Kendra was not yet four when her parent's died in a river accident. She had to live with her grandfather George MacMannus who was a trapper in the wilderness. Every time that George would go out, he would summon an old Indian woman named Noni to come to stay with Kendra. Although Noni didn't say much, she tought Kendra all about the wilderness. She tought her what kinds of plants to eat, which one's were poisonous, and which one's to use for medicines. Also, she tought her about how to respect the earth and animals, and that they were all her relatives. Papa Mac, what Kendra called her Grandfather, didn't want Kendra to believe in Noni's fables, which led Kendra searching for something more. Kendra's desire for knowledge leads her from her wilderness home to the home of her Papa Mac's trusted friend Maggie where she attends school. Will she find the answers that she is looking for? This is a an exciting book to read, and one of Janette's better books.

I thought this was really a great book! I have read twenty four of Janette Oke's books and I have thought they were all excelent. I recomened you read this book and all her other books because they really are great!

I think that Heart Of The Wilderness was a wonderful book because even though it was not a true story, it could have happened and it was so well written that i thought i was in the story. Janette Oke is my favorite author and i think that if you want a good read then get this book.

This is my second favorite book in the Love Comes Softly Series. Janette Oke does a marvelous job of making you visualize all of the events in the story, I laughed, cried, and pictured myself right there in the thick of the West.

As usual, she did not disappoint.

Janette Oke is a great author. This was a very touching book. I cried when Clark lost his leg. I felt like it was my family. I couldn't wait to read the next book.

I've read many of Oke's books and liked them, but for some reason I'd never picked up a Canadian West book. I waited way to long, because I loved this book. It was my favorite of her's along with The Meeting Place. I enjoyed Elizabeth's thoughts and troubles at getting her school. It's nice to see her win the hearts of all her students. I really admire her. This book touched my heart and also made me laugh. The mouse situation is hilarious! And then there's Wynn--he can't help but fall in love with Elizabeth, even if he is determined not to. A very romantic, adventurous, and beautiful book. I definately recommend it.

I have read most of Janette Oke's books, and I must say that "When Calls the Heart" is really one of her best books. It is one of the few Janette Oke books I have actually enjoyed, without getting annoyed at the characters or finding historical inaccuracies.

The book's heroine, Elizabeth, travels to the western frontier to be a teacher. Her adventures are interesting and often humorous (but not outlandish) as she adapts from city life to frontier life. Of course, she meets a handsome Mountie and falls in love with him... Untypically, Janette Oke doesn't have them meet each other right away, and quickly marry them off; she allows Elizabeth to remain in suspense for quite some time and get to actually know Wynn (the Mountie) better. That is one thing I liked better about this book than other Janette Oke books- the characters were more realistic (on the whole) and they did not fall in love at first sight and want to get married right away. I liked that because it left the plot freer for other topics besides the characters' romance.

I must say, however, that one must not let the good reviews of "When Calls the Heart" to lead them into buying the other three books in the "Canadian West" series. They are not nearly as good as the first book. In fact, I highly suggest that you read "Mrs. Mike", by Benedict and Nancy Freedman, instead. "Mrs. Mike" is a true story, and when you compare it with the remainder of the Canadian West books, it is obvious where Janette Oke got much of her material for incidents and characters.

You'll enjoy "When Calls the Heart." I definitely did. The other three books aren't as good, but you can read "When Calls the Heart" by itself; it doesn't necessarily need sequels.

It was a really good book. It made me laugh, almost cry, and kept me on the edge of my seat till I was done. I would LOVE to read the others

Belinda is still a nurse to Mrs. Stofford-Symth in Boston. Life in Boston has excited Belinda. She has experienced wealth, travel, and romance. Traveling as far as Spain and France. Belinda is mystified at what money can do for people.

Will Belinda's beloved Aunt Virgie (Mrs. Stafford-Smyth) ever find the once true Christ? The unexpected happens and Belinda is left alone with much to do. Someone reappears in her life, someone she never expected to see again.

This book is a wonderful ending to a beloved series!

This last book of the Love Comes Softly series is one of the best ones. The surprise is so unexpected that you go back to read it again and make sure that you read it correctly. The entire book is suspensful and makes you read it until you are finished. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

This fifth book of Janette Oke's "Love Comes Softly" series continues the story of main characters Clark and Marty Davis. In her dealings with the issues surrounding the family's acceptance of Clark's new handicap and the occurance of other difficult events, Janette Oke gently teaches lessons of faith readers can apply to their own life. Whether describing the emotions of a mother sending her grown children off to fulfill their dreams, or tackling the agonizing question of why God would permit tragedy in the lives of those who serve him, Janette Oke's writing draws the reader into the story and plays those emotions directly upon the strings of the reader's heart. Unlike many lukewarm prarie-era stories, this book does not shy away from unpleasant subjects. Instead it tackles them head on, forcing the reader to grow in his/her own assurance as s/he identifies with the characters in the book, and with their tragedies and triumphs. A must read for anyone who has ever asked the question, "Why, God?"

This book is good because the author goes into great detail and is very hard to put down. The author has written many other good books. Some are The Bluebird and the Sparrow and So Long a Stranger. I recommed this book to everyone interesting in reading

This was a cute series. These books are written from a boy's point of view and that makes them very unique. I don't know how Oke could write in a boy's point of view so well! It was as if a boy had written the book, which is probably why this series is not overly romantic, except for the last book. It had some pretty funny parts--and that helps make a book good.

I like the last one in this series the best.

This book and series shows the struggles of an unusual family structure including: a grandfather and his father, brother, daughter and grandson. The focus is on the grandson who was orphaned as an infant and has known no other family. His young aunt is the only mother that he has ever known. As the story unfolds, the young boy has to deal with jealousy towards his aunt's suitors. The whole series is quite well done.

If you are a fan of Janette Oke, then you need this book and the others in the series. I have only read this one of the 4 and it ruined it. :) This book is so very powerful, however about the need for family and God. I highly recommend this book.

I am 12 and totally in love with all of Janette Oke's books!As we speak I am reading "Spring's Gentle Promise" and I've cried for joy and sadness throughout this whole book! I can't do anything to make you read it but I would recommend it in a second!

Out of all the 4 books in the Seasons of the heart Series by Janette Oke, I can guarantee that Spring's Gentle Promise holds the PROMISE of an awesome book. I have traveled along with Joshua Jones, the main character of the story, throughout his whole life. Through tragedy and disappointment to happiness and joy. In this last book Josh goes through some really hard times. From the love of his life falling for his best friend, to the death of his best friend. But with the bad comes the good and Josh finds himself a beautiful wife, a loving family and a future as a prosperous farmer. I guess it is like they always say, life is never boring for some because just when his dreams are developing Josh and his new family are struck with a devastating blow, a drought that nearly puts them on the streets. All they can do is trust in God to get them through. In conclusion, I would just like to say that you must read this book! Heck! Read the whole series, they are all fantastic books! Get ready to laugh and cry and pick up this heart warming adventure!

This is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations. This is a must have for any bookshelf. It is a heart warming family story. I found this book while I was doing research for a Childrens Literature class. I read it once and fell in love with it and knew I had to have it.

Janette Oke has written and Cheri Bladholm has illustrated a wonderful book about the gift of memories. A great springboard to launch a discussion of memories within your family and circle of friends. I'm giving this book along with homemade jam (memories of summer) and disposable camera (to capture future memories) to family members whom I don't get to see often.

Such a wonderful story - easy flowing. Shows the meaining to traditions and how important memories are. Such a wonderful gift to add to a gift basket with tea and cookies.

This little book is so sweet. I am a grandmother and I love to do things like hand down items to my children and grandchildren. I have never had pearls, but, it is a must for all age readers as all of Janette Oke's books. They are so clean but still have a little bit of romance in them. I own almost all her books and would love to have them all...I bought the Meeting Place not relizing that it was a series and the next one comes out next year, I can hardly wait....

I really like this book because I got someting out of it. I feel that I became a better person by reading this book, therefore it was worth my time. The characters are very real, and quite believable. The plot is easy to follow, yet complicated in the sense of human nature. I think anybody with a sense of depth to their personality would be able to appreciate this book.

This is a wonderful book. It is sweet and funny, especially the last chapter. You will find youself smiling over it. Two children try to get their elderly parents together. In the end, the results are delightful, though much different than they imagined. All in all, it is a wonderful book.

"The Tender Years" is a very good book. I have not fineshed it yet, but I think it is very good. My mother read it and thought I might like it.

The Matchmakers is a wonderful book in classic Janette Oke style. It is short enough to finish in an evening, which you will want to do once you start reading! The last chapter will leave a smile on your face and satisfaction in your heart!