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A Prairie Legacy #4
Like Gold Refined
Virginia is completely overwhelmed with the circumstances in her life. Losses loom on the horizon: elderly grandparents who can no longer stay on the family farm; her nephew Slate, who longs to leave for a home of his own; her brother Danny and his wife, who leave for Kenya; and Mindy, whom Virginia has raised as her own daughter but who may be torn away from the ones she loves by a cold-hearted birth mother.
"That's how life is," Virginia tells Mindy. "Things just keep being... different." Virginia has always dreaded and fought change. Now, can she embrace it?
In this fourth volume of the Prairie Legacy series, bestselling author Janette Oke gently opens a window into the life of a close-knit family trying to find its way through bewildering times. In her own quiet-paced, inimitable style, she examines the role that change plays in our lives and how we are shaped--or broken--by it. Longtime fans of this inspirational author will find no big shocks or surprises here. Just vintage Oke. --Cindy Crosby
253 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2000
About the author
Janette Oke
311 books3,588 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 135 reviews
January 27, 2018
Wow! What a brilliant novel!
Rereading this whole series has been an unexpected joy. I related in so many ways to Virginia. Growing up, dealing with change etc.
This final instalment of the Prairie Legacy series deeply touched my heart and challenged my own faith. The struggles that Virginia went through in this novel were different to those of the former novels, but the lessons she learnt were so precious nonetheless.
She really did mature under fire, like gold, and it has been so beautiful to see her complete journey. A journey of letting go, forgiving and ultimately loving.
I laughed and cried along with Virginia as she faced trials and hardships.
I honestly resented Jenny for so much of the book. How could she be so cruel? Why did she have to continue to make trouble for Virginia? How could Virginia continue to love her? But as I read on and finally finished the novel, I realised that it was patience, love and faith that ultimately brought her home.
Though not as good as her Love Comes Softly series (in my opinion), it was still a delight to read.
A beautiful story of love, friendship and family.
Rereading this whole series has been an unexpected joy. I related in so many ways to Virginia. Growing up, dealing with change etc.
This final instalment of the Prairie Legacy series deeply touched my heart and challenged my own faith. The struggles that Virginia went through in this novel were different to those of the former novels, but the lessons she learnt were so precious nonetheless.
She really did mature under fire, like gold, and it has been so beautiful to see her complete journey. A journey of letting go, forgiving and ultimately loving.
I laughed and cried along with Virginia as she faced trials and hardships.
I honestly resented Jenny for so much of the book. How could she be so cruel? Why did she have to continue to make trouble for Virginia? How could Virginia continue to love her? But as I read on and finally finished the novel, I realised that it was patience, love and faith that ultimately brought her home.
Though not as good as her Love Comes Softly series (in my opinion), it was still a delight to read.
A beautiful story of love, friendship and family.
December 20, 2019
My current season of life has found me rereading cozy books. As I read this one, I continually thought "you are what you read". So many of the character's situations and thoughts drew me back to past and current times in my own life. It forced me to wonder... how many moments, decisions made, have been based upon a character's thoughts and/or choices that I consciously did not even realize I was trying to emulate. Feed your children books. Well written books, mediocre ly written books, picture books, hero books, mystery books, old books, new books... books that have the potential to inspire and influence. You never know what remarkably, ordinary choice they just might make, subconsciously, because of a book. But beware, their lives may never be the same because of it.
March 24, 2016
A touching conclusion to a fabulous series.
October 19, 2012
I loved this book along with most of Janette Oakes but I had a hard time believing a judge would bother to hear the case of a dying woman who can't take care of herself, and wanting to take her child back from the only family she has ever known. I found the supposed 'friendship' between Jenny and Virginia was always the same, Jenny taking be Virginia gritting her teeth and trying to ignore her anger. There was never any real affection, and it was hard to believe that Virginia could even feel the slightest bit of obligation towards her
May 13, 2023
A beautiful ending to my favorite series. I mourn that I should say goodbye to my beloved Love Comes Softly characters as I’ve truly loved reading all their adventures sharing their joys and burdens.
It’s been a series that’s inspired my own faith and helped remind me to always turn to God in the good and bad times. He’s always there, always listening and always always ALWAYS loving us so deeply.
Jenny’s final letter to Virginia brought tears to my eyes.
“You were right. He does forgive.
…
I’ll see you in Heaven.
Jenny”
What a heartbreaking but beautiful reminder of how life can be cut short but God is always with us even until the end and that one day we will all see our beloved family and friends again.
God has surely used Janette Okes books as a wonderful tool to bring people to God and inspire those who already believe.
How great is it to be loved so deeply and faithfully by Him?
It’s been a series that’s inspired my own faith and helped remind me to always turn to God in the good and bad times. He’s always there, always listening and always always ALWAYS loving us so deeply.
Jenny’s final letter to Virginia brought tears to my eyes.
“You were right. He does forgive.
…
I’ll see you in Heaven.
Jenny”
What a heartbreaking but beautiful reminder of how life can be cut short but God is always with us even until the end and that one day we will all see our beloved family and friends again.
God has surely used Janette Okes books as a wonderful tool to bring people to God and inspire those who already believe.
How great is it to be loved so deeply and faithfully by Him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2014
Of the four books in this series, this was by far the most exciting and riveting. So much comes to a head in this book and I couldn't put it down (or stop listening, rather, as I checked out the audio book).
I have to say, I love Jonathon and Slate. Seriously awesome guys. Period. Actually, they're almost too perfect they're so good. But there does appear in Jonathon what might be viewed as a slight flaw
Jenny. Jenny, Jenny, Jenny. I said with the third book that I wouldn't care if she doesn't appear in this one. Well, she's a really big part of this one, actually. And basically none of what happens makes me like her any more.
I have to say, I love Jonathon and Slate. Seriously awesome guys. Period. Actually, they're almost too perfect they're so good. But there does appear in Jonathon what might be viewed as a slight flaw
Jenny. Jenny, Jenny, Jenny. I said with the third book that I wouldn't care if she doesn't appear in this one. Well, she's a really big part of this one, actually. And basically none of what happens makes me like her any more.
February 11, 2015
I read a lot of Janette Oke's standalone novels when I was a teenager. They were clean and pure, perfect for the developing mind of a young Christian woman. I haven't read one in years, but because my job allows me countless hours of audio book listening a week, I decided to give her work a try once again. I probably shouldn't have started with the 4th book in a series, but oh well.
What I discovered is that Janette Oke is as magnificent as people declare her. For a reader who wants prairie fiction that keeps the mind focuses solely on faith in God and who that faith affects everyday life, this book is for you. The heroine comes up against quite a few setbacks in her life, things she didn't expect, things that frighten her because she could end up the loser in a massive battle. But her faith remains strong throughout. God walks with her through her trials and she preserves her faith in him.
Janette Oke is a masterful storyteller. What more can be said. I loved the audiobook for Like Gold Refined and would easily recommend it to anyone, no matter the age. For people wanting a really pure Christian read, this one is for you.
What I discovered is that Janette Oke is as magnificent as people declare her. For a reader who wants prairie fiction that keeps the mind focuses solely on faith in God and who that faith affects everyday life, this book is for you. The heroine comes up against quite a few setbacks in her life, things she didn't expect, things that frighten her because she could end up the loser in a massive battle. But her faith remains strong throughout. God walks with her through her trials and she preserves her faith in him.
Janette Oke is a masterful storyteller. What more can be said. I loved the audiobook for Like Gold Refined and would easily recommend it to anyone, no matter the age. For people wanting a really pure Christian read, this one is for you.
April 9, 2010
This is the 4th and last book in the Prairie Legacy Series. Virginia is now a mother of 4 children and dealing with normal family life on the horse farm. A large part of the book deals with the custody battle Virginia and her husband have with Mindy's biological mother, Jenny.
I was disappointed that the storyline with Jenny didn't take a different direction in the end. I hoped that she would have a happy ending, and although it wasn't completely unhappy, it wasn't what I hoped for. I was also disappointed with other aspects of the story, like the very small role Pastor Black played and the unbelievable plot twist that had 10 year old Mindy becoming the sole care giver for her dying, horrible mother. Ridiculous! It was a nice book, but definitely not the conclusion to the series I looked forward to.
I was disappointed that the storyline with Jenny didn't take a different direction in the end. I hoped that she would have a happy ending, and although it wasn't completely unhappy, it wasn't what I hoped for. I was also disappointed with other aspects of the story, like the very small role Pastor Black played and the unbelievable plot twist that had 10 year old Mindy becoming the sole care giver for her dying, horrible mother. Ridiculous! It was a nice book, but definitely not the conclusion to the series I looked forward to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2016
Oh. My. Goodness. This has got to be one of the best books I have read. I'm really appreciating the fact that Janette Oke's books always have a strong spiritual point that adds so much to the story and challenges the reader. This book was no exception.
There were so many emotions running through this book! I can't remember the last time a fictional book has challenged me quite so much. I'll definitely be re-reading it again and again! :)
There were so many emotions running through this book! I can't remember the last time a fictional book has challenged me quite so much. I'll definitely be re-reading it again and again! :)
February 6, 2022
I have so many feelings about closing this book for the final time. I've spent decades with this extended family, spanning a dozen books over two series, traveling the time alongside four generations. So many celebrations and struggles and opportunities for growing faith. These characters have become dear and familiar to me.
What I liked about Like Gold Refined:
This book held such a believable struggle - I have long felt that Ms Oke was adept at creating situations that felt real and character responses that were easy to identify with. This one was no exception. The emotions Virginia experienced were not sugarcoated or handled perfectly. It isn't uncommon for Christian fiction to be overly sweet to the point that it almost feels judgmental, and often nothing like human responses to real life. I did not feel that way once from start to finish.
So many emotions - Multiple times, I found myself teary. And for so many reasons. I have enjoyed each book from the two series that joined to form the story of this family, some more than others, but this series ended on a book struck me as deeply as the very first one did that roped me in.
What I didn't care for:
That it ended? - To be fair, I'm not sure I was ever going to be ready to say goodbye to the extended Davis family.
What left me conflicted:
A bit of a theological conflict for me - At one point as Virginia struggled, she "heard" God talking to her. The Bible tells us that God only speaks to us through His Word after the coming of the promised Messiah. I would have felt better about that scene if Virginia has instead reached for her Bible after her anguished appeals in prayer rather than "feeling Him speaking to her." Everything she "heard" were promises and reassurances found in God's Word, but I would have felt better about it if she would have found it there, or even had just remembered that she'd read it there many times and was calling it to mind.
Worth noting:
This is absolutely Christian fiction. Faith and prayer and repentance and salvation are strong themes throughout this book and series. It isn't preachy but it is prevalent.
I cannot believe that I won't see more days and years unfold with Clark and Marty's clan, . But I certainly don't regret investing in their stories over these last many years. They have warmed my heart and instructed me in faith, and I have loved being part of their lives, fictional though they were. After all this time, they will forever feel like old friends.
What I liked about Like Gold Refined:
This book held such a believable struggle - I have long felt that Ms Oke was adept at creating situations that felt real and character responses that were easy to identify with. This one was no exception. The emotions Virginia experienced were not sugarcoated or handled perfectly. It isn't uncommon for Christian fiction to be overly sweet to the point that it almost feels judgmental, and often nothing like human responses to real life. I did not feel that way once from start to finish.
So many emotions - Multiple times, I found myself teary. And for so many reasons. I have enjoyed each book from the two series that joined to form the story of this family, some more than others, but this series ended on a book struck me as deeply as the very first one did that roped me in.
What I didn't care for:
That it ended? - To be fair, I'm not sure I was ever going to be ready to say goodbye to the extended Davis family.
What left me conflicted:
A bit of a theological conflict for me - At one point as Virginia struggled, she "heard" God talking to her. The Bible tells us that God only speaks to us through His Word after the coming of the promised Messiah. I would have felt better about that scene if Virginia has instead reached for her Bible after her anguished appeals in prayer rather than "feeling Him speaking to her." Everything she "heard" were promises and reassurances found in God's Word, but I would have felt better about it if she would have found it there, or even had just remembered that she'd read it there many times and was calling it to mind.
Worth noting:
This is absolutely Christian fiction. Faith and prayer and repentance and salvation are strong themes throughout this book and series. It isn't preachy but it is prevalent.
I cannot believe that I won't see more days and years unfold with Clark and Marty's clan, . But I certainly don't regret investing in their stories over these last many years. They have warmed my heart and instructed me in faith, and I have loved being part of their lives, fictional though they were. After all this time, they will forever feel like old friends.
March 16, 2026
I thought this was a fitting end to the story of the Davis/Simpson/Lewis family saga. I loved how we once again see Virginia being reminded by her loved ones as well as circumstances that she needed to more fully trust in God. I think that's a lesson we all need refresher courses in from time to time!
April 30, 2023
Really enjoyed the series!!
June 4, 2024
Such a good book! A wonderful conclusion to Virginia's story. It was full of ups and downs. It took me on an emotional journey. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 2, 2020
I absolutely love this series. This book makes me love Jonathon even more. He is such a great character. The ending was beautiful! It did make me a little sad because it left off for the reader to decide what happens next. But I also really enjoy imagining my own ending. Amazing!!!
June 18, 2025
(One review for the series)
Ripped through this series last week. It was middling. Except for the last book, which was downright stupid. *Maybe* if the child (whose name I've already forgotten) had been five years older, but a ten-year-old? The nopetyest of nopes.
Ripped through this series last week. It was middling. Except for the last book, which was downright stupid. *Maybe* if the child (whose name I've already forgotten) had been five years older, but a ten-year-old? The nopetyest of nopes.
December 3, 2013
Read with my daughter! She so enjoyed this read. I loved the trusting in God theme that is so strong in this book. My daughter was adopted at four so she really connected with Mindy in this book.
January 14, 2020
Loved it. It was sad towards the end. But I enjoyed it
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 31, 2024
Let me start with my I love Janette Oke's storytelling. She manages to make the tales of a simple life so enthralling... and this book riled me up. Despite this, I really enjoyed the Prairie Legacy series.
Virginia is passive to her own detriment... her lack of defense for herself and family comes to stab her in the back. She is so subdued that it is infuriating. The only time she is willing to initiate effort for any cause is at the threat of her grandparents leaving their farm due to their old age... but she didn't resist having her daughter (by adoption) of 6 years being taken away?? Excuse me, what?? The cool down period has passed. I'm not even a mother, and I would've have had a conniption. Its one thing that Jenny hurt Virginia with no remorse, time and time again. However, Virginia allowing this to happen to her family is immoral. A good Christian is allowed to protect their family- even obligated to! Johnathan set this example. He was a great parent and father. I do not believe that Virginia's character flaw was that she did not "trust in the Lord enough. She was ALWAYS very faithful and enduring. She repeatedly prayed, establishing her commitment. She just could've fought more for her 10 year-old daughter.
Children should not be responsible for their mentally unstable parents. Its just not something a child should be punished for; let alone feel responsible for their salvation! This series really missed the mark on differentiating between ministering to God's children and making oneself the architect of their salvation. Mindy was mature and selfless... I am glad she followed her convictions even if I didn't agree. It was painful reading what she endured. I believe she was the most refined character, not Virginia.
Jenny. She is the worst. I agree that forgiveness is absolutely essential even if challenging and refining. Christ forgives us all. Yet, to waltz in on her dying breath and say ~Okay, God is real and I repent. Now I'm going to heaven~ should not be assumed a "win". God judges all of us at the end of our lives, we just can't make that call. Being saved is not just a grand declaration one time, when you have no more agency to follow through. Her new faith should've have given hope, not assurance.
These were just a few theological/message issues that just didn't sit right with me.
Virginia is passive to her own detriment... her lack of defense for herself and family comes to stab her in the back. She is so subdued that it is infuriating. The only time she is willing to initiate effort for any cause is at the threat of her grandparents leaving their farm due to their old age... but she didn't resist having her daughter (by adoption) of 6 years being taken away?? Excuse me, what?? The cool down period has passed. I'm not even a mother, and I would've have had a conniption. Its one thing that Jenny hurt Virginia with no remorse, time and time again. However, Virginia allowing this to happen to her family is immoral. A good Christian is allowed to protect their family- even obligated to! Johnathan set this example. He was a great parent and father. I do not believe that Virginia's character flaw was that she did not "trust in the Lord enough. She was ALWAYS very faithful and enduring. She repeatedly prayed, establishing her commitment. She just could've fought more for her 10 year-old daughter.
Children should not be responsible for their mentally unstable parents. Its just not something a child should be punished for; let alone feel responsible for their salvation! This series really missed the mark on differentiating between ministering to God's children and making oneself the architect of their salvation. Mindy was mature and selfless... I am glad she followed her convictions even if I didn't agree. It was painful reading what she endured. I believe she was the most refined character, not Virginia.
Jenny. She is the worst. I agree that forgiveness is absolutely essential even if challenging and refining. Christ forgives us all. Yet, to waltz in on her dying breath and say ~Okay, God is real and I repent. Now I'm going to heaven~ should not be assumed a "win". God judges all of us at the end of our lives, we just can't make that call. Being saved is not just a grand declaration one time, when you have no more agency to follow through. Her new faith should've have given hope, not assurance.
These were just a few theological/message issues that just didn't sit right with me.
August 20, 2026
Rating: 4-4.5/5 stars
I cried.
Why did it have to end??
One of the hardest things in this series is watching Clark and Marty grow old. Even though I hate that the series is over and will never see these characters again, I'm thankful Janette does not let them die. But I love looking back at book one and seeing how much they have grown and matured, especially in their love for each other.
Slate is such an awesome character! I'll definitely miss him, but I'm glad he's staying on as a partner with Jonathan.
Mindy is so sweet and amazing. I love watching her grow up. She's so brave and selfless. ❤️
Jenny... we've been through so much. In book one, I was frustrated at Virginia's loyalty (mostly because of her young age and being easily influenced), but as the series went on, I began to marvel. Virginia always sticks by Jenny's side. And Jenny always goes back to Virginia when she has nowhere else to turn. On one hand, that annoys me, but on the other, it shows that she knows Virginia's the one person who TRULY loves her. Everyone else is a fair weather friend.
The scenes with Jonathan and Virginia were in court... I love their devotion to Mindy. Especially Jonathan's. He is such a good man. But they were fighting a losing battle. With no documents proving anything, the Lewis family has no rights. It was hard watching them lose so many worldly possessions as they fought that battle.
I was both scared and relieved when Mindy overheard and wanted to go. I thought she should know because her desire against living with Jenny would have helped immensely in court. But then she wanted to go. I didn't know what to think.
Then they didn't hear from her for a long time until that note she sent to Mr. Woods. Then I was scared why she hadn't sent it to Virginia and Jonathan.
When Jenny was found and we heard what went on in the hospital, I cried. God used Jenny's own daughter to witness to her and bring her to a knowledge of the truth. The letter she wrote to Virginia... more tears. Then when Mindy said she wanted to name the baby Jenny if she was a girl... I lost it again.
This was a good, sweet ending, all things considered. ❤️
I cried.
Why did it have to end??
One of the hardest things in this series is watching Clark and Marty grow old. Even though I hate that the series is over and will never see these characters again, I'm thankful Janette does not let them die. But I love looking back at book one and seeing how much they have grown and matured, especially in their love for each other.
Slate is such an awesome character! I'll definitely miss him, but I'm glad he's staying on as a partner with Jonathan.
Mindy is so sweet and amazing. I love watching her grow up. She's so brave and selfless. ❤️
Jenny... we've been through so much. In book one, I was frustrated at Virginia's loyalty (mostly because of her young age and being easily influenced), but as the series went on, I began to marvel. Virginia always sticks by Jenny's side. And Jenny always goes back to Virginia when she has nowhere else to turn. On one hand, that annoys me, but on the other, it shows that she knows Virginia's the one person who TRULY loves her. Everyone else is a fair weather friend.
The scenes with Jonathan and Virginia were in court... I love their devotion to Mindy. Especially Jonathan's. He is such a good man. But they were fighting a losing battle. With no documents proving anything, the Lewis family has no rights. It was hard watching them lose so many worldly possessions as they fought that battle.
I was both scared and relieved when Mindy overheard and wanted to go. I thought she should know because her desire against living with Jenny would have helped immensely in court. But then she wanted to go. I didn't know what to think.
Then they didn't hear from her for a long time until that note she sent to Mr. Woods. Then I was scared why she hadn't sent it to Virginia and Jonathan.
When Jenny was found and we heard what went on in the hospital, I cried. God used Jenny's own daughter to witness to her and bring her to a knowledge of the truth. The letter she wrote to Virginia... more tears. Then when Mindy said she wanted to name the baby Jenny if she was a girl... I lost it again.
This was a good, sweet ending, all things considered. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s because I did have trouble putting it down due to wanting to know what happened to the family. Definitely NOT the cheesiest Christian novel I’ve read.
⭐️ did not enjoy, hard to finish OR DNG, 10/10 do not recommend
⭐️⭐️ OK, did not enjoy, did not hate…could have put down and walked away at any point
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it! I had fun reading it, probably cheesy at times BUT who doesn’t like some cheese. Something about it was intriguing enough to keep me reading. Good times had. Would recommend to certain readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it! Put me in my feels. Transported me. Would recommend to anyone. Wasn’t necessarily life changing. Probably had trouble putting it down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wanted more of it! A new favorite. 10/10 recommend. Had to be pryed from my hands so I would get some sleep before going to work the next day. It changed my life/I learned something new about myself or the world.
⭐️ did not enjoy, hard to finish OR DNG, 10/10 do not recommend
⭐️⭐️ OK, did not enjoy, did not hate…could have put down and walked away at any point
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked it! I had fun reading it, probably cheesy at times BUT who doesn’t like some cheese. Something about it was intriguing enough to keep me reading. Good times had. Would recommend to certain readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved it! Put me in my feels. Transported me. Would recommend to anyone. Wasn’t necessarily life changing. Probably had trouble putting it down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I wanted more of it! A new favorite. 10/10 recommend. Had to be pryed from my hands so I would get some sleep before going to work the next day. It changed my life/I learned something new about myself or the world.
July 16, 2026
I have really enjoyed all of Janette Oke's books, but this one bothered me on many levels. Friendship to those who need extra love and understanding is important, but sometimes there should be boundaries when needed and they were definitely needed in this story with Jenny. There were so many things wrong with Jenny asking for her daughter back, but without going into all that, why would anyone think a 10 year old girl should be able to make such a huge decision on her own, and then be put in that horrible situation. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time believing God would ask that of a child. I thought so much of this was ridiculous and wrong and unrealistic. Glad I'm done with it, it was more frustrating than enjoyable.
September 3, 2026
Just like the previous book in this series, this was spoke to me right where I am at. Virginia has to learn to trust the Lord through all kinds of changes, and trials - including legal trials.
One of the major storylines in the 4th book was about Virginia’s own grandparents - Marty and Clark from the famous book and movies, Love Comes Softly - living on their own and the family’s concerns about them being out in the country alone growing weaker and unsteadier on their feet.
I normally don't get much out of children in stories with an adult point of view, because the children just feel kind of cutsie or forced into the story. But all of Viriginia's children were wonderful in this story, and Olivia literally had me laughing out loud.
One of the major storylines in the 4th book was about Virginia’s own grandparents - Marty and Clark from the famous book and movies, Love Comes Softly - living on their own and the family’s concerns about them being out in the country alone growing weaker and unsteadier on their feet.
I normally don't get much out of children in stories with an adult point of view, because the children just feel kind of cutsie or forced into the story. But all of Viriginia's children were wonderful in this story, and Olivia literally had me laughing out loud.
September 30, 2019
I enjoyed this story. It was an emotional telling of two lives, Virginia and Jenny and how our choices effect our lives. I liked how Marty and Clark were in the story so much. They helped to tell the story from their experience of life. I kept finding myself wondering what year it was. I had a hard time placing the story in a decade. It was the early 1900’s or even the 1950’s. But since there was no mention to world events (wars and the great depression) I had a hard time placing the story in time. I also found at times I wished I knew where they were, what city was “the city” in the story? What state did they live in? Where was “out west” where family members lived. I know these facts were left off to make the story fit an illusion, but I missed having a reference point.
September 11, 2023
"Why hadn't she seen it before? She had been failing to trust God. God had not changed. Only their circumstances."
"Some of life's lessons are not easy. It helps to know that God has a plan-for our good and His glory-and if we are obedient we can walk the way, however long or short, rocky or flower-strewn, confident that He is with us."
Alas, the series has ended. I've loved every Love Comes Softly book, and every Prarie Legacy Series book. (The continuing series of Love Comes Softly.) I'd definitely recommend it to others. :)
"Some of life's lessons are not easy. It helps to know that God has a plan-for our good and His glory-and if we are obedient we can walk the way, however long or short, rocky or flower-strewn, confident that He is with us."
Alas, the series has ended. I've loved every Love Comes Softly book, and every Prarie Legacy Series book. (The continuing series of Love Comes Softly.) I'd definitely recommend it to others. :)
November 19, 2025
I feel sorry for any female lover-of-fiction who hasn't discovered Janette Oke books!
t's a bit sad to have read the 12th and final book in the Clark and Marty series. It had been years since I read them and I just loved them so much once again, especially the last 4 telling the story of Virginia and Jenny. The characterisation of Jenny was so good! What a tear jerker when the story reached its culmination.
I always remembered the Love Comes Softly series to be wonderful, but I hadn't expected to love and enjoy the Prairie Legacy so much!
What a great storyteller Oke is.
t's a bit sad to have read the 12th and final book in the Clark and Marty series. It had been years since I read them and I just loved them so much once again, especially the last 4 telling the story of Virginia and Jenny. The characterisation of Jenny was so good! What a tear jerker when the story reached its culmination.
I always remembered the Love Comes Softly series to be wonderful, but I hadn't expected to love and enjoy the Prairie Legacy so much!
What a great storyteller Oke is.
July 28, 2018
Jenny's daughter Mindy is now living with Virginia and Jonathan. That brings the number of children to four. But then one day, Jenny comes to their door, very ill, and insists that they give Mindy back to her. Virginia and her family have grown very fond of Mindy, and she with them. What are they going to do?
This book is totally awesome! I loved it and could hardly put it down once I started to read it!
This book is totally awesome! I loved it and could hardly put it down once I started to read it!
April 26, 2019
How hard it is to end this journey through generations! A dozen books, and still I wish there were more. I've never experienced reading books that made me feel like a part of what I was reading like this before. Thank you, Janette! This last one brought me to tears, another first for me from a book. And that's okay. I've found that my own spiritual life has been warmed back up. Now my task is to fuel it. I wish I had neighbors like Clark and Marty, but I guess I do, in my mind. Thank you,again.
June 25, 2022
It has been so therapeutic to read this wholesome series. I enjoyed every moment. I have been so invested in the saga of Virginia and Jenny and this one moved me to tears more than once. I’m at a place in my life where these simple gospel-centered prairie books are more precious than any shiny NYT bestseller. This was a beautiful story with wonderful spiritual truths. I’m better for having read it.
November 3, 2023
I think this is my favourite of this series by Janette Oke. It made me cry/smile/laugh. The thing that Virginia's children came out with!!! I thought it was a fitting end to this series. I would have liked a better ending for Jenny though tbh, but in a way, it was the best ending - you'll have to read to find out what I mean!!! I loved the faith aspect of these books too. I will def try to read more books by this Author. I managed to borrow this from the library.
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