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The Brushstroke Legacy
Forbidden. Hidden. Denied. Can art be powerful enough to endure?
Ragni Clauson’s work, relationships, and body all seem to be falling apart. And she isn’t convinced that spending her vacation fixing up her great-grandmother’s cabin and supervising her rebellious teenage niece, Erika, will offer any much-needed rejuvenation.
As Ragni and Erika clean, they begin to uncover the secret paintings and life of Nilda, Ragni’s ancestor who lived in the cabin in the early 1900s. Ragni doesn’t know how much she has in common with her great-grandmother, but it becomes clear Nilda faced her own struggles. Taking care of home and menfolk, fighting off locusts, raising her daughter, and finding time to paint in the midst of it all were not easy tasks. Will Nilda’s passion for enduring art re-ignite Ragni’s artistic soul a century later?
Weaving together the stories of three generations of women, The Brushstroke Legacy stirs us to believe that no matter the circumstances, we are called to use our gifts– never knowing when they might bring a stranger to a new place of hope.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Ragni Clauson’s work, relationships, and body all seem to be falling apart. And she isn’t convinced that spending her vacation fixing up her great-grandmother’s cabin and supervising her rebellious teenage niece, Erika, will offer any much-needed rejuvenation.
As Ragni and Erika clean, they begin to uncover the secret paintings and life of Nilda, Ragni’s ancestor who lived in the cabin in the early 1900s. Ragni doesn’t know how much she has in common with her great-grandmother, but it becomes clear Nilda faced her own struggles. Taking care of home and menfolk, fighting off locusts, raising her daughter, and finding time to paint in the midst of it all were not easy tasks. Will Nilda’s passion for enduring art re-ignite Ragni’s artistic soul a century later?
Weaving together the stories of three generations of women, The Brushstroke Legacy stirs us to believe that no matter the circumstances, we are called to use our gifts– never knowing when they might bring a stranger to a new place of hope.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
392 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2006
92 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,042 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 65 reviews
March 7, 2018
This has a bit more romance than I was expecting, but overall this is an interesting story. I especially liked the back-in-time parts; reminded me a bit of a Janette Oke story. It is neat how the old story goes along with the modern one at the same locations. I liked the painting bits, but there wasn't quite enough of it, in my opinion.
March 7, 2024
3.5 stars**
This was an okay story. Interesting in some parts and engaging enough in others that I did enjoy myself. Nothing about this story was phenomenal to me though and the ending was kind of strange (you've known the man for 3 weeks and he's already proposing?🫣😬) Also, the main character in the modern day timeline says that nothing is keeping her in Chicago, but she has previously spent a lot of the book being angry with God for allowing her father to have dementia, and HE lives in Chicago. Did you forget about your Dad or what? 😅
I did enjoy the parts about painting and the legacy Nilda had left in her home. The romance in the historical timeline also seemed a bit forced. Overall an okay book.
This was an okay story. Interesting in some parts and engaging enough in others that I did enjoy myself. Nothing about this story was phenomenal to me though and the ending was kind of strange (you've known the man for 3 weeks and he's already proposing?🫣😬) Also, the main character in the modern day timeline says that nothing is keeping her in Chicago, but she has previously spent a lot of the book being angry with God for allowing her father to have dementia, and HE lives in Chicago. Did you forget about your Dad or what? 😅
I did enjoy the parts about painting and the legacy Nilda had left in her home. The romance in the historical timeline also seemed a bit forced. Overall an okay book.
July 16, 2022
My impression of this book is that women will like it and relate to it better than men. Two ladies with the same name, Ragnilda, are four generations apart. Nilda, the great-grandma, comes west to near Medora, North Dakota in the late 1800’s. Ragni, the great-granddaughter, is mid-thirties when she arrives at the cabin near Medora to restore it and learn more about her great-grandma.
The first few chapters are all from Ragni’s time and point of view. Then the chapters begin to alternate between Ragni and Nilda. So there are two stories but interrelated. Both Ragnildas have a love for painting. Both also have a lot of self-talk, inner conversations with themselves.
