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Song of Blessing #2
A Harvest of Hope
More Heartwarming Drama in the Song of Blessing Series
Just a few short weeks into her year-long nurse training assignment at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Antonio is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will soon return to Blessing and fulfill her commitment.
While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do.
When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family...and the man who is never far from her thoughts.
What will it take to convince her to stay?
Just a few short weeks into her year-long nurse training assignment at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Antonio is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will soon return to Blessing and fulfill her commitment.
While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve's love and her family's needs, she doesn't know what to do.
When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family...and the man who is never far from her thoughts.
What will it take to convince her to stay?
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
273 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,035 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 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 19, 2018
Wow. This story was wealthy with detail, new-to-the-time-period inventions, and a variety of ethnicities, which naturally brought in lots of culture and surprises. I liked so many things! It’s tough to narrow it down to mention a few. I think the thing that stood out the most was the sense of community being a character all its own. That aspect and the sweetness of the story both reminded me of a Kim Vogel Sawyer novel.
There were a few words and phrases that I wasn’t sure were expletives and profanity. I listened to the audio version, so they might have been misinterpreted by the narrator. That is my only possible complaint about Stina Nielsen, the narrator. Otherwise, I adored her storytelling skills. She was entertaining, wonderful with accents and voices, easy to listen to, and full of enthusiasm. (When I reread in paperback sometime down the road, I'll be watching for these words/phrases to double-check them.)
I also enjoyed the unique storyline with plenty of plot twists and creative characters. Mrs. Snelling’s author voice was beautiful and made it easy to keep popping in the next disc. I’ll be rereading this one (both in audio and paperback) several times, as I think I’ll gain even more context from more time spent in this book. I might have fallen asleep and missed a little a couple of times, because I was listening much too late at night. Ah well. That’s a good and addicting story for you.
There were a few words and phrases that I wasn’t sure were expletives and profanity. I listened to the audio version, so they might have been misinterpreted by the narrator. That is my only possible complaint about Stina Nielsen, the narrator. Otherwise, I adored her storytelling skills. She was entertaining, wonderful with accents and voices, easy to listen to, and full of enthusiasm. (When I reread in paperback sometime down the road, I'll be watching for these words/phrases to double-check them.)
I also enjoyed the unique storyline with plenty of plot twists and creative characters. Mrs. Snelling’s author voice was beautiful and made it easy to keep popping in the next disc. I’ll be rereading this one (both in audio and paperback) several times, as I think I’ll gain even more context from more time spent in this book. I might have fallen asleep and missed a little a couple of times, because I was listening much too late at night. Ah well. That’s a good and addicting story for you.
March 17, 2015
I am always excited to get a new "Blessing" book from Lauraine Snelling! A Harvest of Hope is a continuation of the Bjorkland family in the town of Blessing. I have been reading about the Bjorkland family through Lauriane's writings for years and oh how I have come to love this family. Getting a new book is like getting a letter from home. I can't read it fast enough!
A Harvest of Hope is the second book in the Song of Blessing series. One great thing about all of the series on Blessing, North Dakota is that you don't necessarily have to start at the beginning. They work as great stand alone books, but I do think it is well worth the time to start at the beginning!
This book starts off where book one ended. The Bjorkland family is deeply mourning the loss of their beloved Haakan and are trying to figure out a new normal to their way of life. Miriam, a trainee at the Blessing hospital, is also mourning the loss of her mother. She is torn with knowing where she belongs. Her siblings are all back in Chicago and as the oldest she feels obligated to care for them, but her heart is beginning to tie her to Blessing. Trygve has declared his love for Miriam and she is starting to have feelings for him as well. She is struggling with her faith and now must make some decisions for her future. Will she choose Blessing or Chicago?
I really can't get enough of these books and I can't wait till the next one comes out. There is always something exciting going on in the town of Blessing and if you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of these books yet I encourage you to do so. Not only will you enjoy reading and experiencing what life was like in the late 1800's to early 1900's you will be encouraged in your faith as well!
***This book was provided to my by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
A Harvest of Hope is the second book in the Song of Blessing series. One great thing about all of the series on Blessing, North Dakota is that you don't necessarily have to start at the beginning. They work as great stand alone books, but I do think it is well worth the time to start at the beginning!
This book starts off where book one ended. The Bjorkland family is deeply mourning the loss of their beloved Haakan and are trying to figure out a new normal to their way of life. Miriam, a trainee at the Blessing hospital, is also mourning the loss of her mother. She is torn with knowing where she belongs. Her siblings are all back in Chicago and as the oldest she feels obligated to care for them, but her heart is beginning to tie her to Blessing. Trygve has declared his love for Miriam and she is starting to have feelings for him as well. She is struggling with her faith and now must make some decisions for her future. Will she choose Blessing or Chicago?
I really can't get enough of these books and I can't wait till the next one comes out. There is always something exciting going on in the town of Blessing and if you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of these books yet I encourage you to do so. Not only will you enjoy reading and experiencing what life was like in the late 1800's to early 1900's you will be encouraged in your faith as well!
***This book was provided to my by Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2015
This book is centered in the town of Blessing, a small town where there is much love, as well as, some ornery characters. Astrid and Elizabeth are doctor's at Blessing's hospital. They are working on training nurses with lots of hands-on experience. This is where Miriam comes in.
Miriam came as a nurse-in-training from Chicago. When her mother became deathly ill she returned to Chicago to put her to rest as well as check on her brothers and sisters. She is torn between her commitment to her studies, her family, and the man she is beginning to love. She is struggling between returning to Chicago when she finishes her schooling or moving her family to Blessing. Miriam is a woman of integrity, determined no matter what the cost to keep her word. Which of course is part of what Trygve admires so much about her, and part of what makes her indecisive about their relationship having any future possibilities.
I feel like this story is not just a romance about Miriam and Trygve, but a well-rounded tale of people and families who worked together to build a community. They followed God's calling to love each other, and extend His love to the unlovable. You will be able to participate in the joys and sorrows, see the love and forgiveness, and watch as they extend grace and mercy to their fellowman.
I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't a fast paced, action packed page turner. It was more like watching lives unfold like flowers as the characters grow and bloom. It was as though, I myself were part of the townspeople, participating in their story, becoming a part of their lives. I think it helps to have read the first book in the series to really grasp everything that is going on in this book.
I was blessed with this book by Bethany House Blogger Program in exchange for my honest opinion.
Miriam came as a nurse-in-training from Chicago. When her mother became deathly ill she returned to Chicago to put her to rest as well as check on her brothers and sisters. She is torn between her commitment to her studies, her family, and the man she is beginning to love. She is struggling between returning to Chicago when she finishes her schooling or moving her family to Blessing. Miriam is a woman of integrity, determined no matter what the cost to keep her word. Which of course is part of what Trygve admires so much about her, and part of what makes her indecisive about their relationship having any future possibilities.
I feel like this story is not just a romance about Miriam and Trygve, but a well-rounded tale of people and families who worked together to build a community. They followed God's calling to love each other, and extend His love to the unlovable. You will be able to participate in the joys and sorrows, see the love and forgiveness, and watch as they extend grace and mercy to their fellowman.
I enjoyed this book even though it wasn't a fast paced, action packed page turner. It was more like watching lives unfold like flowers as the characters grow and bloom. It was as though, I myself were part of the townspeople, participating in their story, becoming a part of their lives. I think it helps to have read the first book in the series to really grasp everything that is going on in this book.
I was blessed with this book by Bethany House Blogger Program in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 6, 2015
Very slow start but picked up in the middle. One problem I have is that there are too many characters and it's so hard to remember everyone and how they are related to each other. So many of the female characters have even had their own stories in whole books but it is still hard for me to remember everyone.
November 9, 2016
I just love this book! Definitely one of my favorites!
September 27, 2024
Loved this story! “Visiting” the town of Blessing again through the second book in the series Song of Blessing. Like in the previous books, it’s so amazing to find faith weaved throughout. Small town life, Thanksgiving holiday, Christmas holiday, family, and community coming together when adversity strikes the town or individuals. Perfect read for this beautiful fall season.
It’s beautiful and nostalgic to reminisce on the good ol’ days when America was being shaped as a nation and all the immigrants looking for a better life. Wonderfully written and expressed by Ms. Snelling.
This particular story gave me ‘Call the Midwife’ vibes with all the babies born, the nurses, and the doctors wanting to educate on childbirth and childbearing.
If you like to look through a window to our past these stories are for you.
Some excerpts I loved…
“Keep in mind that what God plans for you is far better than what you can plan for yourself.”
“God inhabits the praises of His people.”
“Learning to trust God, really trust Him, (is) was a lifelong process.”
And this is how the story ends…
“This was indeed a harvest season of change, changes beyond her hopes and dreams.
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, true, but love stayed around forever in spite of the changing seasons. She had seen it and now she believed it.”
It’s beautiful and nostalgic to reminisce on the good ol’ days when America was being shaped as a nation and all the immigrants looking for a better life. Wonderfully written and expressed by Ms. Snelling.
This particular story gave me ‘Call the Midwife’ vibes with all the babies born, the nurses, and the doctors wanting to educate on childbirth and childbearing.
If you like to look through a window to our past these stories are for you.
Some excerpts I loved…
“Keep in mind that what God plans for you is far better than what you can plan for yourself.”
“God inhabits the praises of His people.”
“Learning to trust God, really trust Him, (is) was a lifelong process.”
And this is how the story ends…
“This was indeed a harvest season of change, changes beyond her hopes and dreams.
A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, true, but love stayed around forever in spite of the changing seasons. She had seen it and now she believed it.”
August 9, 2025
Think of this as Blessing’s romantic buffet — lots of pairings simmering at once, and you’re never sure which one will be the main course. My favorite bit? The “city versus country” tension that runs through some of the courtships. You can practically hear the debates over whether indoor plumbing is worth giving up wide-open prairie skies.
Snelling also sprinkles in those neighborly crises — illness, heartbreak, and “Did you hear what happened at the mercantile?” moments — that make you want to brew a cup of tea and eavesdrop. There’s a satisfying warmth here, even when things get messy. I wanted to punch Håner in the head with how he was treating the town but I calmed myself down! And just in time for Miriam to punch him!!!!
Snelling also sprinkles in those neighborly crises — illness, heartbreak, and “Did you hear what happened at the mercantile?” moments — that make you want to brew a cup of tea and eavesdrop. There’s a satisfying warmth here, even when things get messy. I wanted to punch Håner in the head with how he was treating the town but I calmed myself down! And just in time for Miriam to punch him!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2023
Continues to Surprise
Lauraine is so imaginative in her writing. She continues to surprise me with new scenario’s that make you feel you are right there in it with the characters. With intensity, emotion, warmth and love, you feel it all. In the last 4 months I have read 19 of her Blessing ND books and have loved every one of them. 3 more to go but I’ll be immensely sad to leave Ingeborg and her family.
Lauraine is so imaginative in her writing. She continues to surprise me with new scenario’s that make you feel you are right there in it with the characters. With intensity, emotion, warmth and love, you feel it all. In the last 4 months I have read 19 of her Blessing ND books and have loved every one of them. 3 more to go but I’ll be immensely sad to leave Ingeborg and her family.
December 27, 2025
This was so enjoyable.
Miriam Hastings returns home after she learns that her mother is ill. She wants to find some way for her to stay and help her family and still finish her nurse's training.
I felt that Miriam tried her best to get Trygve Knutson out of her mind, as well as Blessing. However, I believe that she always thought of him. She would aways have feelings for him.
I found the whole town was right about Anner. He seemed really selfish to me.
Great read!!!
Miriam Hastings returns home after she learns that her mother is ill. She wants to find some way for her to stay and help her family and still finish her nurse's training.
I felt that Miriam tried her best to get Trygve Knutson out of her mind, as well as Blessing. However, I believe that she always thought of him. She would aways have feelings for him.
I found the whole town was right about Anner. He seemed really selfish to me.
Great read!!!
March 3, 2021
I love how this series is written and deals with real world issues... And I mean deals with by showing how God is always there... Even as the characters try to understand God...
And how the character Ingeborg continually battles mental health... Showing her increased dependence on God...
And how the character Ingeborg continually battles mental health... Showing her increased dependence on God...
October 20, 2022
I enjoyed this book in a follow up series to the original Blessing series. Getting an inside look at life in North Dakota at the turn of the century was interesting; learning about the Norwegian settlers was an added bonus.
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August 4, 2023Blessings, ND - 2 fires - injuries - early birth of a son - sharing in all the bounty with everyone. Love is in the air. Can the community recover from the lost of the explosive grain tower? Nurses in training learning more than the could in Chicago. Lots of joy & following in God's direction.
March 18, 2024
Another part of the story is complete.
Another part of the story is complete and I am ready to see what the next book brings to the town of Blessing. Enjoying how all the people in Blessing are there to help whenever needed.
Another part of the story is complete and I am ready to see what the next book brings to the town of Blessing. Enjoying how all the people in Blessing are there to help whenever needed.
June 2, 2025
Actually, this one is very relevant to today with the thoughts on "immigrants" and those that are desirable vs. those that aren't and a community's response to their needs. Luckily, they only have Anner and Hildegunn to deal with, not a whole group of MAGA.
December 12, 2016
This book is a continuation of the blessing series, so you need to have read the earlier books in the series. A satisfying book, although I wish there had been more of Miriam.
October 16, 2017
Aw! I love how beautifully everything in this book ended. She has such a way of keeping me on the edge of my seat! Praise God! Now I wonder what will happen in book 3.
November 18, 2017
Song of Blessing #2 I Loved It - Looking forward to #3
February 9, 2018
I have enjoyed this community of Blessing and reading about the struggles and joys of life. This is a really good series. On to the next one.
November 18, 2018
I have learned so much about the early settling of this country by reading this series ! #18; and there are 2 more yet!
January 26, 2019
A sweet old fashioned love story set in rural Dakota territory. It is a Christian text and God plays a very important role.
March 21, 2019
I enjoyed the story, but overall the book was very slow and hard to get into
March 29, 2020
The saga of Blessing ND continues with focus on its hospital and a nurse from Chicago who comes to train there.
June 29, 2020
Another excellent book about Blessing and all the people there, and the town's growing pains.
January 3, 2021
A sweet story, lots of drama.
OnOne of her best! Quite a story of how God orchestrated miracles. I love her faith inspiring stories.
Worthy of your time!
OnOne of her best! Quite a story of how God orchestrated miracles. I love her faith inspiring stories.
Worthy of your time!
January 16, 2021
Probably the most boring book in the series. If you're reading the series, still read it, but don't expect to be as captivated as in other books. It was a bit of a struggle.
June 2, 2021
wonderful story how ppl came together in tough times and help each other.
September 7, 2022
Early 1900s North Dakota. I like historical story of everyday life and how chores were done, all with neighbors help.
November 7, 2022
Not her best
November 29, 2022
I loved this book. I am reading this whole series.
January 26, 2023
Always a genuine pleasure!
Lauraine Snelling does not disappoint! I’ve read the Ingaborg books many times, and love them every time! Thank you Lauraine for your wonderful stories!
Lauraine Snelling does not disappoint! I’ve read the Ingaborg books many times, and love them every time! Thank you Lauraine for your wonderful stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews