The Tender Years: Prairie Legacy Series, Book 1

by Janette Oke, Marguerite Gavin (Narrated by)

Overview

Twenty years have passed since youngest daughter Belinda’s story in Love Finds a Home. Marty and Clark’s spiritual heritage has been lovingly passed on to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And now beloved granddaughter Virginia faces the test of her young life. Caught in that difficult period between childhood and adulthood, feeling that she really doesn’t fit anywhere, Virginia struggles against what she considers to be unreasonable restrictions and expectations.

A lively new girl arrives at school, and Jenny seems to represent everything that Virginia is longing for—her looks, her daring, and her alluring freedom from constraints. But then comes the day neither girl will ever forget....

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786151080
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	05/09/2006
Series:	Prairie Legacy , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

About the Author

Marguerite Gavin grew up on the Chesapeake Bay. She holds an M.F.A. in acting and a B.F.A. in theater. An actress working in theater and audiobook narration, she is also artistic director of a youth theater program. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband and son.

Table of Contents

Editorial Reviews

Oke's new Prairie Legacy series begins twenty years after the conclusion of the Love Comes Softly series published by Bethany. Belinda and Drew, the protagonists from the earlier series, have passed their values and strong Christian beliefs to their five children. However, fourteen-year-old Virginia is struggling with self-doubt and the urge to yield to peer pressure. This title is Virginia's coming-of-age story. Virginia desperately wants to be part of a popular group, even though Jenny, the leader, is often reckless and thoughtless. It is difficult for Virginia to balance her need for her family's approval with the desire to be a little wild. Both Virginia and Jenny like the same boy, which adds even more tension. Finally, a tragic accident combines with a crime in which a man is unjustly accused to make Virginia realize the importance of living one's values and accepting God's plan. Oke's fans will be pleased with Virginia's story. The elements for a "wholesome" read are all here: basic plot, strong family values, prairie setting, personal growth, and the natural integration of religion and God into the storyline. The story is definitely didactic-the adult family members are authority figures who are patient and wise almost beyond belief. The young protagonist is challenged and grows through meaningful interaction with adults, God, and peers. The dialogue, at times, is forced, and some of the plot seems contrived, especially the resolution at the trial of the falsely accused man. These weaknesses will not deter Oke's legion of fans who wish to continue following the story of this prairie family. At the time of this review, my library system already had sixty requests for this book. Young adult readers looking for a novel of faith and optimism will enjoy Virginia's story. VOYA Codes: 3Q 4P M J S (Readable without serious defects, Broad general YA appeal, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

VOYA - Judy Sasges

Prolific author Oke (Another Homecoming, Bethany, 1997) continues the story of Marty and Clark from her Love Comes Softly series with this book focusing on their granddaughter Virginia. Just entering her teen years, Virginia is finding life in her household a bit stifling. Although she dearly loves her family, she is anxious to grow up and often finds the family rules and religious beliefs are getting in the way of her fun. When Virginia becomes friends with a lively, outgoing girl named Jenny, she suddenly finds herself questioning her need to obey her parents when she could be enjoying herself with her friends. Unfortunately, Jenny's headstrong behavior soon has tragic consequences. As always with Oke's books, the characters are charming and engaging. Fans of the Love Comes Softly series will certainly demand this compelling and well-written follow-up.

Library Journal