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jan1234's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is my favourite of this series by Janette Oke. It made me cry/smile/laugh. The thing that Virginia's children came out with!!! I thought it was a fitting end to this series. I would have liked a better ending for Jenny though tbh, but in a way, it was the best ending - you'll have to read to find out what I mean!!! I loved the faith aspect of these books too. I will def try to read more books by this Author. I managed to borrow this from the library.
rainbowmama's review against another edition
5.0
This book is such a heart gripping story to read, and it was wonderful to read another story with clark in it. All of Janette oke's books are wonderful reads! Here we follow the story of a step family's love for a child, and that child getting her mother to accept Christ as her savior by showing her the love that it seems no one else could show her quite right. I was glad to have finally read this book
lizzles's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rjproffer's review against another edition
2.0
I loved this book along with most of Janette Oakes but I had a hard time believing a judge would bother to hear the case of a dying woman who can't take care of herself, and wanting to take her child back from the only family she has ever known. I found the supposed 'friendship' between Jenny and Virginia was always the same, Jenny taking be Virginia gritting her teeth and trying to ignore her anger. There was never any real affection, and it was hard to believe that Virginia could even feel the slightest bit of obligation towards her
princess71608's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
crystalmbookshelf83's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
daybreak1012's review against another edition
4.0
I have so many feelings about closing this book for the final time. I've spent decades with this extended family, spanning a dozen books over two series, traveling the time alongside four generations. So many celebrations and struggles and opportunities for growing faith. These characters have become dear and familiar to me.
What I liked about Like Gold Refined:
This book held such a believable struggle - I have long felt that Ms Oke was adept at creating situations that felt real and character responses that were easy to identify with. This one was no exception. The emotions Virginia experienced were not sugarcoated or handled perfectly. It isn't uncommon for Christian fiction to be overly sweet to the point that it almost feels judgmental, and often nothing like human responses to real life. I did not feel that way once from start to finish.
So many emotions - Multiple times, I found myself teary. And for so many reasons. I have enjoyed each book from the two series that joined to form the story of this family, some more than others, but this series ended on a book struck me as deeply as the very first one did that roped me in.
What I didn't care for:
That it ended? - To be fair, I'm not sure I was ever going to be ready to say goodbye to the extended Davis family.
What left me conflicted:
A bit of a theological conflict for me - At one point as Virginia struggled, she "heard" God talking to her. The Bible tells us that God only speaks to us through His Word after the coming of the promised Messiah. I would have felt better about that scene if Virginia has instead reached for her Bible after her anguished appeals in prayer rather than "feeling Him speaking to her." Everything she "heard" were promises and reassurances found in God's Word, but I would have felt better about it if she would have found it there, or even had just remembered that she'd read it there many times and was calling it to mind.
Worth noting:
This is absolutely Christian fiction. Faith and prayer and repentance and salvation are strong themes throughout this book and series. It isn't preachy but it is prevalent.
I cannot believe that I won't see more days and years unfold with Clark and Marty's clan,. But I certainly don't regret investing in their stories over these last many years. They have warmed my heart and instructed me in faith, and I have loved being part of their lives, fictional though they were. After all this time, they will forever feel like old friends.
What I liked about Like Gold Refined:
This book held such a believable struggle - I have long felt that Ms Oke was adept at creating situations that felt real and character responses that were easy to identify with. This one was no exception. The emotions Virginia experienced were not sugarcoated or handled perfectly. It isn't uncommon for Christian fiction to be overly sweet to the point that it almost feels judgmental, and often nothing like human responses to real life. I did not feel that way once from start to finish.
So many emotions - Multiple times, I found myself teary. And for so many reasons. I have enjoyed each book from the two series that joined to form the story of this family, some more than others, but this series ended on a book struck me as deeply as the very first one did that roped me in.
What I didn't care for:
That it ended? - To be fair, I'm not sure I was ever going to be ready to say goodbye to the extended Davis family.
What left me conflicted:
A bit of a theological conflict for me - At one point as Virginia struggled, she "heard" God talking to her. The Bible tells us that God only speaks to us through His Word after the coming of the promised Messiah. I would have felt better about that scene if Virginia has instead reached for her Bible after her anguished appeals in prayer rather than "feeling Him speaking to her." Everything she "heard" were promises and reassurances found in God's Word, but I would have felt better about it if she would have found it there, or even had just remembered that she'd read it there many times and was calling it to mind.
Worth noting:
This is absolutely Christian fiction. Faith and prayer and repentance and salvation are strong themes throughout this book and series. It isn't preachy but it is prevalent.
I cannot believe that I won't see more days and years unfold with Clark and Marty's clan,
Spoiler
though I am equal parts relieved that I won't see our matriarch and patriarch pass on and sad not to know who Virginia's fourth baby will be and whether or not her family will grow behind the five children she lovesbethwyant's review against another edition
5.0
It has been so therapeutic to read this wholesome series. I enjoyed every moment. I have been so invested in the saga of Virginia and Jenny and this one moved me to tears more than once. I’m at a place in my life where these simple gospel-centered prairie books are more precious than any shiny NYT bestseller. This was a beautiful story with wonderful spiritual truths. I’m better for having read it.
breenakm's review against another edition
5.0
I appreciate this whole story. Especially young Mindy's expression of faith with her birth mother. Heart breaking at times. So so good!