Love Comes Softly…Forty Years Strong

ByJulie Klassen
51 Comments

Janette Oke’s novel, Love Comes Softly, has recently celebrated its fortieth anniversary of publication. That author and that book are often credited with pioneering the Christian fiction genre. Since then, the novel has birthed a whole series of books as well as a Hallmark television series.

I first met Janette when I worked in marketing for Bethany House Publishers about twenty years ago. I was part of the team that created a display and promotions to celebrate One Million Sold of that title in the late 1990s. Here is a treasured photo of Janette and me from the Christian Booksellers’ trade show that year. It remains on a shelf near my writing desk even now, all these years later.

How young I was! A young, long-haired hopeful with so much to learn. This was well before I finished my first novel, but the dream to become an author was already there and had been since I was a girl. A dream spurred on by the great experiences I had working with talented Christian authors and publishing professionals over the years.

My husband reminded me of another occasion, when he and I attended a publishing event honoring Janette Oke. We had taken a copy of Love Comes Softly and asked her to sign it. She knelt right beside our chairs and signed it there and then to our chagrin! She has always been such a humble woman.

I am grateful for her godly example, as well as that of Beverly Lewis, who I also had the privilege of working with over the years. What an inspiring training ground that was for someone who dreamed of being a published author someday!

And now, I am no longer young (though still hopeful and still with more to learn) but recently I was touched when Bethany House asked me to write a tribute to Janette to include in the 40th edition of Love Comes Softly. I felt unworthy to be included, but also honored.  Here’s a portion of what I wrote:

I’ve had the privilege of reading many of Janette Oke’s books and working with her during my early years as a marketer and editor for Bethany House Publishers. Janette—quiet, humble, godly, and oh-so-likeable—made a big impression on me. I remember her giving God the glory for her success and modestly explaining her writing process, saying she would simply pray, go for a walk, then come home and write the next chapter. I was also impressed to learn that she answered every one of her fan letters by hand. Congratulations, Janette. You have touched and inspired innumerable readers (and writers) over the years, and I am blessed to be one of them.”
—Julie Klassen

Love Comes Softly, 40th Anniversary Commemorative Edition

In honor of her special anniversary, I have an extra copy of Love Comes Softly to give away to one commenter. Leave your email address [type (at) in place of the usual @ to avoid the spam filter] and I will choose one winner.

Have you read Love Comes Softly? If you don’t already own this classic novel, what are you waiting for? Visit your local bookstore or order online today.

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JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

51 Comments

    1. This is beautiful! I was given Love Comes Softly as a graduation gift back in the early 80s and have read the entire series twice! I love all her work. Sonya.l.hoop(at)gmail.com

  2. Your description was such an awesome tribute. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com

  3. The Love Comes Softly series has such a special place in my heart! I was in 4th grade when my Grandmother surprised me with the book because she knew I loved “prairie books” & Janette’s has been such an inspiration for my own writing!

  4. What a great post, Julie! I love the photo of you and Janette! I read all of Janette’s books as a young wife and mom and I have always said that they helped me navigate those roles so much better. My own mom loved Janette’s books and we had fun talking about them as we were reading. I’m sure Janette has no idea how many people she inspired—especially writers!—with her wonderful stories of love and faith!

  5. My two favorite Christian historical fiction writers. I’ve read all the books by both. Oke got me started in the genre and Klassen keeps me reading it. Thank you ladies for enriching my life. klswortzel(at)gmail.com

  7. I would love to win this! I’ve seen all of the movies, but not read her books.
    casey.elaine(at)hotmail.com

  9. I loved this tribute to Love Comes Softly! I still need to read this series by Mrs. Oke. I read the When Calls the Heart series and loved it so I really need to jump on this one!

    bookslifeandchrist(at)gmail.com

  10. What a lovely tribute! I have read all her books, I believe – something that made me realize that Christian fiction was where I should be spending my reading hours! I lost any books I had in the flood in Duluth a number of years ago. It would be a real privilege to have this one on my shelf. Thanks for the giveaway:)
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

  11. What a lovely tribute to Janette Oke! I, too, read her books and subsequently began looking for additional Christian fiction authors to read. Currently I read about 80 books a year–most of which are Christian fiction. Thank you for your ministry and contribution to that field!

  12. This was a great blog post, Julie! I don’t need to enter the contest since I own the book already. Not only do I have it on my Kindle, but I have the original printed series passed down to me from my grandmother-in-law after she passed away. Since I am the reader in the family (and former literature teacher), the books were given to me, no questions asked! Hey, no complaints here! Of course, I have the movies too, but I prefer the books. Yes, Janette Oke is a wonderful Christian whose books are so refreshing and encouraging. Thanks for sharing this. Great to see the picture of the two of you!

  14. I read Love Comes Softly many years ago, as well as many, many more. Always loved her books. Thanks for the good post you did of her. Would love to win the book. Will not let me post (at) with my e-mail.

  15. I do not own this book, although I have watched and enjoyed the movie(s) many rimes. eldora2193(at)comcast.net

  16. What a wonderful tribute! I love the photo of you and Mrs. Oke. Love Comes Softly was my introduction to Christian fiction when I was about 8 years old (I think). I’ve read the series so many times I practically have it memorized. I own all of her books and can’t wait to share with my daughter when she’s older.

  17. What a special thing to be so connected to such an endurung book! I still love that original series. And yes, it inspired me to try my hand at Christian fiction so many years later.

  19. Wow, time flies doesn’t it? Such a blessing to have this book in print for so many years. Blessings all around! Love the photos. angelecolline at yahoo dot com

  20. I would love to be in the drawing for a copy of Love Comes Softly. I read it back in the day (I recognize the yellow cover!). I am an avid CF reader and am grateful for Janette and her books.

  21. I absolutely love her books. I know I’ve read some of them at least 6 times. And Love Comes Softly, in addition to her other books, is largely what made me become so obsessed with reading…and reading prairie stories especially.

    Brittany
    rolltide_04(at)yahoo(dot)com

  22. Janette Oake’s were the first fiction books I read after becoming a follower of Christ, many years ago. The characters showed me what a life in Christ could look like on a daily basis. It was while reading the Canadian West series that God spoke directly to me … He wanted my husband and I to go west. Oh the stories we could tell of how this time grew our faith! I love telling others about our journey and how God used Janette’s books along the way!

  23. I love the series and I watch the Hallmark movies whenever I can catch them on. Love Comes Softly is my favorite.
    jociadam(at)hotmail.com

  25. As a voracious reader in 4th through 6th grade, I asked my small Christian school librarian what to read next. She looked through the shelves and we discovered I had read all the books that appealed to young girls. She walked over and handed me Janette Oke and said I should give this author a try. I was hooked from the beginning of that book, and Christian fiction is my favorite genre to this day. My grandma and I have often shared Janette Oke’s books back and forth over the years. They always bless my heart to read and re-read them.

  26. I read the entire series when I was a teenager, would love to have a copy for my keeper shelf!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

  27. What an amazing experience for you to have met her! Thank you for sharing. This is one of my favorite books of all time.

  28. I remember clearly sitting on my bed in my bedroom at Bethany reading LOVE COMES SOFTLY, laughing until the tears rolled down my face when she washed the chinking and when she chopped the beak off the chicken.
    I did many work nights for Bethany House bookshipping department, folding those gift set slipcases for shipment.
    I love all her books – and all of yours, Julie.
    Joycehaase(at)gmail(dot)com

  29. I have never read this book, but have heard the name Janette Oke before. Can I use the excuse that I am new to this genre? Seems like I should have read this book by now and I feel like I am missing out. This one is on my list now! brooke.repine(at)gmail(dot)com

  31. Years ago as I was reading the Canadian West Collection by Janette Oke, I came across a quote that I wanted to remember and put in a cloth sampler. I wrote in care of the college where her husband was, to ask permission. Mrs. Oke wrote back to me in the affirmative. It was so kind of her to send a handwritten note. I remember telling her that whenever I had my moccasins on, my husband would say he knew I was reading those stories. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House kathleen[dot]e[dot]belongia[at]gmail[dot]com

  32. I received Love Comes Softly in my Easter basket when I was 8. It became a well-loved copy, with the whole series read again and again. That first story has always had a special place in my heart!

  33. What a wonderful post and tribute. I love her books. I got When Calls The Heart many many years ago. In fact the book pages are yellowing. My husband and I saw the tv series recently and he fell in love with the people. So I gave him my books and he read them before the next tv show came out. LOL He would comment on what was right, what was wrong etc. LOL I have not read this book and would so love to read it and share it with my husband.

  35. I remember reading Love Comes Softly back in the early 90’s. It is one of my daughter’s favorites.

  37. Such an absolute classic! This book jut touches the heart. Very nice tribute!

    mjkoester(at)charter(dot)net

  38. Such a great series. I remember reading this early in my Christianity when I discovered Christian fiction so this book has a special place in my heart I had checked it out at my local library. Thanks so much for tht chance.

    Tighefan42atgmaildotcom

  39. I’d love to win a copy! I’ve seen the movie but haven’t read the book!
    Hgturkishdelight (at) gmail (dot) com

  41. I read most of the Love Comes Softly series years ago. My sister in Arkansas loves Janette’s books and would love to win in order to send it to her.

  43. Since I first saw the movie I’ve been wanting to read the book! I’m kind of new to reading Christian fiction and it would be a joy to start an only Christian fiction books collection to enjoy and to pass on!

  44. I have the series of movies but I have never read the book. I need to do that! Thank for sharing your story.
    purplephyl(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

  45. It was a pleasure to read about one of the authors that has given you inspiration, Julie. I have not read any of Janette Oke’s books. I definitely will, based on your recommendation. I’m looking forward to your book launch next week!I pray that you too are an inspiration to young writers. I know you are to many readers, myself included!

  46. The Love Comes Softly series hooked my on Christian fiction right after I graduated from college in 1981. My mother gave me the first two books, and after finishing them, I was thrilled to learn that there was a third book and they had it in stock at my local Christian bookstore. Her books also inspired me to write my first book.

  49. It is good to hear how many women have grown as a Christian because of Janette Oke’s books. However, Grace Livingston Hill wrote Christian fiction decades before she did. I discovered her books at the public library when I was in high school. Her faithfulness to incorporating the Gospel in each book led me to become a Christian. I also saw what kind of man I’d like to marry.

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