There are men in the story. Jacob Peterson runs the ad that brings Nilda to Medora. Paul Heidlborg writes a letter to Ragni’s mom about the cabin, and that brings Ragni to Medora. There are some other fellowc, but they are mostly incidental characters who provide background and occasional insight. The two men mentioned and the two Ragnildas develop love interests over time.
With Nilda, one gets a picture of life on the North Dakota prairie when things were much more of a struggle than today although when Ragni gets to the cabin, there is no electricity or running water. Her niece, Erika, is with her. She and Ragni’s interactions provide some chuckles at times.
It’s a nice story, really two nice stories woven into one. The happy everafters work out in the end. I enjoyed the book.
The first few chapters are all from Ragni’s time and point of view. Then the chapters begin to alternate between Ragni and Nilda. So there are two stories but interrelated. Both Ragnildas have a love for painting. Both also have a lot of self-talk, inner conversations with themselves.
There are men in the story. Jacob Peterson runs the ad that brings Nilda to Medora. Paul Heidlborg writes a letter to Ragni’s mom about the cabin, and that brings Ragni to Medora. There are some other fellowc, but they are mostly incidental characters who provide background and occasional insight. The two men mentioned and the two Ragnildas develop love interests over time.
With Nilda, one gets a picture of life on the North Dakota prairie when things were much more of a struggle than today although when Ragni gets to the cabin, there is no electricity or running water. Her niece, Erika, is with her. She and Ragni’s interactions provide some chuckles at times.
It’s a nice story, really two nice stories woven into one. The happy everafters work out in the end. I enjoyed the book.
October 28, 2016
Ragni Clausson works in a stressful job in the Commercial art field. She has planned a much needed holiday but then her mother asks her to take a detour and go to a cabin that remains in the family that is apparently is desperate need of upkeep. Ragni's mother is main caregiver of Ragni's father who is suffering from dementia. Then Ragni's sister asks her to take her niece with her when she goes to the cabin. Erika, is a teenager and Ragni's sister, a single mother is struggling with Erika's behavior. Ragni agrees under duress and the two of them head off to check out the cabin. Ragni's great-grandmother lived in the cabin in the early 1900's and she soon learns she has many things in common with her. The story switches back and forth between her great-grandmother and Ragni. A Christian fiction story.
July 7, 2022
The Log Cabin Homeplace ❤️
This is a double story with Great-Grandparents NIlda and Joseph Peterson, 1906, and Ragni Clauson, 2002. The story centers on a small log cabin in North Dakota.
NIlda moves west with her daughter, Eloise, to be a housekeeper for Joseph. She not only fell in love with the homeplace and the land but with Joseph.
Ragni comes to the log cabin because a neighbor, Paul Heidelborg called and said the cabin is in disrepair. The roof is falling in and a window is broken. She comes with her niece Erica to see what needs to be done to make it livable. She not only fell in love with the home place and the land but with Paul.
This story has the heart of an artist in that both Nilda and Ragni are very good inspired artists. You will get some chuckles and some sadness from this lovely story.
This is a double story with Great-Grandparents NIlda and Joseph Peterson, 1906, and Ragni Clauson, 2002. The story centers on a small log cabin in North Dakota.
NIlda moves west with her daughter, Eloise, to be a housekeeper for Joseph. She not only fell in love with the homeplace and the land but with Joseph.
Ragni comes to the log cabin because a neighbor, Paul Heidelborg called and said the cabin is in disrepair. The roof is falling in and a window is broken. She comes with her niece Erica to see what needs to be done to make it livable. She not only fell in love with the home place and the land but with Paul.
This story has the heart of an artist in that both Nilda and Ragni are very good inspired artists. You will get some chuckles and some sadness from this lovely story.
June 28, 2017
This was a great book! I loved how it flipped between the present time and the past, so it is part contemporary and part historical fiction. It was fun to see the connection between the two main characters - Ragni and her great-grandmother.
