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A Prairie Legacy #1
The Tender Years
Twenty years have passed since youngest daughter Belinda's story in "Love Finds A Home." Marty and Clark Davis's spiritual heritage has been lovingly passed on to their later generations. And now granddaughter Virginia faces the test of her young life. Caught in the difficult period between childhood and adulthood, feeling that she doesn't fit in, Virginia struggles against what she considers to be unreasonable restrictions and expectations. A new girl at school represents the daring and freedom that Virginia thinks she wants -- until one fateful day . . .
270 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1997
About the author
Janette Oke
302 books3,115 followersJanette Oke writes with a profound simplicity of what she knows best—real life, honest love, and lasting values. With over 23 million in sales, her historical novels portray the lives of early North American settlers from many walks of life and geographical settings. She also writes engaging children's stories and inspiring gift books that warm the heart.
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
Janette was born during the depression years to a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife, and she remembers her childhood as full of love and laughter and family love. After graduating from Mountain View Bible College in Canada where she met her husband, Edward, they pastored churches in Canada and the U.S., and they raised their family of four children, including twin boys, in both countries. Edward eventually became president of Mountain View Bible College and recently established a coalition of colleges that became Rocky Mountain Bible College.
During her earliest years, Janette sensed the desire to write. Though she yearned to be a published novelist, she devoted herself to being a wife and mother because, she says, "there is no higher honor—that is my number-one priority." She began serious writing when her children were entering their teens.
Her first novel, a prairie love story titled Love Comes Softly, was published by Bethany House in 1979. This book was followed by more than 75 others. She reaches both religious and general markets, telling stories that transcend time and place. Her readers of all ages and walks of life can identify with the everyday events and emotions of her characters. Janette believes everyone goes through tough times—the key is to be prepared with a strong faith as the foundation from which decisions are made and difficult experiences are faced. That perspective is subtly woven throughout her novels.
After Love Comes Softly was published, Oke found her readers asking for more. That book led to a series of eight others in her Love Comes Softly series. She has written multiple fiction series, including The Canadian West, Seasons of the Heart and Women of the West. Her most recent releases include a beautiful children's picture book, I Wonder...Did Jesus Have a Pet Lamb and The Song of Acadia series, co-written with T. Davis Bunn.
Janette Oke's warm writing style has won the hearts of millions of readers. She has received numerous awards, including the Gold Medallion Award, The Christy Award of Excellence, the 1992 President's Award for her significant contribution to the category of Christian fiction from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, and in 1999 the Life Impact Award from the Christian Booksellers Association International. Beloved worldwide, her books have been translated into fourteen languages.
In recent years, Janette and her siblings lovingly restored their parents' prairie farm home, and it now serves as a gift shop and museum of prairie life. Please see below for a special invitation to the Oke Writing Museum and The Steeves' Historical House. She and her husband live nearby in Alberta, Canada, where they are active in their local church. Visits from their families, including their grandchildren, are their delight.
—[http://www.janetteoke.com/ME2/Sites/d...]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
March 6, 2018
I always feel so blessed and satisfied coming away from a book by Janette Oke. Her books are rich in faith with sweet, simple stories. Reading things like this make me want to aim higher in my reading.
I love the story about a girl struggling with growing up and doing right. I think that many young people will be able to relate. I know that we have the rest of the books in our collection. I'm going to find them and read the rest of this series soon.
I love the story about a girl struggling with growing up and doing right. I think that many young people will be able to relate. I know that we have the rest of the books in our collection. I'm going to find them and read the rest of this series soon.
April 13, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised when I came to reread this novel.
I think the first time I read it, I didn't enjoy the slow-paced story, however, the second time around I found myself greatly enjoying parts of it.
The many lessons that Virginia learns growing up were all wonderfully written. The character developments of all the characters were also well-done.
It was lovely to read a faith-filled, beautiful story of a girl growing up.
I think the first time I read it, I didn't enjoy the slow-paced story, however, the second time around I found myself greatly enjoying parts of it.
The many lessons that Virginia learns growing up were all wonderfully written. The character developments of all the characters were also well-done.
It was lovely to read a faith-filled, beautiful story of a girl growing up.
October 10, 2014
This is a really easy, simple, sweet book. I wouldn't say there is anything profound about the story nor amazing in the writing style. However, I so appreciate reading a good, clean story, with religious and spiritual messages (without being preachy or overbearing) so I'll keep reading the series.
March 13, 2016
This continuation of the Love Comes Softly series was very good; I'm glad I have the entire box set on hand.
May 1, 2017
Virginia Simpson has a friend, but not a good one. Jenny is a great girl, that likes trouble. Virginia invites Jenny to come to church, hoping that this would change Jenny into a better person. Virginia thinks that maybe, just maybe, she wished she were Jenny. No chores. No parents to tell you what to do. And freedom to do anything she wants. But when her "dear" friend gets in an accident that kills one kid and hurts everyone else. And when others accuse Rett Marshall of stealing things, Virginia can't help but wonder if her friend was playing one of her mean games.
Janette Oke has made another wonderful story. If you liked other Janette Oke books, you will surely like this one. :D
Janette Oke has made another wonderful story. If you liked other Janette Oke books, you will surely like this one. :D
January 29, 2016
Complex and Beautiful
Characters extremely well developed . Sweet, complex story . Difficult situations dealt with realistically and with positive, godly outcomes. Highly recommended.
Characters extremely well developed . Sweet, complex story . Difficult situations dealt with realistically and with positive, godly outcomes. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2022
This series tackles a variety of subjects such as growing up, femininity, prayer, marriage, our duty to aging family members, and growing in holiness. It is a beautiful read for all ages
September 28, 2017
The Tender Years is the first book in the Prairie Legacy series by Janette Oke.
I really enjoyed this continuation of the family from the Love Comes Softly series. Actually, when I grabbed the first two books in this series off the shelves, I didn't realize this was about one of Marty's granddaughters until I started reading the prologue!
Virginia was likeable. I could really relate to her. Normally I would be very frustrated at her for going along with all of Jenny's plans, but the author wrote it in a way that I could understand why she kept being friends with Jenny.
Jenny kind of reminded me of Anne from the Anne of Green Gables series, except if Anne was mean, immature and bossy. :P
Lowkey ship Jenny and String Bean.
I was a little disappointed that Belinda and her family eventually moved back to the country, because I always thought Belinda would stay in the city. I would love to see a Janette Oke series taking place in the city instead of little, tiny country towns.
The storyline was interesting. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put the book down!
Overall, I give this book 5 stars out of 5. Very good. I can't wait to read the next book!
I really enjoyed this continuation of the family from the Love Comes Softly series. Actually, when I grabbed the first two books in this series off the shelves, I didn't realize this was about one of Marty's granddaughters until I started reading the prologue!
Virginia was likeable. I could really relate to her. Normally I would be very frustrated at her for going along with all of Jenny's plans, but the author wrote it in a way that I could understand why she kept being friends with Jenny.
Jenny kind of reminded me of Anne from the Anne of Green Gables series, except if Anne was mean, immature and bossy. :P
Lowkey ship Jenny and String Bean.
I was a little disappointed that Belinda and her family eventually moved back to the country, because I always thought Belinda would stay in the city. I would love to see a Janette Oke series taking place in the city instead of little, tiny country towns.
The storyline was interesting. It took me a little while to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put the book down!
Overall, I give this book 5 stars out of 5. Very good. I can't wait to read the next book!
March 18, 2010
This is the first book in the Prairie Legacy series, and I really enjoyed it. It was also the first book I have read by Janette Oke. The book is about a teenage girl named Virginia and her struggles with friends and family. Because it is a "Christian novel" I was worried that it might be too preachy for my taste, but the sections dealing with her faith were heartwarming. The entire book was sweet and wholesome and I liked it so much that I immediately started reading the 2nd book in the series after I was finished.
December 13, 2021
I love Janette Oke! She has an amazing way of mingling faith and suspense and advice into great stories! Her books are always like a breath of fresh air to me. In this book, she follows the early teen years of Virginia. At first, Virginia has a very hard time and seeks to be liked, but she slowly learns to grow, make right choices, and stand up for herself/what’s right with Christian faith. Can’t wait to continue this series and see what happens next.
April 17, 2020
The Tender Years by:Janette Oke Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Historical Fiction
Timeframe: Early 20th century? Just a guess
Location: Midwest USA
Characters:
Virginia Simpson: Struggling 13-year old girl
Jenny: Virginia’s manipulative, popular friend
Mr. Adamson: Neighbor, always filthy but endearing
Jamison: Slightly older boy from church youth group
Rett: Simple man accused of theft
The Tender Years is an apt title for this book. Jenny begins as a confused 13-year old. I remember those few years in junior high. Confusing is a great adjective. On the cusp of adulthood, needing to express autonomy, emotions running amok, unsure of who I was or even what to really think about things coming my way. Not sure who to be friends with or why. Jenny experienced it all, beginning with a friendship with a popular girl who manipulated others in her “group” to do things that were contrary to rules and common sense. Virginia played along with Jenny, going places after school with the group, being part of Jenny’s schemes, loving being part of the in-crowd, but getting in trouble often.
After a terrible accident that Virginia narrowly avoided, and where the rest of the group were injured, Virginia’s life began to change, eventually praying Jenny’s would, too.
As time went on throughout the next two years, items from several homes went missing and “Loony Marshal”, the town’s “simple” man, was accused. Virginia was sure someone was framing Rett and set out to figure out who and why.
This was a sweet, wholesome book including a coming of age theme, lessons from mistakes, trying to influence others to seek God, and constant lessons on forgiveness. Most of the book spoke about “God” in a generic fashion, but at one point in a youth group lesson the gospel was shared.
“He had several hearts to display to the group. A black one represented the sinner’s condition, a white-washed one showed human attempt to make things right with a holy God. It was rather messy, with the white paint still letting the black show through in blots and spots and ugly splotches. A broken one needed obvious mending. A red one showed the pain and suffering of a Christ who was willing to die in order to obtain forgiveness for the sinful human race. Then Troy held up a pure white one. ‘Create in me a clean heart,’ King David prayed. And that is the only way that we will ever have a clean one,” said Troy. “Only God can take care of the sins of man. Only He can forgive and give to us a clean, pure heart. But we must ask Him to. Just like King David. God will only come into our life and clean up our sinful hearts upon our invitation. We must pray for His forgiveness.”
This would be a great book for a young teen to read. A bit simple for adults, in my opinion, but many can completely enjoy as evidenced by many 5-star reviews.
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Historical Fiction
Timeframe: Early 20th century? Just a guess
Location: Midwest USA
Characters:
Virginia Simpson: Struggling 13-year old girl
Jenny: Virginia’s manipulative, popular friend
Mr. Adamson: Neighbor, always filthy but endearing
Jamison: Slightly older boy from church youth group
Rett: Simple man accused of theft
The Tender Years is an apt title for this book. Jenny begins as a confused 13-year old. I remember those few years in junior high. Confusing is a great adjective. On the cusp of adulthood, needing to express autonomy, emotions running amok, unsure of who I was or even what to really think about things coming my way. Not sure who to be friends with or why. Jenny experienced it all, beginning with a friendship with a popular girl who manipulated others in her “group” to do things that were contrary to rules and common sense. Virginia played along with Jenny, going places after school with the group, being part of Jenny’s schemes, loving being part of the in-crowd, but getting in trouble often.
After a terrible accident that Virginia narrowly avoided, and where the rest of the group were injured, Virginia’s life began to change, eventually praying Jenny’s would, too.
As time went on throughout the next two years, items from several homes went missing and “Loony Marshal”, the town’s “simple” man, was accused. Virginia was sure someone was framing Rett and set out to figure out who and why.
This was a sweet, wholesome book including a coming of age theme, lessons from mistakes, trying to influence others to seek God, and constant lessons on forgiveness. Most of the book spoke about “God” in a generic fashion, but at one point in a youth group lesson the gospel was shared.
“He had several hearts to display to the group. A black one represented the sinner’s condition, a white-washed one showed human attempt to make things right with a holy God. It was rather messy, with the white paint still letting the black show through in blots and spots and ugly splotches. A broken one needed obvious mending. A red one showed the pain and suffering of a Christ who was willing to die in order to obtain forgiveness for the sinful human race. Then Troy held up a pure white one. ‘Create in me a clean heart,’ King David prayed. And that is the only way that we will ever have a clean one,” said Troy. “Only God can take care of the sins of man. Only He can forgive and give to us a clean, pure heart. But we must ask Him to. Just like King David. God will only come into our life and clean up our sinful hearts upon our invitation. We must pray for His forgiveness.”
This would be a great book for a young teen to read. A bit simple for adults, in my opinion, but many can completely enjoy as evidenced by many 5-star reviews.
February 2, 2016
I used to enjoy Janette Oke years ago when I was into inspirational romance. I love her writing and still do. I had many irritations with this book but because it's so well written, she kept me gripped. I really liked the main character, Virginia, and felt that in some ways she was put in a bad light for not getting on with the brat, Jenny. I hate that she felt she still had to be friendly to the mean and manipulative girl because she needed to love her into the church. I don't believe a Christian should be a doormat. I also don't like the idea of staying in a toxic relationship because religion says you need to bring people to church. And a lot of the other religious stuff didn't sit well with me but that's my own belief system and I'm sure others may enjoy it. I believe Virginia was a lovely girl with lots of wisdom and shouldn't have felt guilty for standing up for herself and the truth. That said, she did need some maturing along the way and I loved reading about her personal growth.
August 22, 2016
At first, I thought this was a bit boring, but after the first couple of chapters, the story and the characters certainly drew me in, and I really enjoyed reading this.
A story about growing up, about trust and faith, and helping and supporting others.
I could not quite figure out the era the story took place, I would be guessing early 20th century, or a bit earlier perhaps?
Anyway, great storytelling, great dialogues, and a very good plot. The only thing that put me really off were the numerous spelling errors (a questionmark put in the middle of words, that made for some weird reading).
I want to know more about the Simpson family, and if they manage to save Jenny, so I hope I am able to get the other books in this series.
A story about growing up, about trust and faith, and helping and supporting others.
I could not quite figure out the era the story took place, I would be guessing early 20th century, or a bit earlier perhaps?
Anyway, great storytelling, great dialogues, and a very good plot. The only thing that put me really off were the numerous spelling errors (a questionmark put in the middle of words, that made for some weird reading).
I want to know more about the Simpson family, and if they manage to save Jenny, so I hope I am able to get the other books in this series.
October 17, 2008
This is the first book in the sequel series "A Prairie Legacy" which follows "The Love Comes Softly" series by Janette Oke. About 25 years pass between the end of "Love" and the beginning of "Prairie" so it is all about a new generation. I highly recommed the "Love" series and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I didn't find anything so interesting about "The Tender Years" that makes me want to keep reading. Think I'm stuck on the former generation and nothing is going to measure up. For me, it's time to leave the prairie behind.
December 31, 2016
I love reading Janette Oke's books...When Calls the Heart, Once upon a Summer, Love Comes Softly...all the series that go with those books.
I loved following the story of Marty & Clark and then their children and now on to grand children!
The Tender Years is a simple but very pleasant read, I loved it so much I read it in 2 1/2 hours. I couldn't stop reading and it had been so long since I've picked up a story that gave a glimpse into Marty & Clark's lives and their family. Looking forward to finding the other books in this series.
I loved following the story of Marty & Clark and then their children and now on to grand children!
The Tender Years is a simple but very pleasant read, I loved it so much I read it in 2 1/2 hours. I couldn't stop reading and it had been so long since I've picked up a story that gave a glimpse into Marty & Clark's lives and their family. Looking forward to finding the other books in this series.
November 28, 2016
A very touching story of a young girl growing up. She must reconcile her feeling for her family with her desperate need to have a best friend and be a part of a group. She finds that she is called upon to help out jenny, a friend who bosses her around. Due to her complex family life, Jenny becomes a problem and in many ways doesn't prove to be a true friend.
A good story that demonstrates that family love puts everything to right.
A good story that demonstrates that family love puts everything to right.
August 18, 2017
Excellent. Couldn't put it down.
September 14, 2017
Another fantastic book by Janette Oke. I absolutely love the stories of Marty and Clark's family.
April 18, 2020
I always feel rejuvenated after reading a Jannette oke book.The simple yet the profound lessons of faith encourages us to have a closer walk with God. Yet it doesn't get preachy or drab.Mrs.Oke knows where to put introduce the right elements of the story.I was surprised to see an air of mystery as well.To have discovered Mrs.Oke's writing is truly a blessing, I have to admit.I couldn't put this book down, to the extent, where I carried my Kindle to my bathtub :P. Can't wait for the next one in the series ! 😬
July 6, 2018
An ok book to read. It seemed pretty predictable for a lot of it. It also kind of rubbed me the wrong way how the encouraging of praying for someone was used. I know it wasn't meant to be used in a misguided way, but I felt it was. I pray daily, and I pray for people. But the way they used the theme of prayer, almost made it feel like hoping that God would take away the agency of the person you were praying for. I felt like prayer was being used as an end all, be all. But, I feel we must do more than just pray in many circumstances. I do like that prayer and faith were encouraged in the book, you don't get that much in entertainment.
February 8, 2019
I've read the books and seen the movies of "Love Comes Softly" featuring Clark and Marty Davis. Now they children are all grown with families of their own. This book is a sweet inspirational story featuring this family. An easy read as these are everyday people like you and me.
April 23, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this! Loved seeing all the old characters again, and I really like Virginia. :)
September 13, 2020
This was a sweet read, sort of Hallmark movie meets To Kill a Mockingbird.
Great for teen girls.
Great for teen girls.
December 6, 2017
A sweet story
February 25, 2019
I'm not quite sure exactly what century, or what state, this novel is set in. It is really a timeless novel about coming of age, family, friendship, first love (or maybe first attraction), and standing up for what you believe in even when others are trying to influence you in the opposite direction.
I surmise that the hardcopy version of this book was scanned by an Optical Character Reader (OCR) to transform it into the digital version. The OCR must have had a programming glitch, because whenever it came to a hyphen at the end of a line of print, the hyphen was replaced by a question mark followed by a space. That is the only way I can account for such examples as with? out, side? walk, care? fully, door? frame, Fred? die, and many others. What I CANNOT understand is why no human eye caught this before the digital version was released.
Errors probably NOT caused by a machine: ever yone / everyone ; terrible / terribly ; enormity / magnitude (or immensity) ; hav / have ; have / her.
Added to text: an extra TRY AND.
Missing from text: A, COMING.
I surmise that the hardcopy version of this book was scanned by an Optical Character Reader (OCR) to transform it into the digital version. The OCR must have had a programming glitch, because whenever it came to a hyphen at the end of a line of print, the hyphen was replaced by a question mark followed by a space. That is the only way I can account for such examples as with? out, side? walk, care? fully, door? frame, Fred? die, and many others. What I CANNOT understand is why no human eye caught this before the digital version was released.
Errors probably NOT caused by a machine: ever yone / everyone ; terrible / terribly ; enormity / magnitude (or immensity) ; hav / have ; have / her.
Added to text: an extra TRY AND.
Missing from text: A, COMING.
May 7, 2017
Virginia Simpson has a friend, Jenny, who is a lot of fun but really is "trouble"; which means Virginia wants to be like her, instead of like the person she was raised to be. Good, church going, and obedient. Jenny's temptations are almost more than Virginia can bear. And, then, Jenny gets in an accident that kills one kids and hurts everyone else, reality begins to set in for Virginia. It's multiplied when others accuse a disadvantaged young man of stealing things...did he do it? It's a sweet book, with a sweet ending.
July 30, 2016
Sweet book about relationships with others
Virginia had a lot of growing up to do. Jenny was totally opposite of everything she had ever known. Their love and concern for Jenny showed some results in this book, but I think the sequel will tell us more about a change that is bound to occur in her life because of love and prayer. The book stresses the acceptAnce and respect for all people regardless of their circumstance or situation. Great read for young teens
Virginia had a lot of growing up to do. Jenny was totally opposite of everything she had ever known. Their love and concern for Jenny showed some results in this book, but I think the sequel will tell us more about a change that is bound to occur in her life because of love and prayer. The book stresses the acceptAnce and respect for all people regardless of their circumstance or situation. Great read for young teens
February 27, 2017
A Wonderful Christian Journey
Any Christian can relate to all that Virginia, the main character, goes through. The beauty of this story brings to light the struggles of any Christian, whether they be young or old. Wonderfully written and a book that is hard to put down as you begin to see Virginia grow, not only from a young girl into a young woman, but also as she grows in Christ.
Any Christian can relate to all that Virginia, the main character, goes through. The beauty of this story brings to light the struggles of any Christian, whether they be young or old. Wonderfully written and a book that is hard to put down as you begin to see Virginia grow, not only from a young girl into a young woman, but also as she grows in Christ.
February 21, 2019
An enjoyable read, connected to the Love Comes Softly series I read many long years ago. This was the 3rd generation from that original series with granddaughter Virginia the main character. Typical growing up struggles in a small town, but universal feelings of wanting to belong and be a part of the "in group". Some mystery throughout concerning the character Rhett who is a loner and mentally challenged. I would read the next book in the series.
September 10, 2016
I couldn't stop reading!!!
ABSOLUTELY wonderful, I honestly found it hard to put down when something else needed my attention ! Not only was this book a joy to read but it also caused me to take a look at my life and what kind of person I am .
God is Amazing, all he wants from us is to believe in him, Trust him and care for others as he cares for us.
ABSOLUTELY wonderful, I honestly found it hard to put down when something else needed my attention ! Not only was this book a joy to read but it also caused me to take a look at my life and what kind of person I am .
God is Amazing, all he wants from us is to believe in him, Trust him and care for others as he cares for us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews