Review: Love Comes Softly (Love Comes Softly Book 1) by Janette Oke

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Book Overview

She ventured west with the man she loved, but in one day her whole world crumbled around her . . .

Nineteen-year-old Marty Claridge starts west with her adventurous, boyish husband, Clem, seeking to claim land and hoping for good fortune. But when the venture turns suddenly to tragedy, Marty is left alone with her great loss. And coupled with her grief and heartache is the grim reality that there is no way to return home.

Clark Davis and his little girl, Missie, are also in great need. Clark's wife has died, leaving him to care to Missie and the farm at the same time. His offer to Marty comes with good intention, but will courage and faith be enough to bring them to true love?

Content Review

Romance

One of the things I love about this series is that the romance is very light, but meaningful, and that there is very little sexual content. The main romance throughout the book is a slow-burn emotional transition. There is only one kiss that was not detailed at all, which was refreshing.

Negative Elements

Alcoholism- 2

Some supporting characters drink, and we see the consequences of those actions.

Grief after the death of a spouse- 4

Lots of emotional turmoil for the characters.

Animal killing- 4

It is important to note that this is all a part of farm life. Anyone experienced with the butchering of animals would not be bothered by it, but others may be more sensitive, which is why I rated it at a 4.

Profanity- 1

Several times throughout the book, Marty says "Dad burn it" or some variation of it. It was described as a mild swear word. Marty eventually felt guilty and quit saying it.

Death- 3

Death is a real thing in the West. There is a few mentions of a dead body and a description of someone's final hours as illness overtakes them.

Pregnancy- 3

A character is pregnant and gives birth.

Positive Elements

Clark has a strong faith in God. Throughout the book, he prays many times and reads the Bible. When Christmas comes around, there is a strong focus on Jesus' birth.

Tropes/Themes

• Marriage of Convenience

• Strangers to lovers

• Frontier Life

Conclusion ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love Comes Softly is a great, no-spice romance. It does show the hard side of frontier life, but it also shows the providence of God. This time around is probably the third time I've read this book, and each time it seems to get better. Even though this is book one in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone as well if you do not have the rest of the books. I would give it four stars!