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A Prairie Heritage #2
Wild Heart on the Prairie
Jan Thoresen and his brother Karl have left their native land of Norway to bring their families to America—the land of freedom and hope. Like thousands of others, Jan and his wife Elli long for the opportunity of a better life and a future for their children.
After braving an ocean crossing and the arduous journey west, they encounter a land so vast and wide that it defies mastery. Jan finds that his struggles are not only with the land, but with a restless and unmanageable heart. Will Jan find a way to overcome this wild land or will the prairie master him?
Wild Heart on the Prairie, while designated Book 4 in the series, A Prairie Heritage, is chronologically the prequel and companion to Book 1, A Rose Blooms Twice.
A Prairie Heritage:
Book 1: A Rose Blooms Twice
Book 2: Wild Heart on the Prairie
Book 3: Joy on This Mountain
Book 4: The Captive Within
Book 5: Stolen, June 2014
Book 6: Lost Are Found
After braving an ocean crossing and the arduous journey west, they encounter a land so vast and wide that it defies mastery. Jan finds that his struggles are not only with the land, but with a restless and unmanageable heart. Will Jan find a way to overcome this wild land or will the prairie master him?
Wild Heart on the Prairie, while designated Book 4 in the series, A Prairie Heritage, is chronologically the prequel and companion to Book 1, A Rose Blooms Twice.
A Prairie Heritage:
Book 1: A Rose Blooms Twice
Book 2: Wild Heart on the Prairie
Book 3: Joy on This Mountain
Book 4: The Captive Within
Book 5: Stolen, June 2014
Book 6: Lost Are Found
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2014
323 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Vikki Kestell
54 books211 followersVikki Kestell’s passion for people and their stories is evident in her readers’ affection for her characters and unusual plotlines. Two often repeated sentiments are, "I feel like I know these people," and "I'm right there, in the book, experiencing what her characters experience."
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
Vikki holds a PhD in organizational learning and instructional technologies. She left a career of twenty-plus years in government, academia, and corporate life to pursue writing full time. "Writing is the best job ever," she admits.
Also an accomplished speaker and teacher, Vikki and her husband, Conrad Smith, make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Want to be notified of new book releases? Sign up for Vikki's newsletter on her website, http://www.vikkikestell.com/, or connect with her on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/TheWritingOfV..., or follow her on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vikki..., or right here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 12, 2024
Book two of A Prairie Heritage.
Mid 1800s
Nebraska Territory
Characters:
Jan Thoreson: Younger of the Thoreson brothers
Karl Thoreson: Older brother
Ellie Thoreson: Jan's wife
Soren Thoreson: Jan's son
Amalie Thoreson: Karl's wife
Sigrun Thoreson: Karl's daughter
Rose Brownlee: New city-bred lady making her home in their town
At first, I thought this was just a prequel to the first book. And it’s sort of was. In fact, it was Jan’s story from when they left Norway, coming to America with his brother and their own families, and traveling to the Nebraska to attain free land to farm (something not available in Norway). In Norway, they would’ve stayed on their father’s land until he died and then the land would’ve been given to Jan’s brother, Karl, meaning Jan would be without land. So they both decided to attain their own land instead of waiting.
Life wasn’t easy in this new prairie country. Major storms and freezes, locusts and drought. Then, as in the first book, tragedy struck the two families and it was time to learn a new way to live and a deepening way to trust God.
The last few chapters include much of what was in book one, but abbreviated and from Jan’s perspective. The first book was from Rose's point of view. Part two is where Rose comes into the story.
These were my favorite chapters.
The first quarter of the book was about their travels, the supplies they bought, and learning to trust people along the way. If you can wade through that, you will get to the gold.
The two families loved the Lord and showed it in all the ways they dealt with whatever came up, and that was by looking to their Savior for answers, often in sharing scripture, or on their knees. What a lovely display of their trust in God.
The ending was not unsuspected because it was in book one. But told in Jan's words or thoughts, it took on a different light.
4.5⭐️ because I think some of the pages of supplies and everyday travel could have been omitted.
But I still loved this book.
Mid 1800s
Nebraska Territory
Characters:
Jan Thoreson: Younger of the Thoreson brothers
Karl Thoreson: Older brother
Ellie Thoreson: Jan's wife
Soren Thoreson: Jan's son
Amalie Thoreson: Karl's wife
Sigrun Thoreson: Karl's daughter
Rose Brownlee: New city-bred lady making her home in their town
At first, I thought this was just a prequel to the first book. And it’s sort of was. In fact, it was Jan’s story from when they left Norway, coming to America with his brother and their own families, and traveling to the Nebraska to attain free land to farm (something not available in Norway). In Norway, they would’ve stayed on their father’s land until he died and then the land would’ve been given to Jan’s brother, Karl, meaning Jan would be without land. So they both decided to attain their own land instead of waiting.
Life wasn’t easy in this new prairie country. Major storms and freezes, locusts and drought. Then, as in the first book, tragedy struck the two families and it was time to learn a new way to live and a deepening way to trust God.
The last few chapters include much of what was in book one, but abbreviated and from Jan’s perspective. The first book was from Rose's point of view. Part two is where Rose comes into the story.
These were my favorite chapters.
The first quarter of the book was about their travels, the supplies they bought, and learning to trust people along the way. If you can wade through that, you will get to the gold.
The two families loved the Lord and showed it in all the ways they dealt with whatever came up, and that was by looking to their Savior for answers, often in sharing scripture, or on their knees. What a lovely display of their trust in God.
The ending was not unsuspected because it was in book one. But told in Jan's words or thoughts, it took on a different light.
4.5⭐️ because I think some of the pages of supplies and everyday travel could have been omitted.
But I still loved this book.
October 9, 2014
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(from Amazon.com)
Wild Heart on the Prairie contains TWO PARTS, The separately published FREE prequel, Land of Dust and Tears, is also published as PART 1 of Wild Heart on the Prairie, Read THE CONCLUSION of Land of Dust and Tears in PART 2 of Wild Heart on the Prairie.
Wild Heart on the Prairie is the gripping prequel and companion to the breakthrough historical noel, A Rose Blooms Twice and is the foundation of the acclaimed series, A Prairie Heritage!
The Thoresen brothers, Jan (Yahn) and Karl, have left their native land of Norway and braved many perils and hardships to bring their families to America--the land of freedom and hope. Like thousands of others, Jan and his wife Elli long for the opportunity of a better life and a future for their children.
After enduring an ocean crossing and the arduous journey west, they encounter a land so vast and wide that it defies mastery. Jan finds that his struggles are not only with the land, but with a restless and unmanageable heart. Will Jan find a way to overcome this wild land or will the prairie master him?
MY REVIEW
Even though I skipped over Part 1(I had already read the prequel) of this book I was bored with Part 2. I found it to be repetitive of A Rose Blooms Twice only more from Jan's view, which you can guess at by reading the 'first' book in the series. I found myself doing more skimming than reading of this book. This hasn't kept me from continuing on in the series though, I have already started the third book, Joy On This Mountain.
(from Amazon.com)
Wild Heart on the Prairie contains TWO PARTS, The separately published FREE prequel, Land of Dust and Tears, is also published as PART 1 of Wild Heart on the Prairie, Read THE CONCLUSION of Land of Dust and Tears in PART 2 of Wild Heart on the Prairie.
Wild Heart on the Prairie is the gripping prequel and companion to the breakthrough historical noel, A Rose Blooms Twice and is the foundation of the acclaimed series, A Prairie Heritage!
The Thoresen brothers, Jan (Yahn) and Karl, have left their native land of Norway and braved many perils and hardships to bring their families to America--the land of freedom and hope. Like thousands of others, Jan and his wife Elli long for the opportunity of a better life and a future for their children.
After enduring an ocean crossing and the arduous journey west, they encounter a land so vast and wide that it defies mastery. Jan finds that his struggles are not only with the land, but with a restless and unmanageable heart. Will Jan find a way to overcome this wild land or will the prairie master him?
MY REVIEW
Even though I skipped over Part 1(I had already read the prequel) of this book I was bored with Part 2. I found it to be repetitive of A Rose Blooms Twice only more from Jan's view, which you can guess at by reading the 'first' book in the series. I found myself doing more skimming than reading of this book. This hasn't kept me from continuing on in the series though, I have already started the third book, Joy On This Mountain.
July 11, 2020
This is actually two parts. The first is 0.5 and tells the story of Jan before Rose. The second was book 1 time frame from his point of view.
January 12, 2018
1866 to 1877 maybe?
Prairies of Nebraska
This was a prequel to A Rose Blooms Twice. Very interesting book. Joy filled and heartbreaking storylines of a journey for two Norwegian brothers, Karl and Jan with their families to homestead on land of their own in the prairies of Nebraska. It was hard to take in the devastation of what locusts could do to the livelihood of so many, and of a ravaging disease taking so many lives. But it was also fun to read of a strong family bond, of people on the prairie working together, helping one another to survive, and how God is so much in the forefront. In this family, nothing was decided or faced without bringing it to The Father. Christ's gospel message was proclaimed and changed people's lives and perspectives. Doctrines counter to scripture were tackled and important conclusions met.
Jan was a man who loved the Lord, who faced joys and many hardships, and although sometimes his quick temper got the best of him, he also knew when to humble himself and face his sin.
Aside from pages and pages of lists of what they shipped, or what to buy to survive the trip to their homestead claim, this was a really good read. Oh, in fact, even those pages could be considered historical information showing the complications of such an undertaking, and to work the soil; to start a farm from scratch in the prairie.
Very clean good story. Made me laugh and cry in parts. Now on to the next in the series... taking up from the end of A Rose Blooms Twice
Prairies of Nebraska
This was a prequel to A Rose Blooms Twice. Very interesting book. Joy filled and heartbreaking storylines of a journey for two Norwegian brothers, Karl and Jan with their families to homestead on land of their own in the prairies of Nebraska. It was hard to take in the devastation of what locusts could do to the livelihood of so many, and of a ravaging disease taking so many lives. But it was also fun to read of a strong family bond, of people on the prairie working together, helping one another to survive, and how God is so much in the forefront. In this family, nothing was decided or faced without bringing it to The Father. Christ's gospel message was proclaimed and changed people's lives and perspectives. Doctrines counter to scripture were tackled and important conclusions met.
Jan was a man who loved the Lord, who faced joys and many hardships, and although sometimes his quick temper got the best of him, he also knew when to humble himself and face his sin.
Aside from pages and pages of lists of what they shipped, or what to buy to survive the trip to their homestead claim, this was a really good read. Oh, in fact, even those pages could be considered historical information showing the complications of such an undertaking, and to work the soil; to start a farm from scratch in the prairie.
Very clean good story. Made me laugh and cry in parts. Now on to the next in the series... taking up from the end of A Rose Blooms Twice
September 6, 2017
Great prequel to the rest of the series!
April 11, 2019
This book was the second one in a series but it was weird. The story picked up with jan and his first wife, Elli, and Karla and Amelia (his brother and his wife) and how they come to America to get free land. It talks about how they ride the train to Omaha and then get wagons and go north of Fremont to a town called RiverBend. It talks about their hardships of farming on the prairie. Then typhus hits and Elli, Karl and Kristin (Jan's daughter) die. Then it goes into how Rose moved into the neighbor's house and how Jan grows to love her and asks her to marry him. In the first book, it tells of Rose's story of moving to the prairie and meeting Jan and his family and the struggles she has and how she falls in love with Jan and agrees to marry him. So in my opinion, the second book should have been the first book and then the part about Jan and Rose coming to marrying should be the events of the second book. Anyway, there is a third book in the series so we'll see where that takes me.
August 20, 2023
I finished reading this Jan 15, 2023. Good reads won't let me edit the date read.
This gives the background story from the 1st story in this series: A rose blooms twice
This story is about the Thoresen family. They make the voyage to the United States then overland to where they wanted to homestead. They traveled by wagon and train. I was amazed by how portable everything was. They even broke the wagon down to travel by train. I appreciated being told their homestead location as to what state they were in.
This gives the background story from the 1st story in this series: A rose blooms twice
This story is about the Thoresen family. They make the voyage to the United States then overland to where they wanted to homestead. They traveled by wagon and train. I was amazed by how portable everything was. They even broke the wagon down to travel by train. I appreciated being told their homestead location as to what state they were in.
December 31, 2020
So that’s where Jan comes in
I just have a problem with a series that takes stories out of sequence. I understand from reading Girls from the mountain that the driving character here is Rose, do she leads off and we backfill with Jan’s tale and then pick it back up in book 3. As stand alone you would never know but observing the story this book is out of sequence. But as usual, historically and spiritually accurate and uplifting
I just have a problem with a series that takes stories out of sequence. I understand from reading Girls from the mountain that the driving character here is Rose, do she leads off and we backfill with Jan’s tale and then pick it back up in book 3. As stand alone you would never know but observing the story this book is out of sequence. But as usual, historically and spiritually accurate and uplifting
June 24, 2023
My Musings
Oh, I really love these characters! It's so unusual to read another book about the same couple but told in a different perspective. Book one is all about Rose and her reactions. Book two is Jan's thought s and emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed this and shed a few tears along the way. They both deserve to find happiness after all the heartache. I also loved the spiritual message. Happy reading!
Oh, I really love these characters! It's so unusual to read another book about the same couple but told in a different perspective. Book one is all about Rose and her reactions. Book two is Jan's thought s and emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed this and shed a few tears along the way. They both deserve to find happiness after all the heartache. I also loved the spiritual message. Happy reading!
September 21, 2023
This is Christian fiction. Just a warning for people who don't care for that.
I was surprised that this book was set before book one, and thought I wouldn't enjoy it since I knew some of what was in store for the main characters. I was wrong, I actually loved reading this, more than book one.
Some of the things covered in this book really spoke to things I'm dealing with in my own life, and it felt like I was meant to read it.
I was surprised that this book was set before book one, and thought I wouldn't enjoy it since I knew some of what was in store for the main characters. I was wrong, I actually loved reading this, more than book one.
Some of the things covered in this book really spoke to things I'm dealing with in my own life, and it felt like I was meant to read it.
September 3, 2023
Great book
I definitely recommend reading this! Or was fun to read it right after the one about Rose. It lent extra suspense knowing what was going to happen but not when or how. And while it included some of the same story it didn't feel like a repeat because it was from a different perspective
I definitely recommend reading this! Or was fun to read it right after the one about Rose. It lent extra suspense knowing what was going to happen but not when or how. And while it included some of the same story it didn't feel like a repeat because it was from a different perspective
Read
January 14, 2025A good story line and well written. While it is a good story, it is not always a pleasant read inasmuch as it details many of the hardships of settling the American west in the late 1800s.
Although this is the second book in this series, it is actually a "prequel" to Book #1. Having read book one first, this book seemed out of order.
Although this is the second book in this series, it is actually a "prequel" to Book #1. Having read book one first, this book seemed out of order.
September 2, 2025
I was glad I already had this book after finishing the first one in the series. This one parallels that first book, plus gives more background on the male lead. I was glad I was able to read the two close together. She does a great job on applying the Bible to life in all its grittiness. I can't wait to read the next book, but I've got to recharge my Kindle!
January 4, 2017
A Moving and Heart reaching book
This is an amazing and inspiring book of family, life, losses and second chances. Like "A Rose Blooms Twice", the first book in this series, it tells of family, love, losses and an amazing journey of faith. I definitely recommend this book.
This is an amazing and inspiring book of family, life, losses and second chances. Like "A Rose Blooms Twice", the first book in this series, it tells of family, love, losses and an amazing journey of faith. I definitely recommend this book.
August 17, 2020
Awe inspiring
This was a difficult read for me, I cried for half of the book! Life was not easy for the pioneers but amid the hardships was much joy, the blessed Lord saw them through. The detailed writing was terrific.
This was a difficult read for me, I cried for half of the book! Life was not easy for the pioneers but amid the hardships was much joy, the blessed Lord saw them through. The detailed writing was terrific.
June 14, 2024
even better than the first book
This second story in the series takes a look thru the eyes of Jan. It is one filled with emotions, tragedy but of continuing love for God our father.
This second story in the series takes a look thru the eyes of Jan. It is one filled with emotions, tragedy but of continuing love for God our father.
August 13, 2017
Excellent I love this series
November 9, 2017
The romance of Rose and Jan was re-accounted from Jan's perspective, it was much better from Rose's perspective. Good series, encouraging Christian behavior.
February 17, 2018
This was a touching read of "the other side of the coin." I enjoyed it very much.
April 1, 2018
Very good historical romance with some drama.
September 30, 2020
DNF - I just couldn’t. It was so slow. After reading reviews on Goodreads I came to the conclusion I would not miss anything. So I stopped reading. Not my type of book.
May 19, 2021
Man's story from crossing the Atlantic ocean with his brother Karl and their families. To settling down in Riverbend. I loved getting to know Jan and see his Christian walk.
August 16, 2021
Great book
July 26, 2023
3.5⭐️
September 13, 2024
I loved especially the retelling of the story of Rose's arrival, this time from Jan's POV.
August 8, 2015
It was very annoying to find that the author published these books out of chronological order, even though I made every attempt to read them chronologically. Book 1, A Rose Blooms Twice, is actually the second part of this book. The events in the first half of this book (Book 2) actually occur BEFORE the events in Book 1. I hate it when authors do that, and it has turned me off to anything else by this author. Oh well... there are plenty of others to enjoy.
October 11, 2015
This novel was a gripping saga of a Norwegian family's immigration to America and homesteading on vast prairies. The characters matured in their faith as they faced many hardships including death, grief, and threats to their survival. I loved the sense of community amid cultural and language differences. The story line had many inspiring layers. Recommended for those who like 1800's Christian fiction.
August 17, 2015
This book is actually a prequel to the first book published in the series. I was lucky enough to realize that so I could read book 2 in the series first. The immigrant and pioneer life was not always easy but full of hardships and heartache along with the good times in the late 1800s. This is a good mix of both that makes it ring true to life as it was back then with a happy ending.
August 21, 2016
Good read
Good book. Cannot wait to see what happens with Jan and Rose in other books in the series. Did I say good book? Hahaha! Why is there a minimum number of words in rudderless? This is asinine!
Good book. Cannot wait to see what happens with Jan and Rose in other books in the series. Did I say good book? Hahaha! Why is there a minimum number of words in rudderless? This is asinine!
April 23, 2014
Book #4 in this series....the prequel. Can't wait for the 5th book to come out in June.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews