Where Trust Lies (Return to the Canadian West, #2) by Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan

Gentle Inspirational Fiction from the Genre's Pioneer

Beth Thatcher returns home from her first year as a schoolteacher in the mining town of Coal Valley and steps into a whole different world. Her life back among her wealthy Eastern family is a stark contrast to her primitive life in the West, and Beth isn't sure where she belongs anymore.

She barely has time to settle in before her mother announces plans for a family holiday--a luxurious steamship tour along the eastern coast of Canada and the U.S. Wishing to reconnect with her mother and sister, Beth agrees to go but quickly finds herself at odds with her mother's expectations. After enjoying complete freedom in the western wilds, Beth isn't sure what to make of her mother's ongoing efforts to direct her life--and her heart.

Beth keeps in touch with her Mountie beau, Jarrick, even as young men more of her station catch her eye. Is she ready to fully give her heart to Jarrick, knowing it will mean saying good-bye to her family and her life of privilege once again? And when Beth trusts the wrong person, will Jarrick be able to help her despite the distance between them?

About The Authors

**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.




My Review

 As with her other books Janette and Laurel Oke have written a warm family loving sequel to their Canadian West series. I didn’t want to put it down, and as we travel on a ship up the St Lawrence and visit the beautiful and scenic areas you feel yourself walking in Beth’s shoes and enjoying God’s beauty.
If you are familiar with the previous book about Beth’s time in Western Canada as a teacher in a poor coal town, this is a continuation of her life, and her return back to her home in Toronto. She is there for only a few days when she is whisked away for a luxury cruise with Mother and Sisters, and darling nephew. Beth was reluctant to leave so soon after just arriving home, and she is searching her heart about a new love interest, who is back in the West working as a Mountie.
You will love the banter that goes on between the girls in this family, and admire the love that is shown between them. There is such concern for each other, and it shows in every way in their lives. Their sister Julie, is a talented artist, and is painting the beautiful scenery for Beth to take with her while she is teaching.
Julie seems to fully embrace the party times on the ship, and you will cringe at some of her choices. Beth tries to be there for her, and even goes out of her way to accompany her to places and events she probably wouldn’t have chosen. I had the feeling that some of Julie’s new friends were using her to pay their way.
When tragedy strikes, you really don’t see it coming, but in a way you do? The family rallies around, and help comes from unexpected places and people. I loved this book, and wanted to keep reading, but of course it had to end, but will you be satisfied with the ending? Don’t miss this one!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.