Janette Oke, author of over 40 books, is one of the most beloved novelists of our time. An inspirational best seller, The Bluebird and the Sparrow is her moving story of a young woman's spiritual journey towards acceptance and faith. Berta has spent much of her life striving to be the opposite of her adorable sister, Glenna. As Glenna grows into a vivacious and outgoing young wife and mother, Berta carefully molds herself into a prim spinster and dependable member of her family. But her aloofness and pride must exact a price. Soon, Berta will need to examine her soul for the true motives at work in her heart. Millions of readers have thrilled to Janette Oke's finely crafted stories of engaging characters and spiritual conflicts. If you are looking for an uplifting, refreshing romance, you will relish this tender drama of the power of love and trust.
Download and start listening now!
"I first read this book when I was twelve and it is still one of my favorites today. (Perhaps because I am more like Berta then I would ever admit.) Anyhow, the point of this review is- It is a very good book. It isn't a cheesy book, it isn't a sappy happily ever after book. This book is real life. I enjoy it everytime I pick it up. It is a story of redemption, forgiveness, the mending of broken hearts, and grace."
— Bobbie (5 out of 5 stars)
“Carefully detailed…Common sense and moral comfort for the humble and the unsung.”
— Booklist (starred review)“A richly detailed inspirational novel from a prolific writer of Christian fiction…Oke presents believable characters in a well-paced story full of insight and common sense.”
— School Library Journal" A highly suggested book for anyone struggling with a siblings. Teaches you to appreciate what you have and what the other person has. We're all individuals, and each has their own special gifts. "
— Krista, 2/18/2014" Author makes the novel between the relationships of the two very different sisters magnify out! In this book she shows you two different attitudes and lives of the sisters. Later on in life the sisters seem to connect more even though both of their lives are very different. Great read and wonderfully put words of wisdom from God's Word! "
— Michelle, 2/8/2014" Another good book with a thought provoking moral. "
— Laurel, 2/8/2014" This is a book I've grown up with and reread periodically. It is pretty YA, but I still love it and it has always been close to my heart because I grew up struggling with jealousy issues and can really relate to Berta and her feelings. It always make me cry and is just one of those childhood favourites that I read like comfort food when I'm feeling stressed out. It is super religious, though. "
— Leann, 2/6/2014" All I can say is, once I loved Janette Oke, now I'm over it. "
— Miranda, 1/29/2014" A book I read in my early teens, remember it being a very lovely book. "
— Katelin, 1/28/2014" I thought this book was told really well. i liked the descriptions of everything.\ "
— Alesia, 1/22/2014" Great view on life! Definetly made me cry! "
— Danielle, 1/18/2014" What's bad is when it's been so long since you've read a book you can't remember if you liked it a lot or not. I think this book fell somewhere between okay and liked it. "
— Melissa, 1/11/2014" This was a kind of cheesy book but I liked it's message. "
— Kendra, 1/3/2014" More like 3.5 --But I'm feeling generous today. I don't remember too much about it ... which probably means I should re-read it someday. "
— Zekkaina, 12/26/2013" This book was along the same vein as most of Janette Oke's books, but the storyline was better! I was able to identify with Berta's story. I liked Oke's take on Thomas, and his pursuit of Berta. Overall, good. "
— Sol, 12/24/2013" It really shows what sisters go through in their lives. "
— Sarah, 12/22/2013" When Berta's little sister comes into the world. Berta is terrible jelous. Her sister, Glena, is bubbly, beautiful, has beautiful curls and loves lacy dresses. Berta is simple and plain. And wonders if any one could ever love her like they do Glena. "
— Meadow, 12/8/2013" It was a great book that was about a older sister and a younger sister....it was a book i could relate to but it was really slow--good story but it didn't leave me with a contented sigh at the end "
— Leah, 12/8/2013" as some good pointsh "
— Cambria, 12/6/2013" I love Janette Oke, but this is not one of my favorites. It is good, but not great. If you haven't read Janette Oke, don't start with this one. "
— Melissa, 11/29/2013" So far I am in love with this book because it is so true and so real that I think everyone who loves a great book should find a copy and read it as soon as possible! "
— Michelle, 11/13/2013" Took awhile to get into it but it turned out to be very good "
— Joanna, 9/16/2013" Used to pretty much be my all-time favorite book. Now I still think it's good if I ignore all the cheesy christian messages spread throughout it. "
— Amy, 8/16/2013" I didn't enjoy it. The story was good, but slow and frustrating to me. "
— Vicki, 5/16/2013" I remember loving the story, but from what I remember it ended abruptly. "
— Laura, 4/23/2013" I'm pretty sure I've read this book before... "
— Valerie, 3/28/2013" Typical Janette Oke book...good Christian lesson to be learned. Nice to read a book that didn't make a mockery out of religion like so many books I have read lately. "
— Sonya, 12/5/2012" I think it's a good story about getting over bitterness. "
— Suzanne, 10/15/2012" This one was ok, it was interesting if not incredibly stimulating. I didn't really find the main character's jealousy and bitterness to be completely believable. I think the story could have been better written. "
— Cheryl, 10/3/2012" This was a really good book about getting over bitterness and sister relationships. "
— Annalise, 7/27/2012" This one's a special one. I got it from one of my best friends on my birthday. Reminds me of her all the time. I've read it like a dozen times - or more - and as a result this is one of the few books in my collection that shows significant wear and tear. I really love it. "
— Hiba, 6/20/2012Janette Oke, recipient of the 1992 ECPA President’s Award for her significant contribution to the CBA industry and to Christian fiction, has also been awarded the coveted Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Oke and her husband live in Alberta, Canada.