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Northern Lights #2
Deep Harbor
From the richly forested banks of the Washington Territory; to the burgeoning city of San Francisco; and across the turbulent, danger-filled waves of the open sea–you will experience an epic saga of perseverance and pain, faith and calling in Deep Harbor.
Determined to live “the good life,” no matter the price, Tora Anders weaves a web of lies that could cost her everything she cares for–including a successful future and the man she loves–but lead her to what her soul most desperately needs. Her sister, Elsa Ramstad, has everything her heart desires: a loving husband, a family she adores, and a fulfilling life at sea. Then tragedy strikes. Now, drawing upon her faith and all the strength she can muster, Elsa must once again discover the woman she is and who she chooses to be.
Four years after her husband’s disappearance, Kaatje Janssen struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm. But when help comes from the most unlikely source, Kaatje faces both uncertainty about the future and a deep secret from her past. And after years of grappling with his feelings for Elsa and the mistakes he has made, Karl is caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Can he finally accept the reality of what he once lost and open himself up to the possibility of what could be?
Separated by physical distance and emotional boundaries, these four bound by friendship and family find each other once again and discover that some ties can never be broken in Deep Harbor, Book Two in The Northern Lights series.
Determined to live “the good life,” no matter the price, Tora Anders weaves a web of lies that could cost her everything she cares for–including a successful future and the man she loves–but lead her to what her soul most desperately needs. Her sister, Elsa Ramstad, has everything her heart desires: a loving husband, a family she adores, and a fulfilling life at sea. Then tragedy strikes. Now, drawing upon her faith and all the strength she can muster, Elsa must once again discover the woman she is and who she chooses to be.
Four years after her husband’s disappearance, Kaatje Janssen struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm. But when help comes from the most unlikely source, Kaatje faces both uncertainty about the future and a deep secret from her past. And after years of grappling with his feelings for Elsa and the mistakes he has made, Karl is caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Can he finally accept the reality of what he once lost and open himself up to the possibility of what could be?
Separated by physical distance and emotional boundaries, these four bound by friendship and family find each other once again and discover that some ties can never be broken in Deep Harbor, Book Two in The Northern Lights series.
Paperback
First published March 16, 1999
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About the author
Lisa Tawn Bergren
102 books3,792 followersAbout
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 18, 2017
This book was so, so good. This is a book I will remember for a long, long time. The characters are so rich and compelling. The story line is exciting and keeps you riveted to the pages. Besides being a work of Christian fiction this is a book with adventure and excitement. I kept saying to myself "just one more chapter" through out the entire book. The Christian theme through out the book is two-fold, redemption and seeking God's will. It is artfully woven through out the book. The story centers mainly around Tora, the younger sister of Elsa Anders Ramstad. It also follows the story of Kaatje, Elsa, Pater, Karl and Trent. In book one Tora had stowed away aboard her brother-in-laws ship on its voyage to America. Tora is a spoiled brat, out for all she can get regardless of who gets hurt or trampled on in the process. In the book we see her rise only to fall. Will her great fall lead her to reevaluate herself and seek God's saving Grace? Will Elsa survive her devastating loss? Will Karl find where he truly needs to be? Will Trent be able to wait for his beloved Tora to see the error of her ways and finally will Kaatje find out if her wayward husband Soren is alive or dead? All questions waiting to be answered in this sweeping adventure that takes you to China, Japan, the American Mid West and the Alaskan Wilderness.
July 25, 2017
In this second book of the trilogy, the characters continue to develop, and some startling things happen. A west coast portion emerges with a base in the Seattle area as well as the yards in Camden, Maine. Connections are made with characters who have been separated for a time. The reunions are not always sweet. Once again the Christian character of the main proponents along with some of their struggles helps to make those people more plausible as people. They are understandably human in their actions, and I think that helps the book.
While it is the author's privilege, a couple of coincidences are a bit strained. People show at just the right time in unexpected places. The scene in Japan comes to mind, but there are others. However, the story proceeds without explanation, so there is little need to question the circumstances.
I liked the book; I like the characters. There is more to come, and I will read the third one in the series shortly. They can be purchased as a package on the kindle, which is what I did. Nice.
While it is the author's privilege, a couple of coincidences are a bit strained. People show at just the right time in unexpected places. The scene in Japan comes to mind, but there are others. However, the story proceeds without explanation, so there is little need to question the circumstances.
I liked the book; I like the characters. There is more to come, and I will read the third one in the series shortly. They can be purchased as a package on the kindle, which is what I did. Nice.
July 13, 2020
Reading this 350+ page-book brought on a feeling of sailing in the doldrums. I felt that very little action occurred, and almost no complete resolution to any of the storylines.
Setting: The prologue, beginning the book, set the date in June 1886. The epilogue was set in late November of 1887. As for the geographical settings, the book was all over the world. Helena, Montana, was an important initial setting, and Seattle and the Skagit Valley are also oft-visited sites. Because of the sailing aspect of the book, the Hawaiian islands and Japan are also vital settings. Alaska was an important setting near the end. All these different locations were fairly well written, and I usually knew where all the different characters were at any given time. (Impressive, considering the amount of different characters) The best developed area was probably Japan, and while I don't know basically anything about 19th-century Japan, I found Elsa's easy access to the emperor kind of surprising/unrealistic.
Characters: What I can collectively say about the (many) characters is that I never got them confused. Unfortunately, individually, a lot of them irritated me.
I considered Elsa irritating because of her headstrong, and downright disobedient nature. Her attitude is, "Yeah, Peder doesn't/wouldn't want me to do this, but I know better, and he'll eventually be okay with it." That was about the extent of her personality, and I never warmed up to it. Also, her Norwegian-to-America culture change was never mentioned (only that she still had family still in Bergen).
I had a hard time empathizing with Tora, which I imagine was intended in the beginning, but her character arc progressed so that it was slightly unbelievable to me. The problem was that she sounded like a Christian, even when she wasn't one. Her selfish, prideful nature just didn't ring true for me.
I liked Karl, but he was a little flat. His major flaw went away almost immediately--it just disappeared into thin air! And then the solution to the rest of his problems just didn't affect me. Also, there keeps being hints that he'll "find a good girl" someday, but I just read a whole book where that part of the plot wasn't advanced one millimeter.
Kaatje was probably my favorite character, having a good balance of realism and godly character. I thought her attitude toward Soren was very good.
Trent Storm was kind of a minor character, but he was described enough that I thought I should be able to understand and/or empathize with him. Unfortunately, I never really understood his love for Tora. And I don't mean the admirable Jesus-like compassion that is all-forgiving. I mean the romantic, I'll-still-marry-you-despite-everything attitude.
Faith content: It was certainly present, but I didn't like it. I don't think God was accurately portrayed in this book; a couple of the characters assumed a God-told-me-to-do-this perspective, just because they can "hear" a "calling". First, Elsa's situation (slight spoilers here): she insisted on captaining her own ship when she had two children. And she decided that God led her back to the sea??? Sorry, but the God I know gives mothers the full-time job of mothering. But Elsa was merely worried about her crew respecting her and knowing she would work along "right beside them". She should know how dangerous the sea is, considering one certain event in the book, and she was still happy to bring her children, on the basis that they would see the world. And not to mention the power hierarchy of Elsa over the male crew. It was mentioned that there were many female captains, which I hesitantly believe, but how many men would willingly put themselves under a woman's command? Especially a kind, Christian one like Elsa?
Next, I didn't like Kaatje's decision regarding Alaska. (Also some spoilers here) She kept feeling "called," and yet (1) she ignored this "calling" for much of the book, and (2) this calling was ignoring the responsibility for her children, her far, and the rest. Kaatje was not just some free woman able to search for her husband, as much as she might want that--except she didn't want it, so that's not even relevant. Nowhere in this book was this "calling" proved to have been the nudging of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Kaatje's initial objections were legitimate, and I actually agreed with them. But no, the author presented this mysterious voice as God's voice, when she presented no evidence for it.
Lastly, Tora's faith and her confidence that "God is telling me to do this" was also annoying. How is one to understand the Holy Spirit's prompting if one does not read the Word? There was no mention of reading the Bible in the entire book. Just a *minor* oversight. The author seemed to say, "See? Look how everything turned out good because the characters did what I said God told them to do. Therefore they should have done so-and-so." No. That's not how life works. In real life, God uses otherwise bad decisions for good. But bad decisions are still bad.
Usually knowing the characters already will make a book interesting, even if the plot drags slightly. But the lack of soundness in the spiritual content was what dropped a star for me, as well as the annoyingly-independent Elsa. Recommended for people who want to think critically about faith matters and how God works.
Setting: The prologue, beginning the book, set the date in June 1886. The epilogue was set in late November of 1887. As for the geographical settings, the book was all over the world. Helena, Montana, was an important initial setting, and Seattle and the Skagit Valley are also oft-visited sites. Because of the sailing aspect of the book, the Hawaiian islands and Japan are also vital settings. Alaska was an important setting near the end. All these different locations were fairly well written, and I usually knew where all the different characters were at any given time. (Impressive, considering the amount of different characters) The best developed area was probably Japan, and while I don't know basically anything about 19th-century Japan, I found Elsa's easy access to the emperor kind of surprising/unrealistic.
Characters: What I can collectively say about the (many) characters is that I never got them confused. Unfortunately, individually, a lot of them irritated me.
I considered Elsa irritating because of her headstrong, and downright disobedient nature. Her attitude is, "Yeah, Peder doesn't/wouldn't want me to do this, but I know better, and he'll eventually be okay with it." That was about the extent of her personality, and I never warmed up to it. Also, her Norwegian-to-America culture change was never mentioned (only that she still had family still in Bergen).
I had a hard time empathizing with Tora, which I imagine was intended in the beginning, but her character arc progressed so that it was slightly unbelievable to me. The problem was that she sounded like a Christian, even when she wasn't one. Her selfish, prideful nature just didn't ring true for me.
I liked Karl, but he was a little flat. His major flaw went away almost immediately--it just disappeared into thin air! And then the solution to the rest of his problems just didn't affect me. Also, there keeps being hints that he'll "find a good girl" someday, but I just read a whole book where that part of the plot wasn't advanced one millimeter.
Kaatje was probably my favorite character, having a good balance of realism and godly character. I thought her attitude toward Soren was very good.
Trent Storm was kind of a minor character, but he was described enough that I thought I should be able to understand and/or empathize with him. Unfortunately, I never really understood his love for Tora. And I don't mean the admirable Jesus-like compassion that is all-forgiving. I mean the romantic, I'll-still-marry-you-despite-everything attitude.
Faith content: It was certainly present, but I didn't like it. I don't think God was accurately portrayed in this book; a couple of the characters assumed a God-told-me-to-do-this perspective, just because they can "hear" a "calling". First, Elsa's situation (slight spoilers here): she insisted on captaining her own ship when she had two children. And she decided that God led her back to the sea??? Sorry, but the God I know gives mothers the full-time job of mothering. But Elsa was merely worried about her crew respecting her and knowing she would work along "right beside them". She should know how dangerous the sea is, considering one certain event in the book, and she was still happy to bring her children, on the basis that they would see the world. And not to mention the power hierarchy of Elsa over the male crew. It was mentioned that there were many female captains, which I hesitantly believe, but how many men would willingly put themselves under a woman's command? Especially a kind, Christian one like Elsa?
Next, I didn't like Kaatje's decision regarding Alaska. (Also some spoilers here) She kept feeling "called," and yet (1) she ignored this "calling" for much of the book, and (2) this calling was ignoring the responsibility for her children, her far, and the rest. Kaatje was not just some free woman able to search for her husband, as much as she might want that--except she didn't want it, so that's not even relevant. Nowhere in this book was this "calling" proved to have been the nudging of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Kaatje's initial objections were legitimate, and I actually agreed with them. But no, the author presented this mysterious voice as God's voice, when she presented no evidence for it.
Lastly, Tora's faith and her confidence that "God is telling me to do this" was also annoying. How is one to understand the Holy Spirit's prompting if one does not read the Word? There was no mention of reading the Bible in the entire book. Just a *minor* oversight. The author seemed to say, "See? Look how everything turned out good because the characters did what I said God told them to do. Therefore they should have done so-and-so." No. That's not how life works. In real life, God uses otherwise bad decisions for good. But bad decisions are still bad.
Usually knowing the characters already will make a book interesting, even if the plot drags slightly. But the lack of soundness in the spiritual content was what dropped a star for me, as well as the annoyingly-independent Elsa. Recommended for people who want to think critically about faith matters and how God works.
July 5, 2017
Deep Harbor*
I’ve often found when reading trilogies that the second volume is not quite as active and progressive as its predecessor. That seems to be the case here. Though competent and engaging, we’re covering material a bit more slowly, filling in some gaps and backstory, clearing up a few details, and setting the stage for the final volume in this series, Midnight Sun.
I enjoyed Deep Harbor. My opinions of several of the characters have shifted somewhat—been redefined. In the case of Tora, that opinion has turned juust almost 180 degrees from a profound disgust to actually hoping (praying) for her eventual success and happiness.
I’ll post a more substantive book review (Russell de Ville) on Amazon in the next few days.
The copy provided me has a nice cover design and back copy. The print is attractive and clear.
Four Stars.
Richard Kim Millsap
3 July 2017
* Review copy provided by the author.
I’ve often found when reading trilogies that the second volume is not quite as active and progressive as its predecessor. That seems to be the case here. Though competent and engaging, we’re covering material a bit more slowly, filling in some gaps and backstory, clearing up a few details, and setting the stage for the final volume in this series, Midnight Sun.
I enjoyed Deep Harbor. My opinions of several of the characters have shifted somewhat—been redefined. In the case of Tora, that opinion has turned juust almost 180 degrees from a profound disgust to actually hoping (praying) for her eventual success and happiness.
I’ll post a more substantive book review (Russell de Ville) on Amazon in the next few days.
The copy provided me has a nice cover design and back copy. The print is attractive and clear.
Four Stars.
Richard Kim Millsap
3 July 2017
* Review copy provided by the author.
April 2, 2022
This is the second book following the Norwegian immigrants from the northeast shore of America to Washington state and all over the globe on sailing ships and then steam/sailing ships. They are all family to each other, especially Elsa Anders and Kaatje, her best friend, and then Kaatje and Tora Anders, the rebellious sister. Tora goes from a self-made wealthy woman to penniless, degraded and living on the streets. Elsa goes through her second worst day ever.
God is at work through this book, working on Tora through a crazy friend and helping grieving Elsa. Tora is transformed; Elsa learns to look forward. God leads a group of people to Alaska.
I'm excited to read the last book in the series! I feel that I know these people well. I hope that Elsa is able to return to Norway with her children and that she and Tora become close.
God is at work through this book, working on Tora through a crazy friend and helping grieving Elsa. Tora is transformed; Elsa learns to look forward. God leads a group of people to Alaska.
I'm excited to read the last book in the series! I feel that I know these people well. I hope that Elsa is able to return to Norway with her children and that she and Tora become close.
March 9, 2020
Surprises with each turn of the page!
Just when you think you've figured out the next event, it's totally different. There are lots of twist and turns that can be confusing at times. A lot of nautical terms that I had no idea what they meant, but that didn't interfere with the story line. Through the book I have laughed, cried and felt all the feelings Elsa had. The characters seem like family by the end.
Just when you think you've figured out the next event, it's totally different. There are lots of twist and turns that can be confusing at times. A lot of nautical terms that I had no idea what they meant, but that didn't interfere with the story line. Through the book I have laughed, cried and felt all the feelings Elsa had. The characters seem like family by the end.
July 18, 2020
The characters are well written. While the plot was a bit predictable, it ended on a bit of a cliff hanger. Since this is the second book in the trilogy, previous history between characters was hinted at. I think it can be read as a stand alone but read the series in order for a richer experience. The spiritual aspect played an integral part in the character's lives.
August 28, 2017
I have become so involved with these characters. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 11, 2018
I don't come across books of this kind very often and I found it refreshing to read.
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this historical fiction book.
Read
May 1, 2020Book 2 in the trilogy. Good read.
July 18, 2020
Yep. I loved this. Tora was my favorite.
November 27, 2020
Page turner- in respect of, I kept peeking ahead because I would want to know the resolution to the cliff hanger with one character and not wade through another character’s story first.
December 3, 2021
This was better than the first book in the series. I'm look forward to finishing the series and seeing how everything comes together in the end.
February 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this series.
December 10, 2022
Another good read.
May 25, 2021
From the richly forested banks of the Washington Territory; to the burgeoning city of San Francisco; and across the turbulent, danger-filled waves of the open sea–you will experience an epic saga of perseverance and pain, faith and calling in Deep Harbor.
Determined to live “the good life,” no matter the price, Tora Anders weaves a web of lies that could cost her everything she cares for–including a successful future and the man she loves–but lead her to what her soul most desperately needs. Her sister, Elsa Ramstad, has everything her heart desires: a loving husband, a family she adores, and a fulfilling life at sea. Then tragedy strikes. Now, drawing upon her faith and all the strength she can muster, Elsa must once again discover the woman she is and who she chooses to be.
Four years after her husband’s disappearance, Kaatje Janssen struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm. But when help comes from the most unlikely source, Kaatje faces both uncertainty about the future and a deep secret from her past. And after years of grappling with his feelings for Elsa and the mistakes he has made, Karl is caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Can he finally accept the reality of what he once lost and open himself up to the possibility of what could be?
Separated by physical distance and emotional boundaries, these four bound by friendship and family find each other once again and discover that some ties can never be broken in Deep Harbor, Book Two in The Northern Lights series
Determined to live “the good life,” no matter the price, Tora Anders weaves a web of lies that could cost her everything she cares for–including a successful future and the man she loves–but lead her to what her soul most desperately needs. Her sister, Elsa Ramstad, has everything her heart desires: a loving husband, a family she adores, and a fulfilling life at sea. Then tragedy strikes. Now, drawing upon her faith and all the strength she can muster, Elsa must once again discover the woman she is and who she chooses to be.
Four years after her husband’s disappearance, Kaatje Janssen struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm. But when help comes from the most unlikely source, Kaatje faces both uncertainty about the future and a deep secret from her past. And after years of grappling with his feelings for Elsa and the mistakes he has made, Karl is caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Can he finally accept the reality of what he once lost and open himself up to the possibility of what could be?
Separated by physical distance and emotional boundaries, these four bound by friendship and family find each other once again and discover that some ties can never be broken in Deep Harbor, Book Two in The Northern Lights series
March 19, 2017
Sorry this review is crap. I read it a long time ago... I was an anime nerd. Have you ever screamed at a book in Japanese at midnight? Yeah, this is what this puppy did to me.
July 21, 2016
In the second installment of the Northern Lights series Lisa Tawn Bergren follows up the live of our leading ladies. Elsa is still sailing the seven seas at Peder's side , but their bubble of tranquil happiness is about to burst when pirate Mason Dutton reenters their lives with the intent of recapturing Elsa. On shore Tora tries to force Trent Storm to propose marriage as she grows tired of waiting for her hopes of wealth and power. But her plans backfire with surprising results and she is sent far away from Trent and into the very heart of trouble. Kaatje has not heard from her wayward husband Soren for many year now and from letters she has received there's a good chance he is dead. Not satisfied to rely on rumors Kaatje wrestles with he idea of pulling up stakes and leaving for the Alaskan wilds to find answers. But with two young children in tow it will make a rough journey even rougher.
In some ways Deep Harbor was better than The Captain's Bride and in other ways it was worse. Thankfully the crude content had been cut down some; not completely, but hey, it's a start! On the down side there wasn't as much adventure. Oh there were kidnappings and fights and so on, but it mostly centered on Tora's efforts to get her life together (or end it). So overall the story was "middling". I still wasn't very fond of the characters although it was good to see they arenweren't as depraved as they were in the first book. At this point I'm a wee bit bored with the whole kit and kaboodle so I'll be holding off on reading Midnight Sun for now.
The same time I was reading this book I was alternating with another of Ms. Bergren's more recent publications and it was good to see how far her story lines have come and that they are, for the most part, appropriate.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we have not received compensation for our book review of “Deep Harbor”.
In some ways Deep Harbor was better than The Captain's Bride and in other ways it was worse. Thankfully the crude content had been cut down some; not completely, but hey, it's a start! On the down side there wasn't as much adventure. Oh there were kidnappings and fights and so on, but it mostly centered on Tora's efforts to get her life together (or end it). So overall the story was "middling". I still wasn't very fond of the characters although it was good to see they arenweren't as depraved as they were in the first book. At this point I'm a wee bit bored with the whole kit and kaboodle so I'll be holding off on reading Midnight Sun for now.
The same time I was reading this book I was alternating with another of Ms. Bergren's more recent publications and it was good to see how far her story lines have come and that they are, for the most part, appropriate.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we have not received compensation for our book review of “Deep Harbor”.
May 3, 2013
Title: Deep Harbor
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Pages: 384
Once again Lisa Tawn Bergren gives us a story that pulls you in. Full of inspiration, suspense, sorrow and justice. Deep Harbor leaves you satisfied.
Plot: This book picks up where Captain's Bride left off a few years later. We are updated on the lives of Peder and Elsa, Karl, Tora and Kaatje. These characters have found their place in America and living their lives accordingly.
Characters: One of the things I love about Lisa Tawn Bergrens writing is the strength of her female characters. Elsa, Kaatje and Tora are all beautiful women in this book. Some more than others, but they all exude there femininity beautifully. Along with that femininity they are all very strong women. The beautiful thing is they are all truly individual in their feminine strength, trusting God to enable them to battle whatever they face with all the power within them. Peder and Karl exude their masculine strength and are not threatened by the strength of the women that come from their homeland.
Themes: The main theme of this book I would say is forgiveness, restoration and redemption. All three play a part in each of the characters lives. Once again I found myself placing myself in some of the situations in the book and asking myself how I would respond.
Emotion: There is a myriad of emotions felt while reading this book. Each of the characters are experiencing life as it comes at them. This book will make you cry and cheer, wince with empathy and call for justice.
Overall: I liked this book more than the Captain's Bride. It started off fierce and continued through to the end. This book like the first continues to build, highlighting how God can help us in any situation. No one is ever too far gone for the hand of Christ to reach them.
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Pages: 384
Once again Lisa Tawn Bergren gives us a story that pulls you in. Full of inspiration, suspense, sorrow and justice. Deep Harbor leaves you satisfied.
Plot: This book picks up where Captain's Bride left off a few years later. We are updated on the lives of Peder and Elsa, Karl, Tora and Kaatje. These characters have found their place in America and living their lives accordingly.
Characters: One of the things I love about Lisa Tawn Bergrens writing is the strength of her female characters. Elsa, Kaatje and Tora are all beautiful women in this book. Some more than others, but they all exude there femininity beautifully. Along with that femininity they are all very strong women. The beautiful thing is they are all truly individual in their feminine strength, trusting God to enable them to battle whatever they face with all the power within them. Peder and Karl exude their masculine strength and are not threatened by the strength of the women that come from their homeland.
Themes: The main theme of this book I would say is forgiveness, restoration and redemption. All three play a part in each of the characters lives. Once again I found myself placing myself in some of the situations in the book and asking myself how I would respond.
Emotion: There is a myriad of emotions felt while reading this book. Each of the characters are experiencing life as it comes at them. This book will make you cry and cheer, wince with empathy and call for justice.
Overall: I liked this book more than the Captain's Bride. It started off fierce and continued through to the end. This book like the first continues to build, highlighting how God can help us in any situation. No one is ever too far gone for the hand of Christ to reach them.
December 29, 2013
When I started reading this book it was a little hard to get into because I didn't feel a lot of sympathy for the main character Tora. She's a socialite in 1886 Helena, Montana which I thought was hilarious. As a historian I'm all too aware of what the Montana territory was like back then. She's come from Norway seeking a better life in America. Anyway, she comes off as a very stuck up person who doesn't really care about anyone but herself and then you learn she's hiding something from her fiance. I very quickly got into Deep Harbor as clues to what she was hiding and her friends and families' stories began to be deftly intertwined and intermingled into hers by the author, Lisa Bergren. Each of these side stories would take on a life of their own from her sea faring sister to their friend who owns a farm in the Skagit Valley of the Washington Territory(I love the fact that the Northwest finds its way into the story). In each of these stories we see how God works in their lives bringing them closer to each other and closer to him. The main character is not just knocked down a few pegs she's knocked down a ladder in the course of the story. All of this makes her much more humble and receptive to the God of her youth. The story ends with a new beginning afoot. Each of these people have been brought to a place where they must trust each other and trust God to survive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book once I got into it. It was interesting to see how the story played out and the interesting part that God played in all of it, especially in bringing those who had forgotten him back to him. This book is the middle of a three part series. I hate starting a series in the middle, but Deep Harbor definitely intrigued me enough that I want to check out the other books. If you're into historical fiction I highly recommend you read it.
April 24, 2013
In this, the second book in the Northern Lights series, the intertwining stories of Elsa, Tora, Peder, Kaatje and Trent continue. Tora is without doubt the most interesting character brought to life by Bergren. In the first part of this book we are again brought in touch with her essential character, her thoughts and ambitions, her focus on her self-interests. In the second part of the book she is forced to confront herself, opening her eyes to her past as well as try to survive and adapt to radical changes. In the last third of the book I think Bergren could have done a better job of sustaining the reader's close association with Tora's tumultuous inner feelings and her rationale for making the decisions she makes.
This book is a pleasant read but I found it somewhat disappointing. It presents us with some unlikely scenarios which stretch their credibility to the limit. Elsa's seafaring fixations put her children's well being and very lives at risk as she makes compulsive decisions no sane mother would make. An author shouldn't abandon a character's sensibilities just for the sake of being able to include elaborate adventures. Compared to the first book, the Karl we meet in this book is so disconnected and unconflicted about his past passionate feelings for Elsa that the reader must wonder how. Trent is also transformed, in the second half of the book--using canine terminology--from an assertive Doberman to a vapid Cocker Spaniel. Kaatje is the true hero and most genuine character of the tale: dutifully loyal, industrious, caring and forgiving. Now, on to the third book.
This book is a pleasant read but I found it somewhat disappointing. It presents us with some unlikely scenarios which stretch their credibility to the limit. Elsa's seafaring fixations put her children's well being and very lives at risk as she makes compulsive decisions no sane mother would make. An author shouldn't abandon a character's sensibilities just for the sake of being able to include elaborate adventures. Compared to the first book, the Karl we meet in this book is so disconnected and unconflicted about his past passionate feelings for Elsa that the reader must wonder how. Trent is also transformed, in the second half of the book--using canine terminology--from an assertive Doberman to a vapid Cocker Spaniel. Kaatje is the true hero and most genuine character of the tale: dutifully loyal, industrious, caring and forgiving. Now, on to the third book.
May 10, 2010
Book Two in the Northern Lights Series, Deep Harbor, continues with the story of Karl, Kaatje, Elsa and Tora as they begin their new lives in America. Tora is anticipating and in some ways dreading Trent Storm’s marriage proposal, Elsa is busy with her column for the New York Times, Karl is a partner in the hired coach business and Kaatje is trying to make a living for herself and her children on her small farm. Throughout this story, their lives richly intertwine as they suffer through tragedy, heartache, failure, romance and success. This book keeps the readers interest as the scenes change quickly, involving scandal, betrayal, lies, love and faith. If you’re not familiar with this series, you may want to read Book One, The Captain’s Bride as well, which is where this story begins.
September 6, 2010
This was a good sequel to the Captain's Bride. While I could have done with a little less story-swapping, I suppose thats hard to do while covering so many people. I enjoyed Elsa's story most, perhaps. The idea of a woman sea captain is somewhat appealing, and this was done in a reasonably believable manner.
As much as I disliked Tora for most of the book, I found her 'slide' downwards somewhat harsh. Although, I suppose sometimes it happens that in real life too. I am glad she finally woke up and started doing something better with herself. :)
All in all an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to going into the next one.
As much as I disliked Tora for most of the book, I found her 'slide' downwards somewhat harsh. Although, I suppose sometimes it happens that in real life too. I am glad she finally woke up and started doing something better with herself. :)
All in all an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to going into the next one.
October 6, 2013
This series spans ten years and feels epic in the multiple story-lines and global locales. Well-written, with adventure, romance, redemption, betrayal, and forgiveness, I was surprised time and again with where the story led. I didn't like the first book as well because of some choices characters made, but really liked books two and three. You definitely need to read these in order. If you like historical fiction, don't miss this series!
I received this e-book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.
I received this e-book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2014
I picked up this Christian historical fiction series after reading one of Lisa T. Bergren's young adult series, and found a beautifully enticing journey. From start to finish, Norway to America, I followed these characters and their diverging and converging paths with a joyous realization of the story's accurate portrayal of faith, sin, redemption, and life in general.
This is one of my favorite series (and authors) of all time, and I find myself recommending it (and her) again and again!
(The fact that Lisa T. Bergren is from my hometown only sweetens the deal. ☺)
This is one of my favorite series (and authors) of all time, and I find myself recommending it (and her) again and again!
(The fact that Lisa T. Bergren is from my hometown only sweetens the deal. ☺)
February 21, 2012
I enjoyed this book much more than the first. The author is good at making you feel for the characters. Many questions from the first book were answered in the Deep Harbor, but still enough questions linger that I want to read number three in the series. It's a good balance of story told vs. story left to tell.
March 17, 2013
Love the adventure they r on!!! Already 30% into the third and last of the trilogy.... couldn't wait to get to the conclusion - so I downloaded it last night! I borrowed the first two books and because I loved them so much $6.99 was worth it to me! :) this is Christian wholesome reading with romance and a captivating edge.
July 21, 2013
I enjoyed this book more than the first. It seemed to me that first book dragged a little and spent more time on the ins and outs of working a ship and daily life rather than the characters and their intersections with one another. This book begins to develop each character individually as we'll as their relationships with one another.
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