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Home to Blessing #3
A Heart for Home
Astrid Bjorklund is on the Red Bud Indian Reservation in South Dakota trying to stop the horrific epidemic that is ravaging the tribe. The elders are suspicious of her, but when they see some of their people beginning to recover, they allow Astrid to continue caring for the sick and to train others to help. She is overwhelmed by this need so close to home and wonders if this is the mission field God has planned for her.
Joshua Landsverk wants to repair his broken relationship with Astrid, but he is opposed to her present work and refuses to tell her why. When he encounters unexpected adversity, a surprising act of kindness brings healing to the grievous wrong inflicted years ago. Will it be enough to bring Joshua and Astrid together again?
Joshua Landsverk wants to repair his broken relationship with Astrid, but he is opposed to her present work and refuses to tell her why. When he encounters unexpected adversity, a surprising act of kindness brings healing to the grievous wrong inflicted years ago. Will it be enough to bring Joshua and Astrid together again?
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2011
210 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,035 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 98 reviews
November 11, 2020
Audiobook.
May 24, 2022
A very good book as Astrid's story continues as she goes to help sick Native Americans on a South Dakota reservation.
April 21, 2011
I had the privilege of interviewing Lauraine Snelling, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for her new book, "A Heart For Home" Book Three in the Home To Blessing series published by Bethany House.
This book picks up with Astrid Bjorklund and her friends on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota valiantly trying to stop the measles outbreak that the tribe was dying from. As the only doctor the strain is harder on her but the need is great and there are but a few of them to help. I am not giving the story away to let you know that Astrid does stop the epidemic it is what happens afterward that makes up the rest of the story.
Again while the focus is on Astrid that does not mean that all the other cast members of Blessing are missing. No indeed, they are all present and all have a part in the ongoing story. Astrid and her family do return to Blessing and she has to decide on her relationship with Joshua Landsverk. Blessing is growing and more characters are introduced into the storyline. It is fun to watch the town grow and develop.
The people of Blessing are so easy to fall in love with and Ms. Snelling is such a wonderful writer that we easily get caught up in everyone's life. These are wonderful people and we wish that we had these kind of people for our neighbors. There are wonderful themes that flow throughout the story, Family, love of God, friendship, hard work and Ms. Snelling makes them all elegant. To really understand what I am trying to say you would have to read the book. I guarantee that you will enjoy it. I am looking forward to the new series that Ms. Snelling is introducing in November.
If you missed the interview for "A Heart For Home" and would like to listen to it and/or the other two interviews in this series as well please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book picks up with Astrid Bjorklund and her friends on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota valiantly trying to stop the measles outbreak that the tribe was dying from. As the only doctor the strain is harder on her but the need is great and there are but a few of them to help. I am not giving the story away to let you know that Astrid does stop the epidemic it is what happens afterward that makes up the rest of the story.
Again while the focus is on Astrid that does not mean that all the other cast members of Blessing are missing. No indeed, they are all present and all have a part in the ongoing story. Astrid and her family do return to Blessing and she has to decide on her relationship with Joshua Landsverk. Blessing is growing and more characters are introduced into the storyline. It is fun to watch the town grow and develop.
The people of Blessing are so easy to fall in love with and Ms. Snelling is such a wonderful writer that we easily get caught up in everyone's life. These are wonderful people and we wish that we had these kind of people for our neighbors. There are wonderful themes that flow throughout the story, Family, love of God, friendship, hard work and Ms. Snelling makes them all elegant. To really understand what I am trying to say you would have to read the book. I guarantee that you will enjoy it. I am looking forward to the new series that Ms. Snelling is introducing in November.
If you missed the interview for "A Heart For Home" and would like to listen to it and/or the other two interviews in this series as well please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 27, 2016
Instead of writing a review for this one single book, I am going to write a review here for all of her Bjorklund series'. (Red River of the North, Return to Red River, Daughters of Blessing, and Home to Blessing.)
Premise 4 of 5
I enjoyed Snelling's YA books, and also liked her Secret Refuge series, and decided to try this series, too. I definitely had high hopes for those books.
Plot 4 of 5
I'll be honest, but the plots of those books are not can't-put-it-down type of storylines. They cover the everyday life of a family--no, a town--in North Dakota and I could see how that would be boring to some. But I love the town of Blessing and getting to see what its citizens are up too once again!
Characters 5 of 5
Ingeborg. Enough said. I find myself wishing as I read those that Ingeborg was a real person, because I would love to sit down and talk with her. She is so kind and loving. Most of the characters are, in fact. All of the Bjorklund's, actually, are so kind and helpful. Definitely a good example for everyone.
My favorite minor characters are Sophie and Inga. And in this book in specific, Daniel Jeffers seemed like such an honorable man. He had a strong faith, he took care of his widowed mother, and carried on his father's dream. Definitely a great man. And speaking of great men, I love Haakan. he just loves Ingeborg so much. I was disappointed that he wasn't in a Heart for Home hardly!
Setting 4.5 of 5
I love the time period those books are in! Just so far back enough that things are still old fashioned, but just modern enough that references to things like electricity and cars and phones are just starting to pop up.
And the town! *sighs* Blessing... When can I move in? :P I would love to live a town like Blessing! All new people are welcomed right away, and they always treat you like you have lived there for all your life!
Total for the whole series-4.5, no favorite. (But it is still a series that is very close to my heart!)
Total for this book-5 of 5, no favorite.
Premise 4 of 5
I enjoyed Snelling's YA books, and also liked her Secret Refuge series, and decided to try this series, too. I definitely had high hopes for those books.
Plot 4 of 5
I'll be honest, but the plots of those books are not can't-put-it-down type of storylines. They cover the everyday life of a family--no, a town--in North Dakota and I could see how that would be boring to some. But I love the town of Blessing and getting to see what its citizens are up too once again!
Characters 5 of 5
Ingeborg. Enough said. I find myself wishing as I read those that Ingeborg was a real person, because I would love to sit down and talk with her. She is so kind and loving. Most of the characters are, in fact. All of the Bjorklund's, actually, are so kind and helpful. Definitely a good example for everyone.
My favorite minor characters are Sophie and Inga. And in this book in specific, Daniel Jeffers seemed like such an honorable man. He had a strong faith, he took care of his widowed mother, and carried on his father's dream. Definitely a great man. And speaking of great men, I love Haakan. he just loves Ingeborg so much. I was disappointed that he wasn't in a Heart for Home hardly!
Setting 4.5 of 5
I love the time period those books are in! Just so far back enough that things are still old fashioned, but just modern enough that references to things like electricity and cars and phones are just starting to pop up.
And the town! *sighs* Blessing... When can I move in? :P I would love to live a town like Blessing! All new people are welcomed right away, and they always treat you like you have lived there for all your life!
Total for the whole series-4.5, no favorite. (But it is still a series that is very close to my heart!)
Total for this book-5 of 5, no favorite.
April 2, 2011
The story opens with Dr. Astrid Bjorkland tending the Indians, dying from disease and starvation on a reservation in South Dakota, a place where she believes God has sent her. When she finally arrives back home in Blessing, North Dakota, Astrid comes to the conclusion that she can not marry the man who has been courting her - for he can not understand that she is first and foremost a doctor and on top of it, he carries a deep bitterness towards the Indians. Meanwhile, the town of Blessing is growing and more hands are needed for building homes and the new hospital before winter sets in.
A fellow librarian suggested An Untamed Land, the first in the set of series, back in 2002 and I've enjoyed this entire series from the very beginning and I look forward to each new book that Snelling authors.
Red River of the North, Return to Red River, Daughters of Blessing, Home to Blessing.
A fellow librarian suggested An Untamed Land, the first in the set of series, back in 2002 and I've enjoyed this entire series from the very beginning and I look forward to each new book that Snelling authors.
Red River of the North, Return to Red River, Daughters of Blessing, Home to Blessing.
March 11, 2011
I am sad and glad to say good bye to the people of Blessing. I have enjoyed all four series of book about this town and its' families.
Read
August 5, 2015I realized partway through the book, I'd read this before, but continued. This is a book in a series by Lauraine Snelling...another one of her good ones. I love Lauraine's books.
May 1, 2011
Hated to see series end. Enjoyed it!
January 4, 2019
A Heart for Home was a fitting wrap up to the Home to Blessing series. It followed the same track as the other two books with the story of Astrid. The strangest thing about this series for me was how everything was fairly even keel. This meaning the drama at the end of the book was no more impactful that they dramatic moments throughout the tale. It was almost as if you were peeling back a veil to peer into someone's ordinary everyday life and just watching them live their lives for awhile. I did want to finish the story, so it was entertaining. It was just not as gripping with a pulse pounding ending like other stories can be. Most stories tend to be more about the biggest moments in someone's life, and while these novels contained a pivotal point in Astrid's life, it still read like I could have waited ten years and peaked back in on her life and the things happening would be of the same importance as the things contained in these books. The events are simply smooth, one ripple hardly standing out from the next. I am more of a fan of a book where moments throughout the story have huge impact that make my heart race. Additionally, there was a romance, but it was not one that I felt deeply like I have with other books. Additionally, even though Astrid and Joshua's conclusion to their relationship was the one that I wanted, it seemed like a strange ending when we had spent so much time with him in the previous books. So while I enjoyed learning about the events going on in Blessing, I would have like a few of the events to pack a little more punch.
September 20, 2017
This was a nice ending for the series. But it was just a bit slow for me. And so many characters. It was kinda hard to keep them straight. Even when reading 3 books!
Astrid is continuing her calling as a doctor. Now the town of Blessing is putting up new construction and finishing up a hospital for the two lady doctors. A huge step. Astrid starts the book on the reservation helping Indians sick with measles. So, that can kinda segway into what is going on with her and Joshua.
We left book 2 with Joshua angry at Astrid for helping the Indians (there is a story concerning his aunt and Indians), and he is still bitter. He doesn't understand why she has to be a doctor 24-7, and yada yada.... we move on. Enter Daniel Jeffers. He is struck by Astrid and wants to make a move on her, but it took half a book to do it. What is it with Christian guys taking forever to do anything? Yes I know it was the culture but give me something, hand holding, a quick peck or even a word of feeling. It was sweet to see him be gentlemanly and he did court or woo her. The series ends in a way that does make you smile. Yet, where the heck did Joshua disappear off too? I would have like to know that part and I am sure the following series will let us know.
Astrid is continuing her calling as a doctor. Now the town of Blessing is putting up new construction and finishing up a hospital for the two lady doctors. A huge step. Astrid starts the book on the reservation helping Indians sick with measles. So, that can kinda segway into what is going on with her and Joshua.
We left book 2 with Joshua angry at Astrid for helping the Indians (there is a story concerning his aunt and Indians), and he is still bitter. He doesn't understand why she has to be a doctor 24-7, and yada yada.... we move on. Enter Daniel Jeffers. He is struck by Astrid and wants to make a move on her, but it took half a book to do it. What is it with Christian guys taking forever to do anything? Yes I know it was the culture but give me something, hand holding, a quick peck or even a word of feeling. It was sweet to see him be gentlemanly and he did court or woo her. The series ends in a way that does make you smile. Yet, where the heck did Joshua disappear off too? I would have like to know that part and I am sure the following series will let us know.
April 18, 2022
Ok, so it takes 3 books to find out Astrid doesn't end up with Joshua in the end. Why did the author build him up so much then basically kill him halfway thru the third book? He had the potential to change, but there was so little interaction between him and Astrid to allow for any understanding.
Then suddenly this other guy comes into the picture. We was introduced as a very minor character throughout the series. But if the author had known Astrid would end up with him, I think she would've made the attempt to give him more substance and personality.
I believe the author wanted to make a fourth book and give Joshua a chance to change. Maybe the publishers nixed the idea thinking no one would read a 4th book in this series. So we end up with a hurried courtship with a man we barely know rather than make Joshua change into her dream man in a few pages.
Then suddenly this other guy comes into the picture. We was introduced as a very minor character throughout the series. But if the author had known Astrid would end up with him, I think she would've made the attempt to give him more substance and personality.
I believe the author wanted to make a fourth book and give Joshua a chance to change. Maybe the publishers nixed the idea thinking no one would read a 4th book in this series. So we end up with a hurried courtship with a man we barely know rather than make Joshua change into her dream man in a few pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Can’t get Enough
This is the seventeenth book I have read of the Blessing ND series books of Lauraine Snelling’s. I can’t get enough!!! I love historical novels written about the 1800’s. These are written from the 1880’s to early 1900’s. Lauraine is such a creative writer. She has such a knack for capturing the characters emotions and the intensity of events. She has expertly blended so many of the characters from the beginning series into the following series. I have just finished the fourth series about Blessing. And that’s 17 books in less than 3 1/2 months. I can’t put them down. Now I begin the fifth series in the continuing saga about Ingeborgs family. Sooo incredibly good!
This is the seventeenth book I have read of the Blessing ND series books of Lauraine Snelling’s. I can’t get enough!!! I love historical novels written about the 1800’s. These are written from the 1880’s to early 1900’s. Lauraine is such a creative writer. She has such a knack for capturing the characters emotions and the intensity of events. She has expertly blended so many of the characters from the beginning series into the following series. I have just finished the fourth series about Blessing. And that’s 17 books in less than 3 1/2 months. I can’t put them down. Now I begin the fifth series in the continuing saga about Ingeborgs family. Sooo incredibly good!
June 30, 2020
The book starts with Astrid as a physician serving the Indians on the reservation during the time when a plague of measles hit the community. She eventually went back to Blessing, South Dakota to home where her sister-in-law and Mother are both physicians in the early 1900's. The book takes the community thru growth of the town, and the new immigrants that came to the community to find work and eventually homes. This book was rather slow for me and very predictable.
September 4, 2017
There was a nice twist that I didn't see coming, but at least the main thing I was hoping for did happen and even more! I love how the people that were written about from the very beginning in all these series are still very active in the people's lives at this point.
December 30, 2017
I like this writer so When a friend gave me this book I read it not knowing if it was one in a series. It's an easy read, focus on Amish life and romance. There's always scripture references which I like. I'd always want to read it so hopefully there's a story continuing.
February 28, 2022
exciting
Another one of the author’s books that have twists and turn that both excite and mesmerize you, even though you can guess the ending. It makes you want to rush to the next in the sequel.
Another one of the author’s books that have twists and turn that both excite and mesmerize you, even though you can guess the ending. It makes you want to rush to the next in the sequel.
December 28, 2022
As a Native American from the Zuni Tribe I believe this is one of my favorite books from Lauraine Snelling. It told the truth about how the Sioux and other tribes were treated but also the promise of how the changes to come were for the good. Thank you!
July 10, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book and the previous two books of this series. I think my favorite genre is historical fiction, and I am looking forward to checking out more books from the library by Lauraine Snelling.
October 30, 2025
Book Review
I think it is a wonderful and happy story.
She brought the town of Blessing to life with a beautiful description of the towns people, and how they live to serve each other and The Lord as well.
I think it is a wonderful and happy story.
She brought the town of Blessing to life with a beautiful description of the towns people, and how they live to serve each other and The Lord as well.
September 8, 2017
This is the third novel of the Home to Blessing series as part of the Bjorklund family books by Lauraine Snelling.
I enjoyed each and every one of these books, and I recommend them to all readers.
I enjoyed each and every one of these books, and I recommend them to all readers.
October 10, 2017
So happy for Blessings
Once again, a wonderful story. Such adventure,mishaps, and survival of the new country. The story ended too soon,wanted more. Great storyline.
Once again, a wonderful story. Such adventure,mishaps, and survival of the new country. The story ended too soon,wanted more. Great storyline.
October 11, 2017
DNF. I just couldn't get into this book. I tried but I guess I just lost interest in this series. Might give it another go in the future.
March 8, 2018
Another heartwarming book. Loved the continuation of Astrid's story. Glad she got her happy ending.
July 17, 2018
Loved reading this series! Nice, clean Christian romance.
June 12, 2019
I throughly enjoyed the three books about Dr. Astrid. I would have given this final book four stars if it weren't for the abrupt ending.
July 5, 2020
Pretty good read. Lots to make me think.
July 14, 2020
A wonderful conclusion to this trilogy!
December 13, 2020
Nice story well written by a wonderful Christian writer.
October 19, 2021
Beautiful!
March 27, 2022
Interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews