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Our little town, nestled in the valley, was a charming, secure place for us kids during our growing-up years. Our family probably wasn’t perfect, but we had a lot of fun, and we were sure of our parents’ love for each other and for the four of us. Best of all, my sister–just a year older than me–was also my best friend. Looking back on those years, I realize now how carefully and intricately the circumstances and events of childhood weave together to form the person we become. Our attitudes about life, our values and, most of all, our understanding of God, all are profoundly affected and formed through what we see modeled in our homes. When someone’s mental images and memories are not positive, I’m sure God’s abundant grace is available in extra measure for that person. For me, I know the things our family faced together–the joys and triumphs, the difficulties and sorrows– have provided a firm foundation for my own spiritual journey. Let me tell you what happened back then in Dana’s Valley.

Janette Oke has a knack for telling heart-wrenching stories, and this one is no different. My heart aches whenever I gaze upon this book. It brings feelings of such bittersweet sorrow and joy as I remember the events of the book. Although I believe it is not based on a true story, it could easily have been. It is told in the first person by young Erin who is a preteen at the beginning of the story. I don’t dare to say too much and ruin the story for all of you reading this review, so I will keep my comments more vague than I usually might.


The characterization is done very well and we come to know young Erin very well. The rest of the characters are known only through Erin’s observations and view point. She communicates what she sees of her brothers and her sister, her parents, and her grandparents. Occasionally, there wil be a conversation between Erin and the other characters in which we may gleam a little more understanding from what is said. The story is very much presented from the view of a young preteen trying to make sense of her changing world, her faith in God, and her family members.


This is a really lovely story of the faithfulness of God. It is often extremely difficult to reconcile our loving God with the pain of sickness and disease. Erin struggles with these types of apparent opposites throughout the book, trying to form her own independent faith in God as apposed to accepting the faith of her parents as her own. She wonders where God could possibly be as her family goes through their various struggles. It isn’t until her mother speaks with Erin and clearly shares with her how God has been present with her throughout all the tribulations, that Erin begins to understand God and her own relationship with him.


I wish everyone could read this book and feel the pain and empathy for these characters and see the beauty of God displayed through difficult circumstances! It is just such a beautiful novel that tells the story of many families throughout our world, I’m sure. Perhaps it tells the story of your neighbour down the street, or someone in your extended family, or of a family in your church. This is truly a story for anyone and everyone.