Book Review - 'Roses For Mama'...guest post by Miss Raquel

Very honored to be guest posting here at Living on Literary Lane. :)  Miss Elizabeth asked me to do a book review and when I gave her a few options to choose from, she asked that I post about a book by the authoress, Janette Oke. 

I was excited. :) 

#1 – because I ‘know’ Janette Oke in person.  (We exchange letters AND she has given me tons of tips on writing)…and #2 – because I love her. :)  As a person, as an author, and as a love of books – as I am.

Mrs. Oke writes mostly in series’ – and I have read most of them, but for the sake of this post, I decided to narrow it down to a singular (stand alone) novel.  This is one of my favorites….

Roses For Mama

By: Janette Oke

{taken from back cover of paperback}

‘It had all turned out to be so strange, so ironic.  Angela Peterson’s family had moved west because her mother had not been well and the doctor said the coller, clear air of the region might be easier on her lungs.  Her father sold the farm and loaded everything they could take with them in three wagons.  They found new land and a new life, setting about to build another farm.

Her mother’s health did improve – at least for a while.  Then a winter cold put her back in bed and it became clear she had only months to live.  Angela was just fourteen at the time, and in those intervening months her mother tried to prepare her for the responsibility of raising three younger siblings.  But no one dreamed that something would happen to their father.

For Angela, now seventeen, and her older brother Thomas, the profound events that reshaped their family also changed their lives.  Angela does her best to care for the children, but still wonders if she is providing everything they need – like her mother did.  And as the children grow, the questions and challenges intensify, at times even feel overwhelming.  Preparing them for life seems to require something more.

She did not know a bigger challenge was yet to come.’

I think one of the biggest reasons that I like this particular novel by Janette Oke so much, is because I can sort of relate to Angela.  Praise the LORD that both of my parents aren’t gone…but as the oldest daughters of our families, Angela and I are a lot alike in that respect.  We are both the second oldest.  We both have an older brother.  We both have younger sisters and a younger brother.  And we seem to think alike, quite a bit.  There are parts in the book that Angela does something that I would do in real life.  Does that make sense?

And of course, there’s a bit of romance in this book too. ;)  Which I haven’t experienced…YET.  But someday, LORD-willing. :)

(One thing that I must say about Janette Oke’s books is that, depending on how much romance you are allowed/can read, I’d recommend reading reviews on her books before reading them yourself.  Her books always have romance in them.  (Maybe that’s why she’s listed under ‘Christian Romance Authors’?)  And some people have problems with how much romance she writes about, but personally, I think she’s very disciplined about it.  ::shrugs::  It’s just a personal matter of opinion.  But please take my advice and research her books before reading them yourselves.)

Anyway, back to Roses For Mama…

Angela has an older brother named Thomas.  He reminds me so much of my own dear, sweet bro. :) <3  They are alike, yet not, in many respects.  They are both caring of their sisters…gentlemanly, loving, kind, strong, and God-fearing.  Noah and Thomas have a bit different goals in life, though. ;)  Such as careers, etc.  But for the most part, while reading this book, I found myself reading ‘Noah’ instead of ‘Thomas’ sometimes. Haha  Silly, I know. :P

Angela also has three younger siblings – Louise, Derek, and Sara. 

Louise is the I-want-to-be-older-now girl of the family.  I don’t remember exactly how old she is, but she’s in that stage that every child goes through.  Trying to push into their ‘adulthood’ when they’re not even a teen yet. :)

Derek is the quiet, sweet, gentle boy-between-young-man.  He is so adorable! :)  Whenever I read a sweet scene with him in it, I just want to dive in the book and squeeze him. :)

Sara is the sister that follows after Louise.  Trying to imitate her, is very mischievous and tends to talk…a lot.

Thane is the ::clears throat:: ‘hero’ of the book. ;)  I won’t go into too much detail about him, except that he’s very sweet. ;)  ::squeals::

Okay, just go read the book!! ;) 

And if you have already, what did you think of it? 

Have any of you read any other Janette Oke books?

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Miss Raquel blogs at God's Daughter, where she hopes you will visit her and leave a note in her Guestbook. :)  She loves hearing from readers/visitors and hope you will come back often!