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It is the year of 1884 in the Dakota Territory and this story in the series focuses on Hjelmer Bjorkund and Penny Sjornson. I encourage people to read this series in order so that you can get to know and understand the people in this series and the struggles and heartaches as these tough and brave immigrants seek to make a new life for themselves here in America.

Hjelmer is traveling west to work on the railroad in this story. He is kind of forced to leave the community for a while, but before he leaves he asks Penny to please wait for him and they promise to write to each other. Months will go by and although Penny writes to him regularly, she never hears from Hjelmer (nor does he ever receive her letters). How long will Penny wait before she gives her heart to another eligible suitor. And will Hjelmer ever return, settle down, and make a go of it in this growing community in North Dakota. I had a hard time liking this guy, so hopefully he will get his act together in future stories.

Meanwhile, you will continue to watch the other Bjorklund family members as they watch their dream of making a homestead their own, come to reality. The struggles seem very real and so does the love these families have for each other and for the Lord. This series is a keeper for me. ( )

I had read this series before, & it's well worth reading again!

The setting is in Dakota Territory, September 1884. Penny Sjornson is writing to Hjelmer, again! She had promised to write once a week, but he hadn't answered her letters. Penny's Aunt Agnes wished she knew! When Penny was told that he had been seen kissing another young woman, she broke the tip of her pen. Agnes started to get up to get coffee, but Penny insisted that she'd get it because of her aunt's swollen feet. When Penny brought the coffee, Agnes told her that Hjelmer had some growing up to do, like many young men. Hjelmer would make a good husband if her was anything like his brothers who died in the influenza outbreak & blizzard one winter. Before Penny went to sleep she prayed for her Tante, sensing there was something wrong, despite her tante's reassurances.

When Penny's Uncle, Joseph Baard, was leaving in the morning he asked about the letter. Penny said it wasn't ready yet, but that he should ask Kaaren & Ingeborg if they would join them for quilting. Joseph was loading food into the wagon. After Agnes & Penny watched him drive away, they went to take care of chores. Later that night, Joseph returned. He gave Penny a tablet of paper, which she thanked him for. He had also brought some candy for everyone. Joseph planned on butchering when the temperature dropped.

The quilters also brought Thorliff & Baptiste, who were glad to see Knute & Swen Baard. Ingeborg pointed out a hawk to Andrew. His response was "Big bird"! Ingeborg got Andrew out of the wagon & told him to go play with Gus. Kaaren decided that climbing from the seat of the wagon was getting to be too much, being 7 months pregnant. Agnes called Penny to help Anji get the little ones settled in the place set up for them. Penny took the little ones out the door. Penny came back in & got cups from the cupboard. Everyone talked as they stitched on the quilt, and after they had eaten Penny took care of the small children. Ingeborg told that someone interested in Penny would be at service the next day, Mr. Clausen! But Penny was only interested in Hjelmer! ( )

This book almost surpassed the first two! So amazing! Hjelmer is quite the jerk, and I didn't care much for his storyline, but I loved the rest. Andrew is the cutest thing evah . . . ( )