She had promised herself that once they left the fjords of Norway, she would never look back. The promise of free land lures Roald and Ingeborg Bjo...
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Nov 12, 2009
Awallens
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She had promised herself that once they left the fjords of Norway, she would never look back. The promise of free land lures Roald and Ingeborg Bjorklund
from their beloved home high above the fjords of Norway, and after three long years of scrimping and saving to buy tickets for their passage to America,
they finally arrive at the docks of New York City. This new land promises a rich heritage for their children, and here they hope to build a good life.
After a long journey by tra More...
from their beloved home high above the fjords of Norway, and after three long years of scrimping and saving to buy tickets for their passage to America,
they finally arrive at the docks of New York City. This new land promises a rich heritage for their children, and here they hope to build a good life.
After a long journey by tra More...
Jun 10, 2010
Dani
rated it: 
For me, this story had its peaks and valleys. In the valley were the repeated descriptions of farm work and what they ate for dinner. The peaks came with the exciting descriptions of people getting lost in blizzards and such. Rather than be disappointed in this style, however, I enjoyed it. If you are the type of reader who dislikes sitting on the edge of her seat from day one, then you will enjoy it, too.
It is a testament to Snelling's writing that I want to continue reading this s More...
It is a testament to Snelling's writing that I want to continue reading this s More...
Apr 04, 2010
Kathryn
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jun 03, 2009
Angela
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******** CAUTION: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS *********
I read this several years ago when it was the only book available in the series. Now I'm re-reading it with the other five books waiting to be read right behind it. Snelling has a wonderful way of describing the events with mostly historical accuracy; the boat ride from Norway to America, the immigration process during the late 19th century, the train from New York to the Dakota territory, and finally, the covered wagon journey to thier h More...
I read this several years ago when it was the only book available in the series. Now I'm re-reading it with the other five books waiting to be read right behind it. Snelling has a wonderful way of describing the events with mostly historical accuracy; the boat ride from Norway to America, the immigration process during the late 19th century, the train from New York to the Dakota territory, and finally, the covered wagon journey to thier h More...
Feb 04, 2008
Alice
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A few weeks ago I was helping a customer find some Christian historical fiction (my favorites!--especially frontier and pioneer life). As we looked down the list of authors I noticed Snelling. I had not yet tried any by that author (probably because I associated her with the juvenile horse books).
I decided to try the Red River series and was very pleased with the quality of the writing. Note these characteristics of good historical fiction, which I found in The Untamed Land:
1. More...
I decided to try the Red River series and was very pleased with the quality of the writing. Note these characteristics of good historical fiction, which I found in The Untamed Land:
1. More...
Apr 28, 2011
Suzie
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A dramatic tale about a Norwegian family moves from Norway to America in the Dakota Territory. They face hardships and joy together while settling next to the Red River. I loved this book, never got bored and was very interesting. There were times when I almost felt like crying, and then times when my stomach turned and then there were times when I felt happiness as if I were Ingeborg. Not many books will do that to me. Very touching.
Aug 31, 2010
Jeannie
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I love historical fiction. My biggest complaint about this book was that things seemed to go way too good for way to long (in the story) and then all of the conflict seemed to jam up at once. Of course, life does work that way sometimes! I do plan to read more of the series, and have already read another by the author.
Jan 11, 2009
Heidi
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One of my favorite authors and book series. The story is about Norwegian immigrants setting in the Red River Valley of Dakota territory and their struggles, hardships, and faith. The books are well written as they weave many different lives of a community into one story. An easy read but worth it.
May 06, 2011
Michelle
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I really enjoyed reading this series with it's historical look at immigrants from Norway. There is drama, romance, Christian faith, and history written in a somewhat predictable way. It's not written in a modern way... more of a Christian fiction style... but I enjoy this style!
Jun 14, 2010
Carole
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This series begins with the Bjorklund family's journey from Norway to the Dakota Territory in 1880 and the hardshapes they face in settling land. The print is small and the book could have been a little shorter, but I really enjoyed the story and want to continue this saga.
Feb 20, 2010
Shirlyn
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struggles that the early settlers of the West are so different physically, story of the ups and downs of homesteading a new frontier, look forward to the rest of the series, hope the romantic side of the story stays clean, I get so tired of these historical novels turning into drawn out sexy romances
Jun 11, 2009
Amy
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The author describes life on the plains of the Dakota Territory. I'm amazed by what the new settlers were able to do with so little. They made their own leather from dear hide that they hunted. Crafted some of their own tools. When one broke they fixed it. They brought seed from their country and planted it. They built their own houses.
Feb 20, 2009
Cathy
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EXCELLENT! Can't wait to continue the series. Eddie and I listened to it on a road trip and he was just as taken with the Bjorkalnds as I was. It's even more interesting as I grew up in the area the story is set in. Helped to picture the land.
Jan 26, 2012
Saydee
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I stumbled upon this series and have really enjoyed reading it. I have enjoyed reading what life was probably like during the homesteading days. I love each of the characters and reminded just how spoiled... Or blessed we are today. Wonderful story
Jan 13, 2010
Joanne
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Loved this book! Very excited there are 5 more in the series. Ordered the next already. Sadly, housework suffered this week. (That's how I rate books....how bad did my house suffer? Pretty bad....hey that's 5 stars!)
Dec 25, 2010
Patti
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This book grabbed my attention right off and I loved it! It was amazing to get a glimpse into the hard times of frontier living. I immediately connected with the characters and couldn't wait for the next book!
Sep 06, 2011
Dianna
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Quite a glimpse into the harsh prairie settlers life, especially for those who didn't speak "american" good book, even if I didn't really like the ending....definitely going to get the next in the series!
May 16, 2011
Karen
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Uh-oh. I think I'm hooked on this series. Even though it's not very well written and it's all religious, I just love covered wagon stories. And it does touch a little bit on equity issues. So here I go.
Oct 06, 2010
Cindy
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Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre for reading and this was a good one. It's incredible what the pioneers did to survive back in the day - hardwork, heartbreak and joy!
Mar 19, 2010
Joanne
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I love, love, love all books related to the Red River of the North series and their sequels. Am finally acquiring my own copies. I can't say enough good things about these books!
Aug 01, 2009
Marilyn
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This is a wonderful well written book about the history of a Norweigen Family that came to the US. I have continued to read these books. there are about 6 that tell more of the story.
Mar 11, 2009
Kimmy
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I loved this book so much. I was the first Christian/inspirational fiction book I ever read. Her historical details were wonderful, her characters were clearly defined and had wonderful growth. Having lived in the Red River Valley of North Dakota for four years I came away with a new appreciation for the descendants of these hearty and brave people who fought this wild and harsh land that Lewis and Clark claimed to be uninhabitable! Being a Norwegian American myself, my only complaint was in
More...
Jun 19, 2009
Timely book! Brian is going to Norway to see his birth family. This book tells the story of Norwegian immigrants in 1800's. One of Six in a series. Summer reading!
Feb 21, 2011
Sue
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Love this series! (Actually it's the first in a series of series) With our recent move, I've been feeling a bit like Ingeborg in this first book - heehee!
Sep 30, 2009
Marti
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This book is about a family who settles in the Dakota territory in the 1800's from Norway. It is amazing the struggles and adventures they go through.
Feb 25, 2009
We owe a lot to the immigrants who came and settled this country. Women were tough and strong naturally and spiritually.
Jun 28, 2010
Marla
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I have a new respect for immigrants and the hard life they endured because of their determination, but also their faith.
Jan 16, 2010
Brenda
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This is one of the best books that I have ever read! Snelling creates such memorable characters. Her writing is outstanding.
Jan 31, 2009
Mripma
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It's historical fiction about Norwegians settling North Dakota, complete with Injuns to fend off as they stake their claim. Perfect for bedtime.
