58592

I grew up in the Northern Wisconsin area on a small farm with no electricity, running water, or phone. Even though I'm not Norwegian, I related to the life style and hard work expected of the characters in this book. As I read the book I would catch myself nodding my head that yes I remembered doing that. It brought back so many memories, some good and some bad. All around a wonderfully well written book. ( )

It’s very working-class, not like a Victorian novel, and they’re not seminary students, so a lot of it is sorta about how to be a Minnesota Viking and a logger, you know. But eventually God gets into it. Ideas! Nom.

And there are a lot of seminary students I know who would benefit from learning about the girls who have to work all day to ensure that their families go to bed with some food in their bellies.

I certainly liked how she managed to feed the one old lady even though she wasn’t halfway through an epic novel. I have to deliver food to someone at work, and that’s the devil’s suggestion, you know, to think: Making any progress here, with anything?

After all, the devil has a religion, and not only that, he checks off all the same boxes come census time that we do.

.................

Both of the shadow characters (Tyrant/Invalid) are very Victorian, and the Bad Man is very working-class.

In case you wanted a few labels, right.

.....................

It develops slowly, but it does happen.

.......................

Novels are great for patience, especially if it’s not war or comedy.

...............................

You should love the one who can’t give the love back.

*happy sigh* Snelling strikes again with a heartwarming novel with beautiful themes! I was at first concerned that this wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to the author’s other works, but that was concern without reason! It exceeded my expectations!
The characters: Ahhh, yes! I love me a character driven novel like this one! One thing in particular stood out to me, we got into both Signe AND Rune’s POV. I love it! In most of Snelling’s novels, it’s only been the female MC’s POV, but I really liked getting into Rune’s head. Both of Signe’s and Rune’s struggles and character arcs were SO well done. Just amazing! Gerd was great too. And Leif is just SO adorable! Seriously! Bjorn and Knute were so sweet as well! I want sequels with them grown up! :D *is trying to not get my hopes up* Einar was just . . . whaaa??? He did NOT make any sense to me. And I wished his character would have been wrapped up better in the end.

The story was just . . . amazing. The attention to detail and historical accuracy was classic Lauraine Snelling. I feel like I’m living a life on the prairie WITH the characters. So amazing!

All in all, 5 stars!! It’s been a while since I’ve read any 5 star books, and now I’ve read two in a row. Highly recommended!

CONTENT NOTE: There really isn’t anything in here that would make me hesitate to recommend it to someone, but there are some things like details about breastfeeding, childbirth, and pregnancy. If you are uncomfortable with those things, then probably better to avoid this. But it didn’t bug me personally at all. ( )

This book was amazing! It is 1909 and immigrants from all over the world were coming to America seeking a better life. Many family members went ahead and made the way for others to come. This was the case for Rune, Signe Carlson and their 3 sons. Their dream was to come to the U.S. from Norway to own land and have their own farm. Their opportunity came when Einar Strand, Rune’s uncle sends a letter to his parents. He has settled in Minnesota. The land he is homesteading is covered in huge pine trees. He needs help logging them and sending them to mills. His wife Gerd is ill and he requests for Rune and his family to move there and help. There is the promise of a home already built and large enough for all of them to live in, a school for children, and the understanding that after their tickets were paid back they would receive their own land. The
Carlson’s had never met the Strands, but they were family right? Norwegian Families were close and caring, right?
The summer voyage is very difficult and uncomfortable and to make matters more challenging, Signe is pregnant with her fourth child. After previous miscarriages she is concerned about losing the baby. The worse is yet to come though. Arriving at Uncle Einar’s is when the nightmare begins. There is not a proper room other than the cold attic for the family to sleep in. The house is filthy and Aunt Gerd is bed fast and declining because of lack of care. Einar is hateful, uncaring and demanding. He has not concern for the young family’s needs or even health. Aunt Gerd is constantly hollering for something and speaks little otherwise. She is also ungrateful for any kindnesses and very uncooperative. The promises go up in smoke and the Carlson’s find themselves as nothing more than slaves with no end in sight.
The author captures the minute details of day to day life in this era and the emotions and struggles of Rune and Signe. I even got tired reading about all the work they did, especially Signe and with expecting a child! I hurt for her missing and needing her loving family. She was so alone.
In addition to being a delightful read, the most powerful part of this book is their Christ like attitudes Carlsons (even their children) in the face of constant cruelty and abuse. What a testimony!!! They kept their words kind, and continued to do their very best work. The patience the family displayed was incredible! Yes they became aggravated and upset but chose to give a soft answer or turn the other cheek. Their children followed their example in word and action with maturity far beyond their years. A strong faith in God and living His Word were their foundation. I admired them so much! I cannot wait for the sequel!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own. ( )