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Return to Red River #2
Believing the Dream
It's 1893 and the dream of becoming a writer still burns brightly in Thorliff Bjorklund's heart. But when he arrives at college in Northfield, Minnesota, things are not as he had imagined, and he finds himself longing for things familiar back home in North Dakota. Time and distance have created a rift between him and his childhood sweetheart. The only bright spot in his life is his job at the town newspaper. Will he be forced to leave one dream behind to pursue the other?
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2002
111 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,031 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 53 reviews
January 6, 2021
A really well-written Christian historical fiction set at the end of the nineteenth century in the Norwegian settlement of Blessing, North Dakota. The main character is the son of farmers there who decides to risk leaving his familiar world behind and move to the more sophisticated city of Northfield, Minnesota to pursue his dream of becoming a writer.
I went into it blind. Christian fiction is not a genre I usually read. I was pleasantly surprised by how enthralling the story was, with many very well-written secondary characters, including a poor faithful old dog whose story made me get out my hankie. Naturally, religion plays a huge part of the story but it didn’t feel preachy or hokey to this secular reader. Instead, it felt very plausible that faith and scriptures would play such a huge part of these people’s lives. I liked that the characters felt like living, breathing human beings who don’t have all the answers and are not at all sanctimonious or holier than thou. Many of them, especially the main characters, struggle with their faith and question it throughout the development of the story, because it is so hard to reconcile a world where there is supposed to be a benevolent all powerful supreme being to guide them but would also let so many injustices and tragedies occur. I also liked the immigrant aspect of the story, with the settlers enduring so many hardships, looking back wistfully at the fjords of their childhood, struggling so valiantly in their new, harsh and sometimes lethal environment because they need to fulfill their dream.
The book is part of a trilogy and this is the second book but in no way did I feel confused or did the flow of the story break for me. It did fine as a stand-alone but I am excited to continue reading about these characters in the next book. I would recommend it for fans of historical fiction in general. The world building reminded me a bit of Anne of Green Gables and LaVyrle Spencer’s Years. There is hardly any “romance” more of a coming of age story and straight historical fiction, although reviews indicate the main female and male character do end up romantically involved in the next volume of the series.
I went into it blind. Christian fiction is not a genre I usually read. I was pleasantly surprised by how enthralling the story was, with many very well-written secondary characters, including a poor faithful old dog whose story made me get out my hankie. Naturally, religion plays a huge part of the story but it didn’t feel preachy or hokey to this secular reader. Instead, it felt very plausible that faith and scriptures would play such a huge part of these people’s lives. I liked that the characters felt like living, breathing human beings who don’t have all the answers and are not at all sanctimonious or holier than thou. Many of them, especially the main characters, struggle with their faith and question it throughout the development of the story, because it is so hard to reconcile a world where there is supposed to be a benevolent all powerful supreme being to guide them but would also let so many injustices and tragedies occur. I also liked the immigrant aspect of the story, with the settlers enduring so many hardships, looking back wistfully at the fjords of their childhood, struggling so valiantly in their new, harsh and sometimes lethal environment because they need to fulfill their dream.
The book is part of a trilogy and this is the second book but in no way did I feel confused or did the flow of the story break for me. It did fine as a stand-alone but I am excited to continue reading about these characters in the next book. I would recommend it for fans of historical fiction in general. The world building reminded me a bit of Anne of Green Gables and LaVyrle Spencer’s Years. There is hardly any “romance” more of a coming of age story and straight historical fiction, although reviews indicate the main female and male character do end up romantically involved in the next volume of the series.
April 11, 2019
Loved this!
May 29, 2022
I am enjoying the storyline about Elizabeth, a new character since the previous book.
September 5, 2016
This was a well-written Christian historical novel. The characters were well drawn and engaging, and the plot was interesting. I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading the last book of this particular series. This series (Return to Red River) is a follow-up to the author's Red River of the North series. Then, she has more series of novels that follow this one.
May 16, 2021
The second in the Return to Red River series focusing on Thorliff. When he realizes Anji no longer loves him, he devotes his time to working at the paper in his college town. His employer relies on him more and more. His first story is a success and he wants to write another but it seems one thing after another stands in his way. He does not return home to Blessing for the summer like he had planned disappointing his parents and siblings.
Elizabeth, his employers daughter is courting a young minister and he has fallen in love with her but she doesn't return his feelings. She thought they were agreeing to a make-believe relationship to keep her mother happy and the young girls from chasing Thornton. When he declares his love, she is shocked and he leaves to go on a mission.
When she goes to Chicago on a shopping trip with her mother, she visits a hospital where she meets a doctor who invites her to stay and help. For Elizabeth, it's a dream come true but it's the entirely different vision from what her mother had in mind. Elizabeth finds the work challenging and exhausting. She is even more determined to become a doctor.
Elizabeth, his employers daughter is courting a young minister and he has fallen in love with her but she doesn't return his feelings. She thought they were agreeing to a make-believe relationship to keep her mother happy and the young girls from chasing Thornton. When he declares his love, she is shocked and he leaves to go on a mission.
When she goes to Chicago on a shopping trip with her mother, she visits a hospital where she meets a doctor who invites her to stay and help. For Elizabeth, it's a dream come true but it's the entirely different vision from what her mother had in mind. Elizabeth finds the work challenging and exhausting. She is even more determined to become a doctor.
April 24, 2019
Growing pains come along with chasing the dream
Thorliff is making his own dreams come true by attending college, St. Olaf, in distant Northfield, Minnesota. Leaving his family, friends, and sweet heart, Anji, was harder than he anticipated. To save money, room and board was offered him if he help with the town paper on his free time. The owner of the paper, and his wife and daughter Elizabeth, become his family. While he writes as promised, to Anji, he does not receive letters in return. Like most college Freshmen, it is hard to reconcile with the fact that life goes on without him back in Blessing, ND. While Elizabeth studies to become a doctor, Thorliff vegans to wonder if he made a mistake leaving Anji behind...if she would only write back ... Growing up is not gain free, and achieving one's dreams isn't supposed to be easy....
Thorliff is making his own dreams come true by attending college, St. Olaf, in distant Northfield, Minnesota. Leaving his family, friends, and sweet heart, Anji, was harder than he anticipated. To save money, room and board was offered him if he help with the town paper on his free time. The owner of the paper, and his wife and daughter Elizabeth, become his family. While he writes as promised, to Anji, he does not receive letters in return. Like most college Freshmen, it is hard to reconcile with the fact that life goes on without him back in Blessing, ND. While Elizabeth studies to become a doctor, Thorliff vegans to wonder if he made a mistake leaving Anji behind...if she would only write back ... Growing up is not gain free, and achieving one's dreams isn't supposed to be easy....
August 25, 2019
This is a continuing saga of the first families to settle Blessing, SD. The oldest son has to make huge decisions that are somewhat life changing for him and his family and close friends. He is a hard worker and is on his way to becoming a writer, as he is excited to have a book published and can’t believe he will receive royalties. Towards the end of this book #2, he is concerned that a heartbreak will test his belief in his God whom he has tried so hard to respect all his short life. I can’t wait to start reading the next and last book in this series. I can hardly stand putting these first 2 books down. My housework is suffering. Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2023
I think I'll read one more book of this series (just to wrap the whole Thorliff section up), then I'm taking a breather. I see there are at least a ten more books after this, and I think I need a break from this angst-filled universe for a while. There are so many characters to keep up with--between all the births, deaths, new characters added, marriages, adoptions--you need a detailed booklet to keep them all straight. Some characters interest me and others don't--and I could happily go the rest of my life without reading another detailed description of a difficult baby delivery. The author seems fixated on these.
September 2, 2019
Life in the South Dakota Territory
I loved the story! It kept you in it all the way through! And it took some turns that were not expected at all! It also gave ways God helps us deal with life and events that were not the best for us to understand what God wanted for us!, it was an exultant book!,
I loved the story! It kept you in it all the way through! And it took some turns that were not expected at all! It also gave ways God helps us deal with life and events that were not the best for us to understand what God wanted for us!, it was an exultant book!,
May 6, 2023
Lauraine Snelling books are a true blessing.
I have read many of her books, love them b/c of the subject matter, the characters and the Christian life they try to live. They Dakota series intruded me the most, as I was born from the Dakota’s. Anyone interested in a good story will enjoy her books. Thank you!
I have read many of her books, love them b/c of the subject matter, the characters and the Christian life they try to live. They Dakota series intruded me the most, as I was born from the Dakota’s. Anyone interested in a good story will enjoy her books. Thank you!
September 24, 2019
Loved it!
Nice simple story. Easy reading. Very enjoyable. A wonderful Christian theme behind the storyline that keeps one grounded in life while reading about these wonderful people.
Nice simple story. Easy reading. Very enjoyable. A wonderful Christian theme behind the storyline that keeps one grounded in life while reading about these wonderful people.
September 11, 2017
This one was definitely better then the first. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to seeing what develops between Elizabeth and Thorliff.
January 2, 2018
Just love how this author weaves a story -- can't wait to see how see ties all together in the 3rd book
February 16, 2019
Excellent! The continuing story of the Bjorklunds in North Dakota, Focusing on Thorlift's first year at St. Olaf in Minnesota!!
April 13, 2019
Thorliff goes to college, which takes this book away from the familiar settings in North Dakota.
May 15, 2020
Captivating
Full of warmth and trials and tribulations of life learning to trust God even in the midst of heartbreak
Love the series
Full of warmth and trials and tribulations of life learning to trust God even in the midst of heartbreak
Love the series
August 1, 2020
Great story. So blessed by all.
I long to go to first book about the Bjorklunds and town of Blessing. Series is so good I can hardly wait for next book.
I long to go to first book about the Bjorklunds and town of Blessing. Series is so good I can hardly wait for next book.
October 19, 2020
Great book! Read it in a day! Love the Red River series!
February 10, 2021
Good character development
The author takes us deep into the heart of Thorliff and all the turmoil life brings his way and how God's word comes true.
The author takes us deep into the heart of Thorliff and all the turmoil life brings his way and how God's word comes true.
June 25, 2022
As always, this is a wonderful book, part of an incredible series!
March 5, 2023
There was a lot more unneeded fluff in this.
January 4, 2024
This book has been GREAT to read. I love getting to see the continued journey of everyone in Red River Valley, and Thorliff's and Elizabeth's stories are so wonderfully woven together so far. I'm super excited to see how the series ends in book 3.
February 1, 2024
Another great book in the series.
CW: medical stuff (birthing scenes, some domestic violence wounds being stitched up, blood included in describing the scene, etc...). If you get queasy easily, it might be hard for you.
CW: medical stuff (birthing scenes, some domestic violence wounds being stitched up, blood included in describing the scene, etc...). If you get queasy easily, it might be hard for you.
April 5, 2024
Best books ever. I have read every book in this series from beginning to end. And if she wrote more, I would read those also.
March 29, 2025
2.5/3
Not terrible, but not the best installment. I love Thorliff, but Elizabeth was annoying and I didn't like reading from her perspective.
Not terrible, but not the best installment. I love Thorliff, but Elizabeth was annoying and I didn't like reading from her perspective.
October 29, 2014
This is the second book in the Return to Red River series. It picks up where the first book leaves off and sets up the third book. This series has a totally different feel than the original Red River of the North series. It reads more like a soap opera, with all the angst and personal emotional turmoil of that type of story. It lacks the gritty, deeper human struggle, the epic feel of the original series.
The characters are well developed and interesting. The history and setting are well done. The deeper historical issue of the railroads and unions is mentioned but not explored. The focus is much more on the love interests, making it more of a love story although not a traditional romance novel.
The characters are well developed and interesting. The history and setting are well done. The deeper historical issue of the railroads and unions is mentioned but not explored. The focus is much more on the love interests, making it more of a love story although not a traditional romance novel.
June 24, 2015
Another book read to the wife. She loves to be read to, she always has. Reading is one of the few things that we can do together.
This is the second book in the series dealing with Thorliff's dream of becoming a writer. The book covers roughly a year in Thorliff's life. His graduation from high school, his decision to go to college, his freshman year at college, his part time job at the local newspaper, and his issues with his long standing girl friend, Anji .
Diana liked this book, she didn't hesitate to give it four stars. She is enjoying this series. but we are on hold for the third book from the library - we will definitely be reading that when it is checked back in.
This is the second book in the series dealing with Thorliff's dream of becoming a writer. The book covers roughly a year in Thorliff's life. His graduation from high school, his decision to go to college, his freshman year at college, his part time job at the local newspaper, and his issues with his long standing girl friend, Anji .
Diana liked this book, she didn't hesitate to give it four stars. She is enjoying this series. but we are on hold for the third book from the library - we will definitely be reading that when it is checked back in.
March 25, 2011
I was happy that Thorliff was living his Dream and that Elizabeth was also going with her love of
medicine, can't help but hope these two get together. Also feeling for Thorliff in his homesickness
of being away from his home. The history of the first Women Doctors and their struggle is refreshing
to read about. I find myself longing to read how things are going for the family back in Blessing
while Thorliff is away and then anxious to get back the progress of Elizabeth and her career.
The best part of Lauraine's books are the family ties from that era and development of history.
medicine, can't help but hope these two get together. Also feeling for Thorliff in his homesickness
of being away from his home. The history of the first Women Doctors and their struggle is refreshing
to read about. I find myself longing to read how things are going for the family back in Blessing
while Thorliff is away and then anxious to get back the progress of Elizabeth and her career.
The best part of Lauraine's books are the family ties from that era and development of history.
March 22, 2015
I don't know what I will do when it is time to say goodbye to the Beloved Bjorklund's! They have become like family to me and I can't get enough of them and all the wonderful characters in Blessing. I try to not read them back to back, but I find myself thinking of them while reading something different. Ah....Lauraine Snelling, you have me hooked! Eventually I am going to read every single one of them, and then there will be no more. Then, what am I to do?
June 20, 2015
I loved this book! It was good as all of the books in the red river saga have been! If you read this one you'll want to read the 3rd book, "more than a dream!" It leaves you hanging to know what will happen next, and I look forward to finding that out!
For fans of Christian fiction,, her writing is so good! She puts God's light and will all through her books!! I would totally recommend this book!
For fans of Christian fiction,, her writing is so good! She puts God's light and will all through her books!! I would totally recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews