The Red Geranium

by Janette Oke

Designed for gift-giving, a novella by the creator of the best-selling Women of the West series recounts a boy's struggle to understand his grandmother's illness and his discovery of a gift with the power to heal. IP.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Adult, Romance, Family, Adult Fiction

72 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 1995

About the author

Janette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww! A sweet story I read in about 15 minutes :)

[Erin Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, not life changing. A child would also enjoy this short story.

[Gemma Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suddenly miss my grandmother upon reading this book. It's a sweet short read perfect for read-alouds with children. Needn't to say more. Janette Oke is definitely one of my favorite writers. She brings me home. Always.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a teenager, and then again in college! My Mom has passed these down to me, and I am so thankful!

[Ann Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book.
Predictable but heart-warming

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book affected me deeply. An older woman is in a nursing home (so is my 99 year old mother) and feeling old, tired, and on the verge of giving up.

I am ashamed to say that it has been way too long since I have seen my mother. I call her weekly (or more) but it has been months since I have seen her. I have lots of reasons... but not REALLY any good excuses. I need to CREATE time to go see her. Make the time. Make it a priority. She needs me to visit even more than I need to see her. Her days are quiet and lonely. She cannot see or hear well enough to watch tv in her room. She can only read on her tablet. Visitors lift her spirits and brighten her day. I, and my family, need to visit her more often.

What happened to the mom and grandmother in the story? Did anyone help her get out of her slump? Read this little story... it only takes minutes... and find out what happened.

Using this book for the The 52 Book Club 2022 Challenge prompt #11 - A book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings. This book had 509 ratings and 42 reviews before I posted mine.

[Carson hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tiny book, only takes a few minutes to read, but the story is wonderful. I am sole caretaker of my 95 year old mom, and I have thought about putting her in a care facility because of the time and energy it takes to take care of her. Reading this made me really glad that I haven't and I realize that she really needs me. I cried too.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book appropriate for all ages. Heart-warming, and yet you feel the very real difficulties the characters in the book are facing, both the young and old. Look and see beyond the surface. Support your family members, especially the elderly. We each have the opportunity to be a blessing to others.

[Michelle Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart wrenching story that puts you in the shoes of an older lady who has to leave her home to live in assisted care. It shows how difficult this is even though she understands why. A simple gesture by her grandson gives her a will to thrive.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book for a big topic. What do you do when your body betrays you? Your family can't take care of you and they send you to a care facility, sell your house, and disperse your decades of making a home. That's really what the book is about and I found it sad but encouraging.

[Sparrow12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

great short story

[Félise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about a boy and his great grandma.

[Jackie Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

very touching story

[Rhonda B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book with a sweeter tale to tell.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gran Thomas has had a stroke and is now living in the nursing home. Her children are selling her home and she has no reason to get better. That is until her great-grandson helps her find a reason.

[Debbie Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very quick short read but this one was depressing as well. The little boy was very kind but Grandmas story was just not enough to make it worth re reading

[Richard A. Schmidt II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a boy and his Grandma. Janette Oke; great Christian Author. :)

[Amy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story about how the kindness of a child blessed the life of his great grandmother who was suffering from a stroke in a hospital. It was a short story with a predictable ending.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story.

[Wynette Hawks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short and super sweet story.

[Christine (KizzieReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute little story about a boy trying to understand why his great grandmother isn't coming home anymore and has to live in an assisted living place.

[Keshia Burchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in action that binds two hearts.

[Melanie R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute quick read . Special meaning to me when I found this book in a free library .❤️

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably should have just been a children's book.

[Rayni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't use the word "delightful," but I'll use it for this book because that is the word that comes to mind. I could smell the geraniums as I was reading the book. Taking care of my elderly mother made this book very poignant. The paper-thin skin, the lost independence, the loneliness …

I would recommend it to caregivers & relatives of the elderly.

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, uplifting story written in Janette Oke's warm style. The story's main characters: Grandma Thomas who is now in a nursing home after her stroke and her great-grandson Tommy. It will pull on your heart strings and remind you and encourage you to Love like Jesus did!!! Time with Jesus never leaves us the same & this special visit between Tommy & Gran Thomas changes the both - for the good!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very beautiful short story reminding us of the importance of family and love, never forgetting to be there especially when we're needed. Even something so small when given to someone in need can be priceless and worth more than all the money and jewels in the world. Heartwarming and comforting :) :)

[Terri Vannoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short touching story that helps us understand the trials and fears of losing one's independence in the elder years. It gives a glimpse of the relationship between child and elder through this transition. Gently reminds us of later life needs and dignity. Read in less than an hour. Also suitable for young readers.