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Under Northern Skies #2
A Breath of Hope
Nilda Carlson has been trying to save enough money to go to America for months, so when a letter from Einar and Gerd Strand arrives, offering to pay her ticket, she jumps at the chance. Her younger brother Ivar accompanies her, and they can't wait to join their brother Rune and his family in the northern forests of Minnesota. Signe and Rune Carlson are thrilled to welcome Nilda and Ivar to America, but life on the farm remains a struggle. Though Gerd has softened and grown to love the Carlson family, Einar is still harsh and unforgiving, obsessed solely with felling as many trees as possible. Rune is trying to build a new home for his wife and children, but Einar refuses to help and forbids anyone from the nearby community from stepping foot on his land. What dark secret must lie in his past to have caused him to isolate himself--and anyone living under his roof--in this way? When a tragedy lays the truth bare, the Carlsons and Strands will have to come together like never before and become a true family.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2018
591 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
160 books2,050 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 128 reviews
May 9, 2018
It pains me to rate a Lauraine Snelling book only 3 stars. Unfortunately, this one was a little disappointing.
A Breath of Hope picks up right where A Promise of Dawn left off. I wasn't expecting Rune and Signe's family to be as much as part of this, but I am so glad they were. I love those characters so much . . . Nilda, also, was a fabulous character, and I liked her immediately.
The plot, in my opinion, was a little lacking. It feels like this book and A Promise of Dawn where two parts of the same book. And even in this one, the storyline doesn't really wrap up completely. Whatever happened to I really wish there had been more closure in a lot of areas. Also, the storyline was rather anticlimactic. I kept waiting for that big "oh no!" moment in the middle, but . . . it never happened.
Snelling's writing style is as engaging as ever, and all the historical information I always find so fascinating. The theme of hope was so beautiful.
The best part of this book - and really, all of Snelling's books - is the characters. They are all so realistic and relatable. From page one, you are so invested in their story.
Overal, while lacking in some areas, I did still enjoy this story. Just a head's up: I don't recommend reading this without having read the first one. There's a lot of info missing if you do. ;)
Recommended for ages 15+ for some mild mature themes.
A Breath of Hope picks up right where A Promise of Dawn left off. I wasn't expecting Rune and Signe's family to be as much as part of this, but I am so glad they were. I love those characters so much . . . Nilda, also, was a fabulous character, and I liked her immediately.
The plot, in my opinion, was a little lacking. It feels like this book and A Promise of Dawn where two parts of the same book. And even in this one, the storyline doesn't really wrap up completely. Whatever happened to I really wish there had been more closure in a lot of areas. Also, the storyline was rather anticlimactic. I kept waiting for that big "oh no!" moment in the middle, but . . . it never happened.
Snelling's writing style is as engaging as ever, and all the historical information I always find so fascinating. The theme of hope was so beautiful.
The best part of this book - and really, all of Snelling's books - is the characters. They are all so realistic and relatable. From page one, you are so invested in their story.
Overal, while lacking in some areas, I did still enjoy this story. Just a head's up: I don't recommend reading this without having read the first one. There's a lot of info missing if you do. ;)
Recommended for ages 15+ for some mild mature themes.
June 28, 2018
I have to say that this book was a bit of a disappointment.
The beginning of the book was definitely my favorite part. I enjoyed it pretty well up until Nilda and Ivar moved to America. The mystery with Dreng was interesting and I liked reading about their hope of moving to America.
Their voyage to America was also lively and I really enjoyed that part as well. It was once they got to America that things really went down hill for me...
The plot in this book was almost nonexistent. I kept waiting for that big “oh no!” to happen, but it never did. As I was getting closer to the ending I couldn’t help but think “wait, this is it?” This book mainly focuses on your normal every day things in life and while was a minor accident that happened, there wasn’t anything that made you keep turning the page. Some people may enjoy reading about simple, everyday life but that’s personally not my favorite.
Another thing I wasn’t a fan of was Uncle Einar. I get that he isn’t the happiest person, but they way he was always complaining put a very negative vibe on the story. I normally don’t mind if there’s that one character in the book that’s a grump, but the book focused so much on him and his negativity + the characters responded a lot to way the he was acting and it was just too much for me. There was so much complaining and negativity in this book and it was driving me crazy!
Overall, I wasn’t a big fan of this book. I will say that I haven’t read the first one ( this is the second book in the series ) so I may have liked it / understood some things a little better if I had. Personally, I’m not sure if I’d recommend this due to the lack of plot + all of the bad vibes that I felt in it, but if you enjoy reading about everyday life than this book might be for you.
“I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review”
Side note : This is very strange but the description on Goodreads for this book isn’t correct. The blurb on the back of the book is correct, and is completely different from the one on Goodreads/ online. Down below is the correct description of this book :
With her brother Ivar in tow, Nilda Carlson is on her way to America to join her older brother Rune and his family in the northern forest of Minnesota. While she sees this as a golden opportunity, she has enough experience in life to know it won't be easy. The transatlantic voyage itself proves to be an adventure, and she hopes she will feel safe at her new home.
Rune and Signe Carlson are thrilled that Nilda and Ivar are come to Minnesota, but life on the Strand farm remains a struggle. Rune is trying to build a house for his wife and children, but Uncle Einar Strand, obsessed with his own ambitions, refuses to help. What's more, he forbids anyone from the community to step foot on his land, leaving Rune to toil on his own. When a tragedy lays bare the truth behind Einar's anger and isolation, the Carlsons and Strands will have to come together like never before to become a true family.
The beginning of the book was definitely my favorite part. I enjoyed it pretty well up until Nilda and Ivar moved to America. The mystery with Dreng was interesting and I liked reading about their hope of moving to America.
Their voyage to America was also lively and I really enjoyed that part as well. It was once they got to America that things really went down hill for me...
The plot in this book was almost nonexistent. I kept waiting for that big “oh no!” to happen, but it never did. As I was getting closer to the ending I couldn’t help but think “wait, this is it?” This book mainly focuses on your normal every day things in life and while was a minor accident that happened, there wasn’t anything that made you keep turning the page. Some people may enjoy reading about simple, everyday life but that’s personally not my favorite.
Another thing I wasn’t a fan of was Uncle Einar. I get that he isn’t the happiest person, but they way he was always complaining put a very negative vibe on the story. I normally don’t mind if there’s that one character in the book that’s a grump, but the book focused so much on him and his negativity + the characters responded a lot to way the he was acting and it was just too much for me. There was so much complaining and negativity in this book and it was driving me crazy!
Overall, I wasn’t a big fan of this book. I will say that I haven’t read the first one ( this is the second book in the series ) so I may have liked it / understood some things a little better if I had. Personally, I’m not sure if I’d recommend this due to the lack of plot + all of the bad vibes that I felt in it, but if you enjoy reading about everyday life than this book might be for you.
“I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review”
Side note : This is very strange but the description on Goodreads for this book isn’t correct. The blurb on the back of the book is correct, and is completely different from the one on Goodreads/ online. Down below is the correct description of this book :
With her brother Ivar in tow, Nilda Carlson is on her way to America to join her older brother Rune and his family in the northern forest of Minnesota. While she sees this as a golden opportunity, she has enough experience in life to know it won't be easy. The transatlantic voyage itself proves to be an adventure, and she hopes she will feel safe at her new home.
Rune and Signe Carlson are thrilled that Nilda and Ivar are come to Minnesota, but life on the Strand farm remains a struggle. Rune is trying to build a house for his wife and children, but Uncle Einar Strand, obsessed with his own ambitions, refuses to help. What's more, he forbids anyone from the community to step foot on his land, leaving Rune to toil on his own. When a tragedy lays bare the truth behind Einar's anger and isolation, the Carlsons and Strands will have to come together like never before to become a true family.
May 30, 2018
3.5 stars.
A Breath of Hope was... interesting. There were a couple of historical inaccuracies that stood out for me, and it was slightly empty being the second book of the series. To read an in depth review, go here: http://geoturtle.com/boe-and-a-book-r...
Things I Liked:
The Characters.
The Settings.
The Language.
Things I Didn't Like So Much:
The Plot. The Plot was almost non-exsistant. I felt like this was a bridge book for sure. Like the Carlson's needed to move forward in life, but some things had to move forward. There wasn't really a story to this book. This was the reason that it's only 3 stars.
Onkel Einar. Obviously. That was the goal, to make him unlikable, but I still didn't like him.
Also, there was mention during a sermon that "God needed rest, so then what about us?" This didn't effect my star rating, but I still wanted to mention that God didn't need rest. He rested on the 7th day to represent completion and give us an example.
Baby Kristin was baptized. This also didn't effect my rating, but I don't agree with this ritual, so just thought I'd mention it.
A Breath of Hope was... interesting. There were a couple of historical inaccuracies that stood out for me, and it was slightly empty being the second book of the series. To read an in depth review, go here: http://geoturtle.com/boe-and-a-book-r...
Things I Liked:
The Characters.
The Settings.
The Language.
Things I Didn't Like So Much:
The Plot. The Plot was almost non-exsistant. I felt like this was a bridge book for sure. Like the Carlson's needed to move forward in life, but some things had to move forward. There wasn't really a story to this book. This was the reason that it's only 3 stars.
Onkel Einar. Obviously. That was the goal, to make him unlikable, but I still didn't like him.
Also, there was mention during a sermon that "God needed rest, so then what about us?" This didn't effect my star rating, but I still wanted to mention that God didn't need rest. He rested on the 7th day to represent completion and give us an example.
Baby Kristin was baptized. This also didn't effect my rating, but I don't agree with this ritual, so just thought I'd mention it.
April 4, 2018
A Breath of Hope by Lauraine Snelling is the second novel in Under Northern Skies series. Nilda Carlson, Rune’s sister, wants to leave Norway and go to America. She is thrilled when a letter arrives from Einar Strand in America offering to pay for her passage. Nilda’s parents, though, will not allow her to travel alone. Ivar, her brother, will accompany her but he does not want to be beholden to Einar for his passage. Nilda must wait while the family earns enough money to pay for Ivar’s passage. Nilda and Ivar finally arrive in Benson’s Corner, Minnesota and are happy to be reunited with Rune and Signe. They are unprepared for Einar’s rudeness (he is bitter and mean) and determination to clear the trees from his property. Gerd is recovering nicely from her illness, and she enjoys spending time with little Kirstin. When Rune is not clearing trees for Einar, he and his sons are busy digging the cellar for the families’ new home. The Carlson’s have enjoyed getting to know the people of Benson’s Corner. They were unsure of how people would treat them because of Einar. Einar has alienated every person in the small town, but the Carlson’s have not been able to get the full story behind his misdeeds. An accident lays up one of the men and the others will have to continue without him. Pick up a copy of A Breath of Hope and read this heartwarming family saga to discover what happens next.
I thought A Breath of Hope was well-written and an engaging novel. I opened the book and was immediately drawn into the story. A Breath of Hope held my attention until I read the very last word (I rarely find books like this). The book has well-developed characters that I wish were my neighbors and friends (except Einar). We get to see how immigrants struggled to start their farms. They had to work to earn money food and the supplies needed to build their home. The trees had to be felled to plant crops and erect their homes and barns. They would have to fight the land and animals to survive. One bad crop and they could be ruined. It was important to have family and friends that they could rely on for help as well as comfort, friendship, and fellowship. This is all represented in A Breath of Hope. Lauraine Snelling has a conversational writing style that makes the story easy to read and savor. Christian values are represented in the book. Turning the other cheek, prayer, faith, following the path God has laid out for an individual and forgiveness are some of the Christian themes in A Breath of Hope. Forgiving someone can be very difficult especially when they continue to wrong you. It is one thing to say you forgive an individual and another to forgive them in your heart. A Breath of Hope is not a standalone novel. You need to read The Promise of Dawn before embarking on A Breath of Hope. I am rating A Breath of Hope 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I am looking forward to finding out what happens next with the Carlson family. My only complaint is that I now must wait a year for another installment in Under Northern Skies series.
