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A story of two very different sisters and how one of them must finally learn to look into her heart and truly discover what truly makes the difference between them.

Berta was very young when she found out she was getting a baby sister. She wasn't thrilled by all the attention the sister got, and grew up resentful and not very loving to her younger sister, Glenna. You will watch how Berta grows up very independent, and serious and feels plain and alone, while Glenna is the sparkling, outgoing and always wanting to please sister in the family. Many years will pass and lots of things will happen in these two lady's lives, and you just want to help Berta to stop her bitterness and lack of love towards her family. God will eventually work in her heart, but you begin to think it will never happen. Although I enjoyed the story, I did think it went a little long, only because I so much wanted something better for Berta. ( )

"Oh, Berta... I fear what that defiant spirit and quick temper might cost you in life."

Berta sees herself as plain, ordinary, and unappreciated compared to her glowing, outgoing, adored sister, Glenna. That perception affects how Berta lives her life. But she'll eventually have to take true stock of what she has become, and why, in The Bluebird and the Sparrow by author Janette Oke.

I believe this is the third time I've read this novel, counting the first time I did so back in my adolescence. Pretty sure I was first drawn by its original book cover from the '90s, which I still prefer. I think the story benefits from the rather pastel cover that's softly vibrant and lovely because...

Well, because Berta is a downer much of the time. But her story is a lovely one.

Berta is a depiction of how jealousy can make even a competent person illogical, petty, and bitter. It makes real, unfortunate sense.

The scenes during Berta and Glenna's childhood give the general gist of how they come into womanhood. Granted, that general gist all but makes caricatures of them for a while, with a too-sour older sister and a too-sweet younger one. Yet, Berta's moments of self-awareness make her character relatable. There's a realness to her journey, her pain, and what she must one day come to learn.

This ChristFic novel is comfort reading for me. Not because it's perfect or happy-go-lucky (it's neither) but because it brings relevant truth about life, love, and self-acceptance in a simple and ultimately lovely way. ( )

An example of such waste...caused by bitterness and wrong perception. I believe every person is unique and has different gifts and personality type than others have. She could have learned that years before and been a lot happier!!!

This is a beautiful story for the insight it gives us into the love of our Heavenly Father. It shows the struggle we cause ourselves when we put self first. I thought the book was a little slow at first. It didn't grab my attention until about the middle of the book, but the lesson that it teaches is priceless and timeless! A great character building book. ( )