WHERE COURAGE CALLS - Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Janette Oke: Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada. 

Laurel Oke Logan, is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novel Dana's Valley, which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Janette – Nothing specifically or intentionally.  However, I’m sure there is far more of ‘me’ than I realize.  My basic faith and worldview are bound to show.

Laurel – I would say my mother’s female leads are often similar to her in many ways.  They’re hardworking, persistent, dependable, and intelligent women of faith.  They often remind me of my mom.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Janette – not much into ‘quirky’ or it was so long ago I have forgotten it.  Although in my seventies I have gone zip-lining and white water rafting.  Both very enjoyable.

Laurel – There are plenty of quirky things we’ve done together.  We’ve panned for gold, stripped miles of wallpaper (and put even more up), and played Rook pretty much every time the family is together – even if the two of us have to play a strange two-handed version.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Janette – I don’t remember a time when I didn’t like to tell a story

Laurel – I enjoyed writing in school and on my own.  I think I discovered early on that I process thoughts better at the speed of writing than at the speed of talking – and I’ve always loved writing and reading poetry.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Janette – both fiction and non-fiction.  Historical, contemporary, devotional, classics, mysteries – but I do like a take-away value, something uplifting rather than dark.  I do not like offensive scenes or language.

Laurel – I read much more non-fiction than fiction.  Christian topical books (prayer, Bible study, etc.), history, educational curricula, gardening – even cookbooks.  When I read fiction, I tend to prefer historical settings.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Janette – have a little visit with family.  Make good friends with whom you can relax. Listen to quieting music. Take a walk in the woods. Work in the flower beds. (Not all at the same time!!!)

Laurel – my world has really changed in the last couple years.  I’ve finished homeschooling (after literally 20 years) with my youngest two kids in high school.  So things have really slowed down for me.  But movies have been my “escape” – I love the chance to watch a new story unfold – characters, plot, conflict – all neatly packaged into a couple hours.  I often find them inspiring, so now I sometimes go alone during the afternoon for a break.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Janette – Either very common – or extremely rare or constructed personally for that character.  I do often refer to name books for ideas. 

Laurel – it’s a combination of ways – sometimes because of the significance or associated meaning of a name, sometimes just because it “sounds” right for that character

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Janette – Our four children and the great parents they are to our fifteen grandchildren.  In the book world – which I assume is what is meant by your question – the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Presidents Award received in 1992 and the Christian Booksellers Association Life Impact Award received in 1999.  My greatest privilege has been to share my faith through the pages of a book.  I have found that where I fail as a writer, God can supply through the work of the Holy Spirit so that ministry does take place.

Laurel – Being a mother has been the best role I’ve played in life and I’m grateful that, even though I’m approaching the time when all my kids are grown, that never stops being my role.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Janette – When our oldest was very young he used to say, “I wish I was a horse. I’d like to be a horse.”  Though I love horses, dogs, cats – many animals, I have never wished to be one.  If I had to choose… nothing vicious.  Perhaps a chickadee.  My dad always fed the chickadees at his bird feeders – such sweet, homey little birds – with such a satisfying, satisfied song.

Laurel – I was also thinking I’d like to fly. I’ve always loved the idea of flight – so probably a sparrow.

What is your favorite food?

Janette - cheesecake

Laurel – chocolate anything

I love cheesecake and chocolate, too. And chocolate cheesecake is awesome. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Janette – Time.  Just do it!!!

Laurel – I enjoy planning, and I enjoy editing or even rewriting, but the actual first draft is toughest for me.  I’m not sure how I overcome it other than just sit down and get it done.

Tell us about the featured book.

Where Courage Calls. A coming of age story about Beth Thatcher who was raised in an affluent home where she was doted on and protected to the point of feeling a bit confined and smothered, who travels West to a small, grieving mining town to teach the children.  For the first time in her life Beth sees people with problems and genuine needs.  Being compassionate by nature she wishes to plunge in – to take over – to fix things.  (Welcome to the real world, Beth!) How will she respond?  Oh yes, she also meets some possible suitors.  How would she sort that out?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The entire first floor of the large stone house had become a hive of swarming bodies.  With glasses of pink lemonade in hand and dressed to the nines in long gowns, beaded shifts, and formal tuxedos, the guests bumbled out from the formal drawing room onto the wide veranda in clusters of three or four, buzzing with fresh gossip as they went.  As Beth pushed through the crowd it seemed that everyone who was anyone in Toronto society had arrived in high energy, boisterous greetings, arms reaching for polite hugs, and hands presenting unnecessary going away gifts.  Father’s more-than-ample home was quickly becoming stifling, though every window was thrown wide.  But there was not a whisper of a breeze to lift the overpowering scent of Mother’s lavish floral bouquets on this late-summer night.

For one with a gentle spirit and acute sensitivity, it was overwhelming.  Beth felt she would smother if she were not allowed some space – some quiet, some fresh air – if only for a few minutes, until she was able to calm her heartbeat and ease the pulsing in her temples.  If only she could slip away.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I do not have an internet site for readers.  I welcome letters from readers in care of Bethany House Publishers, 11400 Hampshire Ave. So., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55438.  I personally answer all letters.

Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.

Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.

One winner will receive:

• iPad Mini
• Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
• When Calls the Heart DVD

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the Where Courage Calls Facebook Party on March 4th. Connect with Janette and Laurel for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more!

So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Where Courage Calls  - Christianbook.com
Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel - Amazon
Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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