"When Calls the Heart" - Janette Oke

Christian romance...also a TV film by Hallmark...I don't think it gets any cheesier than that. But it takes place in Canada! RCMPs and heart-wrenching losses, a welcoming community and a girl who is "clutzy." All the elements are there.

At least I read the book!

Elizabeth Thatcher heads west to teach school. What she finds is a community full of children who want to learn, grateful parents regardless if their children are school-age or not, and eligible men! Hmm...seems mighty convenient...

Read Also:

Rosslyn Elliot's "The Saddler's Legacy" series; book 1 is Fairer Than Morning.

Lynn Austin's "Refiner's Fire" series.

Francine Rivers "Lineage of Grace" series. Ruth's story: Unshaken.

"Sweet Land of Story" -Pleasant DeSpain

After going to Devil's Tower, I looked around for the tale about how it was formed. I came across this collection of folk tales from across America. Sweet Land of Story: 36 American tales to tell has supernatural, nature, tall tales, and comedy.

Besides Pecos Bill, Johnny Appleseed, and Paul Bunyon, there's also historial figures such as Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Jesse James. There's a tale of how dogs became domesticated, a commentary on marriage, and morality tales. A quick read.

I especially liked the talle "La Escalara Famosa (The Famous Stair)" from New Mexico. It's a real structure, a spiral staircase, built by a stranger and still survives today. I think I'd like to go see it...

Read Also:

Sadly, through most of this book, I was picturing all the movies and cartoons they've made: Disney's "Pecos Bill" and "Johnny Appleseed" cartoons; MGM's "Calamity Jane" musical; and Barbara Stanwyck's "Annie Oakley" movie.

"A Blizzard Year" -Gretel Ehrlich

This is a story about a ranching family. It begins in February and goes through the year telling what gets done on an annual basis and what is especially different or difficult this year. It's a simple enough tale told from the point-of-view of the daughter.

Although it's a modern setting (for 1999), it still reads like a tale of yesteryear.

Read Also:

Little House on the Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Even Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery has a similar vibe.

"C is for Cowboy" -Eugene Gagliano

C is for Cowboy: a Wyoming alphabet is from a series of alphabet books about the states, holidays, and many other topics.

I read this book because I've been to some of these places now! Devil's Tower, Cody, Bighorn Mountains, but though I was promised a grizzly bear, I didn't see one.

Read Also:

Among others, Matt Weber's San Francisco: the alphabet book was fun.

Ann Heinrich's series "Welcome to the U.S.A." makes learning about the states entertaining.

"The Reluctant Bridegroom" -Gilbert Morris

Sooooo, there I was, looking for a good, clean romance to read. I'm not very demanding when it comes to romances: a little bit of history, a lot of conflict, and I'm good. I came across this series, "The House of Winslow", written in the 80's and 90's, when many a Harlequin romance was going around. The series follows the Winslow family in American history beginning with the Mayflower and through to WWII.

The Reluctant Bridegroom, #7 in the series, deals with the Oregon Trail and the wagon train of women, wives to the men on the West Coast. There's not always a conflict over which girl the guy is going to get; never difficult to guess which girl either, but the stories intertwine throughout the books. Some characters stick around for 3 books.

Now, this is Christian romance. Each character undergoes a rebirth or awakening to Christ. Analysis of the circumstances under which man turns to his God would (or could) present an interesting discussion.

Read Also:

The "Sunfire" romance series (out-of-print, so the internet says) deals with a different girl and her 2 suitors at historical high points in American history.

Fire by Night from "The Refiner's Fire" series by Lynn Austin is a Civil War tale of love and compassion.