JANETTE OKE
NANAS GIFT & THE RED GERANIUM
SEPTEMBER 2010
Nana’s gift is a refreshing and poignant story of love. Duncan and Lizzie are a young couple of newlyweds as they story begins. Duncan begins his plans for their honeymoon. He must find something worthy of the woman he loves. Over 36 years, Duncan saves money a small amount at a time. They struggle to make a living on their farm and raise 5 children. Duncan was almost ready to purchase the pearls he found to be worthy of Lizzy when his neighbor has a fire. He helps his neighbor and their children with some of the secret funds. Finally, he presents Lizzie with the pearls on their 36th wedding anniversary. He explains how long he saved and had hoped his daughters would have worn them at their weddings. Lizzie kindly tells him that his granddaughters will wear them, which they do. However, the next generation finds the pearls out-dated and choose not to wear them. The only exception is Lizzie’s great-granddaughter, Beth. She is the only one who sees the pearls as priceless and a symbol of the love and sacrifice that her late grandfather felt for Lizzie. Then, tragedy strikes and Beth is in a car accident. You may find out how love continues to overcome all obstacles when you read this charming story.
The extra bonus of the short story The Red Geranium is a treasure. The greatest love of all is the joy of a grandparent. A young boy rescues his great-grandmother’s spirit after she suffers a stroke and is placed in a nursing home.
Janette Oke’s ability to draw the reader inside each story is a pleasure to read. The characters are brought to life with the stroke of her pen. The emotions and daily struggles are easily identifiable for anyone. I have also enjoyed her other books about biblical characters. This book was refreshing in it’s simplicity.
I recommend this book to all readers. It makes your stop and count your blessings. I am personally blessed with 7 grandchildren. Lizzie makes me want to look to the future to the day I am bless with great-grandchildren.
slh
9/2010