I thought A Breath of Hope was well-written and an engaging novel. I opened the book and was immediately drawn into the story. A Breath of Hope held my attention until I read the very last word (I rarely find books like this). The book has well-developed characters that I wish were my neighbors and friends (except Einar). We get to see how immigrants struggled to start their farms. They had to work to earn money food and the supplies needed to build their home. The trees had to be felled to plant crops and erect their homes and barns. They would have to fight the land and animals to survive. One bad crop and they could be ruined. It was important to have family and friends that they could rely on for help as well as comfort, friendship, and fellowship. This is all represented in A Breath of Hope. Lauraine Snelling has a conversational writing style that makes the story easy to read and savor. Christian values are represented in the book. Turning the other cheek, prayer, faith, following the path God has laid out for an individual and forgiveness are some of the Christian themes in A Breath of Hope. Forgiving someone can be very difficult especially when they continue to wrong you. It is one thing to say you forgive an individual and another to forgive them in your heart. A Breath of Hope is not a standalone novel. You need to read The Promise of Dawn before embarking on A Breath of Hope. I am rating A Breath of Hope 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I am looking forward to finding out what happens next with the Carlson family. My only complaint is that I now must wait a year for another installment in Under Northern Skies series.
May 4, 2025
A Breath of Hope by Lauraine Snelling (2018)
Under Northern Skies #2
+324-page Hardback
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Christian Fiction
Featuring: Bibliography for Lauraine Snelling, Letters, January 1910, Norway, Minnesota, Family Dynamics, Norwegian, Farming, Logging, Lutheran Church, Animosity From Community, Sexual Harassment, Forgiveness Trope, Homemaking, Cantankerous Host, Food, Multiple POVs, Friendships, Neighbors, Blackduck, Minnesota; Mothers, Duluth, Minnesota; Hard Work, Discord, Children, Rural Life, Immigration, Voyage, Sermons, Women's Aid, English As a Second Language, Baby Care, Debt, Washing Machine, Stubbornness, Advertisements with Covers and Blurbs, Authors' Links
Songs for the soundtrack: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" by Reginald Heber, "Red Rover,"
Books and Authors mentioned: The Holy Bible, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling - Under Northern Skies #1, An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling, Song of Blessing: To Everything a Season, A Harvest of Hope, Streams of Mercy, From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling; In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson - Golden Gate Secrets #1, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears - Teaville Moral Society, Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren - The Sugar Baron's Daughters #1, A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green, Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt - The Silent Years #2, A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White - Shadows Over England #2
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇳🇴⚓️🇺🇲🐴🐄🤱🏼🪵✝️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 141 of 324 Chapter 16 - I was expecting the voyage to start sooner but the story has been good, the homemaking isn't as detailed this time around as we're focused more on farming and logging but it's all entertaining and informative. I'm breezing through. I wondered when Ingrid became Joy, I wish there was more of an explanation. I'm excited for the family to be reunited.
📖 199 Chapter 21 - It's a lot of characters to keep up with compared to before the arrival. Onkel Einar is on my last nerve.
I didn't love it as much as Book 1 but it was very good and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Recommend to others: Yes. Even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, this series may surprise you.
Under Northern Skies
1. The Promise of Dawn (2017)
2. A Breath of Hope (2018)
3. A Season of Grace (2018)
4. A Song of Joy (2019)
Under Northern Skies #2
+324-page Hardback
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational, Christian Fiction
Featuring: Bibliography for Lauraine Snelling, Letters, January 1910, Norway, Minnesota, Family Dynamics, Norwegian, Farming, Logging, Lutheran Church, Animosity From Community, Sexual Harassment, Forgiveness Trope, Homemaking, Cantankerous Host, Food, Multiple POVs, Friendships, Neighbors, Blackduck, Minnesota; Mothers, Duluth, Minnesota; Hard Work, Discord, Children, Rural Life, Immigration, Voyage, Sermons, Women's Aid, English As a Second Language, Baby Care, Debt, Washing Machine, Stubbornness, Advertisements with Covers and Blurbs, Authors' Links
Songs for the soundtrack: "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" by Reginald Heber, "Red Rover,"
Books and Authors mentioned: The Holy Bible, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling - Under Northern Skies #1, An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling, Song of Blessing: To Everything a Season, A Harvest of Hope, Streams of Mercy, From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling; In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson - Golden Gate Secrets #1, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears - Teaville Moral Society, Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren - The Sugar Baron's Daughters #1, A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green, Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt - The Silent Years #2, A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White - Shadows Over England #2
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🇳🇴⚓️🇺🇲🐴🐄🤱🏼🪵✝️
My thoughts: 📖 Page 141 of 324 Chapter 16 - I was expecting the voyage to start sooner but the story has been good, the homemaking isn't as detailed this time around as we're focused more on farming and logging but it's all entertaining and informative. I'm breezing through. I wondered when Ingrid became Joy, I wish there was more of an explanation. I'm excited for the family to be reunited.
📖 199 Chapter 21 - It's a lot of characters to keep up with compared to before the arrival. Onkel Einar is on my last nerve.
I didn't love it as much as Book 1 but it was very good and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Recommend to others: Yes. Even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, this series may surprise you.
Under Northern Skies
1. The Promise of Dawn (2017)
2. A Breath of Hope (2018)
3. A Season of Grace (2018)
4. A Song of Joy (2019)
April 7, 2018
Lauraine has developed a set of families and characters over the years that become part of our lives. They seem to live and breathe in the past and present. This book is no different, building on the last book featuring Rune and Signes' immigration deal with the abuse of their uncle and sponsor.
Rune's sister and brother immigrate in this book, which furthers the story of Rune and Signe and their situation that now included his siblings. Only this time, Einar's wife Gerd has started to regain her health and has starting to stand up to her husband. But will this lead to answers and peace or more heartache?
Rune's sister and brother immigrate in this book, which furthers the story of Rune and Signe and their situation that now included his siblings. Only this time, Einar's wife Gerd has started to regain her health and has starting to stand up to her husband. But will this lead to answers and peace or more heartache?
June 17, 2021
I was glad to see this book at our library since I had read earlier books by the author. However, I had a hard time getting into this book until I read several chapters. The story was lacking in depth and seemed drawn out. The ending still lacked a lot of answers for the characters and their family members. It would have been nice to have a Norwegian glossary included.
I borrowed this book from our library thus a review was not required.
July 1, 2018
While you can read this without reading the first one, it means more when you have read the first one. Nilda is Norwegian and wants to come to America and is working to save for a ticket. Her uncle in America asks her to come to America and will send her a ticket that she can work off. Her brother decides to come with her. A realistic described trip to America only to find her uncle is a harsh and cruel man.No one seems to know why and his wife won’t say anything. Nilda’s sister and brother-in-law already work for her uncle and are busy building a home of their own.
April 15, 2018
Loved this, I enjoyed the first, but loved the second.
April 10, 2018
A Breath of Hope is a wonderful story about immigration and the hardships and joys that are experienced when moving to a new country. This book is a great story about family and a reminder of God's love for us and finding joy in the little things of life.
I was a bit disappointed though it didn't keep my attention like I had hoped it would and for me it was a little drawn out. I would have liked to have read a little bit more about Nilda's time in Minnesota and not so much on the hardships she spent trying to get to America.
I was a bit disappointed though it didn't keep my attention like I had hoped it would and for me it was a little drawn out. I would have liked to have read a little bit more about Nilda's time in Minnesota and not so much on the hardships she spent trying to get to America.
October 6, 2024
Second book in the series (I haven’t read the first.) Bot a horrible book. Was nice, that is it…, nice.
April 12, 2018
Wonderful story of people working together to help each other and forgiveness!!
April 8, 2018
Hope is Alive!
Mrs.Snelling! What an awesome story of faith, Hope and love! But it cannot be the end at such an amazing beginning for Gerd, The Carlsons , The Bensons! Tell me there is another, what if railroad owner! Lumber yard worker, teacher; Ivar wanted to do more maybe there , Nilda's hope of marriage! I'll pray and wait! Thank you this two stories were uplifting! I lost several people I love and two books in a week help soothe my spirits!!
Mrs.Snelling! What an awesome story of faith, Hope and love! But it cannot be the end at such an amazing beginning for Gerd, The Carlsons , The Bensons! Tell me there is another, what if railroad owner! Lumber yard worker, teacher; Ivar wanted to do more maybe there , Nilda's hope of marriage! I'll pray and wait! Thank you this two stories were uplifting! I lost several people I love and two books in a week help soothe my spirits!!
April 7, 2018
I was so excited about this book that I found myself waking early on April 3rd to see if it had been added yet to my audible library and when it had I had to start listening to it and then I listened to it several times during the day and so I finished it all in one day and now I am listening to it again at a slower pace. Though I loved the first book in this series I think that I loved this one more. Ms. Snelling has such a way with words that draw you into the story even from the very first word. It was nice to know the story behind why Einar is so mean, but I have a feeling that there is more to his story. Even though I couldn't stand Tanta Gerd in the first book she has become one of my favorite characters. And now I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 6, 2018
This is a well-written, intriguing story of family relationships, working to achieve your dreams, and learning to forgive. Even though the setting of this book is not my favorite, I still was drawn into the story and was quite interested to seen how things worked out. I would look forward to reading a sequel to this story.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.
I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.
April 5, 2018
The second novel in a new series from Lauraine Snelling. This is the continuation of the story of a family immigrating from Norway to Minnesota to work for a family member who has a farm with lots of trees and the relationship of this new family trying to cope with a not very nice Uncle. I am enjoying this new series by this wonderful writer of Christian Fiction and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 16, 2018
“Life can change in the blink of an eye, and most times we have no control over it.”
--Signe’s Mor
Once again we meet up with Signe and Rune Carlson in Benson’s Corner, Minnesota approximately a year after they have settled in to life in America with Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd. The farm and logging business are doing pretty well with Rune and the boys help; Signe has Aunt Gerd back on her feet, feeling better, and in a better frame of mind. Baby Kirstin is thriving and bringing joy to their lives.
As usual Einar is not happy and drives everyone toward more work. As part of his plan, he brings Nilda and Ivar Carlson, Rune’s sister and brother, to America to work as well. While there is much joy in their reunion with the Carlson family, Einar’s bitterness and constant meanness place considerable strain on the entire family.
As Signe and Rune get ready to build their home, they will need all the help and goodwill they can get. Read this uplifting family saga filled with the details of everyday life on the frontier in Minnesota! The story speaks of family, faith, and good neighbors.
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
--Signe’s Mor
Once again we meet up with Signe and Rune Carlson in Benson’s Corner, Minnesota approximately a year after they have settled in to life in America with Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd. The farm and logging business are doing pretty well with Rune and the boys help; Signe has Aunt Gerd back on her feet, feeling better, and in a better frame of mind. Baby Kirstin is thriving and bringing joy to their lives.
As usual Einar is not happy and drives everyone toward more work. As part of his plan, he brings Nilda and Ivar Carlson, Rune’s sister and brother, to America to work as well. While there is much joy in their reunion with the Carlson family, Einar’s bitterness and constant meanness place considerable strain on the entire family.
As Signe and Rune get ready to build their home, they will need all the help and goodwill they can get. Read this uplifting family saga filled with the details of everyday life on the frontier in Minnesota! The story speaks of family, faith, and good neighbors.
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
May 14, 2018
After reading The Promise of Dawn, the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Even though I was excited to read it I was also a bit hesitant. I fell in love with Lauraine Snelling's storytelling in the first book and was a bit worried that it was a fluke and I wouldn't enjoy other books by her as much. I needn't have worried though as I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more.
The author has created characters that are so realistic and likable that it is impossible to not care about them. (Yes, even mean old Uncle Einar.) I was glad to see more of Rune's family in the story as they made their way to America and a new life. Nilda and Ivar were a nice addition to the story. There was a minor character in the book that I really liked and am hoping to see more of in future books. Even though Mrs. Schoenleber is only in the book for a very short time she really added to the story and I can only imagine the possibilities of where her character could go. It was also nice to meet more of the people of Benson's Creek and Blackduck.
As to the story itself, it is just a really well-written, solid story of the life immigrants led as they came to America. It picks up right where the first book ended and with the addition of Rune's sister and brother coming over it gave the story new life and new possibilities. The author has a wonderful storytelling ability and moves the story along at a nice, steady pace. I found it fun to read about the day-to-day events in the lives of these characters and how even though they struggled at times they stayed strong and never gave up hope.
This is a book I think readers will enjoy reading again and again. It's a nice comforting read and will appeal to readers looking for a book about simpler times. I don't recommend reading this book without reading the first book in the series. There's a lot of things that won't make as much sense if you skip the first book and go straight to this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series and hope my wait isn't long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.
The author has created characters that are so realistic and likable that it is impossible to not care about them. (Yes, even mean old Uncle Einar.) I was glad to see more of Rune's family in the story as they made their way to America and a new life. Nilda and Ivar were a nice addition to the story. There was a minor character in the book that I really liked and am hoping to see more of in future books. Even though Mrs. Schoenleber is only in the book for a very short time she really added to the story and I can only imagine the possibilities of where her character could go. It was also nice to meet more of the people of Benson's Creek and Blackduck.
As to the story itself, it is just a really well-written, solid story of the life immigrants led as they came to America. It picks up right where the first book ended and with the addition of Rune's sister and brother coming over it gave the story new life and new possibilities. The author has a wonderful storytelling ability and moves the story along at a nice, steady pace. I found it fun to read about the day-to-day events in the lives of these characters and how even though they struggled at times they stayed strong and never gave up hope.
This is a book I think readers will enjoy reading again and again. It's a nice comforting read and will appeal to readers looking for a book about simpler times. I don't recommend reading this book without reading the first book in the series. There's a lot of things that won't make as much sense if you skip the first book and go straight to this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series and hope my wait isn't long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.
November 30, 2018
First sentence: Nilda Carlson stared at the money in her hand.
Premise/plot: A Breath of Hope is the sequel to Lauraine Snelling's The Promise of Dawn. In the first book readers met Signe and Rune Carlson and journeyed with them to America. The couple and their children began working for their relatives Einar and Gerd. Einar is a lumberman with a booming temper; Gerd, in the first book, had a mighty temper as well. Hers seems to be the result of pain and regret. Signe's kindness and graciousness melted Gerd's heart in the end. Perhaps Signe's newborn daughter also helped the situation!!!
In the second book, readers meet Nilda and Ivar Carlson--Rune's younger brother and sister. In this one, they journey to America. They'll be joining the family and working for Einar and Gerd.
Signe and Rune have a BIG job ahead of them--working for Einar and Gerd Strand while at the same time planning and working towards building their own home. It's exhausting and demanding to balance all that hard work fairly. Especially since Einar continues to be a horribly rude and ungracious host.
Will Einar ever have a change of heart?
My thoughts: A Breath of Hope is just as wonderful as The Promise of Dawn. I continue to care about these characters. The story is emotional and intense without being melodramatic and without being preachy. Reading these two books made me want to read more of Snelling's novels.
Premise/plot: A Breath of Hope is the sequel to Lauraine Snelling's The Promise of Dawn. In the first book readers met Signe and Rune Carlson and journeyed with them to America. The couple and their children began working for their relatives Einar and Gerd. Einar is a lumberman with a booming temper; Gerd, in the first book, had a mighty temper as well. Hers seems to be the result of pain and regret. Signe's kindness and graciousness melted Gerd's heart in the end. Perhaps Signe's newborn daughter also helped the situation!!!
In the second book, readers meet Nilda and Ivar Carlson--Rune's younger brother and sister. In this one, they journey to America. They'll be joining the family and working for Einar and Gerd.
Signe and Rune have a BIG job ahead of them--working for Einar and Gerd Strand while at the same time planning and working towards building their own home. It's exhausting and demanding to balance all that hard work fairly. Especially since Einar continues to be a horribly rude and ungracious host.
Will Einar ever have a change of heart?
My thoughts: A Breath of Hope is just as wonderful as The Promise of Dawn. I continue to care about these characters. The story is emotional and intense without being melodramatic and without being preachy. Reading these two books made me want to read more of Snelling's novels.
May 1, 2018
Snelling is known for bringing local history to life, strong spiritual content, and wonderful characters. In this book, she brings back the Carlson family who came to America from Norway to join their Aunt Gerd and Uncle Einar. Now Rune's sister Nilda and brother Ivar are both headed to America to join them.
The local history of the north woods of Minnesota come alive in this book. Her descriptions of Ivan and Nilda's voyage to America made me feel as though I was right in the ship with them. Signe and Rune displayed the elements of a strong marriage in their caring for one another, their children, and their faith. Aunt Gerd was a true sweetheart and Signe was so supportive of her as she recovered from her ill health. Uncle Einar was a grumpy, unhappy old man who never did change throughout the book. It made me sad that he was missing out on so much by the way he treated everyone. Nilda and Iver were a great addition to the family and both pitched right in helping where they were needed. Baby Kirstin added such sweetness throughout the story.
I don't know if there will be more stories of the Carlson family, but I certainly hope so.
The local history of the north woods of Minnesota come alive in this book. Her descriptions of Ivan and Nilda's voyage to America made me feel as though I was right in the ship with them. Signe and Rune displayed the elements of a strong marriage in their caring for one another, their children, and their faith. Aunt Gerd was a true sweetheart and Signe was so supportive of her as she recovered from her ill health. Uncle Einar was a grumpy, unhappy old man who never did change throughout the book. It made me sad that he was missing out on so much by the way he treated everyone. Nilda and Iver were a great addition to the family and both pitched right in helping where they were needed. Baby Kirstin added such sweetness throughout the story.
I don't know if there will be more stories of the Carlson family, but I certainly hope so.
February 19, 2018
When I began A Breathe of Hope, it grabbed my attention. I wanted to know Nilda Carlson more and how she was going to make it over to another country and be with her brother, Rune, at her Uncle's farm. The life that Rune and his family faced was tough. Their basic needs were met, and yet the Uncle Einar was never happy, and made life so hard. The family faced struggles, hardships, and yet through it all, they remain focused on caring for each other and making a better life for themselves.
I give it 3 stars, because after the first 6 chapters, the book no longer held my interest, so I read the last chapter, summing up what happened to each of the family member. If you enjoy reading about immigrants to another country and lots of details, this story is for you.
I received a complimentary review copy by the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
I give it 3 stars, because after the first 6 chapters, the book no longer held my interest, so I read the last chapter, summing up what happened to each of the family member. If you enjoy reading about immigrants to another country and lots of details, this story is for you.
I received a complimentary review copy by the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
February 26, 2018
This was a wonderful book filled with love, forgiveness, family, and God’s grace. The way this family prayed and trusted God with their lives was truly amazing and an example we should all take note of.
I found this book heart warming, and it reminded me of the simpler times. They had to work so hard back then, but they worked for their food and shelter. Sitting around the table together was normal and enjoying coffee with friends was an exceptional treat. Family should be the most important thing, only after God, but it seems that life has become more about material gain now days. I loved traveling back in time to this way of life. I cannot wait for the next book(s) in this series!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
I found this book heart warming, and it reminded me of the simpler times. They had to work so hard back then, but they worked for their food and shelter. Sitting around the table together was normal and enjoying coffee with friends was an exceptional treat. Family should be the most important thing, only after God, but it seems that life has become more about material gain now days. I loved traveling back in time to this way of life. I cannot wait for the next book(s) in this series!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
May 13, 2018
This was my first book from this author, and I will have to say it was a refreshing breathe of fresh air. I live in Minnesota and love seeing the state used in books. The characters in the book are refreshing, and I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely read more from this author. I won this book in a Good reads give away and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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February 1, 2018RT book review coming soon
June 30, 2018
" A Breath of Hope" is what Signe Carlson is feeling as Spring comes to Minnesota and with it news that her sister-in-law and brother-in-law are being invited by Uncle Einar and Gerd to come from Norway to live and work on the farm. This is a dream come true for Nilda Carlson and her brother, Ivar who have been working hard to save enough money to make the trip and also for Signe and Rune who can use the extra help with their heavy workload put on them by Uncle Einar.
Einar is still overbearing and rude, even though Signe, Rune, and the boys try their hardest to please him, but Gerd has softened in her attitude and is becoming healthier, much to Signe's delight.
Rune is trying his best to build his own home to house his family but Uncle Einar is not helpful at all and so demanding upon his time that it is difficult.
Will Uncle Einar ever change? They all wonder that daily. Signe has been praying for him but finds her faith and hope is beginning to weaken as she sees no results. Rune is at the point of exasperation and his patience is wearing thin. What will it take to change Einar? Will he ever think of them as family instead of just slaves? Was he always this heartless? What happened to him to cause him to be so hateful?
The Carlsons try to keep moving forward in faith, hope and love as a family even though Einar's bad spirit dampens every occasion when he is present.
Hopefully, with the arrival of Nilda and Ivar, the work will get easier and the family will have more time to enjoy life and each other, and hopefully get their new home built so they don't need to live under Einar's roof any longer.
This book two shows us what can happen to a person when they hold onto the past and let themselves become buried in anger, bitterness and greed. It also shows us that the only one that can change a person is God, and that we can only pray for them, as we treat them with kindness and try to love them as God does, hoping that they will come to repentance and seek God's help.
(I received this book from Bethany House Publishers but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
--Leona J. Atkinson
Einar is still overbearing and rude, even though Signe, Rune, and the boys try their hardest to please him, but Gerd has softened in her attitude and is becoming healthier, much to Signe's delight.
Rune is trying his best to build his own home to house his family but Uncle Einar is not helpful at all and so demanding upon his time that it is difficult.
Will Uncle Einar ever change? They all wonder that daily. Signe has been praying for him but finds her faith and hope is beginning to weaken as she sees no results. Rune is at the point of exasperation and his patience is wearing thin. What will it take to change Einar? Will he ever think of them as family instead of just slaves? Was he always this heartless? What happened to him to cause him to be so hateful?
The Carlsons try to keep moving forward in faith, hope and love as a family even though Einar's bad spirit dampens every occasion when he is present.
Hopefully, with the arrival of Nilda and Ivar, the work will get easier and the family will have more time to enjoy life and each other, and hopefully get their new home built so they don't need to live under Einar's roof any longer.
This book two shows us what can happen to a person when they hold onto the past and let themselves become buried in anger, bitterness and greed. It also shows us that the only one that can change a person is God, and that we can only pray for them, as we treat them with kindness and try to love them as God does, hoping that they will come to repentance and seek God's help.
(I received this book from Bethany House Publishers but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
--Leona J. Atkinson
June 27, 2018
This is one of those book series that you wish the author could write faster; like maybe a book every few months! I read the Promise of Dawn and could not wait for this book to come out! You can read it as a standalone but you will want to read the first one so you won’t miss anything!
After a great many struggles, Rune and his family are still working for his cantankerous (and that’s putting it nicely) Uncle Einar, and finishing building their new home. With them moving soon, Uncle Eniar will need more help. He offers to pay Nilda, Rune’s sister, passage to America. She is beyond ecstatic! Her family insists her brother Ivar come with her, but he choose to earn money for his own trip. America the land of promise to so many immigrants! Just as with her brother and his family she has no clue of what she will be facing in the way of her uncle’s mean and hateful ways. He does not care for his family just his land and obsession of logging the vast trees.
Just as in the previous book the author has a talent for vividly painting not only the characters experiences and daily life, but also their thoughts and emotions. I felt as if I was right there seeing and being a part of everything, but also stepping inside of each character and perceiving the situations thorough their eyes.
Once again I was greatly inspired by the family’s deep faith in God and how they lived it. Uncle Einar reminds me of people that are so embittered and mean spirited that nothing seems break through their hard shell. God is the only one that can. Seeing the Carlson’s love, patience and forgiveness is overwhelming. You can’t help but wonder how they do it after being consistently mistreated. A lesson for all to learn. I was once more shocked at the extremely hard work and challenge simply to exist in this era. I am afraid I might have given up. Another amazing book in this series! I cannot wait to read the next one!
I received this book from Bethany Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
After a great many struggles, Rune and his family are still working for his cantankerous (and that’s putting it nicely) Uncle Einar, and finishing building their new home. With them moving soon, Uncle Eniar will need more help. He offers to pay Nilda, Rune’s sister, passage to America. She is beyond ecstatic! Her family insists her brother Ivar come with her, but he choose to earn money for his own trip. America the land of promise to so many immigrants! Just as with her brother and his family she has no clue of what she will be facing in the way of her uncle’s mean and hateful ways. He does not care for his family just his land and obsession of logging the vast trees.
Just as in the previous book the author has a talent for vividly painting not only the characters experiences and daily life, but also their thoughts and emotions. I felt as if I was right there seeing and being a part of everything, but also stepping inside of each character and perceiving the situations thorough their eyes.
Once again I was greatly inspired by the family’s deep faith in God and how they lived it. Uncle Einar reminds me of people that are so embittered and mean spirited that nothing seems break through their hard shell. God is the only one that can. Seeing the Carlson’s love, patience and forgiveness is overwhelming. You can’t help but wonder how they do it after being consistently mistreated. A lesson for all to learn. I was once more shocked at the extremely hard work and challenge simply to exist in this era. I am afraid I might have given up. Another amazing book in this series! I cannot wait to read the next one!
I received this book from Bethany Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
August 7, 2018
This review, and many more like it, are available at
Read Till Dawn
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I really, really enjoyed the first book in the "Under Northern Skies" series, The Promise of Dawn. I was excited to see the story continue with A Breath of Hope.
And, on the whole, I'm satisfied with this second instalment in the series. Nilda is an interesting new character, though I almost found her a little bland in comparison to the rest of the family. It's hard for a young, single woman who mostly just helps with the cooking and takes some English classes to compete for the spotlight with Signe, Rune, the boys, the baby, Gerd, and Einar. I didn't care much about her potential romances. I think my favorite parts with Nilda have to be her reaction to an attempted assault back in Norway (and her attempts to see justice done), and she and Ivar's stop at a wealthy woman's mansion during their journey to Minnesota. Both are compelling storylines that I thought were done well.
I also really appreciated seeing the continuation of the story started in the first book, following the characters we grew to love in The Promise of Dawn. I didn't enjoy them quite as much as in the first one, because Einar's surliness got a little old after a while and most of the drama of living on the farm and growing accustomed to everything was already hashed out in the previous book, but it was still nice to see the continuation of their transition to their own place in Minnesota.
I've really enjoyed this series so far. While The Breath of Hope wasn't quite as good as The Promise of Dawn in my opinion, I still loved it and I am excited to read any more books in the series that might be coming out.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really enjoyed the first book in the "Under Northern Skies" series, The Promise of Dawn. I was excited to see the story continue with A Breath of Hope.
And, on the whole, I'm satisfied with this second instalment in the series. Nilda is an interesting new character, though I almost found her a little bland in comparison to the rest of the family. It's hard for a young, single woman who mostly just helps with the cooking and takes some English classes to compete for the spotlight with Signe, Rune, the boys, the baby, Gerd, and Einar. I didn't care much about her potential romances. I think my favorite parts with Nilda have to be her reaction to an attempted assault back in Norway (and her attempts to see justice done), and she and Ivar's stop at a wealthy woman's mansion during their journey to Minnesota. Both are compelling storylines that I thought were done well.
I also really appreciated seeing the continuation of the story started in the first book, following the characters we grew to love in The Promise of Dawn. I didn't enjoy them quite as much as in the first one, because Einar's surliness got a little old after a while and most of the drama of living on the farm and growing accustomed to everything was already hashed out in the previous book, but it was still nice to see the continuation of their transition to their own place in Minnesota.
I've really enjoyed this series so far. While The Breath of Hope wasn't quite as good as The Promise of Dawn in my opinion, I still loved it and I am excited to read any more books in the series that might be coming out.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2022
I liked this one better than the first one because more happened. There was the drama with Nilda and the horrible jerk Dreng. Nothing was resolved with that plot line, and since he sent her the threatening note, I have a feeling he will return in a future book. There is also Nilda's love triangle (though it's all just bashful looks and laughter right now - talk about slow burn!) which I assume will be addressed in book three. I really hope book three doesn't just open with her married already to one of them, I hope there is some angst with which suitor she chooses. However, since this book opened up almost exactly where book one left off, I have high hopes for some good drama here.
Signe and Rune are just as much a part of this story as Nilda, maybe more so considering the blurb on the back of the book and the cover art which makes it seem as if Nilda is the main character. I didn't mind that, though, because I wanted to see if Rune and Signe would finally get out from under Onkel Einar's thumb. And boy, was Einar even more hateful in this second book! At the end of the first one, I really thought the author had used him getting lost in the snow as an easy, one-brush stroke redemption, and I was actually relieved to see that wasn't the case. Einar was so abusive, it would have smacked false if it had been that easy. Sure enough, he is back in all his awful glory in this book. He is so stubborn and hateful, you kind of cheer at how it ends, though the author feebly attempts to make us be more Christian about it - haha!
Anyways, I really enjoyed this second book, and I am still amazed how fascinating the author makes chores on the frontier! Not as much of that in this book, but still a very descriptive telling of daily life during that time period.
Signe and Rune are just as much a part of this story as Nilda, maybe more so considering the blurb on the back of the book and the cover art which makes it seem as if Nilda is the main character. I didn't mind that, though, because I wanted to see if Rune and Signe would finally get out from under Onkel Einar's thumb. And boy, was Einar even more hateful in this second book! At the end of the first one, I really thought the author had used him getting lost in the snow as an easy, one-brush stroke redemption, and I was actually relieved to see that wasn't the case. Einar was so abusive, it would have smacked false if it had been that easy. Sure enough, he is back in all his awful glory in this book. He is so stubborn and hateful, you kind of cheer at how it ends, though the author feebly attempts to make us be more Christian about it - haha!
Anyways, I really enjoyed this second book, and I am still amazed how fascinating the author makes chores on the frontier! Not as much of that in this book, but still a very descriptive telling of daily life during that time period.
June 6, 2018
I loved Lorraine Snelling's stories set in Blessing, North Dakota, and was glad to find references to Blessing in this Minnesota story of Norwegians who made their way to North America. In Breath of Hope, Rune and Signe Carlson and their boys have been living in norther Minnesota with an aunt and uncle for a year or so. Uncle Einar is cruel and demanding and insists that all of the nearby townspeople stay off his land. For the early days of the young family's presence, even Aunt Gert was hard to live with, but after she became ill and Signe nursed her back to health, Gert began to change as she saved the lives of Signe and her baby who became the joy in Gert's life. When Ruse and Signe had worked off their payment for their tickets to America, Rune began to stand up to his uncle, but everyone else remained scared of him.
Meanwhile, Rune's sister, Nilda Carlson, is saving money to travel to America and meet up with her brother. When Einar offers to pay for her ticket, her younger brother Ivar accompanies her.
I just realized this is the second in series so I hope there are more to come because I never quite understood why Einar didn't want anyone on his land and the young man who threatened Nilda in scenes at the beginning of the novel never reappeared. Even though some strains of the story remained unresolved, overall, it's a wonderful story of neighbors helping neighbors in sacrificial ways.
NOTE: I received a free electronic copy of this through Bethany House Publishers. No review, positive or otherwise, was required. All opinions are my own.
Meanwhile, Rune's sister, Nilda Carlson, is saving money to travel to America and meet up with her brother. When Einar offers to pay for her ticket, her younger brother Ivar accompanies her.
I just realized this is the second in series so I hope there are more to come because I never quite understood why Einar didn't want anyone on his land and the young man who threatened Nilda in scenes at the beginning of the novel never reappeared. Even though some strains of the story remained unresolved, overall, it's a wonderful story of neighbors helping neighbors in sacrificial ways.
NOTE: I received a free electronic copy of this through Bethany House Publishers. No review, positive or otherwise, was required. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2018
Well I just love getting into a Lauraine Snelling series! I've just finished book 2 here in the Under Northern Skies series and I wonder what everyone is doing. That's how her books are for me, they are subtle, they are about the everyday, and you get to know each of the characters, and now that the books is read - you wonder what they are doing today!
I loved book 1 - The Promise of Dawn, and A Breath of Hope was the same - loved it. I enjoy the historical aspect, what was daily live like back in the early 1900's? What was it like to cross an ocean and leave your family and what is familiar behind? How did all this work get done without all the gadgets and machines we have now!?
I love the way this is written, getting to hear everyone's voice, and the letter writing aspect letting you see what's happening in Norway and in Minnesota!
This book continues where A Promise of Dawn leaves off, Rune's sister Nilda and brother Ivar are saving money to make the trip to America - Einar will need help once Rune and his family move to their new home! What is in store for Nilda and Ivar? How will Uncle Einar treat them? Nilda and Ivar can't wait to see Rune, Signe, and their children! How will God bless this trip? Will he hear their prayers, will there be peace in this house? Will Uncle Einar allow his family and the town help him, will he realize what is really important?
Is there A Breath of Hope?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House under their Blogger Review program, all comments are my own!
I loved book 1 - The Promise of Dawn, and A Breath of Hope was the same - loved it. I enjoy the historical aspect, what was daily live like back in the early 1900's? What was it like to cross an ocean and leave your family and what is familiar behind? How did all this work get done without all the gadgets and machines we have now!?
I love the way this is written, getting to hear everyone's voice, and the letter writing aspect letting you see what's happening in Norway and in Minnesota!
This book continues where A Promise of Dawn leaves off, Rune's sister Nilda and brother Ivar are saving money to make the trip to America - Einar will need help once Rune and his family move to their new home! What is in store for Nilda and Ivar? How will Uncle Einar treat them? Nilda and Ivar can't wait to see Rune, Signe, and their children! How will God bless this trip? Will he hear their prayers, will there be peace in this house? Will Uncle Einar allow his family and the town help him, will he realize what is really important?
Is there A Breath of Hope?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House under their Blogger Review program, all comments are my own!
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