Janette Oke facts for kids

Janette Oke (born February 18, 1935) is a Canadian writer. She is known for her inspiring stories. Her books often take place in the old pioneer days. They usually feature strong female characters.

Her first book, Love Comes Softly, was published in 1979. Since then, she has written more than 75 books! One of her popular series, Canadian West, includes the book When Calls the Heart. This book became a well-known television show.

About Janette Oke

Janette Steeves was born in Champion, Alberta, Canada. This was during the time of the Great Depression. Her parents, Fred and Amy Steeves, were farmers.

She went to Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta. There, she met her future husband, Edward Oke. Edward later became the president of that college. Janette and Edward have four children: three sons and one daughter. Janette's daughter has even written some books with her mother.

Janette Oke is a dedicated Christian. Her faith is a big part of her life. She has written many books that share her beliefs.

Awards and Recognition

Janette Oke has received several important awards for her writing. In 1992, she won the President's Award. This award was for her great contributions to Christian stories. She also received the CBA Life Impact Award in 1999. She won the Gold Medallion Award for fiction too. These awards show how much her books have touched readers.

Janette Oke's Books

Janette Oke has written many book series and standalone novels. Here are some of her most popular ones.

The Love Comes Softly Series

This series is published by Bethany House. It tells the story of a family over many years.

• Love Comes Softly, 1979
• Love's Enduring Promise, 1980
• Love's Long Journey, 1982
• Love's Abiding Joy, 1983
• Love's Unending Legacy, 1984
• Love's Unfolding Dream, 1987
• Love Takes Wing, 1988
• Love Finds a Home, 1989

These books have also been made into movies. The films aired on the Hallmark Channel. They starred actors like Katherine Heigl and Dale Midkiff. The movies do not follow the books exactly.

There are also three prequel books for this series:

• Love Begins (2011)
• Love's Everlasting Courage (2011)
• Love's Christmas Journey (2012)

A Prairie Legacy Series

This series is a follow-up to the Love Comes Softly series. It continues the stories of the characters.

• The Tender Years, 1997
• A Searching Heart, 1998
• A Quiet Strength, 1999
• Like Gold Refined, 2000

Seasons of the Heart Series

This series is about a young boy named Josh Jones. He tries to find his way in life with his unique family.

• Once Upon a Summer, 1981
• The Winds of Autumn, 1987
• Winter Is Not Forever, 1988
• Spring's Gentle Promise, 1989

The Canadian West Series

This popular series is published by Bethany House. The first book, When Calls the Heart, inspired a TV show. The last two books in this series focus on the children from the earlier books.

• When Calls the Heart, 1983
• When Comes the Spring, 1985
• When Breaks the Dawn, 1985
• When Hope Springs New, 1986
• Beyond the Gathering Storm, 1999
• When Tomorrow Comes, 2000

Return to the Canadian West Series

Janette Oke wrote this series with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan.

• Where Courage Calls, 2014
• Where Trust Lies, 2015
• Where Hope Prevails, 2016

When Hope Calls Series

This series is also co-written with Laurel Oke Logan.

• Unyielding Hope, 2020
• Sustaining Faith, 2021
• Unfailing Love, 2022

Song of Acadia Series

Janette Oke wrote this series with T. Davis Bunn.

• The Meeting Place, 1999
• The Sacred Shore, 2000
• The Birthright, 2001
• The Distant Beacon, 2002
• The Beloved Land, 2002

Acts of Faith Series

This series was also co-written with T. Davis Bunn.

• The Centurion's Wife, 2009
• The Hidden Flame, January 2010
• The Damascus Way, 2011

Standalone Books

These are single novels, not part of a series.

• Return to Harmony, co-written with T. Davis Bunn
• Another Homecoming, co-written with T. Davis Bunn
• Tomorrow's Dream, co-written with T. Davis Bunn
• Dana's Valley, co-written with Laurel Oke Logan

Women of the West Books

These books are individual stories about different women living in the American West. You can read them in any order.

• The Calling of Emily Evans, 1990
• Julia's Last Hope, 1990
• Roses for Mama, 1990
• A Woman Named Dâmaris, 1991
• They Called Her Mrs. Doc, 1992
• The Measure of a Heart, 1992
• A Bride for Donnigan, 1993
• Heart of the Wilderness, 1993
• Too Long a Stranger, 1994
• The Bluebird and the Sparrow, 1995
• A Gown of Spanish Lace, 1995
• Drums of Change, 1995

Youth Books

Janette Oke has also written books for younger readers.

• I Wonder… Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb? (picture book)

Janette Oke's Animal Friends Series

This series features stories about different animals.

• The Impatient Turtle
• The Prodigal Cat
• Spunky's Diary
• This Little Pig
• New Kid in Town
• Ducktails
• Prairie Dog Town
• Trouble in a Fur Coat
• Maury Had a Little Lamb
• Pordy's Prickly Problem
• A Cote of Many Colors
• Who's New at the Zoo?