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Love Comes Softly #7
Love Takes Wing
Book 7 of the bestselling Love Comes Softly series. Belinda Davis had trained as a nurse to assist her older brother, Doctor Luke. But as time goes by and she sees those she's grown up with getting married and settling into their own lives, Belinda becomes restless. What had seemed exciting and fresh becomes dull and routine. When she meets an elderly woman who needs nursing care, Belinda jumps at the invitation to go to Boston--a large, "civilized" city with cultural opportunities she's never even dreamed of in her little prairie town. But in spite of financial security and countless new experiences, Belinda finds herself restless, lonely, and empty inside.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
180 people are currently reading
3908 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 174 reviews
July 15, 2020
I found Love Takes Wing to be one of my favorite books in the Love Comes Softly Series. It centers on Belinda Davis as she enters her adult years. A number of years have passed in the story since the last book that covered Belinda , Amy Jo and Melissa's growing up years.
Marty and Clark raised their family teaching them to love God through Bible Reading and time spent in prayer and attending church.
Belinda is still working as a nurse for her brother, Doctor Luke. She has little time for a social life and is kept very busy. Luke and Belinda are summoned to the train station when an elderly lady of wealth takes sick on an incoming train. Dr Luke works to save her life and Belinda takes constant care of her, nursing the lady back to health. The lady wants Belinda to accompany her to Boston on the train and stay on at her home as her personal nurse.
Two young men Belinda attended school with are rivals for her affection. She hasn't encouraged either one of them and thinks of them as friends. Because of the stress of the situation she has been put in with her two friends and her desire to travel and see far and distant places Belinda finds Mrs Stafford-Smith's offer very tempting. She has never been away from her home and family . Will she leave home and her parents to move to Boston with her patient?
Readers of clean read fiction will enjoy this book. Many I'm sure have read it already. This is my first time reading it and I highly recommend this entire series . It would be great as a family read Book.
I purchased the entire series of original books in very good condition at a garage sale. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Marty and Clark raised their family teaching them to love God through Bible Reading and time spent in prayer and attending church.
Belinda is still working as a nurse for her brother, Doctor Luke. She has little time for a social life and is kept very busy. Luke and Belinda are summoned to the train station when an elderly lady of wealth takes sick on an incoming train. Dr Luke works to save her life and Belinda takes constant care of her, nursing the lady back to health. The lady wants Belinda to accompany her to Boston on the train and stay on at her home as her personal nurse.
Two young men Belinda attended school with are rivals for her affection. She hasn't encouraged either one of them and thinks of them as friends. Because of the stress of the situation she has been put in with her two friends and her desire to travel and see far and distant places Belinda finds Mrs Stafford-Smith's offer very tempting. She has never been away from her home and family . Will she leave home and her parents to move to Boston with her patient?
Readers of clean read fiction will enjoy this book. Many I'm sure have read it already. This is my first time reading it and I highly recommend this entire series . It would be great as a family read Book.
I purchased the entire series of original books in very good condition at a garage sale. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
August 19, 2024
This was my least favorite of the series. Her time in Boston was kinda boring and just endless. Looking forward to the next one tho!
March 6, 2016
This series continues to deliver; I'm curious as to how it will end in the next volume.
March 25, 2021
Thoughts on the entire series.
Yes, I’ve switched to put the editions from the 80s on my Read shelf, since those are the ones I read and own, and I’m partial to the stories in all of their old-fashionedness, before the updated covers and later book edits that have gone into newer editions. (I didn’t read all of these in large print, but the cover art is the same.)
The first book, Love Comes Softly, was the first I ever read by Oke, my introduction into her sweet, warm, and simplistic style of storytelling that would make her one of my all-time favorite authors, up there with Henry James and L.M. Montgomery. Yes, I love my classic authors with their legendary works, but there’s something to be said for an author who just tells a plain story that gets at readers’ hearts.
The first three books of the series are my favorites, but the series is well worth reading in its entirety. A pity the film versions from Hallmark gradually strayed so incredibly far from the original stories. The films are enjoyable in and of themselves, but if you’ve only seen the films, you’d do well to see what Oke actually wrote about Clark, Marty, and the rest of these folks.
Yes, I’ve switched to put the editions from the 80s on my Read shelf, since those are the ones I read and own, and I’m partial to the stories in all of their old-fashionedness, before the updated covers and later book edits that have gone into newer editions. (I didn’t read all of these in large print, but the cover art is the same.)
The first book, Love Comes Softly, was the first I ever read by Oke, my introduction into her sweet, warm, and simplistic style of storytelling that would make her one of my all-time favorite authors, up there with Henry James and L.M. Montgomery. Yes, I love my classic authors with their legendary works, but there’s something to be said for an author who just tells a plain story that gets at readers’ hearts.
The first three books of the series are my favorites, but the series is well worth reading in its entirety. A pity the film versions from Hallmark gradually strayed so incredibly far from the original stories. The films are enjoyable in and of themselves, but if you’ve only seen the films, you’d do well to see what Oke actually wrote about Clark, Marty, and the rest of these folks.
January 17, 2022
Notes for me to remember: Arnie doesn't want to do surgery. Their family is divided. Belinda goes to Boston as a nurse to a rich lady and leaves the family drama and 2 suitors.
April 15, 2023
Not my favorite of the series but still good!
January 14, 2019
Books 3,4,&5 were my favorite! I love the message from book 7, but I missed the family and having a beautiful love story!
November 8, 2025
2025 reread, Kindle edition.
I am sorry to say this has been my least favorite in this series. It was just dull and slow compared to the previous volumes. This must be the reason why this was the last of the series I originally read. Not much happens outside of Belinda‘s interactions – in other volumes there are a lot of subplots involving the extended family. There was a little bit here, but a very little bit and what was (Arnie and Abe) was rather depressing. Also, as Belinda became depressed and restless as she neglected her relationship with God towards the end of the book, I felt rather depressed and restless while reading. That said, I still enjoy this series and plan to finish it.
I am sorry to say this has been my least favorite in this series. It was just dull and slow compared to the previous volumes. This must be the reason why this was the last of the series I originally read. Not much happens outside of Belinda‘s interactions – in other volumes there are a lot of subplots involving the extended family. There was a little bit here, but a very little bit and what was (Arnie and Abe) was rather depressing. Also, as Belinda became depressed and restless as she neglected her relationship with God towards the end of the book, I felt rather depressed and restless while reading. That said, I still enjoy this series and plan to finish it.
June 16, 2018
This is the seventh in the series. While reading all the books in order would add a deeper sense of the ongoing story, it is not absolutely necessary to enjoy this book. Likewise, this book tells a complete story even though there is still one book left in the saga.
This is a Christian book. Faith, dependence on God and prayer are important in the lives of these people and this book points that out in a slightly different way.
In some ways, this book is two different stories, although Belinda is mostly the center of both. There is the story of events in her home town and then there is the story of things after she leaves for Boston. The latter is different in so many ways from all the previous stories of this series largely because the environment is so completely different.
I thought there was a lot of stupidity on the part of so many different characters in this book, including Belinda.
There is a short but humorous section where the entirely modest Belinda has to deal with a low neck line on a dress that was purchased for her.
There are no mature themes and no sex.
This is a Christian book. Faith, dependence on God and prayer are important in the lives of these people and this book points that out in a slightly different way.
In some ways, this book is two different stories, although Belinda is mostly the center of both. There is the story of events in her home town and then there is the story of things after she leaves for Boston. The latter is different in so many ways from all the previous stories of this series largely because the environment is so completely different.
I thought there was a lot of stupidity on the part of so many different characters in this book, including Belinda.
There is a short but humorous section where the entirely modest Belinda has to deal with a low neck line on a dress that was purchased for her.
There are no mature themes and no sex.
October 15, 2011
This isn't as much of a stand-alone novel as the ones before it. This one and #8 (Love Finds a Home) go together.
I enjoyed this book because it takes us to Boston - a totally new experience for the Davis family.
I enjoyed this book because it takes us to Boston - a totally new experience for the Davis family.
July 29, 2015
Not as good
I love the previous books. This was still a good read but I didn't like the story in Boston. To me it lost some of the charm. Hoping the next book takes us back homebirth prarie
I love the previous books. This was still a good read but I didn't like the story in Boston. To me it lost some of the charm. Hoping the next book takes us back homebirth prarie
Read
January 28, 2018Melissa, Missie's daughter, was arriving by train to stay with Marty and Clark Davis for 2 weeks. Belinda, their youngest daughter was working with Luke as a nurse. Belinda arrived at the train station anxiously awaiting for Melissa to arrive. Luke had given Belinda a week off to visit with Melissa and Amy Jo, Clare & Kate's daughter. Amy Jo was restless and always happy. She grew sadder as the day approached for Melissa to leave for home. Clare & Kate talked it over with Clark & Marty and decided to let her travel West with Melissa to spend some time with Willie & Missie. They wanted Belinda to go too but Belinda told them she had work to do and Luke needed her until a new doctor could be found to help him out.
There was a party to welcome Melissa home and Rand O'Connel was one of the guys who came. He had gone to the same school as the girls but was a few years older than Belinda. They talked and he told Belinda that he wanted to become a builder. She suggested that he get a job working for a builder and learn from him. Rand went back to where he had come from and did just that. He came by to see her several months later and stopped by Luke's place to thank her for her suggestion. It had worked out and he had come back to town to start his own business. He invited her to supper and she went.
Amy Jo was supposed to return after a few months and postponed her return till Christmas. That return trip was also postponed. Amy Jo had met someone, Ryan Taylor. She promised to return by Easter but wanted to see what Ryan's intentions were. She did return then and Belinda was once again at the train station now waiting for Amy Jo.
Amy Jo arrived and Ryan was with her as a surprise to her family. They declared their intention to be married on June 1st. Melissa and Wally Taylor were to be married the same day with Missie & Wallie in attendance out West. Belinda mourned, missing her friends who were going to now be together out West. She was happy for them but knew things had changed and she would miss them.
There was an accident at Clare's with a new bull he had purchased. The boys were playing ball and it went into the pen where the bull was. Abe went to get the ball and the bull attacked him. His arm was broken in a few places and he had broken ribs. He slowly recovered after a couple of weeks but his arm wasn't healing properly. Luke had treated him and spoke with Arnie about Abe needing his arm re-broken and set by doctors in a big city hospital. Arnie refused and Luke went to Clark & Marty for help. They talked to him with his wife, Anne, with him and he still refused to get help for Abe. Luke told him that Abe's arm was likely to become stiff and unable to be used if something was done to have it properly set soon. The longer they waited, the worse it would get. Arnie stopped going to church and the family didn't come to Sunday dinner after they were told about Abe's arm troubles. Marty went to visit Arnie and he came back to church and Sunday dinner but things remained strained within the family. No one talked about Abe's arm.
Rand was still calling on Belinda but he had yet to speak of his feelings to her. He was waiting until he had money saved up. She was working long hours at the clinic and he was working long hours building houses and other types of things. He came by to see her when he could and they saw each other on Sundays at church.
One day Luke was sent a message that someone traveling by train had taken seriously ill. Luke went to see the patient while Belinda prepared the surgery room. The patient was Mrs. Virginia Stafford-Smythe of Boston and she had suffered a stroke. She remained unconscious for a few days and her butler came to see her. Mrs. Smythe liked to talk and her speech improved over the next few months. She told Belinda about losing her husband due to a heart attack when he was only 39. Her son had married a woman from overseas and spent a lot of time traveling to France. He did during one of those trips and she had raised her son's two boys. They were in France now with their mother's family. She enjoyed traveling and most times traveled with a nurse. Her nurse had needed gall bladder surgery so she had taken this trip alone. Belinda enjoyed hearing of her life and travels and knew that she would miss her once she was recovered enough to return home to Boston.
Belinda was asked to accompany Mrs. Smythe back home to Boston and Belinda wasn't sure. Rand was starting to complain about her spending too much time at work and she apologized. She wanted to remain friends with him but he had never talked of being more than friends and she never considered herself more than just a friend. She enjoyed talking to him and hearing about the houses he was building. She was surprised by Jackson Brown stopping by Luke's one evening. She had gone to school with him and had never considered a life with him either. They had kept in touch for a while after he left for school to become a doctor and she knew he had planned on returning. She hadn't known when but Luke had talked some about him coming back once he had finished school. Belinda hadn't known when that would be. He took her out to dinner.
With both men now taking her out, they had both declared their intentions of pursuing a relationship with her but she told them both that she considered them friends. She wasn't ready to settle down. She accepted Mrs. Smythe's invitation to go to Boston. She felt she needed to get away. Both men told her that they would wait for her to make a decision when she returned. She told both that she would be gone indefinitely and not to wait on her to come back. It could be years.
Melissa and Amy Jo had been married for 2 years now and Melissa had a child of her own and Amy Jo had one on the way.
Arnie had said that he blamed Clare for Abe's accident for having purchased a bull that was too dangerous. His attitude was putting a serious strain on the family. He was still refusing to let Abe have the surgery to fix his arm although it was obvious that Abe couldn't use his arm at all now. Luke went to talk to him again and Arnie was finally ready to listen. Arnie and Anne spoke with Abe and Abe was willing to go through the pain of surgery in order to regain the use of his arm. He knew that it wouldn't be an easy thing to do but he didn't want to grow up with a crippled arm.
Belinda went to Boston and met some of Mrs. Smythe's friends. Just before her first dinner party with Mrs. Smythe, her grandson Peter came to visit. They spent a lot of time together but there were things going on that Belinda didn't understand. The staff didn't like the fact of Belinda being an employee of Mrs. Smythe's and being allowed to have tea and meals with her. She wasn't accepted into their friendship because they resented her position and the fact that she didn't take tea and eat with them. Mrs. Smythe treated her more like a daughter than staff. Peter didn't realize that she was an employee when Mrs. Smythe asked him to show her around. They spent a lot of time together and he came to like her too much. He decided to head back to France when the winter came because he liked her too much and he wouldn't lower himself to become involved with someone below his status.
Belinda didn't know how they were going to spend Christmas but decided to do her best to create a celebration. She talked to the priest at their church and they invited a few people who were new to Boston or couldn't afford a Christmas over to have a meal with them.
Belinda was restless after the Christmas decorations were put away and Mrs. Smythe decided it was time to take a trip abroad. Belinda was so excited and they headed to Spain, Rome, Italy and finally to France to see Peter and meet Frank. They were surprised to find that Peter was newly married and Frank would soon be married too. They soon headed back home to Boston. Belinda was restless but not homesick and she didn't understand why until she met an older man in clergy attire. They talked and he spoke about leaving his home and traveling to America. He said that he could do that because God would be going with him in his heart. Belinda thought that maybe her restlessness was because she had become to busy in her duties as a nurse to make time for God. She had somehow left him behind. She went to find her Bible and spent some time reading and apologizing to him for not taking him with her and keeping him first in her heart. She felt better after realizing that missing God in her life was what was causing her restlessness.
There was a party to welcome Melissa home and Rand O'Connel was one of the guys who came. He had gone to the same school as the girls but was a few years older than Belinda. They talked and he told Belinda that he wanted to become a builder. She suggested that he get a job working for a builder and learn from him. Rand went back to where he had come from and did just that. He came by to see her several months later and stopped by Luke's place to thank her for her suggestion. It had worked out and he had come back to town to start his own business. He invited her to supper and she went.
Amy Jo was supposed to return after a few months and postponed her return till Christmas. That return trip was also postponed. Amy Jo had met someone, Ryan Taylor. She promised to return by Easter but wanted to see what Ryan's intentions were. She did return then and Belinda was once again at the train station now waiting for Amy Jo.
Amy Jo arrived and Ryan was with her as a surprise to her family. They declared their intention to be married on June 1st. Melissa and Wally Taylor were to be married the same day with Missie & Wallie in attendance out West. Belinda mourned, missing her friends who were going to now be together out West. She was happy for them but knew things had changed and she would miss them.
There was an accident at Clare's with a new bull he had purchased. The boys were playing ball and it went into the pen where the bull was. Abe went to get the ball and the bull attacked him. His arm was broken in a few places and he had broken ribs. He slowly recovered after a couple of weeks but his arm wasn't healing properly. Luke had treated him and spoke with Arnie about Abe needing his arm re-broken and set by doctors in a big city hospital. Arnie refused and Luke went to Clark & Marty for help. They talked to him with his wife, Anne, with him and he still refused to get help for Abe. Luke told him that Abe's arm was likely to become stiff and unable to be used if something was done to have it properly set soon. The longer they waited, the worse it would get. Arnie stopped going to church and the family didn't come to Sunday dinner after they were told about Abe's arm troubles. Marty went to visit Arnie and he came back to church and Sunday dinner but things remained strained within the family. No one talked about Abe's arm.
Rand was still calling on Belinda but he had yet to speak of his feelings to her. He was waiting until he had money saved up. She was working long hours at the clinic and he was working long hours building houses and other types of things. He came by to see her when he could and they saw each other on Sundays at church.
One day Luke was sent a message that someone traveling by train had taken seriously ill. Luke went to see the patient while Belinda prepared the surgery room. The patient was Mrs. Virginia Stafford-Smythe of Boston and she had suffered a stroke. She remained unconscious for a few days and her butler came to see her. Mrs. Smythe liked to talk and her speech improved over the next few months. She told Belinda about losing her husband due to a heart attack when he was only 39. Her son had married a woman from overseas and spent a lot of time traveling to France. He did during one of those trips and she had raised her son's two boys. They were in France now with their mother's family. She enjoyed traveling and most times traveled with a nurse. Her nurse had needed gall bladder surgery so she had taken this trip alone. Belinda enjoyed hearing of her life and travels and knew that she would miss her once she was recovered enough to return home to Boston.
Belinda was asked to accompany Mrs. Smythe back home to Boston and Belinda wasn't sure. Rand was starting to complain about her spending too much time at work and she apologized. She wanted to remain friends with him but he had never talked of being more than friends and she never considered herself more than just a friend. She enjoyed talking to him and hearing about the houses he was building. She was surprised by Jackson Brown stopping by Luke's one evening. She had gone to school with him and had never considered a life with him either. They had kept in touch for a while after he left for school to become a doctor and she knew he had planned on returning. She hadn't known when but Luke had talked some about him coming back once he had finished school. Belinda hadn't known when that would be. He took her out to dinner.
With both men now taking her out, they had both declared their intentions of pursuing a relationship with her but she told them both that she considered them friends. She wasn't ready to settle down. She accepted Mrs. Smythe's invitation to go to Boston. She felt she needed to get away. Both men told her that they would wait for her to make a decision when she returned. She told both that she would be gone indefinitely and not to wait on her to come back. It could be years.
Melissa and Amy Jo had been married for 2 years now and Melissa had a child of her own and Amy Jo had one on the way.
Arnie had said that he blamed Clare for Abe's accident for having purchased a bull that was too dangerous. His attitude was putting a serious strain on the family. He was still refusing to let Abe have the surgery to fix his arm although it was obvious that Abe couldn't use his arm at all now. Luke went to talk to him again and Arnie was finally ready to listen. Arnie and Anne spoke with Abe and Abe was willing to go through the pain of surgery in order to regain the use of his arm. He knew that it wouldn't be an easy thing to do but he didn't want to grow up with a crippled arm.
Belinda went to Boston and met some of Mrs. Smythe's friends. Just before her first dinner party with Mrs. Smythe, her grandson Peter came to visit. They spent a lot of time together but there were things going on that Belinda didn't understand. The staff didn't like the fact of Belinda being an employee of Mrs. Smythe's and being allowed to have tea and meals with her. She wasn't accepted into their friendship because they resented her position and the fact that she didn't take tea and eat with them. Mrs. Smythe treated her more like a daughter than staff. Peter didn't realize that she was an employee when Mrs. Smythe asked him to show her around. They spent a lot of time together and he came to like her too much. He decided to head back to France when the winter came because he liked her too much and he wouldn't lower himself to become involved with someone below his status.
Belinda didn't know how they were going to spend Christmas but decided to do her best to create a celebration. She talked to the priest at their church and they invited a few people who were new to Boston or couldn't afford a Christmas over to have a meal with them.
Belinda was restless after the Christmas decorations were put away and Mrs. Smythe decided it was time to take a trip abroad. Belinda was so excited and they headed to Spain, Rome, Italy and finally to France to see Peter and meet Frank. They were surprised to find that Peter was newly married and Frank would soon be married too. They soon headed back home to Boston. Belinda was restless but not homesick and she didn't understand why until she met an older man in clergy attire. They talked and he spoke about leaving his home and traveling to America. He said that he could do that because God would be going with him in his heart. Belinda thought that maybe her restlessness was because she had become to busy in her duties as a nurse to make time for God. She had somehow left him behind. She went to find her Bible and spent some time reading and apologizing to him for not taking him with her and keeping him first in her heart. She felt better after realizing that missing God in her life was what was causing her restlessness.
March 11, 2015
Great book. It was well-written, every bit of it.
I really enjoyed all of this novel, but I must admit that I didn't care for this one as much as I did the others. I missed home. I missed the quiet togetherness, the bubbling family, the heart-to-heart chats. Yes, they had some of those in there, but once Belinda moved to Boston with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth (don't worry, it's not spoiling much), and maybe even before that, the book just began to decline. Janette Oke did a good job at portraying Belinda's boredom. I was getting just as bored as she was.
Can't remember if I laughed or cried – I probably did a bit of both.
In truth, this was a really great book. But the last fifth of the novel was a bit slow for me and I missed how it used to be.
But all-in-all, it was a great book and Janette Oke fans should love it.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Belinda was a really great character. I enjoyed reading from her view though I don't believe I connected with her quite as well as I did with Marty. She was really sweet, and ambitious, and generous, and innocent. I was feeling restless alongside Belinda. I wonder if her renewing her relationship with God will help.
Mrs. Stafford-Smyth was a nice character. I really felt sorry for the woman. All that wealth and yet she seems so lonely and, well, alone. No matter how much money you have you can't buy love. I'm glad Belinda is such a good friend and help to her.
Marty and Clark were as kind, sweet, and endearing as ever. I miss them.
Melissa and Amy Jo were great. I'm glad they both were able to find love and settle down though I am sad they're way out west.
Jackson was really a sweetheart. So confident, and charming, and mature. I hope he finds a wonderful girl to fall hopelessly in love with.
Rand was sweet too. Though I must admit I am very glad Belinda did not fall in love with him, wonderful though he is.
Luke was a great brother and doctor. Arnie was such a sweet and loving father. The rift between the family was so tragic. I've never seen anything that split them like that. It was so sad. I am so very very grateful that they were able to heal and move on in harmony.
I'm also glad nothing happened with Pierre. Windsor was pretty nice, as was the rest of the staff.
Where in the stinkin' world is Drew?!?! It didn't mention him even once! Didn't spare one single paragraph or even a sentence to tell me where he is or how he's doing or, or something.
I'm still holding out for Drew though I have this terrible feeling that they won't end up together. Nooo!
I can't believe it. I only have one book left in the series. Only one! I can hardly believe it. It's all gonna be over! No more Marty, Clark, or any of them. So sad! I'm mourning this parting! :(
I really enjoyed all of this novel, but I must admit that I didn't care for this one as much as I did the others. I missed home. I missed the quiet togetherness, the bubbling family, the heart-to-heart chats. Yes, they had some of those in there, but once Belinda moved to Boston with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth (don't worry, it's not spoiling much), and maybe even before that, the book just began to decline. Janette Oke did a good job at portraying Belinda's boredom. I was getting just as bored as she was.
Can't remember if I laughed or cried – I probably did a bit of both.
In truth, this was a really great book. But the last fifth of the novel was a bit slow for me and I missed how it used to be.
But all-in-all, it was a great book and Janette Oke fans should love it.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Belinda was a really great character. I enjoyed reading from her view though I don't believe I connected with her quite as well as I did with Marty. She was really sweet, and ambitious, and generous, and innocent. I was feeling restless alongside Belinda. I wonder if her renewing her relationship with God will help.
Mrs. Stafford-Smyth was a nice character. I really felt sorry for the woman. All that wealth and yet she seems so lonely and, well, alone. No matter how much money you have you can't buy love. I'm glad Belinda is such a good friend and help to her.
Marty and Clark were as kind, sweet, and endearing as ever. I miss them.
Melissa and Amy Jo were great. I'm glad they both were able to find love and settle down though I am sad they're way out west.
Jackson was really a sweetheart. So confident, and charming, and mature. I hope he finds a wonderful girl to fall hopelessly in love with.
Rand was sweet too. Though I must admit I am very glad Belinda did not fall in love with him, wonderful though he is.
Luke was a great brother and doctor. Arnie was such a sweet and loving father. The rift between the family was so tragic. I've never seen anything that split them like that. It was so sad. I am so very very grateful that they were able to heal and move on in harmony.
I'm also glad nothing happened with Pierre. Windsor was pretty nice, as was the rest of the staff.
Where in the stinkin' world is Drew?!?! It didn't mention him even once! Didn't spare one single paragraph or even a sentence to tell me where he is or how he's doing or, or something.
I'm still holding out for Drew though I have this terrible feeling that they won't end up together. Nooo!
I can't believe it. I only have one book left in the series. Only one! I can hardly believe it. It's all gonna be over! No more Marty, Clark, or any of them. So sad! I'm mourning this parting! :(
November 3, 2013
This was another Christian book. It was also quite boring. 220 pages of boring. Ms. Oke had several chances to make this book interesting - when Abe's arm was hurt, when the family reconciles, etc. I felt like these were missed opportunities to delve into the power of Heavenly Father. Instead, they got the "brush off" - mentioned that Luke prayed and then talked with Arnie and Arnie was better - with none of Arnie/Luke's conversation in the book. In addition, the book's description leads one to believe the book is going to be able Belinda's trip "East". But in reality less than 70 pages (out of 220) were devoted to her trip east to Boston. When Belinda/Pierre were going out about the town, nothing of Boston was described. Just so many areas that could have been written deeper but weren't. Definitely disappointed in this book. Esp. as someone else recommended it highly to me. Doubt I'll read any of Ms. Oke's other books.
June 23, 2020
This one goes down as one of my favorites in the series. Why? Because I could personally relate to a lot of the themes and situations that took place. Rifts in family, being so caught up with "things" that you forget to make time for God. I didn't feel like I was reading about a fictional family in which everything is always great and problems are solved *snaps fingers* like that, but about a REAL family that doesn't always make the best choices, that doesn't always get along and that doesn't always solve their problems within two chapters. This book spoke to me like none of the others have.
My only real complaints:
1)What the heck happened to Drew? The guy who lost his arm. Forget Rand and Jackson, I was hoping Drew and Belinda would get together. Speaking of Jackson- can't stand him
2) The trip to Europe could have been SO much more in-depth instead of just the single chapter it was... But I do understand why the author did it like that.
My only real complaints:
1)What the heck happened to Drew? The guy who lost his arm. Forget Rand and Jackson, I was hoping Drew and Belinda would get together. Speaking of Jackson- can't stand him
2) The trip to Europe could have been SO much more in-depth instead of just the single chapter it was... But I do understand why the author did it like that.
April 15, 2015
I have found it very interesting how much the later books have meant to me in this time of reading ... as I have grown older, my "place" in the books has changed, and different ones are meaning more. This one is special for me this time, because I understand many of the feelings of the young Belinda, but also relate well to the feelings of her parents, as well as the elderly matron she is hired to "nurse". And I have been chastised by the reminder that God wants to be with us where ever we go, and I fear I, too, have been guilty of leaving Him behind sometimes.
April 2015 ... thoroughly enjoying the series again, especially the later books, which I've not read as many times, and therefore don't remember all the details before I read them again. Love spending time with this wonderful Christian family. Although fiction, they are certainly an inspiration to me.
April 2015 ... thoroughly enjoying the series again, especially the later books, which I've not read as many times, and therefore don't remember all the details before I read them again. Love spending time with this wonderful Christian family. Although fiction, they are certainly an inspiration to me.
May 26, 2024
These last two books in the series were not my favorites among Janette Oke's books. Sort of like Christine in When Tomorrow Comes, Belinda collects suitors like souvenirs: the doctor, the builder, the grandson - and still can't forget the one-armed boy from her hometown! Janette Oke does do a good job at 'rich life', but there's already so much of that in literature, and I really love how she does frontier life, so I missed that.
August 8, 2025
2025 re-read: I did not enjoy this installment of the Davis' family saga as much as previous books in the series. Perhaps that comes about from what Belinda realised about her life in the closing scene, but I also was waiting for some mention to be made in remembrance of what had happened in the previous book's closing scene, and no mention was made whatsoever. I thought that interaction between Belinda and Drew was important enough for Belinda to at least ponder it in this novel, so it was jarring when she did not.
June 5, 2019
I didn't like this book at all at first. Too many characters and plots going on at once. And Belinda is so naive it was like nails on a chalkboard. It wasn't until Mrs Stafford-Smythe came into the picture and Belinda goes to Boston with her did the story become interesting and it's not until the near end of the book.
October 10, 2022
Riches of all kinds
In this book it is not romantic love that takes centre stage but a love for life and adventure as Belinda discovers the world beyond her little home and learns to depend on her Heavenly Father for all the riches she needs.
A bit directionless, this story was an interlude on the way to Belinda's love story.
In this book it is not romantic love that takes centre stage but a love for life and adventure as Belinda discovers the world beyond her little home and learns to depend on her Heavenly Father for all the riches she needs.
A bit directionless, this story was an interlude on the way to Belinda's love story.
December 17, 2022
The storyline plods along for the entire book then speeds up and finishes within the last two chapters. That’s my problem consistently with Oke’s writing style. I did really love the last couple of pages where the main character Belinda (yes, that’s her name lol) takes on big character growth. I did like her storyline in this book, very relatable!
August 15, 2015
A great finale overall to a great series. I will admit, Belinda's story was NOT Marty's, but still overall one of my favorite series.
August 31, 2016
Maybe my least favorite of the series, but still adorable.
December 9, 2024
Belinda Davis struggles to find her way in the world in the seventh book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Takes Wing.
As Belinda's nursing career evolves, she finds many she's grown up with are getting married and settling into their new lives. But for her, it's just one monotonous day after the other in her small prairie town. Until the unexpected happens: a passenger on the train has fallen ill and needs immediate medical assistance.
Belinda and her brother, Doctor Luke, care for the woman in the office at his house. When it is deemed Mrs. Stafford-Smythe will require long-term care, Belinda becomes her full-time nurse. Meanwhile, two former classmates return to town and renew their acquaintance with her.
While her day-to-day life keeps her busy, Belinda remains restless, so when Mrs. Stafford-Smythe asks her to join her on her return trip to Boston while she continues her recovery, Belinda jumps at the chance. She struggles to settle into this new life and is surprised when she finds herself equally as restless and lonely despite the exciting life she now lives. Can she discover what is missing to heal her troubled heart?
Loves Takes Wing is Belinda's coming of age story. The youngest of Marty and Clark's children, she watches while her peers and cousins of the same age marry and have children. But she remains unsettled, despite loving her nursing career. Then her life takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Mrs. Stafford-Smythe.
Oke did a fine job with this novel. She sprinkled in romance, but that wasn't the focus. The author created a character ahead of her time; a young woman who decides to be true to herself and discover what she wants out of life versus settling for what others might want for her. Belinda goes on a journey of self-discovery, which takes her from her small town to Boston and then traveling through Europe. Meanwhile, the Davis clan experiences a rift, which affects everyone. Oke wraps up most of the story by book's end, but Belinda's adventures will continue into the next and final book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Finds A Home.
New adventures, faith, family, forgiveness, and a hint of romance await you in Love Takes Wing.
As Belinda's nursing career evolves, she finds many she's grown up with are getting married and settling into their new lives. But for her, it's just one monotonous day after the other in her small prairie town. Until the unexpected happens: a passenger on the train has fallen ill and needs immediate medical assistance.
Belinda and her brother, Doctor Luke, care for the woman in the office at his house. When it is deemed Mrs. Stafford-Smythe will require long-term care, Belinda becomes her full-time nurse. Meanwhile, two former classmates return to town and renew their acquaintance with her.
While her day-to-day life keeps her busy, Belinda remains restless, so when Mrs. Stafford-Smythe asks her to join her on her return trip to Boston while she continues her recovery, Belinda jumps at the chance. She struggles to settle into this new life and is surprised when she finds herself equally as restless and lonely despite the exciting life she now lives. Can she discover what is missing to heal her troubled heart?
Loves Takes Wing is Belinda's coming of age story. The youngest of Marty and Clark's children, she watches while her peers and cousins of the same age marry and have children. But she remains unsettled, despite loving her nursing career. Then her life takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Mrs. Stafford-Smythe.
Oke did a fine job with this novel. She sprinkled in romance, but that wasn't the focus. The author created a character ahead of her time; a young woman who decides to be true to herself and discover what she wants out of life versus settling for what others might want for her. Belinda goes on a journey of self-discovery, which takes her from her small town to Boston and then traveling through Europe. Meanwhile, the Davis clan experiences a rift, which affects everyone. Oke wraps up most of the story by book's end, but Belinda's adventures will continue into the next and final book in the Love Comes Softly series, Love Finds A Home.
New adventures, faith, family, forgiveness, and a hint of romance await you in Love Takes Wing.
June 12, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
Ah, what a sweet, sweet story.
I cried right along with Clark, Marty, Luke, and Belinda and all the others at Abe's arm and their rift from Arnie's family. I was so happy when he and Luke reconciled. I understand Luke's point of view and I empathize with him. But I also understand Arnie. He has a point -- doctors can often be so fascinated with fix-fix-fixing that they do not care about the pain. I don't think he was wrong in thinking that.
I am both happy and sad for Melissa and Amy Jo -- I feel like I had such good memories with them. Like I was there with them and Belinda. And of course it's good that they grew up and got married to their respective spouses, I do mourn with Belinda. The days of girlhood and laughing and talking are over. They've grown up. They are wives and mothers now. Don't get me wrong -- that is a beautiful, wondrous thing. It just means closing another wonderful chapter of their lives. It was time for it to close, no question. It's just... the transition is hard for both me and Belinda.
Poor Rand and Jackson! They are both kind, gentlemanly, wonderful young men. They both have only eyes for Belinda. I would hate to be in Belinda's position. She did nothing wrong -- she doesn't need to force feelings for them. I hope they heal.
I honestly didn't want Belinda to leave her home and go to Boston with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth. I really missed her home and her family for the last half of the book. And I'm really disappointed about Pierre/Peter. I didn't want him to run off to France and meet a young lady and marry her. My heart sank when they found out. I didn't want him and Belinda to end up together, I just... I'm not sure what I wanted, actually.
I hope Belinda returns home in the next book. I missed the entire family, and I was disappointed that Drew neither appeared, nor was mentioned at all in this book. I really hope he comes in the next book. I think he'd get sweet Belinda sorted out. Maybe it's not quite time for them to marry or court, but she needs him as a friend.
Ah, what a sweet, sweet story.
I cried right along with Clark, Marty, Luke, and Belinda and all the others at Abe's arm and their rift from Arnie's family. I was so happy when he and Luke reconciled. I understand Luke's point of view and I empathize with him. But I also understand Arnie. He has a point -- doctors can often be so fascinated with fix-fix-fixing that they do not care about the pain. I don't think he was wrong in thinking that.
I am both happy and sad for Melissa and Amy Jo -- I feel like I had such good memories with them. Like I was there with them and Belinda. And of course it's good that they grew up and got married to their respective spouses, I do mourn with Belinda. The days of girlhood and laughing and talking are over. They've grown up. They are wives and mothers now. Don't get me wrong -- that is a beautiful, wondrous thing. It just means closing another wonderful chapter of their lives. It was time for it to close, no question. It's just... the transition is hard for both me and Belinda.
Poor Rand and Jackson! They are both kind, gentlemanly, wonderful young men. They both have only eyes for Belinda. I would hate to be in Belinda's position. She did nothing wrong -- she doesn't need to force feelings for them. I hope they heal.
I honestly didn't want Belinda to leave her home and go to Boston with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth. I really missed her home and her family for the last half of the book. And I'm really disappointed about Pierre/Peter. I didn't want him to run off to France and meet a young lady and marry her. My heart sank when they found out. I didn't want him and Belinda to end up together, I just... I'm not sure what I wanted, actually.
I hope Belinda returns home in the next book. I missed the entire family, and I was disappointed that Drew neither appeared, nor was mentioned at all in this book. I really hope he comes in the next book. I think he'd get sweet Belinda sorted out. Maybe it's not quite time for them to marry or court, but she needs him as a friend.
September 4, 2025
Number of pages: 240
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: Love Comes Softly #7
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Belinda is now working full time with Luke, and the number of cases they must deal with are really taking their toll. Melissa and Amy Jo are already getting married, leaving Belinda behind in her single life.
My thoughts: How can Belinda forget Drew so quickly? This book acts like he never existed. What about their promises to wait for each other? Drew was such a great guy and Belinda better find him again!
I like that this book discusses the fact that different people are ready for marriage at different times. Belinda’s nieces are ready for marriage when they’re still young, but Belinda needs a bit more time to prepare herself, and that’s ok. She’s a little naive when it comes to guys showing interest in her, but I’m glad she eventually stood her ground and kindly tells them she wasn’t ready yet.
I loved the message about forgiveness: about recognizing our own fault in an issue and not thinking about what the others did wrong, only recognizing and asking pardon for our own fault. I also liked the point that when we don’t consistently read our Bible and pray in our own time, why should we be surprised when we start drifting away from other Christians, the local church, and our relationship with God. Our lives will not feel as contented and peaceful when God is not in His proper place and we ought to put Him first in our lives.
I don’t like that Belinda goes away, but I have hope that eventually she will come back home… hopefully soon because the next book is the last one in the series!
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: Love Comes Softly #7
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: Belinda is now working full time with Luke, and the number of cases they must deal with are really taking their toll. Melissa and Amy Jo are already getting married, leaving Belinda behind in her single life.
My thoughts: How can Belinda forget Drew so quickly? This book acts like he never existed. What about their promises to wait for each other? Drew was such a great guy and Belinda better find him again!
I like that this book discusses the fact that different people are ready for marriage at different times. Belinda’s nieces are ready for marriage when they’re still young, but Belinda needs a bit more time to prepare herself, and that’s ok. She’s a little naive when it comes to guys showing interest in her, but I’m glad she eventually stood her ground and kindly tells them she wasn’t ready yet.
I loved the message about forgiveness: about recognizing our own fault in an issue and not thinking about what the others did wrong, only recognizing and asking pardon for our own fault. I also liked the point that when we don’t consistently read our Bible and pray in our own time, why should we be surprised when we start drifting away from other Christians, the local church, and our relationship with God. Our lives will not feel as contented and peaceful when God is not in His proper place and we ought to put Him first in our lives.
I don’t like that Belinda goes away, but I have hope that eventually she will come back home… hopefully soon because the next book is the last one in the series!
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
February 5, 2024
This seventh book in the “Love Comes Softly” series by Janette Oke, follows the life of Belinda, Marty and Clark Davis’s youngest daughter.
In book six Belinda dreamed of being a nurse and started making house calls w her brother, Doctor Luke. She began to do this in her teens, in an effort to give her some experience in the field and help her decide if this is the direction in which her life will go.
In this book, Belinda has grown up and is now Luke’s nurse. She is kept very busy with the health and well being of her townspeople.
An elderly woman traveling by train becomes very ill and must be cared for. She is left in the care of Dr. Luke and Belinda. Her life is saved and as the lengthy illness takes a good deal of time to recover from, Belinda cares for her. A friendship is formed and Belinda is asked to go back to Boston with the woman to be her nurse and companion.
Deciding that it would be a good opportunity to expand her horizons and to put some space between herself and two smitten bachelors, Belinda takes the job.
In Boston, life is glamorous and very different. Belinda immerses herself in the new home and city and even does some extensive world travel. She enjoys herself but something is missing. There is a sameness about everything and no depth. She finally realizes she has been living without God in her daily life. Once she realizes what she has done she prays and recommits her life to Him.
This book reminded me of how easy it is to put God on a shelf when life gets busy. I’m thankful for the message and the timing of reading it right now. I would recommend this book to 14 year olds and above.
In book six Belinda dreamed of being a nurse and started making house calls w her brother, Doctor Luke. She began to do this in her teens, in an effort to give her some experience in the field and help her decide if this is the direction in which her life will go.
In this book, Belinda has grown up and is now Luke’s nurse. She is kept very busy with the health and well being of her townspeople.
An elderly woman traveling by train becomes very ill and must be cared for. She is left in the care of Dr. Luke and Belinda. Her life is saved and as the lengthy illness takes a good deal of time to recover from, Belinda cares for her. A friendship is formed and Belinda is asked to go back to Boston with the woman to be her nurse and companion.
Deciding that it would be a good opportunity to expand her horizons and to put some space between herself and two smitten bachelors, Belinda takes the job.
In Boston, life is glamorous and very different. Belinda immerses herself in the new home and city and even does some extensive world travel. She enjoys herself but something is missing. There is a sameness about everything and no depth. She finally realizes she has been living without God in her daily life. Once she realizes what she has done she prays and recommits her life to Him.
This book reminded me of how easy it is to put God on a shelf when life gets busy. I’m thankful for the message and the timing of reading it right now. I would recommend this book to 14 year olds and above.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2018
I read and enjoyed several novels in this series in the early 1980s, and this novel was like visiting old friends and catching up with family news. Love Takes Wing was a quick, easy read. I liked the open ending (not a marriage), but I guess I will have to read the next book in the series to see what ultimate decision Belinda makes now that she re-establishes her relationship with God (does she leave her wealthy employer and return home to her family and one of her former beaus? Both the builder Rand O'Connel and the doctor Jackson Brown were presumptuous of her time, attention, and affection. Will there be another option?
February 22, 2023
🇨🇦 CANADIAN AUTHOR 🇨🇦
I read this series many years ago so I don’t remember specific dates/years in which I read them. I have had to guess on the years. I’ve only had Goodreads since 2017.
I remember loving this series and anxiously awaiting the next one in the series. I may have also borrowed some of this series from my mother-in-law along with our local library.
This series is a classic and it was kind of like a grown up version of Little House on the Prairie but with more layers and the Christian aspect. Janette Oke is a very talented writer and an example to Christian Fiction authors everywhere.
I read this series many years ago so I don’t remember specific dates/years in which I read them. I have had to guess on the years. I’ve only had Goodreads since 2017.
I remember loving this series and anxiously awaiting the next one in the series. I may have also borrowed some of this series from my mother-in-law along with our local library.
This series is a classic and it was kind of like a grown up version of Little House on the Prairie but with more layers and the Christian aspect. Janette Oke is a very talented writer and an example to Christian Fiction authors everywhere.
May 30, 2023
Just like the other books in the series, this one was amazing. It was a bit weird to read about the big city life, compared to the usual setting. However it did not take anything from the story.
There were so many parts of the book that were relatable to my own life and I found that very comforting. Belinda is a very nice character to follow, though I felt like she lost a bit of her drive to help others and nurse towards the end of the story.
The ending of the book was the best part for me, and really tied up the whole story and again is very relatable. I love how despite following different members of the Davis family, it all ties back to God and his Word.
There were so many parts of the book that were relatable to my own life and I found that very comforting. Belinda is a very nice character to follow, though I felt like she lost a bit of her drive to help others and nurse towards the end of the story.
The ending of the book was the best part for me, and really tied up the whole story and again is very relatable. I love how despite following different members of the Davis family, it all ties back to God and his Word.
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