What do you think?
Rate this book
Women of the West #3
Roses for Mama
A captivating story of a young girl who must assume responsibility for raising her younger siblings. As the challenges intensify, she is determined to raise them as her mother would have wanted.
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 1990
73 people are currently reading
2032 people want to read
About the author
Janette Oke
359books3,345followersJanette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
January 12, 2023
“You are my flowers. My roses. You and your brothers and sisters. You make up my bouquet.�
�,
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cleanness: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is SO sweet!!! <3
Everything I have read of is just sweet and wholesome and comforting. I love ! All I can think to describe this book is: SWEET.
I love the characters and seeing the siblings relationships with each other. I loved seeing them grow up and care for each other.
Angela is a character who loves her family deeply, will do anything for them, and is just trying to do the right thing and raise her siblings just like mama would. She struggled and made bad decisions but she learned from them and was loyal to her family above everything else. I really respected her for that.
I love how sweet and protective Thomas is of his siblings. He is such a good brother and so responsible talking care of his siblings and providing for them since and young age. It was sweet seeing how much he cared for his siblings but was still able to have fun and have friends.
I love the differences between the kids. We have Derek who is just the sweetest and had such a beautiful story of going from this broken shy boy and growing up and becoming a young man. He was probably the sweetest of the Peterson kids. Then there is Louis who is the challenger of the kids, wanting to grow up. I loved seeing her little journey of growing up, becoming more responsible, and becoming a young lady. Sara was cuteness! She reminded me a bit of my little sister at that age: full of joy, adventure, and excitement (and loves sweets)!
THANE! I love Thane! He is so sweet and such a wonderful friend! I love how he is around all the kids and how he takes time to play with them and be there for them.
Can I just say that every chapter that mentioned Carter (young Mr. Stratton) gave me anxiety. I was so anxious. I haven’t felt that anxious reading a book probably since reading last year. XD
Anyways, now that I have finished my rant over the characters I think this review is done! This was just so sweet and cozy and I loved it! I’m going to be passing it along to my sister now because I think she will really like it! I can’t wait to hear her reaction!
Bye, friends!
�
Find more bookish content at
June 12, 2018
That was sweet!! <3
The Characters:
Angela - at times I really liked her, but it wasn't all the time. It was especially when she did something so silly that I groaned about! Obviously, no one can always do the right thing! ;) I like how compassionate she was with her siblings, but personally, I kind of thought at times she was overdoing it in trying to raise them. (Maybe that's just me!) Anyway, once she figured out that one decision she made was a bad move, things started to get better for her!
Thomas - such a sweet brother! Loved him! :)
Louise - she was definitely growing up! I like her! She reminds me of one of my sisters!
Sara - haha!! Her personality was funny!
Derek - awww! <3 *gives him a hug*
Thane - *squeals* He was the best!! The nicest friend ever, nicest everything! :D Yes, I'm being really exaggerating, but he was really sweet! He understood the siblings so well! After all, he was their best friend!
Charlie and Gus - those two cracked me up! Felt bad for them too at one point!
Trudie - she was rather a nut!
Carter - *coughs* Please, I shouldn't give him a section, but I must. Let's just say he had a lot of problems for someone who acted so "perfect," and leave it at that! :P
The Story-line:
I did like the story-line. Angela and Thomas have to take care of their younger siblings because of their parents death, and it's a lot harder than they expect! Of course, not all western stories are that thrilling, but this one I did like!
Throughout the story, the main characters are getting older, things start happening, which makes tension start rising. ;)
I loved how the siblings would do the Memory Game and each tell each other memories they remember of their parents! There were also lessons tied into those memories too! :)
I also love how the salvation message is tied in the story!
Content:
Two kisses done by unmarried couples . A couple kisses on the forehead and hand. Some hugs.
All-in-all:
I really liked it! A sweet story-line and a simple read. I'd probably re-read it if I want something easy to read!
The Characters:
Angela - at times I really liked her, but it wasn't all the time. It was especially when she did something so silly that I groaned about! Obviously, no one can always do the right thing! ;) I like how compassionate she was with her siblings, but personally, I kind of thought at times she was overdoing it in trying to raise them. (Maybe that's just me!) Anyway, once she figured out that one decision she made was a bad move, things started to get better for her!
Thomas - such a sweet brother! Loved him! :)
Louise - she was definitely growing up! I like her! She reminds me of one of my sisters!
Sara - haha!! Her personality was funny!
Derek - awww! <3 *gives him a hug*
Thane - *squeals* He was the best!! The nicest friend ever, nicest everything! :D Yes, I'm being really exaggerating, but he was really sweet! He understood the siblings so well! After all, he was their best friend!
Charlie and Gus - those two cracked me up! Felt bad for them too at one point!
Trudie - she was rather a nut!
Carter - *coughs* Please, I shouldn't give him a section, but I must. Let's just say he had a lot of problems for someone who acted so "perfect," and leave it at that! :P
The Story-line:
I did like the story-line. Angela and Thomas have to take care of their younger siblings because of their parents death, and it's a lot harder than they expect! Of course, not all western stories are that thrilling, but this one I did like!
Throughout the story, the main characters are getting older, things start happening, which makes tension start rising. ;)
I loved how the siblings would do the Memory Game and each tell each other memories they remember of their parents! There were also lessons tied into those memories too! :)
I also love how the salvation message is tied in the story!
Content:
Two kisses done by unmarried couples . A couple kisses on the forehead and hand. Some hugs.
All-in-all:
I really liked it! A sweet story-line and a simple read. I'd probably re-read it if I want something easy to read!
March 18, 2021
I try to read one of Jeanette Oke's series each year. This year it's Women of the West. What I like about this series is that they can be read as stand alone or out of order. I just prefer to read them in the order that they were released. There are twelve books to the series. They're easy to read and each book has been able to draw me into the story and keep my attention to the end of the book. Actually this is my second time reading Roses for Mama. As I read through it this time I found that there were parts of the book I didn't remember. I was glad I had this opportunity to re-read it.
This story probably took place in the last part of the 1800s. I would say that since Janette Oke is a Canadian that the story was about a Canadian family in Western Canada. It's about a family of orphans who had lost both of their parents in a matter of months. The oldest girl, Angela Peterson had promised her dying mother that she would take care of her three younger siblings. Her older brother Thomas was 16 when his father had died. He had taken on the responsibility of the farm while Angela took over the caring for the house and the younger children. Both older kids sacrificed a lot to keep the family together. They were a close family and neighbors helped them when they could. I was touched by this heart warming uplifting story and thought it was very well written.
I recommend it to readers of Christian Fiction and for those who enjoy reading Historical Fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Hoopla. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
This story probably took place in the last part of the 1800s. I would say that since Janette Oke is a Canadian that the story was about a Canadian family in Western Canada. It's about a family of orphans who had lost both of their parents in a matter of months. The oldest girl, Angela Peterson had promised her dying mother that she would take care of her three younger siblings. Her older brother Thomas was 16 when his father had died. He had taken on the responsibility of the farm while Angela took over the caring for the house and the younger children. Both older kids sacrificed a lot to keep the family together. They were a close family and neighbors helped them when they could. I was touched by this heart warming uplifting story and thought it was very well written.
I recommend it to readers of Christian Fiction and for those who enjoy reading Historical Fiction.
I borrowed a copy from Hoopla. A review wasn't requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
February 24, 2015
A reread. One of my favorite Janette Oke books.
December 30, 2008
I love this book! This is the first book that I have read of Janette Oke and it was fabulous! I love her as an author! She has great examples in her books and her characters are wonderful! The Women of the West Series is wonderful! I recommend these books to everyone!
April 16, 2022
But where can I get a Thane or a Thomas? (,:
So good. SO GOOD! My favorite of the Women of the West series thus far. Oke did an excellent job showing the struggles and joys that the parentless Peterson children faced, and they all held themselves so strongly in Christ in the hardest of times, as well as the lightest of times. I must say, the last five chapters are the ones that will get you. *cue the tear falling*
So good. SO GOOD! My favorite of the Women of the West series thus far. Oke did an excellent job showing the struggles and joys that the parentless Peterson children faced, and they all held themselves so strongly in Christ in the hardest of times, as well as the lightest of times. I must say, the last five chapters are the ones that will get you. *cue the tear falling*
December 22, 2008
Such a great book to read.
January 14, 2023
Janette Oke is the most creative author... so many different plots!
July 14, 2023
This book was so sweet. I love the relationships that Janette writes in all her books.
September 18, 2017
This is my second time reading "Roses for Mama." It is just one of those spending-a-relaxed-day-reading type of books for me. The first time I read it, I was annoyed with Angela and her choices. Since I knew the conclusion this time, I could endure it just well and was able to focus on more of the behind-the-scenes workings on. It remains one of my favorite Janette Oke books, which is amusing, because I don't like backstory (there was an entire chapter backstory) and I don't care for being "told" rather than shown... but this is just Oke's style. So I guess I read these books more of the "classic feel."
There is romance in these books. I wouldn't recommend young teens to read it just because romance kind of is the theme of the whole book, but there is nothing impure that happens.
Spiritual content is solid, like most of Oke's books. I don't remember a lot of Scripture quoted, but rather than Scriptural principles were applied. This isn't her most spiritually solid book, but there was definitely a lot of prayer and striving to please God in it.
There is romance in these books. I wouldn't recommend young teens to read it just because romance kind of is the theme of the whole book, but there is nothing impure that happens.
Spiritual content is solid, like most of Oke's books. I don't remember a lot of Scripture quoted, but rather than Scriptural principles were applied. This isn't her most spiritually solid book, but there was definitely a lot of prayer and striving to please God in it.
January 4, 2010
I needed a quick read, comforting good story, and I almost always find that with Jenette Oke's Christian fiction. This was not a disappointment, in fact I realized that I'd read it before, but it's one I mostly enjoyed. I love the advice she quotes from her mother, and will put one of them up where I can see it often, "Never desipse a task...you're either creating something or making something better." I appreciate that.
I did get frustrated with the unrealistic expectation that the girl has of trying to do everything just as perfect as her parents would have done - I've become one more with the attitude, "I can't ever be perfect, so I'll just have to do my best, and that's good enough. The Savior's atonement will make up for the rest, and I thank God for that!"
I did get frustrated with the unrealistic expectation that the girl has of trying to do everything just as perfect as her parents would have done - I've become one more with the attitude, "I can't ever be perfect, so I'll just have to do my best, and that's good enough. The Savior's atonement will make up for the rest, and I thank God for that!"
November 17, 2008
I loved reading this sweet book. You follow Angela as she cares for her younger siblings. Like any girl she dreams of having her own family and a husband to love her. With God's help she learns which paths to take. It is a good book for a rainy day.
September 2, 2020
Loved it, loved it, loved it!! I had never heard of this book before but now it is one of my favorites! Angela is such a lovely young woman, with such strong faith and a kind spirit. Family is so important to her and I love how sweet she is to others. What a great ending, too! ❤️
January 29, 2022
I loved this story!! I read almost the whole book in one sitting, and it kept me hooked the whole time. I related a lot to the Angela, the main character. Thomas is a great big brother, and Thane is the best!
April 1, 2017
There's something about this sweet and simple story that makes this book very special and one of my absolute favourite books! So I keep on re-reading it :)
September 11, 2016
This book will hold a special place in my heart! I loved it so much!! Tears of sadness and joy were definitely shed while reading this.
June 11, 2025
C-plus� RTC�
August 1, 2018
This was a great read! I loved it! It had a lovely romance, although for part of the book I was screaming 'no' all the time at Angela. She was a bit annoying.
The others were fun and I LOVED Thane. He was great. The only problem I would have was that he was almost too perfect!
Content:
Two kisses, both by unmarried couples. Mentions of a girl trying to snag a guy.
The others were fun and I LOVED Thane. He was great. The only problem I would have was that he was almost too perfect!
Content:
Two kisses, both by unmarried couples. Mentions of a girl trying to snag a guy.
February 1, 2014
This was a very easy read. I read it in one sitting, while travelling on the train to Sydney. I had it finished just as we came into the outer suburbs of Sydney. I was wondering about the title though until the very end.
October 5, 2020
This was a nice Christian based book with a sweet story of growing up.
December 20, 2017
This author is amazing and I really like her!!!!!!!!!!
December 11, 2024
I have been on a Janette Oke kick lately and really enjoying some of her older titles I have not read before. I like that all of her heroines have distinct personalities.
I really enjoyed this story of a brother and sister raising their younger siblings. The homey scenes were very comfortable and the secondary characters (neighbors and friend) well drawn. There was romance here but it was not the primary plot, and there was a strong faith message complete with salvation steps. I do not know Oke’s denomination but appreciate that she includes baptism in her salvation speeches.
As always, my one complaint is that we don’t know exactly when (somewhere in the 1800s?) or where (American midwest?) the story is set.
I really enjoyed this story of a brother and sister raising their younger siblings. The homey scenes were very comfortable and the secondary characters (neighbors and friend) well drawn. There was romance here but it was not the primary plot, and there was a strong faith message complete with salvation steps. I do not know Oke’s denomination but appreciate that she includes baptism in her salvation speeches.
As always, my one complaint is that we don’t know exactly when (somewhere in the 1800s?) or where (American midwest?) the story is set.
April 30, 2017
Janette Oke is the author I go to when I need something relaxing to read. Once more this book did just that for me. It didn't take long to read, but the story is sweet and there are still good lessons throughout. This one wasn't my favorite as Carter took up a lot of the story and it was a little ridiculous. I would have loved to know more about Thane!
All in all I'd recommend this for lovers of a simple story, and especially if you've enjoyed others by this author.
All in all I'd recommend this for lovers of a simple story, and especially if you've enjoyed others by this author.
May 15, 2019
Mama's Roses
Angela and Thomas are left with the responsibility to raise their younger siblings. It's hard work.
Much of the book deals with daily life on the farm and growing pains of the siblings. Angela has a brief courtship before the right man comes along.
I loved the memory game. I also loved Charlie and Gus.
Angela and Thomas are left with the responsibility to raise their younger siblings. It's hard work.
Much of the book deals with daily life on the farm and growing pains of the siblings. Angela has a brief courtship before the right man comes along.
I loved the memory game. I also loved Charlie and Gus.
October 8, 2021
I cannot say how much I liked this book, it had many things that touched me. Below is the summary of the book.
A captivating story of a young girl who must assume responsibility for raising her younger siblings. As the challenges intensify, she is determined in her faith to raise them as her mother would have wanted.
A captivating story of a young girl who must assume responsibility for raising her younger siblings. As the challenges intensify, she is determined in her faith to raise them as her mother would have wanted.
April 22, 2013
One of my favourite Janette Oke books. It is so sweet. Though, reading it again for the first time in many years, I really wanted to tell Angela to stop worrying and to stop being so hard on herself! Happily Thomas eventually did it for me :-)
July 10, 2018
Amazing book!
I read this book when I was a young teenager over 15 years ago, and just reread it. I still love this book as much as I did when I first read it. The storyline is a good reminder to do your best, and to remember that some things are worth waiting for.
I read this book when I was a young teenager over 15 years ago, and just reread it. I still love this book as much as I did when I first read it. The storyline is a good reminder to do your best, and to remember that some things are worth waiting for.
October 21, 2015
My absolute favorite book from Janette Oke!
March 12, 2016
Decent, but not what I've come to expect from this author.
September 11, 2023
Olivia read this on her own and rated it 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.