughed and cried a little bit.
I can't believe I am finished with the series. I wish it didn't have to end. No more Marty or Clark or any of their wonderful, and very large, family. I wish so badly that Janette had written (or would write) a reunion of the entire family. I would absolutely love to see that.
So I have to now leave the wonderful characters that have become best friends. To all you pondering about whether this series, I say “go for it”. It is well worth your time and energy. They are excellent books! And then when you're finished with them, we can mourn together. :)
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Belinda was a sweet and loving character. I enjoyed her through every book, though I must say her going on house calls with Luke was my favorite part. I am glad about what she did with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth's manor. She really is a great girl.
Drew. I am so happy he and Belinda ended up together. For a time there, I thought they wouldn't. I still think it was a bit strange how he wasn't mentioned once in Love Takes Wing. Drew was wonderful. Though I have to note that he's matured a lot since I last saw him. I almost can't believe it's the same guy.
Mrs. Stafford-Smyth was a great woman. I am so glad she accepted Christ before she died. She sure was bold in her faith. I'm glad she left the estate to Belinda. I know she would've been proud of her.
Marty and Clark – Though sadly not in this one much, the have been wonderful friends throughout this series. Out of everyone, I will miss them the most.
Missie and Willie – I sincerely wish I had been able to know more about them, and their children, and lives, and everything.
Nandry and Josh – I am glad I was able to know that they're safely settled and enjoying life.
Clae and Joe – I really wish it had them involved more as well. From what I knew, they were an adorable couple and I wish I knew more about their children.
Clare and Kate – I'm glad they stayed close to home. They've been a great blessing throughout the books and I hope they continue to bloom.
Arnie and Anne – They were always so sweet. Though I'm thankful for what I know of them, they weren't involved as much as I would've preferred.
Ellie and Lane – They really were such a cute couple. I kind of wish a book had followed them Ellie's view, and showed me how the people out west were doing.
Luke and Abbie – Though they were pretty significant in the last couple books, I wish I'd known more about them. I knew nothing about their romance or Abbie's family and background. That was a bit disappointing.
Belinda and Drew – I am so glad they're together. I hope that they are greatly blessed with children and joy, and I wish I was able to follow along and see it.
One reason why I enjoyed the series so much is because of the faith. They were quite a bit more spiritual than most, which I am very grateful for. People need to know what we believe and why.
I've also enjoyed the togetherness. These books had a beautiful sense of community that I really enjoyed. I found it declining a bit in the later books as he children and grandchildren grew up and away. But nonetheless I am very glad it was there.
I believe I laughed and cried a little bit.
I can't believe I am finished with the series. I wish it didn't have to end. No more Marty or Clark or any of their wonderful, and very large, family. I wish so badly that Janette had written (or would write) a reunion of the entire family. I would absolutely love to see that.
So I have to now leave the wonderful characters that have become best friends. To all you pondering about whether this series, I say “go for it”. It is well worth your time and energy. They are excellent books! And then when you're finished with them, we can mourn together. :)
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Belinda was a sweet and loving character. I enjoyed her through every book, though I must say her going on house calls with Luke was my favorite part. I am glad about what she did with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth's manor. She really is a great girl.
Drew. I am so happy he and Belinda ended up together. For a time there, I thought they wouldn't. I still think it was a bit strange how he wasn't mentioned once in Love Takes Wing. Drew was wonderful. Though I have to note that he's matured a lot since I last saw him. I almost can't believe it's the same guy.
Mrs. Stafford-Smyth was a great woman. I am so glad she accepted Christ before she died. She sure was bold in her faith. I'm glad she left the estate to Belinda. I know she would've been proud of her.
Marty and Clark – Though sadly not in this one much, the have been wonderful friends throughout this series. Out of everyone, I will miss them the most.
Missie and Willie – I sincerely wish I had been able to know more about them, and their children, and lives, and everything.
Nandry and Josh – I am glad I was able to know that they're safely settled and enjoying life.
Clae and Joe – I really wish it had them involved more as well. From what I knew, they were an adorable couple and I wish I knew more about their children.
Clare and Kate – I'm glad they stayed close to home. They've been a great blessing throughout the books and I hope they continue to bloom.
Arnie and Anne – They were always so sweet. Though I'm thankful for what I know of them, they weren't involved as much as I would've preferred.
Ellie and Lane – They really were such a cute couple. I kind of wish a book had followed them Ellie's view, and showed me how the people out west were doing.
Luke and Abbie – Though they were pretty significant in the last couple books, I wish I'd known more about them. I knew nothing about their romance or Abbie's family and background. That was a bit disappointing.
Belinda and Drew – I am so glad they're together. I hope that they are greatly blessed with children and joy, and I wish I was able to follow along and see it.
One reason why I enjoyed the series so much is because of the faith. They were quite a bit more spiritual than most, which I am very grateful for. People need to know what we believe and why.
I've also enjoyed the togetherness. These books had a beautiful sense of community that I really enjoyed. I found it declining a bit in the later books as he children and grandchildren grew up and away. But nonetheless I am very glad it was there.
April 13, 2020
I loved this book! It was a good ending. <3
January 17, 2022
“Aunt Virgie” dies and leaves a lot of the wealth to Belinda. I like that Belinda turned the house into a place for elderly people to live, but this book felt like a let down. Why would you not keep some of the money? Why not bless your family? Even Ellie bought the church an organ.
Why didn’t the lawyers want Belinda’s business? They almost shun her. Then there were lots of misunderstandings over what she wanted. Why was there so little communication?
Then when Belinda and Drew finally find each other, why didn’t Drew talk to Belinda more? It just felt like Belinda was never settled and always lost. And Drew’s mother is weird. That bothered me.
Then the epilogue that Janette Oke wrote at the end of the story was annoying. She wrote that there were too many characters to continue writing about the Davis family. Well, she created those characters. Then she later does write more about the Davis family which was double annoying.
This book was so different than the others. I can’t put my finger on why it bothered me so much. It had a “ restless political correctness” feel to it...sort of. Belinda goes home for a visit and doesn’t fit there anymore and, of course, this is another miscommunication with Aunt Virgie. Then later Belinda gives all the money away. Near the end of the story, Belinda decides she can’t live with family now. Why? Just why?
And the wedding to Drew felt unromantic. It felt thrown in to finish tying things up. It felt like Belinda was still lost and the river of life was just carrying her along.
I am glad the series is over. I feel finished with it and a bit upset at Janette Oke for ending it like she did.
Why didn’t the lawyers want Belinda’s business? They almost shun her. Then there were lots of misunderstandings over what she wanted. Why was there so little communication?
Then when Belinda and Drew finally find each other, why didn’t Drew talk to Belinda more? It just felt like Belinda was never settled and always lost. And Drew’s mother is weird. That bothered me.
Then the epilogue that Janette Oke wrote at the end of the story was annoying. She wrote that there were too many characters to continue writing about the Davis family. Well, she created those characters. Then she later does write more about the Davis family which was double annoying.
This book was so different than the others. I can’t put my finger on why it bothered me so much. It had a “ restless political correctness” feel to it...sort of. Belinda goes home for a visit and doesn’t fit there anymore and, of course, this is another miscommunication with Aunt Virgie. Then later Belinda gives all the money away. Near the end of the story, Belinda decides she can’t live with family now. Why? Just why?
And the wedding to Drew felt unromantic. It felt thrown in to finish tying things up. It felt like Belinda was still lost and the river of life was just carrying her along.
I am glad the series is over. I feel finished with it and a bit upset at Janette Oke for ending it like she did.
June 2, 2023
The sweetest ending to the sweetest series. This book was by far my favorite in the series. I’m so sad the series is over. Great books to read before bed!
February 7, 2017
hafjdvjijfd. I can't believe that the entire series is OVER!!! And it ended off beautifully, too. (Note that most of my review is in the spoiler-encased safe lock of text until you click it. xD
Overall, it was a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. :-)
Overall, it was a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. :-)
March 7, 2016
This eight-volume Christian historical fiction series ends on a high note; I've enjoyed reading these books, and look forward to more books from this author, even if they don't feature the same characters.
August 3, 2015
End of a wonderful journey, a bit disappointed with this last book, though!
December 5, 2025
For how quickly the first six books in this series read, I felt like these last two drug on and on. Belinda’s time in Boston as nurse/companion was just not very interesting to me, especially when she went through her period of spiritual apathy. I enjoyed the prairie setting and family interaction stories a lot more earlier in the series. However, when circumstances change in Boston and the action really picks up as Belinda begins to make decisions and do things, this book picks up as well. It definitely had a very sweet ending.
I read the original paperback copy which included an Epilogue from the author in which she states that she is leaving these characters where they are and we can think of our own happy ending for the Davis family. I noticed the Kindle edition (revised text) no longer contains that note, as she went on to write another series about Belinda‘s daughter.
I read the original paperback copy which included an Epilogue from the author in which she states that she is leaving these characters where they are and we can think of our own happy ending for the Davis family. I noticed the Kindle edition (revised text) no longer contains that note, as she went on to write another series about Belinda‘s daughter.
December 31, 2023
A sweet end to a sweet series. While I didn't find Oke's writing, characters, or plotlines remarkable, I was very touched by the way she created community with her characters. People loved and served one another, shared in joys and sorrows, and practiced life and hospitality. I loved that and would give the series four stars as a whole for that alone.
July 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the Love Comes Softly series and would highly recommend it to anyone interested!
April 15, 2015
Once again, the reminder that God has a plan, and if we wait for His leading, we can fit into His perfect plan. Once I didn't ... but He still wasn't finished with me, and in time, brought me back to a wonderful, and happy, life and family. I love this series, the author's faithfulness to what might have been possible in those days, and the stedfastness of the Davis family. They'll now go back on my shelf for another read in a few years, when my circumstances have changed yet again.
April 2015 ... and once again I come to the end of this wonderful series, and once again agree that they are some of the best books I've ever read. Maybe not the greatest literature, but certainly stories that are easy to follow and fun to ponder, and lessons for a happy life that are a great blessing.
April 2015 ... and once again I come to the end of this wonderful series, and once again agree that they are some of the best books I've ever read. Maybe not the greatest literature, but certainly stories that are easy to follow and fun to ponder, and lessons for a happy life that are a great blessing.
November 10, 2022
Biggest book hangover EVER!! I just don’t even know what to say. There are no words good enough to write an ending review of this 8 book series!! I’m so emotional! I can’t believe this series is over! I will forever love & miss the Davises! They are all like family & friends to me!!! I loved how I read the first 4 books early in the year and then the last 4 towards the end of the year because it made them stick with me longer by stretching it out. I will definitely be rereading this series for years to come!! I absolutely love reading about the simpler times. I am glad to have just learned that Janette Oke has another series that follows the Davises youngest daughters daughter later in life. I think I’ll be reading that next!! I’m so attached!!
December 10, 2018
I really enjoyed the final book in this series, I really liked the irony and also how realistic the characters are. I am excited to see that there is another series following Belinda's children.
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January 28, 2018Marty & Clark Davis were married after each had lost a spouse.
Nandry and Clae were 2 sisters that they adopted into the family after their mother died.
Missie was Clark's daughter. She had married Willie and moved West.
Clare was Marty's son. Clare married Kate and lived in the first house of Marty & Clark. Their children were Amy Jo, Dan, David, and Dack.
Arnie was their 1st child together. He was married to Anne and their children were Silas, John & Abe.
Ellie married Lane Howard and moved close to Missie. Brenda, William and Willis were their children.
Luke was a doctor and married Abbie. Their children were Thomas, Aaron and Ruth.
Belinda was the youngest and a nurse now living in Boston with Mrs. Virginia Stafford-Smythe.
Belinda had been in Boston for 3 years now. She now called her employer 'Aunt Virgie'. She was accepted by the staff at Marshall Manor but they were not friends. Aunt Virgie had a bout of the flu in early summer but was better now. She had a dinner party and one of her friends invited her to New York for 6 weeks. Belinda hadn't known that she was expected to go along and made plans to go home. Aunt Virgie was disappointed but allowed her to go on the promise that she would come back to Boston in 6 weeks time.
Luke met Belinda's train. She had told only him that she was coming to visit. She surprised his wife and children who were very happy to see her, especially Aaron. Young Ruthie didn't remember her but the boys did. They took her home to the farm to see Marty & Clark. She felt Marty's disappointment when she realized that Belinda's return was just a visit.
Belinda was told that Jackson was marrying the new nurse, Flo, that had replaced her when she left town. Rand had gone back to where he had come from. He had met a girl there and they were married now. Amy Jo was expecting her second child. Clark mentioned that Drew had come to visit his parents. Belinda recalled that she had liked him as a child and he was the first boy she had kissed. Did he become a lawyer and had he married? Did he still have any kind of feelings for her? Belinda was feeling nostalgic. She went by the first home of Clark & Marty, where Amy Jo had grown up. Clare and Kate had built and moved into a new house. The memories were painful when she realized how much had changed and that she couldn't go back. She didn't feel like she fit in anymore.
The visit came to an end and she returned to Boston when the 6 weeks were over. She found that Aunt Virgie was more open to the words of Bible when they were back together and by Easter Belinda found out that she had accepted Christ as her Savior. They had another dinner party where Mrs. Smythe explained her new found faith to her friends. Belinda knew that she was where she was supposed to be.
It wasn't too much longer before the butler accepted Christ as his Savior. A short time later, Mrs. Stafford-Smythe died in her sleep. Belinda was preparing to go back home when she found out that she was left the bulk of the estate. Belinda didn't want the responsibility and felt the weight of it. She cried it out and then the maid found a letter written to Belinda. The letter said that she didn't mean the house to be a burden but rather a ministry and Belinda was determined to find a use for the house with the approval and acceptance of the staff. She first went to the attorney who told her of the will and he suggested selling the house and giving the proceeds to charity. Belinda knew that wasn't what Mrs. Smythe had in mind and rejected his suggestion.
Belinda received a visit from the church parson and she asked him if he might recommend an attorney to help her find something useful to do with the house. Belinda and the butler, Windsor, had tried stopping by a few attorney's offices to ask for help but were refused. They were told that they didn't take clients from off the streets. They would have been more than willing to help if they had realized who she was and the size of the estate.
An attorney finally came to call and he suggest an orphanage but that was rejected because there would have been too much remodeling that would be needed. He suggested making a home for patrons of the arts but that was rejected too. As the talked, Belinda came up the with idea of letting elderly homeless people live in the house. She spoke with the staff and they all agreed to stay with the exception of the cook. She was leaving to get married.
Belinda didn't know that the senior partner of the firm Keats, Cross and Newman was her attorney. She just knew he worked there. She was singing papers one day when she ran into Drew Simpson. He was now an attorney for the law firm she had hired to handle the estate. She was excited to see him again and they met for a quick tea break. He called that evening to see if she was willing to attend a concert with her that weekend. She quickly accepted.
Belinda met him at the concert and they made arrangements to go to her church together in the morning. They walked to the house for lunch and talked about their years apart from each other. Neither had known the other was living in Boston and that they were so close to each other. Belinda didn't know it but Drew felt like he had the wind knocked out of him same as the fall he had taken off a horse many years ago. He felt that Belinda's wealth put a barrier up between them.
Drew hesitated to get too close to Belinda due to her wealth. Belinda feared getting too close to Drew because once things were arranged, she planned on going back home. She thought that Drew would remain in Boston. Yet they still continued to see each other. The pull they felt toward each other was getting stronger and they couldn't remain apart.
Belinda had been told by her parents that Drew's father back home had died. She learned from Drew that her mother wasn't happy there and wanted to move back to the city so his brother, Sid, could continue his education. Belinda talked with Drew about asking his mother to come work at her home for the elderly and bring his brother so that he could attend university in Boston. Drew agreed to talk to his mother and they soon came to live at Marshall Manor.
A board was set up to run the Manor and Keats was on it. Everything was in place and residents had been found. Belinda was hoping to get home for Christmas but that wasn't realistic so she made arrangements for to have another Christmas in Boston. She wondered if part of the reason for the delay was Drew. His family was in Boston now so there would be no reason for him to return home to even visit anymore. All they needed was a resident nurse. She arrived on Christmas Eve. She had come to the house because her husband had recently died. She wasn't ready to leave him alone in his grave so soon. She was readily accepted and was very qualified.
Drew asked her to ride home with him on Christmas night and he told her that he loved her too much to continue their relationship. They were heading in different directions and he couldn't remain just a friend any longer. She cried herself to sleep that night and started packing to go home the next morning. She had a hard time telling everyone good bye. Windsor told her that he would miss her and that she had gone over an above her duties as a nurse in her care for Virginia. He admitted that he had loved Mrs. Stafford-Smythe for years. He couldn't have declared his love because they were from different stations in life. She was his employer. Thomas, the gardener, gave her a rose to take home that he had grafted and created himself. It was a rose that went from cream to a dark apricot that he had given the name Princess Belinda. She carried it home with her on the train.
She went to see Luke and found out that her mother was sick with the flu. She stayed home with her for three weeks until Marty was back on her feet and able to resume her chores. She then moved back into town and took a room at the boardinghouse. She was an adult now and didn't want to live with her brother and his family. She accepted a position nursing the wife of the postman. She had arthritis so bad she couldn't do anything for herself anymore. She stayed with her during the day so her husband could work. He brought her some mail one afternoon and there were more legal papers that needed signing. She thought she would have to take a trip out of town when the postmaster mentioned that there was a new lawyer in town. He come home early that evening so she would have time to go see him.
Belinda went to the lawyers office and ran out crying when she saw that it was Drew. Luke came to see her that evening to talk to her. He explained that Drew had broken things off with her because he thought she planned to remain in Boston and he had always planned to return home. Luke let her cry on his shoulder and then told her that he was waiting outside to talk to her. She let him in and they talked about the things that they had mistakenly thought about each others plans. They worked things out between them and they were married in August. Belinda wasn't destined to live her life alone after all.
Nandry and Clae were 2 sisters that they adopted into the family after their mother died.
Missie was Clark's daughter. She had married Willie and moved West.
Clare was Marty's son. Clare married Kate and lived in the first house of Marty & Clark. Their children were Amy Jo, Dan, David, and Dack.
Arnie was their 1st child together. He was married to Anne and their children were Silas, John & Abe.
Ellie married Lane Howard and moved close to Missie. Brenda, William and Willis were their children.
Luke was a doctor and married Abbie. Their children were Thomas, Aaron and Ruth.
Belinda was the youngest and a nurse now living in Boston with Mrs. Virginia Stafford-Smythe.
Belinda had been in Boston for 3 years now. She now called her employer 'Aunt Virgie'. She was accepted by the staff at Marshall Manor but they were not friends. Aunt Virgie had a bout of the flu in early summer but was better now. She had a dinner party and one of her friends invited her to New York for 6 weeks. Belinda hadn't known that she was expected to go along and made plans to go home. Aunt Virgie was disappointed but allowed her to go on the promise that she would come back to Boston in 6 weeks time.
Luke met Belinda's train. She had told only him that she was coming to visit. She surprised his wife and children who were very happy to see her, especially Aaron. Young Ruthie didn't remember her but the boys did. They took her home to the farm to see Marty & Clark. She felt Marty's disappointment when she realized that Belinda's return was just a visit.
Belinda was told that Jackson was marrying the new nurse, Flo, that had replaced her when she left town. Rand had gone back to where he had come from. He had met a girl there and they were married now. Amy Jo was expecting her second child. Clark mentioned that Drew had come to visit his parents. Belinda recalled that she had liked him as a child and he was the first boy she had kissed. Did he become a lawyer and had he married? Did he still have any kind of feelings for her? Belinda was feeling nostalgic. She went by the first home of Clark & Marty, where Amy Jo had grown up. Clare and Kate had built and moved into a new house. The memories were painful when she realized how much had changed and that she couldn't go back. She didn't feel like she fit in anymore.
The visit came to an end and she returned to Boston when the 6 weeks were over. She found that Aunt Virgie was more open to the words of Bible when they were back together and by Easter Belinda found out that she had accepted Christ as her Savior. They had another dinner party where Mrs. Smythe explained her new found faith to her friends. Belinda knew that she was where she was supposed to be.
It wasn't too much longer before the butler accepted Christ as his Savior. A short time later, Mrs. Stafford-Smythe died in her sleep. Belinda was preparing to go back home when she found out that she was left the bulk of the estate. Belinda didn't want the responsibility and felt the weight of it. She cried it out and then the maid found a letter written to Belinda. The letter said that she didn't mean the house to be a burden but rather a ministry and Belinda was determined to find a use for the house with the approval and acceptance of the staff. She first went to the attorney who told her of the will and he suggested selling the house and giving the proceeds to charity. Belinda knew that wasn't what Mrs. Smythe had in mind and rejected his suggestion.
Belinda received a visit from the church parson and she asked him if he might recommend an attorney to help her find something useful to do with the house. Belinda and the butler, Windsor, had tried stopping by a few attorney's offices to ask for help but were refused. They were told that they didn't take clients from off the streets. They would have been more than willing to help if they had realized who she was and the size of the estate.
An attorney finally came to call and he suggest an orphanage but that was rejected because there would have been too much remodeling that would be needed. He suggested making a home for patrons of the arts but that was rejected too. As the talked, Belinda came up the with idea of letting elderly homeless people live in the house. She spoke with the staff and they all agreed to stay with the exception of the cook. She was leaving to get married.
Belinda didn't know that the senior partner of the firm Keats, Cross and Newman was her attorney. She just knew he worked there. She was singing papers one day when she ran into Drew Simpson. He was now an attorney for the law firm she had hired to handle the estate. She was excited to see him again and they met for a quick tea break. He called that evening to see if she was willing to attend a concert with her that weekend. She quickly accepted.
Belinda met him at the concert and they made arrangements to go to her church together in the morning. They walked to the house for lunch and talked about their years apart from each other. Neither had known the other was living in Boston and that they were so close to each other. Belinda didn't know it but Drew felt like he had the wind knocked out of him same as the fall he had taken off a horse many years ago. He felt that Belinda's wealth put a barrier up between them.
Drew hesitated to get too close to Belinda due to her wealth. Belinda feared getting too close to Drew because once things were arranged, she planned on going back home. She thought that Drew would remain in Boston. Yet they still continued to see each other. The pull they felt toward each other was getting stronger and they couldn't remain apart.
Belinda had been told by her parents that Drew's father back home had died. She learned from Drew that her mother wasn't happy there and wanted to move back to the city so his brother, Sid, could continue his education. Belinda talked with Drew about asking his mother to come work at her home for the elderly and bring his brother so that he could attend university in Boston. Drew agreed to talk to his mother and they soon came to live at Marshall Manor.
A board was set up to run the Manor and Keats was on it. Everything was in place and residents had been found. Belinda was hoping to get home for Christmas but that wasn't realistic so she made arrangements for to have another Christmas in Boston. She wondered if part of the reason for the delay was Drew. His family was in Boston now so there would be no reason for him to return home to even visit anymore. All they needed was a resident nurse. She arrived on Christmas Eve. She had come to the house because her husband had recently died. She wasn't ready to leave him alone in his grave so soon. She was readily accepted and was very qualified.
Drew asked her to ride home with him on Christmas night and he told her that he loved her too much to continue their relationship. They were heading in different directions and he couldn't remain just a friend any longer. She cried herself to sleep that night and started packing to go home the next morning. She had a hard time telling everyone good bye. Windsor told her that he would miss her and that she had gone over an above her duties as a nurse in her care for Virginia. He admitted that he had loved Mrs. Stafford-Smythe for years. He couldn't have declared his love because they were from different stations in life. She was his employer. Thomas, the gardener, gave her a rose to take home that he had grafted and created himself. It was a rose that went from cream to a dark apricot that he had given the name Princess Belinda. She carried it home with her on the train.
She went to see Luke and found out that her mother was sick with the flu. She stayed home with her for three weeks until Marty was back on her feet and able to resume her chores. She then moved back into town and took a room at the boardinghouse. She was an adult now and didn't want to live with her brother and his family. She accepted a position nursing the wife of the postman. She had arthritis so bad she couldn't do anything for herself anymore. She stayed with her during the day so her husband could work. He brought her some mail one afternoon and there were more legal papers that needed signing. She thought she would have to take a trip out of town when the postmaster mentioned that there was a new lawyer in town. He come home early that evening so she would have time to go see him.
Belinda went to the lawyers office and ran out crying when she saw that it was Drew. Luke came to see her that evening to talk to her. He explained that Drew had broken things off with her because he thought she planned to remain in Boston and he had always planned to return home. Luke let her cry on his shoulder and then told her that he was waiting outside to talk to her. She let him in and they talked about the things that they had mistakenly thought about each others plans. They worked things out between them and they were married in August. Belinda wasn't destined to live her life alone after all.
September 4, 2025
Number of pages: 238
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: Love Comes Softly #8
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Belinda loves her employer, Aunt Virgie, but she is starting to miss home. Everything is so different in Boston, and she longs for the simplicity of the farm, and the companionship of her family. However, when she returns for a visit, everything seems really different. Belinda’s not sure where she brings anymore.
My thoughts: Drew is back! Well, at least part way through. He and Belinda have a really annoying misunderstanding, but it all turns out good in the end.
I love when one certain character gets saved - I'm trying to not spoil too much. She recognizes that she can’t keep the good news for herself, and invites all her friends over to share the gospel. Someone else gets saved because of it and I found it a good reminder that although our actions should show others we are Christians, there is never an excuse for not sharing God’s good news of salvation with others verbally. Personally, I find it really hard to initiate sharing my faith, but this book encouraged me that it's important to do, and anyone (no matter how new a believer) can do it.
I love what Belinda decided to do with her house. I think it is the perfect thing. I only feel sad that it takes Drew’s family away from him. I think it’s all for the best though; everyone is where they need to be.
I was glad Belinda got to visit her family. It can be hard to move away, but it can also be hard to come back. I think Belinda really needed that time to see her family again, to feel their love and support, and also to start thinking about how she could fit in when she moved back. I appreciated the message about people changing and needing to find their place. We don’t stay the same, and that’s ok, but then we need to figure out how to make a new place for ourselves. Belinda changed when she went away, and so did her family back at home. Belinda had to find a new way to fit in when she came back to her small hometown.
Overall I enjoyed the ending to this book and the series.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: Love Comes Softly #8
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Belinda loves her employer, Aunt Virgie, but she is starting to miss home. Everything is so different in Boston, and she longs for the simplicity of the farm, and the companionship of her family. However, when she returns for a visit, everything seems really different. Belinda’s not sure where she brings anymore.
My thoughts: Drew is back! Well, at least part way through. He and Belinda have a really annoying misunderstanding, but it all turns out good in the end.
I love when one certain character gets saved - I'm trying to not spoil too much. She recognizes that she can’t keep the good news for herself, and invites all her friends over to share the gospel. Someone else gets saved because of it and I found it a good reminder that although our actions should show others we are Christians, there is never an excuse for not sharing God’s good news of salvation with others verbally. Personally, I find it really hard to initiate sharing my faith, but this book encouraged me that it's important to do, and anyone (no matter how new a believer) can do it.
I love what Belinda decided to do with her house. I think it is the perfect thing. I only feel sad that it takes Drew’s family away from him. I think it’s all for the best though; everyone is where they need to be.
I was glad Belinda got to visit her family. It can be hard to move away, but it can also be hard to come back. I think Belinda really needed that time to see her family again, to feel their love and support, and also to start thinking about how she could fit in when she moved back. I appreciated the message about people changing and needing to find their place. We don’t stay the same, and that’s ok, but then we need to figure out how to make a new place for ourselves. Belinda changed when she went away, and so did her family back at home. Belinda had to find a new way to fit in when she came back to her small hometown.
Overall I enjoyed the ending to this book and the series.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
September 26, 2019
3.5 stars. I’m finally done with this series, I feel like it probably could of ended several books ago and I enjoyed Marty’s point of view better than Belinda’s in the last few books but it’s such a light hearted story that will inspire anyone to look at the good in life and always be grateful for what you have.
April 17, 2023
:) Belinda and Drew (finally!) :) The entire series is the epitome of what should be Christian historical fiction... solid Biblical values... great characters... and a realistic approach to circumstances! I love this series...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2024
This was the final book in the beloved series. I’ve never read the entire series before & truly loved each one of the books. The characters are unique, the story telling is cozy, and the Gospel is presented & the Word & the importance of prayer is woven throughout the entire series.
June 14, 2024
It's over. It's over.
Oh, how I already miss you.
Oh, how I already miss you.
January 18, 2025
Heartwarming book!
March 19, 2019
I really liked it as an ending to the series but I was a little disappointed with the end. I felt like it was rushed and didn't give much detail or justice to the story line.
May 20, 2023
I thought this series was wonderful. I couldn't put the books down! Highly recommend.
January 14, 2025
The original Davis family saga concludes with the eighth book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Finds a Home, by Janette Oke.
Belinda Davis, Marty and Clark's youngest daughter, left home in Love Takes Wing. Living in the home of Mrs. Stafford-Smythe (a.k.a. Aunt Virgie), Belinda's days in Boston are filled with caring for Aunt Virgie and experiencing a life so different from the one in her prairie town. But she is confident that if she keeps God first in her life, she will be at peace.
Unexpected happenings at the house force Belinda to face new decisions, and when she reconnects with someone from her past, Belinda finds the choices she must make harder than ever before.
Love Finds a Home is a superb conclusion to the Love Comes Softly series. Focusing on Marty and Clark's youngest child, the reader truly sees Belinda evolve into a smart, humble, and even more caring young woman. Sharing parts of Belinda's life in Boston and life at home, the author pushes Belinda to the limit. A strong woman of faith, she brings much joy to all who reside at Aunt Virgie's house. Historical inspirational fiction should always be this good.
Belinda Davis, Marty and Clark's youngest daughter, left home in Love Takes Wing. Living in the home of Mrs. Stafford-Smythe (a.k.a. Aunt Virgie), Belinda's days in Boston are filled with caring for Aunt Virgie and experiencing a life so different from the one in her prairie town. But she is confident that if she keeps God first in her life, she will be at peace.
Unexpected happenings at the house force Belinda to face new decisions, and when she reconnects with someone from her past, Belinda finds the choices she must make harder than ever before.
Love Finds a Home is a superb conclusion to the Love Comes Softly series. Focusing on Marty and Clark's youngest child, the reader truly sees Belinda evolve into a smart, humble, and even more caring young woman. Sharing parts of Belinda's life in Boston and life at home, the author pushes Belinda to the limit. A strong woman of faith, she brings much joy to all who reside at Aunt Virgie's house. Historical inspirational fiction should always be this good.
August 29, 2014
So much heart in these novels and in the previous one I was like where is Drew and then poof I get my question answered. I really enjoyed reading this series and I have some more Oke books that I may be tempted into reading but some are missing so I will be buying to supplement what I don't already have. Anyways on the worth of this book I have to say I loved it and I am not even particularly religious and I have never enjoyed westerns or prairie books before. This was outside my comfort zone and honestly I am quite glad that I ran out of fantasy novels so that I was forced to read this. I did note however that the movie I saw bearing the same title the other day had very few similarities.
July 10, 2020
I honestly didn't think that reading the final book would leave me wanting to reread the entire series again. It would be fun to go back to the years when Missie was still at home. I feel out of all the kids, Nandry and Clae were talked about the least and it would have been nice to hear a bit more about them.
This book in particular was a good read. Personally, I still don't understand why Belinda would want to leave Boston but she did what she felt was best. In the previous review I was asking what happened to Drew and it seems I got my answer. :) The ending was a bit predictable and I was really hoping for a bit more from the "epilogue"
Overall, a good Christian series with lovable and unforgettable characters.
This book in particular was a good read. Personally, I still don't understand why Belinda would want to leave Boston but she did what she felt was best. In the previous review I was asking what happened to Drew and it seems I got my answer. :) The ending was a bit predictable and I was really hoping for a bit more from the "epilogue"
Overall, a good Christian series with lovable and unforgettable characters.
November 7, 2013
I thought this book was so beautiful because it shows how everything happens for a reason. The book was well written in my opinion, just because, by how easy it was to follow along if you get a book in the series that happens to be the very last book! The romance and the story was so wonderful, I may have to find the rest of the books and read them! Janette Oke did an amazing job! Two thumbs up!!!
February 22, 2015
I read this book to my wife, reading is one of the very few things that we can do together these days. She liked this book very much. The book is the last of the "Love Comes Softly" series and a continuation of "Love Takes Wing". This book finds Belinda still in Boston and takes up her life from there. The ending seemed to be a bit rushed to me, but what do I know. It ended well for Belinda, as expected, so the wife was pleased.
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