At a glance
Heart of the Wilderness
Christian Historical Fiction
Heart of the Wilderness
Book 8 of the Women of the West (Janette Oke) series
239 pages · First published 1993
When her parents die in a river accident, three-year-old Kendra Marty is taken in by her grandfather, George McMannus, a trapper living deep in the wilderness. Known affectionately as Papa Mac, he raises her among mountains, rivers, and forests, teaching her the skills she needs to survive in a world far removed from civilization. But as Kendra grows older, he realizes that she needs an education and opportunities he cannot provide, and reluctantly sends her away to school. Surrounded by unfamiliar customs and expectations, Kendra struggles to reconcile the wilderness life she loves with the new world she is expected to embrace. The eighth Women of the West novel explores family devotion, growing independence, faith, and the difficult choices involved in finding where one truly belongs. This wilderness story suits readers drawn to devoted family bonds, the pull of home, and a young woman finding her way between two very different worlds.
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Jump to the pours ↓Wild Blueberry Cedar Tea + Ranch Water
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Death of both parents in a river accident; childhood bereavement and orphanhood; separation from a primary caregiver; emotional distress and difficulty adjusting to an unfamiliar school environment; wilderness hazards
Alcohol-Free Pour
Wild Blueberry Cedar Tea
Wild blueberries and fragrant cedar evoke the forests of Kendra's childhood and the wilderness home that continues to shape her sense of belonging.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea. Muddle blueberries with maple syrup in the mug, pour the hot tea over them, and stir; strain if a smoother drink is preferred.
- Garnish: A few blueberries.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Ranch Water
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Crisp lime and sparkling water capture the refreshing simplicity of Kendra's wilderness home and her fiercely independent spirit.
What you'll need
- 2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice ↗
- 4 oz sparkling mineral water ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Tequila · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, top with mineral water, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Lime wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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