However, there were some things that I found lacking. I'd love to know more about what broke Erika's spirit, how Nilda and Mr. Peterson's relationship developed, and how Susan told Erika about her cancer and why she left her daughter out of knowing about this. I'd also have liked to have seen more of the relationship between Ragni and Paul. I feel that rather than trying to tidy everything up in the epilogue, that a sequel would have been far more satisfying.
However, there were some things that I found lacking. I'd love to know more about what broke Erika's spirit, how Nilda and Mr. Peterson's relationship developed, and how Susan told Erika about her cancer and why she left her daughter out of knowing about this. I'd also have liked to have seen more of the relationship between Ragni and Paul. I feel that rather than trying to tidy everything up in the epilogue, that a sequel would have been far more satisfying.
April 30, 2022
predictable romance but with secrets
I love anything Lauraine Snelling writes. I compare some of her books with the Hallmark movies…predictable but yet with surprises along the way. This had a particular twist to it involving the title…I would think an artist, which I am not, would enjoy reading this book from the standpoint of the description of acquiring ink in a rural setting, creating paintings and displaying them. It is an easy, relaxing read and her God is always present in the lives of the characters.
I love anything Lauraine Snelling writes. I compare some of her books with the Hallmark movies…predictable but yet with surprises along the way. This had a particular twist to it involving the title…I would think an artist, which I am not, would enjoy reading this book from the standpoint of the description of acquiring ink in a rural setting, creating paintings and displaying them. It is an easy, relaxing read and her God is always present in the lives of the characters.
July 14, 2022
Oh, Laurine
How could you do this to me? There's no promise of a sequel, but inquiring minds want more more MORE! Need some gap fillers. What made Poppa refuse to return after Eloise's funeral? What did Einer say? What about Nilda and Joseph's married life? Wh!t happened to dear, lovable Hank? When did Einer come along? And what will Ragni do to make a living--not that Paul won't take care of her, but will she monetize her painting talents? So many unanswered questions! Please, Lauraine, tell me you have book 2 cooking!
How could you do this to me? There's no promise of a sequel, but inquiring minds want more more MORE! Need some gap fillers. What made Poppa refuse to return after Eloise's funeral? What did Einer say? What about Nilda and Joseph's married life? Wh!t happened to dear, lovable Hank? When did Einer come along? And what will Ragni do to make a living--not that Paul won't take care of her, but will she monetize her painting talents? So many unanswered questions! Please, Lauraine, tell me you have book 2 cooking!
July 10, 2025
I didn't want it to end...
I've read a LOT of Christian fiction, and have enjoyed almost all of it, but only a few times have I so grown to love the storyline and characters that I hate to see a book end. This was just such a book, and Lauraine has fast become one of my favorite authors!
I loved the past and present story lines and how they fit together beautifully. And not all questions were answered... which would normally frustrate me... but it almost seemed appropriate and only added to the realism.
I've read a LOT of Christian fiction, and have enjoyed almost all of it, but only a few times have I so grown to love the storyline and characters that I hate to see a book end. This was just such a book, and Lauraine has fast become one of my favorite authors!
I loved the past and present story lines and how they fit together beautifully. And not all questions were answered... which would normally frustrate me... but it almost seemed appropriate and only added to the realism.
April 17, 2021
An enjoyable Christian romance but it is much more than a romance. It is a book that links 5 generations of women. When Ragni goes to North Dakota to see what to do about a dilapidated family cabin, she finds much more than she imagined. The book alternates between the early 1900s with Ragni's GGM, Nilda and today with Ragni, her rebellious niece and the people of this small town. It is a book of families and family ties, of hard work, of self-discovery and of love. No sex or profanity.
September 24, 2023
2 stories in one. This follows a modern day woman who's stressed out with her job and life. She goes to ND to check out the cabin her great grandmother lived in. The story then follows what happens in her life; alternating with what was happening in the life of her great grandmother. Each story is superb and weaving them both together was outstanding.
May 21, 2025
A sweet story of reconnection and renewal and even falling in love. I love story's like this when seemingly impossible situations turn out even better than expected and people come together after hard work and a lot of help from God. Lauraine Snelling is an amazing author that I will keep reading till I've read all the books she written.
August 14, 2017
Past and Present
The painting theme was very real all through the book. I felt I was learning about the past as I read about the present and how it was all tied together was perfect.
The painting theme was very real all through the book. I felt I was learning about the past as I read about the present and how it was all tied together was perfect.
September 18, 2019
A good read
I save 5 stars for exceptional reads. This was an enjoyable read. I loved Ragni and Erica. The cabin was special to their family history as well as to their future. Women who loved art and beauty are at the heart of this story.
I save 5 stars for exceptional reads. This was an enjoyable read. I loved Ragni and Erica. The cabin was special to their family history as well as to their future. Women who loved art and beauty are at the heart of this story.
November 3, 2019
I enjoy this author's historical novel series.
This combines both present day restoration and the story of her ancestor who came to this house as a housekeeper.
I recommend it for all readers.
This combines both present day restoration and the story of her ancestor who came to this house as a housekeeper.
I recommend it for all readers.
December 13, 2022
At first I’m not good with books that go back and forward in time . However this is so enthralling in the story and so intricately written with beautiful descriptive and sensitive observations of all of the characters i really enjoyed it . Well worth reading.
March 27, 2023
Enjoyed every minute of this read. The faith and dialogue with Our Lord, family issues and loyalty, and the family history made for an interesting and thoughtful read. Would enjoy following this family in a series!
April 28, 2025
absolutely stunning
I just loved everything about this book. I love how the past and the current day weaved together. I loved how it captured my attention right from the first page. This is a page turner for sure. I highly recommended this book.
I just loved everything about this book. I love how the past and the current day weaved together. I loved how it captured my attention right from the first page. This is a page turner for sure. I highly recommended this book.
March 14, 2018
Down-home, earthy. The artistic draw is real. Present day.
July 31, 2019
Wonderful story. Beautifully written.
January 15, 2020
Heartwarming
A beautifully written story of a family of women who discover life changing heritage in a North Dakota cabin where their great-grandmother once lived.
A beautifully written story of a family of women who discover life changing heritage in a North Dakota cabin where their great-grandmother once lived.
July 31, 2020
Good read...history...present day...Chicago...and of course, North Dakota
Read
August 26, 2020My favorite
This is my favorite of the many Lauraine Smelling books that I have read . This was about the fourth time that I have read it. It brings me joy and hope.
This is my favorite of the many Lauraine Smelling books that I have read . This was about the fourth time that I have read it. It brings me joy and hope.
January 26, 2021
Historical fiction
My favorite type of reading, especially when there is a Christian theme. Love, tragedy, forgiveness, all wrapped in a heartwarming story-x it’s too much!
My favorite type of reading, especially when there is a Christian theme. Love, tragedy, forgiveness, all wrapped in a heartwarming story-x it’s too much!
October 22, 2021
This was my first time reading a Lauraine Smelling novel...and I'm hooked. I really loved this book, especially Nilda's story. I sure hope there's a sequel!
July 30, 2022
This book was not up to her usual quality. Having been to Medora, ND I felt like her description of the area fell short. I also had a hard time relating to the main character
September 1, 2022
a wonderful story expanding generations.
April 27, 2023
This was a good story.
November 21, 2024
A story of a family that blends the present with the past, with love, dementia and painting!
March 29, 2010
The Brushstroke Legacy- Lauraine Snelling - 2006
I didn't realise at first that this book was written a few years ago now , It only just arrived in my TBR ( To Be Read ) Pile recently. I had read some of Lauraine Snelling's books in the past and so when I discovered this one I was excited to read it. As like her previous books , Lauraine has a gift of weaving the past and present into novels . This is something , I personally either like or dislike depending how well the author has presented the writing and in The Brushstroke Legacy -I loved it,
"Forbidden, Hidden, Denied - Can art be powerful enough to endure?"
