Where Hope Prevails

The mother/daughter team of Oke and Oke Logan continue their Return to the Canadian West series with Beth Thatcher back in Coal Valley. The budding town’s growth has led to the need for two teachers. Atheist Robert Harris Hughes agitates Christian Beth with every action and word, and his secular views lead Beth to fear the impact he will have on the children at her school. The residents of Coal Valley, however, embrace him without reservation, first voting him onto the newly formed city council and then electing him mayor. When Jarrick Martin proposes to Beth, he seems set on resigning his commission with the Canadian Mounties and moving the couple east to Ontario. Jarrick’s decision puts Beth’s commitment to Coal Valley and her desire to be a faithful wife at odds. For readers unfamiliar with Jeannette Oke’s previous books about the Thatcher family (When Calls the Heart), limited background is given for certain references. This tender story will please fans of historical fiction as well as readers looking for ruminations on difficult matters of faith, forgiveness, and commitment. (Aug.)