The Calling of Emily Evans (Women of the West #1) Paperback – October 1, 2006

When I started reading this book, I thought I would not like it. Kind started slow. However, I just couldn’t stop reading. I put myself in Emily’s shoes. To think that women weren’t allowed to do anything, seeing a ministry that was supposed to be done just bymen. The story is very good.

Emily Evans is not strong of body but she is strong of faith. After attending Bible School, she answers the call to become a missionary in Canada and is sent to start a new church in a small town. As a single young woman, the work is hard, her faith is challenged, but with God’s help she begins to make a difference.This book brings the day-to-day struggles of Sister Worker’s to life. Emily is not perfect. She struggles with human emotions and doubts, but her faith in God leads her forward. I liked that there was even some romance included. It is an uplifting story!

This story started out slow for me to the point that I was thinking of stopping and starting a different story. I am glad I stuck with it.Emily is at a bible school studying for a possible ministry position. It is unheard of for women to be preachers during this time. As Emily struggles for discipline in her studies and school rules, she and a few other students are called to minister in remote areas where churches are needed. She has many difficulties along the way before she leaves home and on the 2 day trip by herself in a horse drawn wagon. As she finally arrives at her home, she discovers there is much work to be done to get the home and the church (which was once a pool hall) ready for her first service.This story can help to renew your faith if you need it to be renewed. I know I am putting a lot into the story itself, but it can happen. Otherwise, just enjoy the good storytelling.

Full Disclosure: I'm a Janette Oke junkie. I've been reading her books since I outgrew the children's section at the library, but I didn't come across this one until I was in seminary. I studied my share of church history, but we never quite made it as far as the Canadian West, and my history nerd - bookaholic heart fell in love with this story. Emily is called to be a minister in a time when that is pretty rare for a woman. In fact, if she hadn't been that far west in the early 1900s, she wouldn't have been accepted. Even though my own tradition has accepted female pastors for generations, I still have wrestled with the call on my life and the fact that some people aren't going to be okay with it. Fortunately, they aren't in charge. But when you have to put the criteria of "supports women in ministry/leadership" on every guy you consider dating...well, it does require you to hold tight to God's timing.I love that for Emily + Jesus, it's not either-or. It's not God's call OR the family you want. Planting a church in a little tiny town, going through that battle alone, does not mean that she is choosing to never have a man in her life. And on the flip side, serving doesn't mean just being a pastor's wife (which is an awesome calling of its own). This was a sweet story, but for me it also let me connect a bit with my own journey and my heritage as a woman in ministry. Definitely recommend for those who enjoy historical romance.

It is SUCH a blessing to read a book like this. My heart sings when God’s words and ways are the center of a book. I have been blessed and energized. These are trying times where the world seems upside down and people’s thinking so irrational. Keep up the good will and ways of God as He leads you to write His words.

This was a well-written book. It was easy to read and also interesting to read about the different time period, including how people interacted in a small town. The not so good parts - it was difficult to reconcile the lack of concern on the part of Emily's family. While I understand how a father might not be able to leave to help his daughter get settled in at the new town, his lack of contact with her as time passes doesn't make sense. The characters are written pretty well, and how Emily deals with them is interesting. This is a nice little read, but for those of you who seem to dislike books about religion or faith, don't get this one.

It was an encouraging, faith-building, and just a well-told story. I found myself praying with and for Emily forgetting for a moment these people weren't real. When I finally arrived at the last chapter, I was torn between rushing ahead to see what would happen and slowing down hating to have it end. I highly recommend to women of all ages.

Mostly about God and his differents possibility to answer prayers ...Interesting to read even tough I'm not a so faithful practicing believer ...It's also filled with a little intrigues, love, death, and beliefs in God ...Would recommend to all who believes in a greater being even if it's only just a little ...

Ótima leitura, fácil de compreender, temas da vida de um cristão com dificuldades e alegrias. Um livro para acalentar o coração

A truly enthralling read ,,The Gospel give in great detailEvery emotion. covered.Stickability thrrougghoutCouldn’t put it downBrilliant ending ,

I had no idea women had a calling from God to form a church.Even though this is a fiction, the story behind is true. Amazing ⛪

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very easy to ready and Janette Oke brought her characters to life showing many different types of people that one would encounter if put into her position. This is the first time in ages since I've read one of her books and she is still as good as I remember her as a young adult. She writes in such away that I just want to keep reading her books.

Ich finde das Buch sehr schön und die Geschichte läd zum immer weiter lesen ein. Schön, dass es das erste Band kostenlos zu erwerben gibt.