For Ragni Clauson everything around her seems to be falling apart from work - their reconstructing and someone's out to get her , she seems to be getting slack and losing her interest in the Advertising world. Her passion for Art isn't there anymore. Her relationship which finished because he couldn't commit to her in Marriage ,has just rang up to let her know he's met someone and is getting married- just the news she really wanted to know. What is it about Ex-es , that do not want to commit to you in a relationship and then once you've broken up they find someone just like that and they're getting marrried - and just to subtely rub your face in it -they ring you to let you know and they sound so over-the-moon happy whilst your still broken up and depressed that he left you. (this is a common theme ive seen in books and trust me from what Ive heard it actually happens in reality as well , not just fiction). Her family are going through some rough times - Her dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimers and may have to go into a home ( this really struck me as my Grandad in the last year has now been put into a home with Alzheimers as he went down hill ,so quickly) and now her sister Susan has had a lumpsectomy and has to go for chemo.
All Ragni wanted when she took her vacation leave was for 3 weeks by herself ,out in the middle of nowhere to get herself back and re-find her way in life. Now she has been dumped with her rebellious 15 year olf Gothic niece Erika and the project of refurbishing and renovating their family's old cabin out in a small town called Medora. As the two of them start renovating the house , not only does it bring them closer but they also begin to uncover secret paintings and discover the life of her Great-Grandmother Ranginilda whom she was named after. As Ragni starts to have visions of the past ,the story starts to intertwine both tales of past and present together. Can her Great-Grandmother's passion for Art , re-ignite not only Erika's but also Ragni's passion before its too late?. .To conclude what book wouldn't be complete without a leading man - will Ragni find love with Paul who wants to buy the cabin or has someone else got their eyes set on Paul , We read as the passions for Love and Art are re-discovered in this truly amazing book.- The Brushstroke Legacy.
I didn't realise at first that this book was written a few years ago now , It only just arrived in my TBR ( To Be Read ) Pile recently. I had read some of Lauraine Snelling's books in the past and so when I discovered this one I was excited to read it. As like her previous books , Lauraine has a gift of weaving the past and present into novels . This is something , I personally either like or dislike depending how well the author has presented the writing and in The Brushstroke Legacy -I loved it,
"Forbidden, Hidden, Denied - Can art be powerful enough to endure?"
For Ragni Clauson everything around her seems to be falling apart from work - their reconstructing and someone's out to get her , she seems to be getting slack and losing her interest in the Advertising world. Her passion for Art isn't there anymore. Her relationship which finished because he couldn't commit to her in Marriage ,has just rang up to let her know he's met someone and is getting married- just the news she really wanted to know. What is it about Ex-es , that do not want to commit to you in a relationship and then once you've broken up they find someone just like that and they're getting marrried - and just to subtely rub your face in it -they ring you to let you know and they sound so over-the-moon happy whilst your still broken up and depressed that he left you. (this is a common theme ive seen in books and trust me from what Ive heard it actually happens in reality as well , not just fiction). Her family are going through some rough times - Her dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimers and may have to go into a home ( this really struck me as my Grandad in the last year has now been put into a home with Alzheimers as he went down hill ,so quickly) and now her sister Susan has had a lumpsectomy and has to go for chemo.
All Ragni wanted when she took her vacation leave was for 3 weeks by herself ,out in the middle of nowhere to get herself back and re-find her way in life. Now she has been dumped with her rebellious 15 year olf Gothic niece Erika and the project of refurbishing and renovating their family's old cabin out in a small town called Medora. As the two of them start renovating the house , not only does it bring them closer but they also begin to uncover secret paintings and discover the life of her Great-Grandmother Ranginilda whom she was named after. As Ragni starts to have visions of the past ,the story starts to intertwine both tales of past and present together. Can her Great-Grandmother's passion for Art , re-ignite not only Erika's but also Ragni's passion before its too late?. .To conclude what book wouldn't be complete without a leading man - will Ragni find love with Paul who wants to buy the cabin or has someone else got their eyes set on Paul , We read as the passions for Love and Art are re-discovered in this truly amazing book.- The Brushstroke Legacy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews