Unfailing Love

When Hope Calls #3

by Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan

When three kids go missing from the children's home, Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennet will do all they can to find them. With the future of the children's home in question and everyone struggling to determine their paths forward, they all begin to realize that sometimes loving well means making difficult choices.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Audiobook, Canada

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2022

About the author

Janette 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.

Reviews

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this series a couple years ago after watching the TV series it was based on, and while I loved the shows, the books ended up being a bit of a disappointment. As the books were vastly different and almost unrecognisable from the show, it was probably my misplaced expectations that’s got in the way.

Much of this book’s storyline in centred around three runaway orphans and the rescue effort around that. Parts got a little repetitive after a while, though I really did appreciate the history and representation of Canada’s early foster care system and the Home Children era.

I never fully resonated with Lillian, the highly emotional main female character. Her relationship with Walter dragged out the entire trilogy, and it never felt like they were on the same page, which got a little annoying after three books of misunderstandings and lack of communication. Once they sorted things out at the VERY end, I wished they had done it sooner so we could have seen a healthy relationship in action more.

Personally, I much preferred Grace and Ben together, but they didn’t get much screen time together.

This book isn’t fast paced or dialogue packed, but rather introspective and meandering.

The cover however is GORGEOUS and my favourite of the series!
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“‘Sometimes, I feel like all I do is try to live up to what I'm supposed to be—like there's a debt I owe to everyone. So I can't complain or be honest about what I really want.’”

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the first two books in the series, I was glad when the third was released. But this one really moved slowly for me. Too much time was devoted to the runaways. While I liked the way it ended, I was more interested in Grace and Lillians's life with the return of their father and his new wife, the other children, and the possibilities of marriage. I felt they stretched it out longer than the story warranted.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, clean, relevant story. This did run a tad long in parts but not horribly.

I was a bit dizzy during the conclusion as the author updated each character and there are a lot.

I would gift this.

GoodReads Giveaway physical book win -- I am appreciative and will be passing the book on.

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Argh, I stopped listening to the audiobook for awhile and then when I went back for it, it was gone from hoopla. So I had to read the rest of this in ebook form, and to be honest, I think once I start a book as audiobook, it needs to stay that way for me, lol. But anyhow, for the actual book...

This was a sweet and satisfying conclusion to this series. I have to be honest, I felt a little exasperated at Lillian sometimes, but I also understood her. Also, I was so happy when Ben and Grace ended up together, it was so perfect lol <3 <3 <3

All the characters (mostly) had happy endings, despite this being one of the more stressful books in the series. The children <3 <3 little Janie and Cass <3 <3 just capture your heart. And Freddie's character arc- honestly I wasn't sure he was going to make it guys, but we got there. And Ben! Oh Ben, how can you not like him?

To be honest, it is the characters that made these books for me. By the end of the series, I cared a lot for them and where they would end up. Thus, the epilogue was very satisfying to me. I loved how it was subtly conveyed as to what happened to each of the characters who had appeared throughout the book, even if it was just a mentioning. And to see Lemuel as a doctor was particularly satisfying. I remember how he was from the first book... Honestly, I don't know why, it was so satisfying to me and I even teared up a little. So yeah, there you go :)

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the third and final book in the "When Hope Calls" series. I became interested in the series as a spin-off of the "When Calls the Heart" program on TV.

This story drew me in - three kids go missing from the children's home run by Grace Bennet and Lillian Walsh. Two of them are obviously runaways, while everyone hopes the third child is simply trying to protect the other two and persuade them to turn back. The saga told from the POV of the runaway children was captivating as they cross the prairie on foot, with almost no food, traveling at night and resting during the day. They are unaware of the terrible dangers that surround them.

As this story continues and concludes the lives of Lillian and Grace, their family, Miss Tilly, and the other children, the author explores the relationships and inner lives of each of them. If I could have read this series back to back, it would have been easier to remember all the people and their relationships. But since a couple of years have passed since I read the first book, I found it difficult to recall all but the main characters and their stories.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful conclusion to Grace and Lillian's story. Parts of the plot shone plainly as bittersweet to me, as I knew it would be the last time to encounter these characters on the page. Perhaps some of the story seemed rather slow, but that was alright. I truly enjoy reading about the sisters, their lives, and the children they love so much. We get some suspense thrown in when some of the bolder children decide to run away. It causes much distress and heartache back at home.

Now that I have finished this series, I plan to branch out and explore more of Janette Oke's earlier publications.

The audiobook version is great. The narrator has a good, clear voice. Definitely would recommend if you're a fellow audio listener.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to the trilogy, which makes me sad. This books continues the story of sisters, Grace and Lillian, and the children they care for. Its descriptions of the Canadian countryside are breathtaking. The stories of the children in their care are truly heartwarming. I can’t wait to see what Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan write next.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice conclusion to this series. I loved the epilogue! One of the things I hoped would happen did. And as much as I love the tv series When Hope Calls, I almost wish they would do a new series more like these books, which were written after the show was on Hallmark. The stories of the children were so sad but also inspiring how God worked in their lives.

[Beth Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfailing Love

While this book was good and readable, I feel like it does not quite measure up to what we have come to expect from Janette Oke. The characters did too many unrealistic things. They reacted in ways that just didn’t make sense, given the situations in the story. Overall, I did enjoy the book.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited when this book was available through our library inter-loan service. This historical story moved slowly and was drawn out in places focusing more on the runaway children than Grace and Lillian lives and their father return. The story provided an insight into how locals thought about children shipped from overseas to Canada to be house in orphanages until adopted. The message of God’s love is unfailing just as Grace and Lillian had for the children in their care. I would recommend readers read book one and two to have all the background of the heroines.

With this book being a library book, no review was required. I have shared my own thoughts.

[kat♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet 4-4.5 star read to end a wholesome series. this book was definitely enjoyable like the others, and it was great to see the parallels and differences between the book series and the tv show. and the conclusion to this little series was sweet. it definitely had its flaws for me, though, especially when it came to the missing kids plot... it just didn't seem as dramatic as it should have been. it kinda felt like "oh three of our kids are missing... okay!" but even when i look past that, the series still had its cute, wholesome moments, and im sad to say goodbye to the characters and story.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is nice to be able to read from an author I used to read from before. I love these kinds of stories.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series!! Highly recommend it.

[Terry Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Janette Oak books for decades. I liked this storyline and several of the characters are enjoyable. But the book was quite a slow start for me. I didn’t want to quit but it definitely moved along slowly until maybe half way through. I also thought that it ended rather abruptly. However I really enjoyed the Epilogue and the way it tied things up. It is a good book, not my favorite of hers but worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great end to the story !

This is a great end to the 3 part series, When Hope Calls. The story moves in ways that keep the reader interested in the characters as the grow older and make life decisions. Loved the book.

[Kristy Weldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of Unfailing Love by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan. All opinions are my own.

Unfailing Love is the third book in the When Hope Calls series. Lilian and Grace and continue working with the orphan children. The first half of the books revolves around the search for missing children.

I loved the first book in the series and mistakenly thought this was the second book. I definitely recommend reading the series in order to get the most enjoyment and understanding from the books.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 7, 2022

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfailing Love by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan is the third book in When Hope Calls series. I believe it is best to read the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines. Unfailing Love is the conclusion of the series. We return to Canada where Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett run a home for orphaned children. Three of their charges have disappeared. People rally to help them find and return the children. It is not going to be easy since the girl is very smart and one of the boys is wily. To make matters more complicated, there is a mountain lion in the area. They want to find the children before the mountain lion. Lillian is also worried about her father who is returning after a long absence. He is bringing his new bride who happens to be closer to Lillian’s age than her father’s. Lillian is also worried about the future. Her fiancé, Walter has a dream of owning a ranch. This would take Lillian away from her sister, Grace, the home she grew up in, and the children. She is torn between her desires and those of Walter. There are several side storylines in this historical novel. The story contains skillful writing, but the pacing is slow. I have read every book written by Janette Oke. I found Unfailing Love to be different from her earlier works. The first half of the book is the slowest as the search is on for the missing children. The pacing picks up in the second half. Unfailing Love is a good story, but it could have been an exceptional story (needed some lightness and more action). I could understand why Lillian had a tough time accepting her father’s new bride who is close to her in age. Lillian still misses her mother and thinks about her frequently. I liked seeing the characters grow as individuals and in their faith. Unfailing Love is a heartwarming story with good life lessons. I like how faith was woven into the story. I enjoyed how Unfailing Love ended. The epilogue was special and a great way to end the series. I was hoping for one of the characters to have a change of heart, but it was not meant to be. This person was not ready to accept what Grace and Lillian were offering them. I have two lines that I wanted to share from Unfailing Love. The first is, “We can’t be bothered by what other people think.” The second line is, “God’s view is all what matters.” Unfailing Love is a touching tale with absconded adolescents, an alarming mountain lion, a surprising stepmother, missing money, ranch realities, powerful prayers, and lasting love.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caring for children who are orphaned or in distress is not an easy task for Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett. When three troubled children run away from their Canadian home a great deal of effort goes into finding them before the children are harmed. Relationships among other family members are also challenged and sacrificial decisions must be made during this difficult time.

This audiobook is the third in a series and the first I have read. At first it was difficult to understand the dynamics of the characters and how they were connected, but eventually I grew to care for each one. The narration was excellent with different accents for characters from different backgrounds and countries.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfailing Love (Book 3, When Hope Comes Calling)
Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan
The setting is Canada. Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennet have a home for children. The children all come from unfortunate situations, some worse than others. Three of the children have run away. Everyone in the area is concerned for the children’s safety especially when a mountain lion has been seen in the area where they think the children have been. The sisters are not only concerned for the missing children they are all concerned about the future of the home. Lillian must decide between her commitment to her sister and her fiance’ Walter’s dreams of a ranch. Ben Waldin would like to find her his family settled in Canada so he can give little Janie a place to call home. Lillian’s father returns with a new bride. Lillian struggles to accept the woman as a part of her father’s life.
The missing children are Lemuel, Freddie and Victoria. Lemuel left so that he could offer protection to Victoria. He doesn’t trust Freddie who often times gets carried away. Freddie has stolen something from someone close to him. Victoria is looking for relatives.
Lemuel is such a sweet child. At first glance Freddie appears to be all trouble but he has a change of heart before the end of the tale. Victoria is ruthless to the point of being a sociopath.
I am not sure what I expected when I began this tale. I have never read a book by Janette Oke and was eager to read this one. I have heard nothing but good concerning Ms Oke’s writings, but I was disappointed in this tale. It was slow moving. The book seemed to drag on until about halfway through. It took me that long to connect with the sisters. Walter rarely seemed to listen to what was on Lillian’s heart. She loved him but the children’s home was important to her. She was expected to give up everything for his dream. Yes, I know we all sacrifice for love, but I didn’t see him making sacrifices. Lemuel was the highlight of this tale. It was a blessing to see Freddie make an about face. Lemuel was willing to offer forgiveness and Freddie repented. That was the highlight of this book. I was surprised that Victoria was not redeemed in some way. I agree she was incorrigible, but I thought there would be some type of repentance. But not everyone accepts what is freely given. I will give another of MS Oke’s books a try.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve reached the end of an era, folks! Janette Oke, along with her daughter Laurel Oke Logan, have just penned what I presume will be their last novel. Of course only time will tell if the duo has any more stories up their sleeves, but perhaps Janette is at last ready for retirement after decades of bringing us some of the most iconic and beloved stories in the Christian Historical Fiction genre.

“Unfailing Love” is the third and final novel in the “When Hope Calls” series from Bethany House (and also, somewhat confusingly, a companion story to the Hallmark television series of the same name). This tale wraps up the questions we’ve been wondering throughout the previous two books, and provides the closure that only a satisfying ending can.

Unfortunately, I felt that as far as an individual storyline this one was not as strong as it could have been. It lagged in the middle, and I found it a bit redundant. Also, our protagonist Lillian was not as well developed as before, and I found myself becoming a bit annoyed at her wavering back and forth. However, minor disappointments aside, if we look at this story with an overarching, wide-angle lens, it helped me to remember this was only a portion of the complete picture. It was the finale in a tale that has spanned much more than this single book, and in that way it redeemed itself. The “When Hope Calls” saga would not be complete without “Unfailing Love”, no question. The themes of God’s love and providence are ever-present, as are the heartfelt drama of two women who make it their life’s mission to love and provide care for children who have no one else.

With this combination of hope and grace, a story that we were already invested in before even opening the cover, and the authorship of a beloved lady whose stories grace the shelves of millions of women around the world, I am glad to add “Unfailing Love” to my Janette Oke collection.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful companion for anyone that enjoys the Hallmark Channel’s When Hope Calls.

It is a hard job, but someone must care for the children in distress and Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett have it placed upon their hearts to be there and help the children. When they hear of three children that have run away and need help, they do all they can to find them before it is too late. They have worked at creating a safe place for children and now Lillian must choose between her commitment to her sister and the life she has wanted to build with her fiancé. With all the trouble they encounter, it is hard to know who to trust and if they can’t trust their family and those they love, it makes their lives so much more difficult.

Unfailing Love is the third book in the When Hope Calls series and unlike some, I would say this is a series that needs to be read in order for the readers to get the most out of each book and follow the story. There is a lot to unbox within this story and the plethora of characters brings a dynamic to the story that can be hard to follow if readers aren’t careful. The writing is well done even if the pacing of the story is a tad on the slow side. I found the characters of Lillian and Grace to be good leads for this book but wished for a little more character development on a deeper level. The setting of the story really drew me in and kept the story what I wanted from it. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and those that love the Hallmark type movies of this nature.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters use their family home to start an orphanage of sorts. They taken kids with no place to go and all is well until Lamuel, Veronica and troublesome Freddy runaway. Lemuel is a good boy who only goes with them to protect Veronica, Veronica is a child but I did not like her at all! Little Freddy I think just needed direction and unfortunately he was taking that from Veronica for most of the book. The two sisters think they have enough to deal with with the children missing but then the father comes home married to a woman half his age and although he seems happy Lillian find it hard to except Mabel as her stepmother. then there’s sweet Walter who just wants to give Lil Jane a nice place to live and to call home, but when he sees that Freddie has stolen his seed money it greatly affects him. There is a lot going on in this book and I enjoyed all of it. I think Jeanette Oaks did a great job with this book. I totally understood how Lillian found it hard to except someone close to her own age as her father‘s life companion. I also thought the narrator was awesome. Her different accents were spot on and I enjoyed listening to her now read the book. The only reason I gave this for instead of five stars is because the first few chapters of the book seem to drag a little for me, but still a four star read I give the narrator five star she was awesome! I was giving this book by net galley and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any errors as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.

[Lori Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read Janette Oke previously and read the first two books in this series. Reading the first two books helps to understand the background and just understand the characters a little more. Janette Oke is a wonderful writer and her stories always have a Biblical lesson. I generally enjoy her stories but for some reason this story seemed to drag out for more than half the book. I enjoyed the 2nd half of the book and really enjoyed seeing how the kids character and hearts begin to change, well a few of them. There are two different stories occuring, the runaway children and Lillian's future. While some parts of the book are certainly a stretch there are parts that very much seem like everyday life. Sometimes we all are caught in our own selfishness that we can't see the needs of others. There are sacrifices that are made by some and not by others. I do love the redemption that occurs at the end.

I did enjoy the audiobook narrator, Nancy Peterson. I look forward to listening to more of her narrations in audiobooks.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook and review the book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed this series of the sisters, Grace and Lillian and the children they care for. But this book was hard to finish, even though I knew all that was included was necessary. I would have loved to have read more of the sisters and Walter and Ben and less of the runnaways and Lillian's qualms about her father's marriage to the much younger bride. Her issues with Walter and her own impending marriage also got a bit tiresome. I loved everything about Ben and little Janey's relationship and would have also love more interaction between he and his little bunny. Plus more about how it seemed Grace was falling in love with him and he with her. More of Ms. Tilly would have been nice, too.
Lillian's complaints about Walter and the land and not wanting to leave Grace and her issues with her father were bodering on whining at the end. Poor Walter! I know she was the lead protaganist in the first two books but I had had enough of her by the end of this book. The epilogue could have been made into at least two more chapters with Ben and Grace and the others.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a foster parent, this series speaks deeply to my soul. I read the first two books in quick succession back in March 2022 when I had a very young sibling pair in my home. I then waited (rather impatiently) for this third volume to come out. During the wait, those siblings successfully reunified with their birth parents. This book is exactly what my heart needed at this time.

The book speaks so well to the drive to go to the ends of the earth for these kids, both emotionally and physically when needed, to show them that they are worthy of love and respect. It also covers the grieving and celebration process that comes with placing a child in their permanent home after pouring love into them for months, and the incredibly difficult decisions that can come when you realize you're not the best place for a child at a specific moment. The characters may be fictional, but the underlying stories and emotions are as real as any I've read. I'm sad to see the series end, but what a great way for it to be wrapped up.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfailing Love
by Janette Oke; Laurel Oke Logan
Pub Date 07 Jun 2022
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction


Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley sent me a copy of Unfailing Love to review:


There's so much Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett have learned about caring for kids. It's not been easy, but it gets worse when they find out three kids ran away. Concerned for the trio's safety, the sisters will do everything they can to track them down.



The runaways aren't the only thing threatening the children's home's future. Lillian has to choose between her dreams with Walter and her commitment to her sister. Ben Waldin is looking for where his family settled in Canada so he can give little Janie a home. A pair of surprise visitors leaves them and their family in a bind.



People involved in the children's home start realizing that sometimes loving well means making hard choices.



I give Unfailing Love five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[Barbara Dougherty Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of a series of three books, this one is the final book in the series. I have not read the first two books, so was a little lost at times. I would recommend reading them in order.

Our main characters are sisters who are raising orphan children in Canada. Three of the children run away and we witness the struggles of the children, Lemuel, Freddie and Victoria as the sisters seek to recover them.

We also witness the sisters emotional struggles as they learn to trust God and the test of their faith.

The story drags until mid way and some events are a bit unbelievable, but overall it was a good read.

Not five stars, but may have enjoyed more if I had read the first two books prior to the third.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive the third book of this delightful series. When Hope Calls is classic Oke, and she is collaborating with her daughter on this series. Unfailing Love continues the story of Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett, sisters who run a small children's home, and the children under their care. In this third installment of the series Lemuel, a former resident of the home, leaves his adoptive parents to follow two runaways from the children's home in order to see to their safety and try to convince them to return. Things don't go exactly as he hoped. The resulting adventure, or misadventure, will keep the sisters, their friends, and the reader on pins and needles.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Unfailing Love from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[SpinsNReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfailing Love maintains the theme set in the previous two books following the story of two sisters who help children in the rural areas of Canada. A little clunky at first as we try to unravel what the children at the heart of this book are doing, and what their fate will be, it maintains the overall hope of things working out. As with all of Ms. Ike’s books there is a heavy handed dose of scripture and morality scatted about toward the end of the book. In my opinion the book was a tad too long, and I could’ve done without the syrupy sweet epilogue. I think most readers who enjoyed the first two books, will also enjoy this one.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this advance copy of the audiobook.

[Laura-Lynne Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many, many Janette Oke books in my teenaged and young adult years but it has been a really long time since I read one. This book was like reuniting with an old friend. The story of Lillian & Grace and the happenings surrounding their children’s home was interesting and varied. I worried about the runaway kids right along with the family. The characters in this book are well developed. I was a little confused at the beginning since I hadn’t read the first two books but things became clear fairly quickly. This book portrays steady faith but isn’t preachy.
I’m really glad I got to experience this story which is the first one I’ve read that Oke wrote with her daughter. It was a great story.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for an audiobook copy of this story.