From This Day Forward

Song of Blessing #4

by Lauraine Snelling

Revisit Old Friends in Blessing in This Heartwarming Series Conclusion

Deborah MacCallister, head nurse at the Blessing hospital, has loved Toby Valders since her school days, but she's had enough of their on-again, off-again relationship. Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he's never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family.

When Anton Genddarm, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, the young women of Blessing see a chance to force Toby's hand with a little strategic matchmaking. But real sparks fly between Deborah and Anton, and she finds herself in an even more complicated situation. The attention she gets from Anton makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?

Then Deborah receives an invitation to study the latest advances in nursing at a hospital in Chicago, and she faces a hard choice. To leave or stay? Should she give up on the dream of Toby and accept the interest of Anton?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Inspirational, Christian Historical Fiction

359 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2016

About the author

Award-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).

Reviews

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Toby is one of my favorite characters and I loved hearing more from him!

[Haley S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing. That is the only word for this book. I was not at all impressed. I am pretty positive that the reason I was confused was because this is book four in the Song of Blessing series. But, I should have been able to read this book without being confused.

First things first, I did not like the fact that there were a lot of different point of views. I was lost. There were way too many ‘main’ characters. I am good with there being a lot of side characters. I hate it when there are like…five main characters. The back cover said the story was about Toby and Deborah. There were more chapters about Ingeborg than there were about Toby and Deborah.

Also, the book was kind of slow. Anton doesn’t show up until three fourths of the story was done. I mean, again, he is on the back cover of the book! He should have arrived sooner!

I am so sorry about writing this bad review, but I have to. I did not enjoy this book at all. I had to force myself to read it. Believe me, I never have to force myself to read books.

I liked the book cover, though! It is very well done! It pretty much summed up the story between Toby and Deborah. Three stars to you!

As for the book, I am very sorry to say that it deserves one star.



Title: From this Day Forward

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Author’s Website: http://www.laurainesnelling.com/



I received this book from the Bethany House Division of the Baker Publishing Group for this review.

This review is written in my own opinions and words.

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was so unfortunately boring.

I thought this book was about Deborah MacAllister and Toby Valders but it seemed it was about Ingeborg again. I mean it's fine to have some side story but cmon the book was basically about her.
Near the end of the book, you read more about Toby and Deborah. It was so rushed. Anton, a new schoolteacher, moves to Blessing and connects with Deborah. Yet Deborah, who pines after Toby, is caught in a hard place to decide what her heart desires (yet we know all along, no surprise). So Toby is forced to look inside and see what his feelings are for Deborah. All this action takes place over 2-3 chapters. And the book was over 300 pages? Still don't know why.

I didn't read any of the other books in this series, so maybe if I did I would feel more connection between these two. But knowing how she writes, prolly not.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again we as readers find ourselves in Blessing, North Dakota with a familiar cast of characters. Many of these characters have been in the series since the beginning of the Red River of the North series, which began publication in the 1990’s.

The town’s struggle with growth issues continues. As the men are pushed by the elements of weather, the start of school, and the harvest, they strive to put construction projects together on a schedule anyone would they are hard pressed to meet. Amidst all the new building and construction projects, the town experiences a loss of some of their most loved citizens and an influx of new citizens to fill much needed jobs.

In the center of the story are Deborah MacCallister, hospital nurse, and Toby Valders, construction manager, struggling to come to terms with a relationship one clearly wants more than the other. Enter a new schoolteacher in to town to make life interesting and a bit more complicated for their relationship!

The reader needs the background from the previous books in the series to follow the flow of the storyline. I always enjoy returning to the town of Blessing with its familiar townspeople, caring and loyal spirit, and their firm belief in the Lord and his good works.

This ARC copy was received from Bethany House and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
4/5

[Paula-O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series Song of Blessing book#1 "From This Day Forward", by Lauraine Snelling

I so enjoyed going back to Blessing and to the characters that I had fallen in love with from the Red River series. Ingeborg is such a strong character and she leads the young women in the area by example. She had so much heartache from the early years yet she stayed strong by her strong faith and the friendship of family and friends.
You will be so blessed to read these books by Lauraine Snelling
This book tells the story of Deborah and her love for a man that cares for her but is afraid to make a commitment. Can she ever get him to get past his heartache from an abusive home before he and his brother were taken in by the Valders and saw a love that he had always wanted in his life.
His brother had overcame his past and had a good life with his wife and family and he is always trying to show Toby that he too can do this if he will only accept Deborah's love. Many in the town are trying to get the two together also.
You will enjoy reading this story of small town living and characters that are just like your neighbors next door.

I received this book from Bethany House publishers and thank them for the awesome read.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deborah has been in love with her longtime friend Toby, and when another good looking man shows up in the picture, it doesn't take long for to Toby realize what he wants. He's just hoping that he hasn't waited too long.

I have read most of the other books in this Blessing series, and even though this book had it's own story, I have to admit I was most excited to read this book to see what was going on with some of my favorite characters from past books. The town of Blessing and it's people are truly one of a kind.

This book is one that I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series in order to truly enjoy it. There is just too much history in this town for you to start this far in. If you've read the series up until this point, I would recommend reading this one as well, to find out how the town of Blessing keeps changing. This book wasn't fast paced by any means, but more of a leisurely read into the lives of your favorite characters.

* I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Kella · Rating 1 out of 5]

On the cusp of becoming a spinster and wondering if she’ll ever get married, Deborah MacCallister finds herself pining for the one man who is clueless about her feelings, Toby Valders. Clueless, that is, until a handsome new teacher rides into town and becomes the competition in winning Deborah’s heart. Not only does Anton make Toby alert to his feelings, but when Deborah leaves for a month for some training, he finds himself thinking of her at every turn. Which man will win Deborah’s affections?

With multiple POV’s, an exuberant amount of characters, and a very slow pace, From This Day Forward was not the propelling read that I had expected. As the fourth novel in the Song of Blessing series, it is imperative that you read the three previous novels before picking this one up. This is in no-way a book that also works as a stand-alone!

I was graciously provided a free copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Courtney Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all of the Red River books. I've read through them three times now. To me, the main theme is trusting God, which is something I struggle with at times.
However, sometimes little inconsistencies pop up:

For example, in this book, it mentions that Elizabeth died of typhoid...but she died of diphtheria. Also, Inga told Sophie that Garth and the others could come out and play with the calves in the barn. Sophie replied that Garth went out with Benny to the Baard farm to stay for a couple days. However, Garth is Sophie's husband, not a child. Grant is their son, and I believe that is who they were referring to.

And, in the book before this, Streams of Mercy, Astrid was glad that Elizabeth's parents did not have a phone, so that she wouldn't have to speak to them about Elizabeth's passing. However, if you go back to the earlier books about Elizabeth and Thorliff, Elizabeth's family did have a phone. It was mentioned several times.
These things are not a big deal, it's just something I noticed.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It appears that this is the last book Snelling has written about her fictional town of Blessing, SD. I will be sad to leave these folks behind - they are almost like family by now!

In this book, nurse Deborah MacAllister, adopted daughter of John and Mary Martha Solberg, has always loved Toby Valders since she can remember. But he has never seemed interested except to tease her. But when a new young man moves to town to teach school, the dynamics change. Suddenly, Toby has to decide whether Deborah is someone he loves or just a friend.

One of my favorite things about this series is the strong faith message the author has. These characters experience a range of events and emotions, and struggle with how to accept or respond to these things in their lives, in view of their strong faith in God. Very encouraging! I really hope that the author lets us peek back into Blessing in the future.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Blessing, North Dakota and back with our dear family from Norway. Most all we come to know and love are back and we are continuing on with their lives.
Some of our dear ones leave right after the book begins, and others find their way home. In this book we have Deborah still wearing her heart on her sleeve for Toby, but will that man every realize what a gem she is, and before he looses he to another.
Come and enjoy the warm-hearted fun of fishing with Mor and the children, and landing a big catfish. Ah, how I wish I were there!
I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start by saying I love Lauraine Snelling. She is one of the first Inspirational/Historical authors I started with when I switched from Contemporary Romance. This novel is just as good as all her other novels, which I have read most of and several at least twice.

It is so good to read Deborah's story. Deborah MacCallister was in several of Mrs. Snelling's books since she was first discovered with her sister, Manda, when they were small and abandoned by their father after their mother died. Zeb MacCallister found the girls and adopted them then settled in Blessing, North Dakota. After Zeb's wife died, he and Manda, along with her new husband left Blessing and Deborah behind because she was two young to make the journey they were going on.

Deborah was taken in and raised as their daughter by Pastor John Solberg and his wife Mary Martha. All grown up, Deborah is now a nurse at the hospital in Blessing and in love with Toby Valders, but he doesn't know it. Though they grew up together, Toby doesn't seem to know Deborah exists anymore since he has been so busy with his construction business.

When Anton Genddarm, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, Deborah's lady friends get together to matchmake. Toby is not very happy that this new guy is showing an interest in Deborah, but he doesn't know why he feels that way.

Then Deborah gets a chance for some advanced training that will help her and the Blessing hospital. So she jumps at the chance to go to Chicago for the training, hoping she can forget about Toby and get on with her life. With Deborah gone, Toby does some serious soul searching and can't wait for Deborah to return. If she returns.

I loved this book. It is a clean romance and has many of the well loved characters from all the other books Mrs. Snelling has written about the town of Blessing. Including the well loved Ingeborg. I recommend this book to all historical romance lovers. Enjoy!

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like coming home. A place to belong, a place to wrap around you. There’s something to be said about a series and writer that makes you want to keep coming back to see what’s going on with the town and characters in the books. And it’s written so that you can clearly picture yourself there right away. You feel as though you live there and know each and every person. Ingeborg is like your own relative. This, as the others in the series, is written in a part of time and way of life that is similar to how I grew up. We’re all so different, and yet the same.

It’s great that Ingeborg is still a pillar of the Red River Valley community and going strong hunting, fishing and driving farm machinery.

This is a romance centered around Deborah, an Assistant at the hospital, and Toby Valders. They have a history in the series, and are now grown and ready for their own romance. She has an opportunity to leave and study to further her position at the hospital. Will it do Toby good to have her go away for awhile? She’s loved him for a long time, but he takes her for granted. Maybe it will shake him up a little bit. Or perhaps she should just move on. Always prayerfully centered, another story of life’s normalcies and life’s struggles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah MacCallister, head nurse at the Blessing hospital, has loved Toby Valders since her school days, but she's had enough of their on-again, off-again relationship. Toby truly cares for Deborah, but he's never felt like he could commit to marriage or a family.

When Anton Genddarm, the new schoolteacher, comes to town, the young women of Blessing see a chance to force Toby's hand with a little strategic matchmaking. But real sparks fly between Deborah and Anton, and she finds herself in an even more complicated situation. The attention she gets from Anton makes Toby do some serious soul-searching, but is it too late?

Then Deborah receives an invitation to study the latest advances in nursing at a hospital in Chicago, and she faces a hard choice. To leave or stay? Should she give up on the dream of Toby and accept the interest of Anton?
Once again Lauraine Snelling does not disappoint with this new book. As with her entire Red River Valley series Lauraine makes you feel like the characters are people you would like to be friends with. Her characters seem like they truly are the people who homesteaded this region of North Dakota. I hope she will continue to tell the story of Ingeborg Bjorklund and all the other inhabitants of Blessing, North Dakota. I have fallen in love with her characters. Lauraine does an excellent job of fleshing out her characters so they seem real.

I highly recommend this book.I would recommend that you read the previous books in this series before you read this one.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Bethany House. The review is my own, honest opinion without any outside influences or requirements.

[Once Upon a Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Trudy

Sexual Content: None
Language Content: None
Violent Content: None

As we take another trip back to Blessing, we find that one of the nurses, Deborah, has deep feelings for Toby but he seems to be on-again and off-again with his approach to Deborah. The town of Blessing is growing by leaps and bounds and Toby oversees some of that building but doesn’t seem to be able to take the time to think about what he truly wants out of life. He needs to take it to God to get the peace and direction for his life.

As Ms. Snelling writes the story and gives us a glimpse into the lives of the other characters in the series, it makes you want to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next. As the series goes on Lauraine’s creativity in personalities of these characters is a wonder, as there are so many of them to keep track of and each has a different personality. Each one also has God who is primary in their lives.

Lauraine has given a twist or two in From This Day Forward and this storyline is an obvious continuation of the series; with strong inspiration to give her readers something to ponder for a long while after the story is over. I don’t think that we have heard the last of the Blessing series and it is one that I am anxiously awaiting what will happen next. Don’t miss traveling to Blessing in this next book as the history of Blessing continues.

-- TRUDY

[Kristin Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauraine Snelling writes a delightful series about families originally coming from Norway to North Dakota to settle and raise their families. The character development is such that you feel you know the characters intimately and the next book or series on the family brings you back to enjoying warm comfortable times with old and new friends. This fictional series for me is reminiscent of the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The books are written with precision in detail whether it is bringing the hay harvest in or celebrating a wedding in the community. The hardships are not ignored whether it is the death of a beloved wife and mother or the killing of dogs that are menacing the community. I like her attention to detail whether it is the correct plants growing in the area or what games the children are playing in their spare time. I always find it jarring to have birds singing in a book that are only found in California but the book takes place in Maine. It is refreshing when the author pays attention to all details in her books and makes sure they are as accurate as possible. A good book series to enjoy by the fire or perhaps use and read to homeschoolers. The reader can also learn a new language with the sprinkling of Norwegian words through out the book. There are many books in this multiple family series so enjoyment for any reader for many days.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. This can’t be read well as a stand alone. There’s no backstory given for the plethora of characters. I disliked the writing style, often the conversations were like a summary, but disjointed and didn’t make sense, I was so confused, it was like I was missing a sentence all the time that would make the next dialogue sentence make sense, but it was never there. Almost every conversation or exchange was like that.
Deborah was also not necessarily the main character, the book was told from many different perspectives, and Deborah and Toby’s together only made MAYBE half.
I also didn’t like how Deborah was pining for this dude who’s never given her any romantic hope, even though he’s aware she likes him. It felt like she was working for his love at some points too, and encouraged to so he would “come around”. He did, but it didn’t feel as believable as it should have.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been hesitant to read this last book in the series because I didn't want to read about Ingeborg dying. Also, I've enjoyed reading this feel-good, easy series as palate cleansers between meatier, heavier books with more world-building. I found myself getting teary throughout the book here and there. I don't know why, except I guess that I won't be seeing any more of these characters in the future. I do look forward to Snelling's next series based in the same time period, about a different immigrant family. Oh, and as for this book itself, I'm not sure I'm really pleased about how it ended (who she chose), simply based on my own personal history, but I guess I can see why it happened the way it did. 4 stars.

[Britt Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I havw grown up reading Lauraine Snellings series about the Bjorklund family. Ive read the original series, Red River Of The North all the spin off series. And each series honestly gets better. I love all of the characters. And watching them grow up start families and learn about life is just amazing.
I honestly did not like Toby Valders until this book. He grew up so much. And reading his and Deborah's story just made be love Blessing even more. Its like family and coming home. So i definitely give this book 5 stars. It conclusion was just what I was hoping for. And i hope Lauraine continues to write about Blessing. Its such a fun place to go.

[Yvette Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

The town of Blessing is growing and with it the characters and their lives that are always intertwining. Now another couple is finding their way towards one another. The hospital and the staff are described as is the building of the deaf school as some old and new friends come to find a home in blessing. This book felt like a segue into the next book of the series and was making me anxious until the very end to finally see someone have a romantic encounter. I could feel the character's frustration at being ignored by her love interest. It took until the last of the book to finally see a resolution which was good.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Even though I have read all the previous books in this series and other related series, I had a hard time placing all the names. The genealogy in the front helped, but I also would have liked some paragraphs describing the named individuals. Once I got back into the characters I was reminded of who every one was, but it took me awhile. This could not gave easily been read without knowing the background from reading the other books in the series.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an enjoyable series to read - I would like to think many village where this way as people came here to start new lies. Reminds me somewhat of the area I grew up in. People helping & praying for each other - looking out for family & friends.
This book held two sibling finding their way back to each other after a lose, new life in the community, new families started, and memories of how it all started.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read


I would have considered 5 stars but feel a little let down that more was not said about Hilldagun she was a major character but nothing after a line or two. The series is good and I'm in awe of how the author keeps track of so much. Suggestion put series in one main grouping ie Borklund just so we don't have to hunt.

[Linda Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy all of Laurraine Snelling's books especially the ones that follow the Bjorklund family from Norway to North Dakota. It amazes me how people even started a home and a community from nothing. Ms Snelling describes in great detail the creating of everyday utensils and some machinery. I enjoyed reading about each generation as they have matured and how she brings out their emotions.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read 11 Lauraine Snelling books in 5 weeks, that is wild to me. I don’t usually write reviews, but I loved this book, it had all the “feels”. I wanted to smack Toby. The grief feelings Thorliff had were so accurate. Clara’s story was so heartbreaking. There was suspense, tears of sorrow and joy, heartbreak, all so real.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was soooo lost. Having not read the first three books in this series, I thought it would be okay to jump in mid-ship. But no, I was terribly wrong. It felt as thought I had walked in a conversation that I wasn't included in and no one gave thought to update me on what was going on. Instead I was given little snippets here and there, but nothing that helped me connect the pieces.

Within the first three chapters, I knew that Deborah had a sister, and she and her sister were orphaned by their parents. I admit, I was brain boggled with that tidbit trying to figure out why she and her sister (who currently was nameless) were left in a sodhouse by themselves. But of course, that happened many years ago.

Therefore, within the first three chapters I never really got to know about Deborah. It was focused on someone's marriage, and then about school teachers. By the time chapter three ended, I had enough and started flipping through the book wondered where Deborah was and where the story was about her. I never even bothered really reading the book, because I just wanted to be done with it.

Thus, my recommendation for this book is don't read it unless you have read the three previous books to this one. A disclaimer should be given on the book itself that the previous books are required to be read first to understand the sequence of events. I was left utterly frustrated.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Bethany House. The review is my own, honest opinion without any outside influences or requirements.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could meet one character from a Book, it would be Ingeborg Bjorklund. This particular Book wasn’t about her, but her example of a Godly woman was still seen. This is a perfect ending to a great series.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t remember the last time I read a book where the title and description were about one thing but the book focused a lot on other things. Luckily, the book was more fast paced than some of the others.

[Elayne K. Wieker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessing is a Blessing

Another homerun by my favorite author!! I never want to finish a book about the people of Blessing. God has blessed me through these books in a tremendous way.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I have read all of the books in the series thus far. I really enjoy following the generations in this family and hope that a Nother book will follow. This series is filled with adventure, less of feet and forgiveness.

[Allan67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.