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Women of the West #10
Louisa - Mit den Augen des Herzens
Es gibt Augenblicke, in denen Louisa sich wünscht, sie wäre ein Einzelkind und hätte nie eine kleine Schwester bekommen. Zumindest nicht eine Schwester wie Glenna.
Bereits von Beginn an schwärmen die Leute von Glenna: "Ach, ist die niedlich! Diese strahlenden Augen! Diese blonden Locken! Sie ist so hübsch!" Nie sagt jemand so etwas über Louisa.
Glenna wächst zu einer bezaubernden jungen Frau heran - und noch immer fühlt sich Louisa neben ihr unscheinbar, durchschnittlich und weniger wertvoll. Wie Aschenputtel neben einer Prinzessin.
Von Tag zu Tag wird das Verhältnis der beiden Schwestern gespannter. Plötzlich geschieht etwas, das Louisa zwingt, sich mit den wahren Gründen für ihre Probleme auseinander zu setzen...
Bereits von Beginn an schwärmen die Leute von Glenna: "Ach, ist die niedlich! Diese strahlenden Augen! Diese blonden Locken! Sie ist so hübsch!" Nie sagt jemand so etwas über Louisa.
Glenna wächst zu einer bezaubernden jungen Frau heran - und noch immer fühlt sich Louisa neben ihr unscheinbar, durchschnittlich und weniger wertvoll. Wie Aschenputtel neben einer Prinzessin.
Von Tag zu Tag wird das Verhältnis der beiden Schwestern gespannter. Plötzlich geschieht etwas, das Louisa zwingt, sich mit den wahren Gründen für ihre Probleme auseinander zu setzen...
238 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
184 people are currently reading
1437 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 180 reviews
October 6, 2011
I almost wanted to give this book a 2.5.
It's not that I didn't like the book. I did. And Janette Oke is one of my all-time favorite authors. And it's not that I didn't resonate with the characters. I did. And I'm probably more like Berta that I care to admit. Maybe that's one of the reasons it was hard to read. It was just such a downer for most of it. It took so long for her to really wake up & move on. And - while that is true-to-life for most of us, it was just hard to get through that whole book & see that the change was finally there & at the end it felt a bit rushed. I just kept thinking of all the loose ends & how little book was left to read.
It's not that I didn't like the book. I did. And Janette Oke is one of my all-time favorite authors. And it's not that I didn't resonate with the characters. I did. And I'm probably more like Berta that I care to admit. Maybe that's one of the reasons it was hard to read. It was just such a downer for most of it. It took so long for her to really wake up & move on. And - while that is true-to-life for most of us, it was just hard to get through that whole book & see that the change was finally there & at the end it felt a bit rushed. I just kept thinking of all the loose ends & how little book was left to read.
October 11, 2021
At first I wasn’t really drawn into this book but then as the story advanced I realized how important the beginning was to the rest of the story. The main character of the book is Bertha Berdette. The way the story is told is as if it was Bertha telling it. It’s mostly about her life. In the story’s beginning she was a young child. An only child who got all the attention from her Mother and Father. Then along came Glenna. Things changed. Glenna was beautiful, bubbly and stole all the attention from her plain older sister Bertha. But it wasn’t intentional on Glenna’s part because she looked up to her older sister and loved her. But things were never quite the same for Bertha after Glenna was born. She felt her mother loved Glenna more than she did her. This lasted through their growing up years into their teen years and adult years. Glenna married a doctor and raised a family and had everything going for her. Bertha stayed single and was a librarian. Independent and able to do what she wanted when she wanted to do it. Why isn’t she happy then? What’s missing in her life? I did get into the story and eventually enjoyed it.
This story is for those who like to read inspirational or clean read book. Suitable for family reading. For fans of Janette Oke.
This story is for those who like to read inspirational or clean read book. Suitable for family reading. For fans of Janette Oke.
September 9, 2017
Wow. This book was soo good. Probably my favorite of Oke's thus far.
The characters were real. Oh, so real. I got frustrated with them, understood their pain, anger, and their emotions, and had hope. Some of the things that happened were so heartbreaking, I started tearing up.
The setting and plot was nicely done, too, it gave the book a gentle touch.
The story itself really touched me. I find myself feeling somethings in common with the main character, Berta. Seeing her journey was inspiring. And actually, just a few days ago I was thinking of one of my own antagonist in my novel... asking the same questions this book was asking! How incredible of God to show me this book, while I was finding answers for my own novel/myself. It was awesome.
Amazing, sweet book.
The characters were real. Oh, so real. I got frustrated with them, understood their pain, anger, and their emotions, and had hope. Some of the things that happened were so heartbreaking, I started tearing up.
The setting and plot was nicely done, too, it gave the book a gentle touch.
The story itself really touched me. I find myself feeling somethings in common with the main character, Berta. Seeing her journey was inspiring. And actually, just a few days ago I was thinking of one of my own antagonist in my novel... asking the same questions this book was asking! How incredible of God to show me this book, while I was finding answers for my own novel/myself. It was awesome.
Amazing, sweet book.
May 24, 2016
Such a great story about two vastly different sisters and their tumultuous relationship through childhood, the teen years, and on into their adult lives. Written in usual, charming Janette Oke style, I enjoyed this book although it wasn't my favorite of her works. :)
May 30, 2018
"Oh, Berta... I fear what that defiant spirit and quick temper might cost you in life."
Berta sees herself as plain, ordinary, and unappreciated compared to her glowing, outgoing, adored sister, Glenna. That perception affects how Berta lives her life. But she'll eventually have to take true stock of what she has become, and why, in The Bluebird and the Sparrow by author Janette Oke.
I believe this is the third time I've read this novel, counting the first time I did so back in my adolescence. Pretty sure I was first drawn by its original book cover from the '90s, which I still prefer. I think the story benefits from the rather pastel cover that's softly vibrant and lovely because...
Well, because Berta is a downer much of the time. But her story is a lovely one.
Berta is a depiction of how jealousy can make even a competent person illogical, petty, and bitter. It makes real, unfortunate sense.
The scenes during Berta and Glenna's childhood give the general gist of how they come into womanhood. Granted, that general gist all but makes caricatures of them for a while, with a too-sour older sister and a too-sweet younger one. Yet, Berta's moments of self-awareness make her character relatable. There's a realness to her journey, her pain, and what she must one day come to learn.
This ChristFic novel is comfort reading for me. Not because it's perfect or happy-go-lucky (it's neither) but because it brings relevant truth about life, love, and self-acceptance in a simple and ultimately lovely way.
Berta sees herself as plain, ordinary, and unappreciated compared to her glowing, outgoing, adored sister, Glenna. That perception affects how Berta lives her life. But she'll eventually have to take true stock of what she has become, and why, in The Bluebird and the Sparrow by author Janette Oke.
I believe this is the third time I've read this novel, counting the first time I did so back in my adolescence. Pretty sure I was first drawn by its original book cover from the '90s, which I still prefer. I think the story benefits from the rather pastel cover that's softly vibrant and lovely because...
Well, because Berta is a downer much of the time. But her story is a lovely one.
Berta is a depiction of how jealousy can make even a competent person illogical, petty, and bitter. It makes real, unfortunate sense.
The scenes during Berta and Glenna's childhood give the general gist of how they come into womanhood. Granted, that general gist all but makes caricatures of them for a while, with a too-sour older sister and a too-sweet younger one. Yet, Berta's moments of self-awareness make her character relatable. There's a realness to her journey, her pain, and what she must one day come to learn.
This ChristFic novel is comfort reading for me. Not because it's perfect or happy-go-lucky (it's neither) but because it brings relevant truth about life, love, and self-acceptance in a simple and ultimately lovely way.
January 2, 2017
This was technically a reread for me - this is my favorite Janette Oke book and it had been a few years since I read it.
November 10, 2014
Overall, it was a very good book. It was exactly what I expected it to be, having watched the movie versions of the Love Comes Softly saga: a Christian historical romance.
The characters were engaging and relatable. Glenna – who could have very easily been presented as the far-too-perfect, pious daughter – actually was revealed (by the end) to have to work really hard at being so sweet and giving. Berta – the main character – was especially relatable for me.
The main point or question in the story seems to be that we make the choices in our life. We are who we want to be. Glenna wanted to be sweet and put the needs of others before herself, so she did that. Berta had this view of herself as being unloved and, therefore, unlovable. She went through her whole life pushing people away: her family, her friends and the one man who truly loved her for who she was.
Through a series of tragedies, she comes to realize that she’s made her life miserable through the choices she’s made. She decides to turn her life around. It’s a work in progress. Even by the end, she’s not quite there, but the reader knows she’s well on the path to happiness.
There’s a couple instances when the Christian/Religious message is a bit heavy-handed. So, for someone who isn’t especially religious that would be bothersome. I didn’t mind at all, since I’m quite religious.
I’m a sensitive person. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve cried at books before – usually because a character died. There was one character in this book whose death made me cry. However, I also cried at the end of the story, because it was so touching. That’s not a reaction I have often and, for me, speaks to the skill of the author.
I’ll end by saying that I really enjoyed the book and I’ll definitely read more by this author. I think I’d like to start her Canadian West series. I’ll be checking my library for When Calls the Heart, which is the first book in that series.
The characters were engaging and relatable. Glenna – who could have very easily been presented as the far-too-perfect, pious daughter – actually was revealed (by the end) to have to work really hard at being so sweet and giving. Berta – the main character – was especially relatable for me.
The main point or question in the story seems to be that we make the choices in our life. We are who we want to be. Glenna wanted to be sweet and put the needs of others before herself, so she did that. Berta had this view of herself as being unloved and, therefore, unlovable. She went through her whole life pushing people away: her family, her friends and the one man who truly loved her for who she was.
Through a series of tragedies, she comes to realize that she’s made her life miserable through the choices she’s made. She decides to turn her life around. It’s a work in progress. Even by the end, she’s not quite there, but the reader knows she’s well on the path to happiness.
There’s a couple instances when the Christian/Religious message is a bit heavy-handed. So, for someone who isn’t especially religious that would be bothersome. I didn’t mind at all, since I’m quite religious.
I’m a sensitive person. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve cried at books before – usually because a character died. There was one character in this book whose death made me cry. However, I also cried at the end of the story, because it was so touching. That’s not a reaction I have often and, for me, speaks to the skill of the author.
I’ll end by saying that I really enjoyed the book and I’ll definitely read more by this author. I think I’d like to start her Canadian West series. I’ll be checking my library for When Calls the Heart, which is the first book in that series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2016
3.5 stars
The Bluebird and the Sparrow was a good book, all in all. It had a good lesson on self worth and such. But the main character Berta's struggles made for a kind of depressing book. She felt her mother always loved her beautiful sister Glenna the most. And she seem to grow kind of bitter, and into believing that because Glenna was born beautiful, her life was easy and she got whatever she wanted. Berta is kind of harsh and not very loving. She makes for herself a life that is pointless and dull. It's just not exactly a "light and fluffy" read.
BUT, it doesn't stay that way. There is revelation and lessons learned. :) And the end-*sighs*- my was it sweet! :) <3 The end makes this book worthwhile. :D
Can I talk about Thomas a little? Okay, he was just a great guy. :) When he was denied a courtship with the woman he loved, he didn't leave and never talk to her again. They were still friends! And he was there for her, even though he loved her as more than a friend and she didn't want that. He was patient, and then... :) Anyhow, I really liked Thomas.
Berta. She was kind of irritating as a child. She was just so mean and- ugh! And when she got older she was still hard and not very loving at all. But I still liked her. Or at least when she changed. :P Her story really is a good one. :)
So all in all this was a pretty good book. :) It was a good life story, and I liked it.
I'd recommend this book to ages... probably 13+ or something. There wasn't really much that younger kids couldn't read. *shrugs* And also to anyone who likes historical romances (keep in mind this one doesn't have a whole lot of romance for the main character for much of the book), and a story that is more "real life". Not fluffy. :)
The Bluebird and the Sparrow was a good book, all in all. It had a good lesson on self worth and such. But the main character Berta's struggles made for a kind of depressing book. She felt her mother always loved her beautiful sister Glenna the most. And she seem to grow kind of bitter, and into believing that because Glenna was born beautiful, her life was easy and she got whatever she wanted. Berta is kind of harsh and not very loving. She makes for herself a life that is pointless and dull. It's just not exactly a "light and fluffy" read.
BUT, it doesn't stay that way. There is revelation and lessons learned. :) And the end-*sighs*- my was it sweet! :) <3 The end makes this book worthwhile. :D
Can I talk about Thomas a little? Okay, he was just a great guy. :) When he was denied a courtship with the woman he loved, he didn't leave and never talk to her again. They were still friends! And he was there for her, even though he loved her as more than a friend and she didn't want that. He was patient, and then... :) Anyhow, I really liked Thomas.
Berta. She was kind of irritating as a child. She was just so mean and- ugh! And when she got older she was still hard and not very loving at all. But I still liked her. Or at least when she changed. :P Her story really is a good one. :)
So all in all this was a pretty good book. :) It was a good life story, and I liked it.
I'd recommend this book to ages... probably 13+ or something. There wasn't really much that younger kids couldn't read. *shrugs* And also to anyone who likes historical romances (keep in mind this one doesn't have a whole lot of romance for the main character for much of the book), and a story that is more "real life". Not fluffy. :)
December 27, 2017
This is probably my favorite Janette Oke book. Okay, it definitely is. I was probably 7 when I first got my hands on this and it instantly clicked with me. As the plain older child who wasn't bubbly and all things wonderful, I really connected with Berta. This was like a balm to my child soul.
Like this book, we only see the perspective of the bitter person. Everything has Berta's pov and how she sees things and as a kid, that's all I saw--my side of things. I watched Berta's life play out and thought, "that'll be me."
I've reread this so many times and as the years passed it changed. I see the characters differently, I feel differently, and different things occur to me. I thankfully left Berta stage as a teenager while she was in her 30's before she snapped out of it.
There is something though, despite the vastly different time period, that I think resonates with people. Because people are still the same. I still think if you have two kids and one is prettier that you should tell both they're beautiful because as the parent they should be beautiful to you. Inside, or outside, or both. And every little girl wants that. I think maybe if Berta's parents hadn't just praised Glenna's outward beauty and excluded Berta, that a lot of hardship would've been avoided.
Really though, this isn't about how the other people could've changed. This isn't Glenna's story(though that'd be fun to read). This is about Berta and her struggles. This is about how a person can fixate on something as a child and then carry it like smelly garbage throughout their life. I'm always going to love this book.
Like this book, we only see the perspective of the bitter person. Everything has Berta's pov and how she sees things and as a kid, that's all I saw--my side of things. I watched Berta's life play out and thought, "that'll be me."
I've reread this so many times and as the years passed it changed. I see the characters differently, I feel differently, and different things occur to me. I thankfully left Berta stage as a teenager while she was in her 30's before she snapped out of it.
There is something though, despite the vastly different time period, that I think resonates with people. Because people are still the same. I still think if you have two kids and one is prettier that you should tell both they're beautiful because as the parent they should be beautiful to you. Inside, or outside, or both. And every little girl wants that. I think maybe if Berta's parents hadn't just praised Glenna's outward beauty and excluded Berta, that a lot of hardship would've been avoided.
Really though, this isn't about how the other people could've changed. This isn't Glenna's story(though that'd be fun to read). This is about Berta and her struggles. This is about how a person can fixate on something as a child and then carry it like smelly garbage throughout their life. I'm always going to love this book.
March 11, 2015
2.5 stars.
This book was pretty good. But I can't call it great, or really good. There were a few things that really dampened the book for me.
First of all, Berta. I didn't connect with her well at all. She was too self-absorbed and uncaring. The entire time she was feeling sorry for herself and being a grouch. I couldn't feel sorry for her because I could very clearly see that the trap was of her own making. She simply annoyed me.
Second, the over-all book wasn't very happy. Most of the events brought more sorrow than joy. And Berta's dismal outlook didn't help either. It was also a bit boring. Nothing really excited me about this one. It was just not very interesting to me.
And third, it lacked the family feel. From reading the Love Comes Softly series, I expected this book to be, well, similar. To have the same togetherness and family love. This one disappointed me.
Other than that, the book was good though. I was happy to see Berta triumph over her selfishness and misunderstandings. The characters were well-written, the plot was unique, the setting was realistic. The romance was sweet, the faith was strong, and the drama was all right.
I'm not sure if I laughed but I do believe I teared up a bit.
I know it's just a drawing, but isn't the fancy blueish dress on the cover absolutely beautiful? I think it's gorgeous!
This book was pretty good. But I can't call it great, or really good. There were a few things that really dampened the book for me.
First of all, Berta. I didn't connect with her well at all. She was too self-absorbed and uncaring. The entire time she was feeling sorry for herself and being a grouch. I couldn't feel sorry for her because I could very clearly see that the trap was of her own making. She simply annoyed me.
Second, the over-all book wasn't very happy. Most of the events brought more sorrow than joy. And Berta's dismal outlook didn't help either. It was also a bit boring. Nothing really excited me about this one. It was just not very interesting to me.
And third, it lacked the family feel. From reading the Love Comes Softly series, I expected this book to be, well, similar. To have the same togetherness and family love. This one disappointed me.
Other than that, the book was good though. I was happy to see Berta triumph over her selfishness and misunderstandings. The characters were well-written, the plot was unique, the setting was realistic. The romance was sweet, the faith was strong, and the drama was all right.
I'm not sure if I laughed but I do believe I teared up a bit.
I know it's just a drawing, but isn't the fancy blueish dress on the cover absolutely beautiful? I think it's gorgeous!
January 3, 2020
This book was a fantastic read by Janette Oke and is easily one of my favourite books by her. I loved how we were following through the life of a very clearly imperfect person and seeing how one little sinful attitute could end up dominating a person's life and the decisions they make. It made for a deep and thought-provoking read, and certianly went away from the sterotypical prairie books which tend to have a fairly "good" and "godly" person as the heroine, and made this book feel more true to life. This book leaves you with the desire to examine yourself in the light of God's standards and to realise that just as surely as He has made us who we are, we should not be comparing ourselves to others so much as to Him, and that what really matters is that we are living a life lived for Him and His glory.
April 5, 2015
Bluebirds and Sparrows
The title of this book so reflects the true uniqueness of this pinned work by Janette Oke. It has helped me look at my own attitude on how I perceive myself and compare it to God's word on how He looks at me. I found that I am failing in that category. I too need to relook back to the past in which there were episodes of domestic violence ,a alcoholic father and a mother full of hurt. I guess we all could go back and see if we sized ourselves up as a Bluebird with all it beauty and song or are we the Sparrow with it's total beauty within itself.
The title of this book so reflects the true uniqueness of this pinned work by Janette Oke. It has helped me look at my own attitude on how I perceive myself and compare it to God's word on how He looks at me. I found that I am failing in that category. I too need to relook back to the past in which there were episodes of domestic violence ,a alcoholic father and a mother full of hurt. I guess we all could go back and see if we sized ourselves up as a Bluebird with all it beauty and song or are we the Sparrow with it's total beauty within itself.
December 12, 2012
This is a book I've grown up with and reread periodically. It is pretty YA, but I still love it and it has always been close to my heart because I grew up struggling with jealousy issues and can really relate to Berta and her feelings. It always make me cry and is just one of those childhood favourites that I read like comfort food when I'm feeling stressed out. It is super religious, though.
February 24, 2017
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I could feel Berta's frustrations and jealousy towards her beautiful younger sister. Favoritism in a family can destroy a person. Berta's struggle to overcome these feelings and finally understand her past so she could enjoy her future made for a good story!
January 19, 2016
I did not like this book at all. Berta was stuck in jealousy and so much of her life was missed because she believed lies about herself.
August 8, 2021
Read as a teenager, and then again in college! My Mom has passed these down to me, and I am so thankful!
March 12, 2019
This book was really really really sad. And really really good. it was so bitter sweet! I really love Glenna. She does sometimes seem to be WAY too perfect. But it kind of made me want to rethink how I wanted to act. I actually felt bad for Berta. So I know this book gets awfully sad, and I know some friends who quit it mid through, but I’m so glad I finished it, the ending is SO worth it👏🏻😍😍🥰🥰 The Bluebird & The Sparrow will be 4/5 stars ✨, since it was super sad, and it DID get a bit boring...otherwise, it was a heartfelt, adorable, bittersweet, story.
January 26, 2019
I've never read book that I've loved and hated so much. I first read this book when I was 12-13. I had just became a sister and just like Berta found the baby eclipsed everything. But unlike Berta, I didn't mind. At all. I felt like Berta's story was a warning as what not to do as an older sister. And I loved the book. So I decided to reread it.
The overall lesson in the book still holds up. Stop looking at what others have and becoming jealous and bitter for what you don't have. Instead, look at the blessings God has given you and be thankful for them.
However, the first half of the book is agonizing to read. I forgot how much I hated the beginning. Berta is jealousy incarnate. Glenna is the ideal daughter. The mother is oblivious to the fact that because she constantly dotes on Glenna and little Glenna's perfectness, Berta becomes angry and withdrawn. Berta is jealous of Glenna and all her mother can say is "that attitude is going to cost you one day." As a parent, I can say I've told my kid that their attitude is going to get them in trouble but I also try to find the heart of the manner. Since attitudes in small children are usually an indicator of something else going on.
I seriously wondered what was wrong with me and why I liked this book so much until I got to the chapter where we meet little Jamie. The pacing is better. The dynamic of the two sisters is better. Glenna is happy and Berta is bitter. And Berta's bitterness causes her to miss out on many things in life. After her church gets a new pastor, Berta goes through spiritual growth and eventually becomes a better person after letting go of her bitterness. Then she finds happiness in her life (not to mention a young man who's been patiently waiting in the friend zone). But all the massive growth is zipped by in a chapter or two.
I still love this book but I feel like it would have been better if it started right before Glenna came back home. That way the reader doesn't have to read through the caricatured characters in the beginning. That way we get to see the world through a bitter young woman who tries to fix everything herself before she ultimately realizes she can't. And then she turns to the God that can. Then we could have had the development of her engagement and the rebuilding of her broken relationships fleshed out more.
The overall lesson in the book still holds up. Stop looking at what others have and becoming jealous and bitter for what you don't have. Instead, look at the blessings God has given you and be thankful for them.
However, the first half of the book is agonizing to read. I forgot how much I hated the beginning. Berta is jealousy incarnate. Glenna is the ideal daughter. The mother is oblivious to the fact that because she constantly dotes on Glenna and little Glenna's perfectness, Berta becomes angry and withdrawn. Berta is jealous of Glenna and all her mother can say is "that attitude is going to cost you one day." As a parent, I can say I've told my kid that their attitude is going to get them in trouble but I also try to find the heart of the manner. Since attitudes in small children are usually an indicator of something else going on.
I seriously wondered what was wrong with me and why I liked this book so much until I got to the chapter where we meet little Jamie. The pacing is better. The dynamic of the two sisters is better. Glenna is happy and Berta is bitter. And Berta's bitterness causes her to miss out on many things in life. After her church gets a new pastor, Berta goes through spiritual growth and eventually becomes a better person after letting go of her bitterness. Then she finds happiness in her life (not to mention a young man who's been patiently waiting in the friend zone). But all the massive growth is zipped by in a chapter or two.
I still love this book but I feel like it would have been better if it started right before Glenna came back home. That way the reader doesn't have to read through the caricatured characters in the beginning. That way we get to see the world through a bitter young woman who tries to fix everything herself before she ultimately realizes she can't. And then she turns to the God that can. Then we could have had the development of her engagement and the rebuilding of her broken relationships fleshed out more.
December 4, 2021
After finishing the Love Comes Softly series this past year (better later in life than never!), I was curious about reading a completely different story line by Janette Oke.
I was impressed with the unique angle she took in telling the story of two sisters. Instead of someone admirable, the main character is the sister who is plagued with jealousy from the time she is a child, and grows up to be ornery and rather bitter. Her younger sister is actually the one who has a sweet disposition. We get to see life through the bitter sister's eyes, and by doing so, we're able to somewhat identify with her- at the same time, clearly seeing her wrong thinking and the unhappy path she's choosing for herself.
There are some very heart wrenching moments and losses in this story, and the characters seemed very real and alive to me.
We also see an old childhood friend- now a grown man- who comes back into her life and seems to see something special about her that she doesn't see in herself. Though she makes it plain she likes her life the way it is, he remains a loyal friend, even when she does nothing to earn his friendship.
There are so many lessons woven within this story. I think most of us- if we're honest- find at least a little bit of Berta in us. I think the biggest lesson I found is how God pursues us even at our worst. Even if we don't feel lovable, He loves us still.
Like many of Janette Oke's books, this is a story someone of almost any age- from 12 to 92- might enjoy. It is very real, yet heartwarming.
I was impressed with the unique angle she took in telling the story of two sisters. Instead of someone admirable, the main character is the sister who is plagued with jealousy from the time she is a child, and grows up to be ornery and rather bitter. Her younger sister is actually the one who has a sweet disposition. We get to see life through the bitter sister's eyes, and by doing so, we're able to somewhat identify with her- at the same time, clearly seeing her wrong thinking and the unhappy path she's choosing for herself.
There are some very heart wrenching moments and losses in this story, and the characters seemed very real and alive to me.
We also see an old childhood friend- now a grown man- who comes back into her life and seems to see something special about her that she doesn't see in herself. Though she makes it plain she likes her life the way it is, he remains a loyal friend, even when she does nothing to earn his friendship.
There are so many lessons woven within this story. I think most of us- if we're honest- find at least a little bit of Berta in us. I think the biggest lesson I found is how God pursues us even at our worst. Even if we don't feel lovable, He loves us still.
Like many of Janette Oke's books, this is a story someone of almost any age- from 12 to 92- might enjoy. It is very real, yet heartwarming.
September 21, 2015
This book's description here on Goodreads really isn't what its all about. Reading the description on here before I read the book, I would've just passed it on as another love story. It is a love story, but not how you might think. It is a beautiful story written to show you that no matter what you think, or what others tell you, God thinks you are someone special, someone worth loving, someone worth dying for.
Excerpt from "The Bluebird and the Sparrow." Page 242-243
"Making us feel inferior-unworthy-is the devil's work," went on the pastor. "He even tried it on Christ himself. 'Prove that you're somebody,' he taunted Christ. 'Make the world take notice of you.' I think in one way or another, he says that to all of us. Along with it comes the subtle message, 'You're a nobody, and you know it.' 'You're really not worth anything.'"
Berta looked surprised.
"But that isn't what God says," continued the man. "God says each of us is special. Created for a special reason-to fulfil a special task. He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die. Now if we are that important, we must be worth a great deal-to Him. You are special, Miss Berdette. Not just to your family a but to God Himself. Do you believe that? I mean, can you honestly claim the love of God?"
Excerpt from "The Bluebird and the Sparrow." Page 242-243
"Making us feel inferior-unworthy-is the devil's work," went on the pastor. "He even tried it on Christ himself. 'Prove that you're somebody,' he taunted Christ. 'Make the world take notice of you.' I think in one way or another, he says that to all of us. Along with it comes the subtle message, 'You're a nobody, and you know it.' 'You're really not worth anything.'"
Berta looked surprised.
"But that isn't what God says," continued the man. "God says each of us is special. Created for a special reason-to fulfil a special task. He loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die. Now if we are that important, we must be worth a great deal-to Him. You are special, Miss Berdette. Not just to your family a but to God Himself. Do you believe that? I mean, can you honestly claim the love of God?"
December 20, 2016
Typical Berta: "There was such a contrast between her life and Glenna’s. Glenna had it all. Looks and… yes, her prettiness had made life easy for her. […] Suddenly Berta rose and tossed the letter on the small table beside her chair. Life was so desperately – uneven. It made her angry."
Berta always knew her younger sister Glenna got the most attention. Glenna was the pretty and happy one. No one could help liking her from the start. Berta, she was just plain. Plain and unnoticed. Already as a kid she decided that she would be the total opposite of Glenna. Year after year, she’d ignore the fact that Glenna had it all and would live her own life, however empty it seemed to be. But as God reaches out to Berta’s heart, she learns that whatever the circumstances are she can love and be loved.
This was the second time I read the book and I cried anyway. "The Bluebird and the Sparrow" is a beautiful tale of how attitude and choices determine someone’s character more than circumstances. For years, Berta has believed she isn’t loved, that Glenna was loved more because she was so pretty. It takes a lot for her to understand that she can be loved just the way she is.
Berta always knew her younger sister Glenna got the most attention. Glenna was the pretty and happy one. No one could help liking her from the start. Berta, she was just plain. Plain and unnoticed. Already as a kid she decided that she would be the total opposite of Glenna. Year after year, she’d ignore the fact that Glenna had it all and would live her own life, however empty it seemed to be. But as God reaches out to Berta’s heart, she learns that whatever the circumstances are she can love and be loved.
This was the second time I read the book and I cried anyway. "The Bluebird and the Sparrow" is a beautiful tale of how attitude and choices determine someone’s character more than circumstances. For years, Berta has believed she isn’t loved, that Glenna was loved more because she was so pretty. It takes a lot for her to understand that she can be loved just the way she is.
November 10, 2007
I was really drawn in to the author’s writing style in this book and enjoyed the setting, also — it’s a historical romance, which I tend to like. The characters were likeable enough. The story, though … it was a little tough to swallow.
A girl grows up envious of the attention given to her beautiful younger sister — and it takes her until she’s into her thirties before she realizes that her parents didn’t mean any harm by praising her sister’s goodness and didn’t love her any less (something I could see from the beginning of the story, honestly). Maybe this kind of thing really does happen in real life, but I had a hard time buying it when the girl seemed bright and impartial when it came to everything else. Or maybe I was more bothered by the fact that, when this problem had been haunting her for the first twenty chapters of the book, it was neatly wrapped up in two. I didn’t feel there was enough “journey” for the main character.
A girl grows up envious of the attention given to her beautiful younger sister — and it takes her until she’s into her thirties before she realizes that her parents didn’t mean any harm by praising her sister’s goodness and didn’t love her any less (something I could see from the beginning of the story, honestly). Maybe this kind of thing really does happen in real life, but I had a hard time buying it when the girl seemed bright and impartial when it came to everything else. Or maybe I was more bothered by the fact that, when this problem had been haunting her for the first twenty chapters of the book, it was neatly wrapped up in two. I didn’t feel there was enough “journey” for the main character.
May 28, 2021
In spite of the promising beginning, things were kept on safe ground because the old sister gave in to the fact that she wasn't as worthy as her little one. And despite the shy attempts of the writer to heat things up from time to time by breaking Berta's heart with matching old Parker with little Gelnna or putting an end to little Jamie's life or even setting fire in the library ; this book went as smooth as the Indian's book with lengthy and heavy descriptions. That if it weren't for Thomas Hawkins who, unlike all the male characters in Mrs. Oke writings, was vividly engaged with the main characters to make this reading a whole different experience to me..
February 5, 2016
This book took me a really long time to read. I read the first half a long time ago, and then finished it maybe last year. I know Janette Oke is a popular author, but this story is more just about the one sister than about a christian message or even the plot. And frankly, it just isn't that memorable.
I haven't read any of her other books, so I can't compare it. But I if you want to try one of her books, I wouldn't pick this one.
I haven't read any of her other books, so I can't compare it. But I if you want to try one of her books, I wouldn't pick this one.
March 12, 2019
This is a beautiful story for the insight it gives us into the love of our Heavenly Father. It shows the struggle we cause ourselves when we put self first. I thought the book was a little slow at first. It didn't grab my attention until about the middle of the book, but the lesson that it teaches is priceless and timeless! A great character building book. It made me laugh and cry.
January 16, 2009
I decided to try a new Christian author, but I really didn't like it much. The main character decides at age 3-5 to basically be antisocial/selfish. I suppose the author wanted to show her transformation when she realizes what she needs in life. Its just not fun to read a book when you don't really like the main character.
September 3, 2013
This was a decent book about self acceptance. I found it hard to sympathize with Berta, the main character, because I found her jealous, whiny, and just annoying. But the book was about her realizing that her attitude is what caused her unhappiness, so I guess it is acceptable in this circumstance. I have enjoyed other books by Oke much more than this one.
June 11, 2015
One of my favorite books of all time. I have a beautiful, vibrant sister, much like Glenna and I am rather plain, much like Berta. This book is not only a great story, it has helped me so much throughout the years!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2008
I love Janette Oke, but this is not one of my favorites. It is good, but not great. If you haven't read Janette Oke, don't start with this one.
October 24, 2008
This was a kind of cheesy book but I liked it's message.
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