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Fabric of Time #1
Threads of Hope
When Kristin Eikaas arrives in America, she encounters prejudice and destructive superstition that is infecting the town. Will she have the courage to stand up for what is right—even against her own family?
The year is 1848, and Kristin Eikaas has sailed from Norway to make a new life for herself in Wisconsin. It doesn’t take long for her Uncle Lars to warn her about the Sundberg family. When she asks why, Lars tells her that Karl Sundberg’s second wife is an Indian who “casts evil spells on the good people of this community.” Having just left the old country where superstitions abound, Kristin believes her uncle and heeds his warning.
On the day after her arrival, the family attends the wedding of a fellow church member. At the reception that follows, Kristin meets Sam Sundberg and thinks he’s charming. Still, she can’t help but remember her uncle’s warning.
After coming to the rescue of Sam’s half-sister, Kristen is ostracized by her family and the entire community and sent to work at the only place that will take her in—the Sundberg farm. When she learns of Sam’s true nature, his benevolence toward others, his care and concern, she’s finally able to lay her belief in superstitions to rest and put her entire trust in the Lord. Furthermore, she can’t help but fall in love with Sam, the man who helped her understand this truth. She knows her uncle will never approve of the match. Will she have the courage to follow her heart?
SERIES DESCRIPTION
This series, set between 1848 and 1900, depicts the lives of three generations of the Sundberg family who have settled in Wisconsin from Norway. Although the Sundberg men choose different vocations—farming, shipping, railroading—it’s the women who keep their husbands’ hearts woven together in the fabric of time for one cause: to honor the God of heaven while working toward prosperity in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave!
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2012
25 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Boeshaar
63 books323 followersAndrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 15, 2018
An enjoyable romance that is also a tale of triumph over dire circumstances.
May 22, 2020
Didn't finish because it felt too preachy on several different levels. Second book in a row almost with the same problem!
July 6, 2025
A very sweet story about a young girl who determines to live true to her morals and convictions. Showcasing the prejudice and hypocrisy in the church. I love how the author showed that even if your right, you can take that righteous anger so far that you also become wrong. My first by this author.
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June 2, 2025Liked this more than I expected to! I didn't know much about the Norwegian Midwest US immigration wave, and even less about the traditions brought over with it. Also a nice antidote to a lot of inspirational romance--for me, the connection to the Norwegian church and religion felt more realistic because of the historical setting.
Pull quote/note
"Kristin would never kiss a man she barely knew. She wasn't that sort of a girl.
And maybe Sam wasn't the sort who went around kissing females." (104)
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
Pull quote/note
"Kristin would never kiss a man she barely knew. She wasn't that sort of a girl.
And maybe Sam wasn't the sort who went around kissing females." (104)
Disclaimer: Received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads giveaway program.
December 28, 2013
Andrea Boeshaar wrote a wonderful story of forgiveness, love of brotherhood in this historical fiction novel, Threads of Hope. There were two things that initially attracted me to this book; it is about immigrants and Norwegians in particular. Since I have some Norwegian immigrants, it was thrilling to learn some Norwegian words and customs and to find out why many of them came to America in the 1840s.
In 1848, Kristin Eikas leaves Norway for Green Bay Wisconsin. Her parents and siblings were all killed by smallpox. When she receives a letter about how wonderful America is from Uncle Lars, the family that took her in to care for her decided to go with her. They worked very hard and saved money for passage but Mrs. Olstad and her daughter, Kristen's best friend would have to stay behind for now.
When she arrives she is surprised to find out that her father's brother is cruel, selfish and mean. She also steps into a feud with the Sundbergs. Both Ekias and Sam Sunberg are very obedient but still but their hidden friendship grows into love. Yet this story is not mostly about love. It is more a story of forgiveness and equality.
I loved learning the Norwegian customs, learning about the native Indian families in that region and gentle way the story is told. I find nothing that I didn't like in this book.
I highly recommend it to readers of American Historical Fiction. I can only have high praise for this book.
I received this book as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
February 1, 2012
Kristin Eikaas struggles to find footing in America, after her family dies of the smallpox, in Norway. Coming to a new land has many challenges, one of them being her lazy uncle and his feud with his neighbors the Sundbergs. Another is her attraction to Sam Sundberg.
At times the dialogue was stiffer than I would have liked, but that is my personal opinion. But the story flowed along, and was easy to follow. I liked how one of the main messages, was about how prejudices can build rifts, and hurt not only other but also yourself. I enjoyed learning more about Wisconsin's journey to statehood.
One of my favorite characters was Sam, because he knew who he was and what he wanted in life. He also knew what he didn't want. Plus he had faith and prayed over situations, trusting God to do what was best for his life.
Overall, Threads of Hope is a romance about overcoming hardships and prejudices, with God's loving guidance. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a cross between a sweet romance and an emotional love story with heartaches. Thanks!
At times the dialogue was stiffer than I would have liked, but that is my personal opinion. But the story flowed along, and was easy to follow. I liked how one of the main messages, was about how prejudices can build rifts, and hurt not only other but also yourself. I enjoyed learning more about Wisconsin's journey to statehood.
One of my favorite characters was Sam, because he knew who he was and what he wanted in life. He also knew what he didn't want. Plus he had faith and prayed over situations, trusting God to do what was best for his life.
Overall, Threads of Hope is a romance about overcoming hardships and prejudices, with God's loving guidance. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a cross between a sweet romance and an emotional love story with heartaches. Thanks!
May 15, 2013
Loved this story with the setting in the Wisconsin Territory before it became a state.
January 1, 2018
3 1/2 ⭐️rounded up to 4.
So pretty amazing going from one book to another by the same author! If I hadn’t already had this on hand I probably never would have read another by this author after “Unwilling Warrior”... I wouldn’t have thought she could improve her writing style that much! I found this one very enjoyable. The plot while still not as deep or complex as a 5 ⭐️ was right up there with my other 4 ⭐️ books that have made for easy enjoyable reads. Thank heavens the narrative and situations were relative to the time period and not modern sounding like ”U.W.” The characters were much better developed and like able..
So pretty amazing going from one book to another by the same author! If I hadn’t already had this on hand I probably never would have read another by this author after “Unwilling Warrior”... I wouldn’t have thought she could improve her writing style that much! I found this one very enjoyable. The plot while still not as deep or complex as a 5 ⭐️ was right up there with my other 4 ⭐️ books that have made for easy enjoyable reads. Thank heavens the narrative and situations were relative to the time period and not modern sounding like ”U.W.” The characters were much better developed and like able..
January 1, 2019
This was a good book. I was so exasperated by Kristin's uncle and Sam's father that I just wanted to bash their heads together. LOL. I enjoyed the story, although wished there had been more in it about Kristin doing her spinning and fiber work.
November 15, 2017
Pretty good. A nice historical romance.
April 3, 2019
It was OK.
November 30, 2019
Enjoyable read with an unpredictable plot. Loved it.
July 6, 2020
LR
I love reading each of Mrs Boeshaars books because they have just the right amount of faith, love and suspense mixed in each one.
I love reading each of Mrs Boeshaars books because they have just the right amount of faith, love and suspense mixed in each one.
May 19, 2021
Good story with themes of Christian division, forgiveness, and racial prejudice.
September 21, 2023
Great story. New author to me!
January 20, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. The year is 1848 and Kristin Eikaas has just arrived in Wisconsin from Norway. Her Uncle Lars had written her and told her how wonderful living in America would be. She is now all alone, as her parents and brothers all died in the Small Pox epidemic two years prior.
She shared her glowing letters of the life her Uncle pictured for her in the US with her best friends family. In the end the Olsteads, John and Peder, her friend Sylvia's father and brother decided to come with her. Her Uncle did remind her to bring his inheritance, the gold watch that had been her father's and grandfather's.
Everything looks as Uncle Lar's had described, but he wasn't describing his own place, but the neighbors.
There is bad blood between Lar's and Karl Sundberg, and he tells them that Karl's Indian wife puts curses on people. That is why they have nothing, and in reality you soon find out that Uncle Lar's is very lazy.
The town does become torn apart, and even the Norwegian church is affected. Will God be able to soften their hearts, and will they remember the forgiveness that Jesus offered all? Will Kirsten and Karl's son Sam be able to work to a relationship between the two feuding families?
Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down!
I received this book from the Publisher Reals, and was not required to give a positive review.
She shared her glowing letters of the life her Uncle pictured for her in the US with her best friends family. In the end the Olsteads, John and Peder, her friend Sylvia's father and brother decided to come with her. Her Uncle did remind her to bring his inheritance, the gold watch that had been her father's and grandfather's.
Everything looks as Uncle Lar's had described, but he wasn't describing his own place, but the neighbors.
There is bad blood between Lar's and Karl Sundberg, and he tells them that Karl's Indian wife puts curses on people. That is why they have nothing, and in reality you soon find out that Uncle Lar's is very lazy.
The town does become torn apart, and even the Norwegian church is affected. Will God be able to soften their hearts, and will they remember the forgiveness that Jesus offered all? Will Kirsten and Karl's son Sam be able to work to a relationship between the two feuding families?
Once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down!
I received this book from the Publisher Reals, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 11, 2012
Boeshaar has managed to capture the essence of the pioneer spirit in this engrossing historical romance. As I read, I marveled at the courage of our ancestors. They left everything that was familiar to them, including their language, in order to move to this 'promised land'.
Kristen is wide-eyed with wonder and excitement in the first pages of this book, but that all changes quickly and she soon finds herself in an impossible situation. Confused, she no longer knows who she can trust and her feeling of security crumbles. Boeshaar makes sure that her readers accompany Kristen on her emotional journey; that they feel her confusion and fear. But the author doesn't forsake the heroine in spite of torturing her time and time again! In fact she created a noteworthy hero to help Kristen along the way. Though, come to think of it, sometimes he's at the root of her confusion too!
There's a great dynamic between Sam and Kristen in spite of the prejudice that seems to surround them. And Threads of Hope deals with different aspects of discrimination -- some of it from surprising sources. This is a story about a divided community and how easily individuals can be swayed from what is right and true. These compelling undercurrents ripple through the story, adding extra dimension and interest. Definitely a memorable read.
Kristen is wide-eyed with wonder and excitement in the first pages of this book, but that all changes quickly and she soon finds herself in an impossible situation. Confused, she no longer knows who she can trust and her feeling of security crumbles. Boeshaar makes sure that her readers accompany Kristen on her emotional journey; that they feel her confusion and fear. But the author doesn't forsake the heroine in spite of torturing her time and time again! In fact she created a noteworthy hero to help Kristen along the way. Though, come to think of it, sometimes he's at the root of her confusion too!
There's a great dynamic between Sam and Kristen in spite of the prejudice that seems to surround them. And Threads of Hope deals with different aspects of discrimination -- some of it from surprising sources. This is a story about a divided community and how easily individuals can be swayed from what is right and true. These compelling undercurrents ripple through the story, adding extra dimension and interest. Definitely a memorable read.
January 31, 2012
After the death of her family, Kristin Eikaas leaves Norway and arrives in Wisconsin at her uncle's farm. Anxious for a new start, Kristin quickly discovers that her uncle was less than honest about his situation and she finds herself in a difficult, abusive home. Her uncle has a deep dislike for the Sundberg family because Sam Sundberg's stepmother is Indian. Sam's father doesn't like the Sundberg's because he believes they stole silver from him years before. Yet, Kristin and Sam find themselves drawn to each other and when she helps his young sister, her family kicks her out. Sam's family brings her into their home as household help and Kristin finds herself falling in love.
As the feud between the Sundberg's and the Eikaas' grows, the town and church congregation find themselves divided. Discovering how, and if, that divisiveness can be healed makes Threads of Hope a compelling novel.
Some of the dialogue was a bit stilted and formal at times, but this was a sweet story about love and forgiveness. Andrea Boeshaar has a gift for creating realistic characters and situations. I've enjoyed everything I've read from her so far and as this is the first book in the Fabric of Time series, I eagerly look forward to more.
As the feud between the Sundberg's and the Eikaas' grows, the town and church congregation find themselves divided. Discovering how, and if, that divisiveness can be healed makes Threads of Hope a compelling novel.
Some of the dialogue was a bit stilted and formal at times, but this was a sweet story about love and forgiveness. Andrea Boeshaar has a gift for creating realistic characters and situations. I've enjoyed everything I've read from her so far and as this is the first book in the Fabric of Time series, I eagerly look forward to more.
June 3, 2013
I received this book as a First Reads winner on Goodreads. In 1848, Kristin Eikaas leaves Norway to begin a new life in America with her Uncle's family. Things do not go as planned when she arrives. She finds herself in the midst of a hostile family situation, living in poverty, and the one friend she makes, Sam Sundberg, is off-limits due to a long-standing feud between the families. The story is a bit predictable, but it is well written. This book was especially interesting to me because I have ancestors that came to Wisconsin from Norway. I also liked how the author included some historical facts. It really gave me a sense of what it would have been like to live in Wisconsin at that time. Overall, this was a good book.
November 21, 2015
Boeshaar's characters seem stereotypically angry, bitter, or sweet. The events that shape the story are so far in the past that the reader is expected to simply accept the author's version of the facts. The characters struggle through the effects of these past events, until finally everything turns out rosy in the end. The book also includes unfortunate editing lapses, such as "he had shone his father..." Yikes! Otherwise, a light-weight read that focuses on forgiveness and the sin of prejudice on the Wisconsin frontier.
February 1, 2012
This is a very good book! I was able to read this in just a few hours! I like a book that ends well. The story was complete even though it is the start of a series. Kristin is a likable honest girl who has a poor reception in America. You find yourself pulling for her, hoping things will get better. I highly recommend this book and am interested in reading more books from this author.
August 6, 2014
I think this book was more a distraction for me, than anything. I liked the idea of the feuding families; the story was written well, but I didn't feel Kristin's emotion connect to her circumstances. I think what the characters needed was a more realistic development... Kristin's sorrow was too dramatic. Sam was too plain, too perfect. As a result, I felt little to nothing for their romance.
September 11, 2012
Loved this book. Heartwarming, full of emotion. I cried thinking of how Kristin was treated. And I cheered whenever she was with Sam. Plus, I really enjoyed the inspirational and Christian message of forgiveness and brotherhood, particularly Sam's family supporting the rights of the native tribes.
July 28, 2014
Book 1 of...
**NORWEGIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Very good.
**NORWEGIANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Very good.
December 28, 2013
Reread this, since Threads of Love is now out
August 20, 2013
Enjoyed the book and the historical setting.
October 5, 2016
I enjoy historical novels of struggles and success stories of immigrants. This was a good one
February 2, 2014
Didn't take me long to finish this one. I couldn't put it down. Great book!!
September 15, 2015
Didnt seem as good as the first series I read by this author. The foreign language was a bit of a challenge to follow and the characters never quite "grabbed" my attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews