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Dakota Plains #4
Dakota December
Sheriff Caleb Stensrude of Soldahl, North Dakota, is almost glad he has nowhere to go on this Christmas Eve. Temperatures are dropping, snowdrifts are mounting, and the winds are howling something fierce. A blizzard's brewing, and all living things should be inside.
And then his faithful dog Sam senses they have company.
Johanna Carlson has come a long way from home and now God has led her here. Together with her young son Henry, God has led her ragged horse to a light, and to hope. As she fights for consciousness in the raging darkness, Johanna hears Caleb's voice and cries out in pain. Her time has come.
And then his faithful dog Sam senses they have company.
Johanna Carlson has come a long way from home and now God has led her here. Together with her young son Henry, God has led her ragged horse to a light, and to hope. As she fights for consciousness in the raging darkness, Johanna hears Caleb's voice and cries out in pain. Her time has come.
170 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published January 1, 1996
478 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
161 books2,066 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 23, 2019
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Dakota December is the fourth book of the Dakota Series, Christian historical, that features the intertwining lives of five inspiring women who live in the early 1900s in the farming community of Soldahl, North Dakota. Many young women traveled to the uncharted lands in the western United States to become brides. This story focuses on Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude who rescues a pregnant woman and her small child outside his home during a blizzard.
“Book Blub:
Sheriff Caleb Stensrude is almost glad he has nowhere to go on this celebrated night. Temperatures are dropping, snowdrifts are mounting and the wind is howling. Then his faithful dog senses they have company. But who is it?
“Help.” A weak voice moaned from the horse’s back.
Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude climbs over the gate in a blizzard and reaches up in time to catch the woman as she falls. To his astonishment, a small child, hanging on for dear life, falls with her. Under his breath he thanks the good."
Within hours upon the stranger's arrival, Johanna went into labor. And a wondrous little girl was born. Caleb urged Johanna to name her Angel and she acquiesced.
Caleb was a large man who had been referred to as a walking tree, but his compassion, strength, and devotion assisted him with a unique situation that concluded with blessing beyond measure. I was curious to note that his last name is the exact same last name as Rebekkah in the previous book who lived in a different town and married Jude. But I don't recall that ever being addressed.
What a Godsend Sam was for Henry. He reveled in the support, protection, and companionship of the dog after the horrific ordeals he had lived through in the past.
This prairie type novel depicting the ife the western United States by Lauraine Snelling provides excellent entertainment. It is based on the hope of escape from an abusive situation. The resolution was not what I expected, but it was far better!
This is a short, clean, and wholesome read that I would recommend to any reader that enjoys western tales, where it took courage strength, and hope to overcome the challenges that were often presented.
Unfortunately, there were a few discrepancies that niggle at your brain. But I overlooked those in favor of reveling in the inspiration and blessings that these folks experienced.
Another plus, you can access this series through the Amazon Prime Kindle Unlimited program.
.
Dakota December is the fourth book of the Dakota Series, Christian historical, that features the intertwining lives of five inspiring women who live in the early 1900s in the farming community of Soldahl, North Dakota. Many young women traveled to the uncharted lands in the western United States to become brides. This story focuses on Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude who rescues a pregnant woman and her small child outside his home during a blizzard.
“Book Blub:
Sheriff Caleb Stensrude is almost glad he has nowhere to go on this celebrated night. Temperatures are dropping, snowdrifts are mounting and the wind is howling. Then his faithful dog senses they have company. But who is it?
“Help.” A weak voice moaned from the horse’s back.
Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude climbs over the gate in a blizzard and reaches up in time to catch the woman as she falls. To his astonishment, a small child, hanging on for dear life, falls with her. Under his breath he thanks the good."
Within hours upon the stranger's arrival, Johanna went into labor. And a wondrous little girl was born. Caleb urged Johanna to name her Angel and she acquiesced.
Caleb was a large man who had been referred to as a walking tree, but his compassion, strength, and devotion assisted him with a unique situation that concluded with blessing beyond measure. I was curious to note that his last name is the exact same last name as Rebekkah in the previous book who lived in a different town and married Jude. But I don't recall that ever being addressed.
What a Godsend Sam was for Henry. He reveled in the support, protection, and companionship of the dog after the horrific ordeals he had lived through in the past.
This prairie type novel depicting the ife the western United States by Lauraine Snelling provides excellent entertainment. It is based on the hope of escape from an abusive situation. The resolution was not what I expected, but it was far better!
This is a short, clean, and wholesome read that I would recommend to any reader that enjoys western tales, where it took courage strength, and hope to overcome the challenges that were often presented.
Unfortunately, there were a few discrepancies that niggle at your brain. But I overlooked those in favor of reveling in the inspiration and blessings that these folks experienced.
Another plus, you can access this series through the Amazon Prime Kindle Unlimited program.
.
September 12, 2024
I wanted to give it 4 because plot twists. Yet it was very disappointing that none of the prior characters were mentioned in detail within the book. Did Clara have the baby she was pregnant with last book there is no mention!? What about the others? I feel like there were so many loose ends. And not even an epilogue!!!
Just felt unfinished 😭
Just felt unfinished 😭
March 14, 2022
I liked this book best in the series. The sheriff finds a heavily pregnant woman and small boy outside his home in the midst of a blizzard. After begrudgingly delivering her baby, the sheriff wonders what he’s going to do with her and she wants to leave! Quite the entertaining story.
October 19, 2020
Another good book in the Dakota series. These are like mini-books compared to Snelling's Red River series. But they are quick and easy reads and still convey a good story line and relatable characters.
In Dakota December, the Sheriff's dog wants out during a blizzard, and leads him to a woman and child lost in the storm. When he gets them inside, he discovers that the woman is with child and ready to deliver. Since no other help is available, Sheriff Caleb delivers the baby, whom he names Angel because it is Christmas Eve. The older child turns out to be a little boy who does not speak and appears to be terrified.
As the community of Soldahl befriends Joanna Carlson, they work toward meeting her needs and the needs of her children. But she has a secret she cannot divulge that keeps her looking over her shoulder. Will she ever be able to trust these new friends? Can she accept the new life that God is leading her into?
A stand-alone novel, but it builds on the previous ones and includes many of the same characters. So for added richness, read the whole series in order.
In Dakota December, the Sheriff's dog wants out during a blizzard, and leads him to a woman and child lost in the storm. When he gets them inside, he discovers that the woman is with child and ready to deliver. Since no other help is available, Sheriff Caleb delivers the baby, whom he names Angel because it is Christmas Eve. The older child turns out to be a little boy who does not speak and appears to be terrified.
As the community of Soldahl befriends Joanna Carlson, they work toward meeting her needs and the needs of her children. But she has a secret she cannot divulge that keeps her looking over her shoulder. Will she ever be able to trust these new friends? Can she accept the new life that God is leading her into?
A stand-alone novel, but it builds on the previous ones and includes many of the same characters. So for added richness, read the whole series in order.
March 26, 2023
In Dakota December, Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude’s dog needed to go out during a Christmas Eve blizzard, but then stayed out yipping instead of coming back in. Caleb went out to see what was wrong and found a woman collapsed on a horse. He caught her as she fell and discovered a young child clinging to her. When he brought them into the house, he saw that the woman was with child. Her cries let him know she was in labor. He was in for a unique Christmas Eve.
Later, the woman, Johanna Carlson, is ensconced with her children in a widow’s home until she can recover and the weather settles down. She’s reluctant to tell these good people her troubles. But she needs to get away as soon as possible, before her angry and violent husband finds them.
Later, the woman, Johanna Carlson, is ensconced with her children in a widow’s home until she can recover and the weather settles down. She’s reluctant to tell these good people her troubles. But she needs to get away as soon as possible, before her angry and violent husband finds them.
February 24, 2019
I mentioned before this author is the only one that my 92-year old father and I currently agree writes a good story with characters he respects because the characters are hard workers who build a community; hard workers who help those who need assistance; and Christians who are temperate. I enjoy the stories of pioneers in historical settings. I enjoy the romance in the story as it builds to a courtship.
February 26, 2020
Caleb and Johanna
This is a sweet, exciting, and adventurous love story written by LAuraine Snelling. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. You will enjoy discovering how Caleb and Johanna find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet, exciting, and adventurous love story written by LAuraine Snelling. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. You will enjoy discovering how Caleb and Johanna find their happily ever after.
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August 7, 2020I would call this a 10 star!
So good loved the characters and got so caught up in the story. Excited to go on to the next and sad that it will then be the end of this wonderful series. Thank you for all your amazing books.
So good loved the characters and got so caught up in the story. Excited to go on to the next and sad that it will then be the end of this wonderful series. Thank you for all your amazing books.
October 3, 2020
Impacting to read the reality that still happens.
This story brings to light abuse that is deal, still happens. Maybe more than we know. The beginning captured me and I couldn't not put it down. Amazingly people step up with crises. Really like the whole series.
This story brings to light abuse that is deal, still happens. Maybe more than we know. The beginning captured me and I couldn't not put it down. Amazingly people step up with crises. Really like the whole series.
March 10, 2021
Snelling books keep me balanced
A sweet story. The author helps you feel the elements outside as she develops interest in the characters inside. Good reading with a warm and cozy theme .
A sweet story. The author helps you feel the elements outside as she develops interest in the characters inside. Good reading with a warm and cozy theme .
June 29, 2022
Smelling books are always good!
This 4th book in the series is centered around the same North Dakota town as the others.
When the Sheriff's dog finds a woman and child out in the blizzard, they appear more frozen than alive. All he can do is try to warm them until the weather lets up enough to fetch the doctor. But, this woman is shrouded in secrets, one of which he will be forced to handle right away.
Friends step in to take over caring for her, and as a bachelor he is glad. Still, the clues to what she is fleeing begin slipping out. Timid and shy she flinched when anyone's voice is raised.
Can the Sheriff give her the help she needs without losing his heart? Or will her past come calling in violence and fury? Read to find out.
This 4th book in the series is centered around the same North Dakota town as the others.
When the Sheriff's dog finds a woman and child out in the blizzard, they appear more frozen than alive. All he can do is try to warm them until the weather lets up enough to fetch the doctor. But, this woman is shrouded in secrets, one of which he will be forced to handle right away.
Friends step in to take over caring for her, and as a bachelor he is glad. Still, the clues to what she is fleeing begin slipping out. Timid and shy she flinched when anyone's voice is raised.
Can the Sheriff give her the help she needs without losing his heart? Or will her past come calling in violence and fury? Read to find out.
October 10, 2025
Very interesting
I really like that the sheriff was such a caring and loving man. Also the different characters that were so helpful and giving. I loved the dog and the fact that he loved Henry and was such a blessing to him.
I really like that the sheriff was such a caring and loving man. Also the different characters that were so helpful and giving. I loved the dog and the fact that he loved Henry and was such a blessing to him.
August 17, 2019
Continuing good series.
The fourth book of the series has been a wonderful addition to an already excellent read. One more book to go and I am looking to its conclusion.
The fourth book of the series has been a wonderful addition to an already excellent read. One more book to go and I am looking to its conclusion.
March 30, 2020
I love L. Spring's wonderful descriptions of the life and times of the early 1900's. You can picture the scenes so well!
July 24, 2020
My favourite of the series so far. I enjoyed catching up with some of the characters from previous books. Pretty predictable but still a lovely story.
January 25, 2019
Such a vivid book
As I read I could see and feel the opening blizzard scene. This storytelling style stayed throughout the book. The dog is such a creative character and very important to the story. A perfect supporting character! Great yourself and buy this book. It's a great read.
As I read I could see and feel the opening blizzard scene. This storytelling style stayed throughout the book. The dog is such a creative character and very important to the story. A perfect supporting character! Great yourself and buy this book. It's a great read.
February 26, 2016
Sheriff Caleb Stensrude looked out the window at the storm, & left Sam, the dog, out. He was all alone on Christmas Eve. He'd left Max out of jail after he sobered up, & Dag had given hom his job back...good thing or he would have frozen in the cold! The dog came back to the front door & wanted Caleb to follow him. He dressed for the cold, realizing that Sam usually had a reason when he wanted to be followed. He found a mother & her child in the snow, and helped them back to his house. The mother moaned in pain, & he realized she was in labor. Caleb helped the boy undress so he'd be warmer by the stove. Then he went back out in the storm to get their horse. He took the horse into his barn...she didn't even have a saddle! What happened to the wagon? He fed & watered the skinny horse. On the way in the house he picked up some wood for the fire. The boy was asleep using Sam for a pillow. After he introduced himself, she introduced herself as Johanna Carlson & her son as Henry between contractions. He was attracted to her, but she might have a husband. Caleb put the boy in bed & left the dog with him. When the infant was born it left out a howl...it was a girl! This lady would probably never want to see him again! He tore off a piece of old sheet to cover the umbilical cord, and used a bigger piece to wrap the baby in. After he named her "Angel" both mother & child fell asleep...and Caleb Stensrude wrapped himself in a quilt to go to sleep.
October 2, 2012
Ms. Snelling has sure come a long way in her writing. This book is good and I will read it again but it's not one of my favorites.
February 15, 2013
Classic Christian historical fiction from Lauraine Snelling. Good for an afternoon escape :)
December 28, 2013
A sweet, quick read. I've read the book a couple of times when Christmas comes around...
June 18, 2015
I thought this book was cute and quick listen. The construction in my building has been driving people crazy and I downloaded this audio book to keep me sane. It was a wonderful listen.
June 1, 2016
Sweet little book.
June 29, 2024
I didn't enjoy this book as much as others in this series.
May 8, 2009
Cute Story but a 1 time read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews