This book took me by surprise. It went in an entirely different direction than what I initially thought, but that wasn’t a bad thing. I haven’t read a book by Janette Oke in years, but I found this title at my local library’s annual book sale and thought I’d give it a try. Set in the late 1800s American West, this book is typical of Oke’s writing with the heroine overcoming the various difficulties of the era or her circumstance, but with a Christian worldview.
Summary: Ariana Benson lives a simple life in a small town. She’s content to teach at the local school and is an avid reader, her favorite book being the Bible. But one day everything changes for Ariana–she’s suddenly taken far away from the life she’s known and everyone she loves. Can Ariana find any civility in the wild circumstances she’s been placed in? Surely God has a purpose for this–even if He has not revealed it yet…
Laramie has only ever known life in his father’s gang of outlaws, and the multiple camps they hide out in. He’s never seen a woman before, let alone had to guard one. What reason could his pa have for bringing this innocent creature to the wilderness of the camp? Yet oddly enough, Laramie feels the need to protect her from the evils of the other rugged outlaws and knows he must get her out of the camp before the trouble brewing begins to boil over.
My Opinion: Hmm, where do I begin? This was a fairly quick read, the book only being two-hundred and fifty-one pages long. I believe my favorite aspect of this story is Oke’s realistic writing. Her style of writing isn’t dramatic, nor does it put an overly emotional spin on the main characters’ thoughts; but that supports the story instead of hindering it. I also really enjoyed the Christian worldview in the story. Ariana’s faith seems very real in how she relies on what she reads in her Bible and seeks God’s protection and guidance throughout the story. Laramie’s salvation story is also well written. Even though the story could have been more exciting and adventurous for it being set in the old west, I very much enjoyed the Christian side of it!
My rating for A Gown of Spanish Lace is ☕☕☕☕/5 coffees. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading!
I Corinthians 10:31 KJV, “…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
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