I read a lot of Janette Oke's standalone novels when I was a teenager. They were clean and pure, perfect for the developing mind of a young Christian woman. I haven't read one in years, but because my job allows me countless hours of audio book listening a week, I decided to give her work a try once again. I probably shouldn't have started with the 4th book in a series, but oh well.What I discovered is that Janette Oke is as magnificent as people declare her. For a reader who wants prairie fiction that keeps the mind focuses solely on faith in God and who that faith affects everyday life, this book is for you. The heroine comes up against quite a few setbacks in her life, things she didn't expect, things that frighten her because she could end up the loser in a massive battle. But her faith remains strong throughout. God walks with her through her trials and she preserves her faith in him.Janette Oke is a masterful storyteller. What more can be said. I loved the audiobook for Like Gold Refined and would easily recommend it to anyone, no matter the age. For people wanting a really pure Christian read, this one is for you.
The only reason I gave this book three stars instead of four is because sometimes the story seems a bit far reaching. For instance, the main character can never seem to "let go" of a friendship. When that friendship tests everything she has known she seems to melt and doesn't act as responsibly as I thought she would. It was as if she were the 13 year old again rather than the adult.I however have never been in this kind of situation so I could be wrong. This book is a conclusion to the life of Marty and Clark's legacy though. I personally wouldn't have minded if they had gone on to bigger and better things instead of tottering around over the age of 90.In the end the book was a good conclusion to the series as Virginia did succeed. I also must admit that I couldn't put it down until I was done. It is worth the read.
What do You think about Like Gold Refined (2000)?
The final novel in the series ended with some drama over Virginia's long-time wayward friend, Jenny, and her daughter, Mindy. I like the way Oke's deep faith helps the the characters come to terms with life and circumstances, but I found it annoying that through the entire series Virginia makes assumptions and questions things in her mind so the reader hears the question, but doesn't ask the people around her. So her assumptions are often wrong and I found myself frequently thinking that she was going to be in trouble again for assuming. And she was. That type of predictability didn't enhance the story. A nice read but I didn't really learn anything or change my life from this series.
—Sue
