Janette Oke is a Canadian author and pioneer of inspirational fiction. Her works are renowned for being set in a pioneer time period and often center around female protagonists. A committed Evangelical Christian, Janette's writings reflect her faith.

Born as Janette Steeves during the Depression years in Champion, Alberta, she was the daughter of Fred and Amy Steeves, a Canadian prairie farmer and his wife. Janette graduated from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her husband, Edward Oke. The couple, married in 1957, has pastored churches in Indiana, Calgary, and Edmonton, Canada. Notably, Edward later became the college president. They have four children, including a set of twins, and her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, has co-authored books with her.

Her debut novel, "Love Comes Softly", was published by Bethany House in 1979, and it paved the way for over 75 subsequent novels. She is celebrated for her Canadian West series, particularly "When Calls the Heart" (1983), which has inspired a popular television series. Recognized for her contributions to Christian fiction, Janette has received several awards, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award, and the Gold Medallion Award for fiction.