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Solbakken: A Tale of Generations
"Happy birthday dear Mom- Grammy, Tora, Auntie, Happy birthday to you!” The people that fill my screen – each in their own little box – sing and smile once more before disappearing, one by one. Blowing them kisses I say, “Thank you all. I love you!” As I reflect on this sixty-fifth birthday of mine, filled with the forced distances of our pandemic era, the phone rings, jarring me back into the moment.
“Hello Billy,” I say.
“Hey, Tor.” My cousin’s tone is serious. His words clipped.
“What’s going on? Everyone okay?” I ask.
“Yes, we’re fine but… well, I was just driving by your Uncle Einar’s place… I hate to tell you this, Tora, but somebody broke in. The sheriff is coming out in the morning. It’s quite a mess in there. Looks like every drawer and cupboard was emptied out.”
Uncle Einar’s home stands empty much of the year, and is the original family homestead my grandparents built in Solbakken , Minnesota, in the early 1900’s after immigrating from Norway.
“What? Are you kidding? Who would do that?” I spout. “You need me to come up there?”
A house. A mess. A mystery. Amongst the scattered papers and photographs, intriguing questions lay unanswered in the Anderson family lineage, hidden for decades. When a stash of ancient coins is found, and a gifted stranger moves in next door, windows are opened to incredible possibilities that transcend imagination and transport Tora throughout her family’s generations .
“Hello Billy,” I say.
“Hey, Tor.” My cousin’s tone is serious. His words clipped.
“What’s going on? Everyone okay?” I ask.
“Yes, we’re fine but… well, I was just driving by your Uncle Einar’s place… I hate to tell you this, Tora, but somebody broke in. The sheriff is coming out in the morning. It’s quite a mess in there. Looks like every drawer and cupboard was emptied out.”
Uncle Einar’s home stands empty much of the year, and is the original family homestead my grandparents built in Solbakken , Minnesota, in the early 1900’s after immigrating from Norway.
“What? Are you kidding? Who would do that?” I spout. “You need me to come up there?”
A house. A mess. A mystery. Amongst the scattered papers and photographs, intriguing questions lay unanswered in the Anderson family lineage, hidden for decades. When a stash of ancient coins is found, and a gifted stranger moves in next door, windows are opened to incredible possibilities that transcend imagination and transport Tora throughout her family’s generations .
442 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
4 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 9, 2024
Tora Dahlgren hasn't seen her family in person for months due to the social distancing COVID requires, and she's feeling the distance of the heart as well as the physical space between them. When she gets a call saying that the house belonging to Uncle Einar has been broken into, she willingly heads north to Solbakken to sort out the damage. She has no idea that this trip will set her on a journey of discovery about her family that she could never have imagined and lead her to a purpose she didn't know she was looking for.
At Einar's house, Tora finds family documents scattered here and there. As she sorts through them, she finds out information she didn't know - information that raises a lot of questions.
She also finds a secret stash of coins that, according to her antiquities dealer cousin Clayton, are very, very old and worth a great deal of money. Why did Einar have them? Where did they come from?
And who is Felix, exactly? He's renting the house next door. He's polite and helpful, and his dog, Max, is very well-behaved. But he's an enigma to Tora.
Wendy Jo Cerna weaves an engrossing tale of family, of connections across the years and generations, with secrets kept and things hidden. She uses dreams as a device to impart knowledge to Tora, and it works marvelously! In her dreams, family members from generations past sit with Tora and read stories to her, stories from the family history. She keeps track of the things she dreams, and is surprised to find that within a short time, those things are confirmed in real life.
Tora's quest to unravel the mysteries of her family serves not only to bring her new and important information about her ancestors. It also serves to pull together a family pushed apart by time, physical distance, and the effects of a global pandemic, give them a vision of things beyond their daily lives, and unite them in a common purpose, with Tora finding herself in a role she never anticipated.
And Felix? Wow, what a surprise he was! In Felix, Cerna paints a picture of what eternal life might look like for someone who came to faith in Christ in his earthly life. The Bible isn't real clear on the specifics of life in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21), but it's fun to imagine that it could be as it's depicted here. I also loved that Max continued to be part of Felix's life over the generations. I can't fathom that God who loves us so would have us spend eternity without our beloved animals. (That may not be theologically sound by some measures, but it's my opinion.)
I'll close with one of my favorite quotes from Pastor Mel: "I've found that the God who set every star in place, has a vast storehouse of wonders, knowledge, and mysteries just waiting for us to tap into if we will ask and believe." Read Solbakken: A Tale of Generations and be amazed at the mysteries that reveal themselves in Tora's story.
I received an advance copy of this book on Reedsy Discovery.
At Einar's house, Tora finds family documents scattered here and there. As she sorts through them, she finds out information she didn't know - information that raises a lot of questions.
She also finds a secret stash of coins that, according to her antiquities dealer cousin Clayton, are very, very old and worth a great deal of money. Why did Einar have them? Where did they come from?
And who is Felix, exactly? He's renting the house next door. He's polite and helpful, and his dog, Max, is very well-behaved. But he's an enigma to Tora.
Wendy Jo Cerna weaves an engrossing tale of family, of connections across the years and generations, with secrets kept and things hidden. She uses dreams as a device to impart knowledge to Tora, and it works marvelously! In her dreams, family members from generations past sit with Tora and read stories to her, stories from the family history. She keeps track of the things she dreams, and is surprised to find that within a short time, those things are confirmed in real life.
Tora's quest to unravel the mysteries of her family serves not only to bring her new and important information about her ancestors. It also serves to pull together a family pushed apart by time, physical distance, and the effects of a global pandemic, give them a vision of things beyond their daily lives, and unite them in a common purpose, with Tora finding herself in a role she never anticipated.
And Felix? Wow, what a surprise he was! In Felix, Cerna paints a picture of what eternal life might look like for someone who came to faith in Christ in his earthly life. The Bible isn't real clear on the specifics of life in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21), but it's fun to imagine that it could be as it's depicted here. I also loved that Max continued to be part of Felix's life over the generations. I can't fathom that God who loves us so would have us spend eternity without our beloved animals. (That may not be theologically sound by some measures, but it's my opinion.)
I'll close with one of my favorite quotes from Pastor Mel: "I've found that the God who set every star in place, has a vast storehouse of wonders, knowledge, and mysteries just waiting for us to tap into if we will ask and believe." Read Solbakken: A Tale of Generations and be amazed at the mysteries that reveal themselves in Tora's story.
I received an advance copy of this book on Reedsy Discovery.
December 23, 2025
A Moving Generational Story of Faith, Family, and Eternal Hope
Solbakken: A Tale of Generations by Wendy Jo Cerna is a heartfelt and imaginative work of Christian fiction that blends family mystery, spiritual reflection, and the enduring power of faith across generations. Centered on legacy and divine purpose, this novel gently invites readers to consider how the past continues to shape the present and how God’s hand may be working beyond what we can see.
The story follows Tora Dahlgren, whose quiet life during the isolation of the COVID era is disrupted by a call about a break-in at her uncle’s ancestral home in Solbakken, Minnesota. What begins as a practical visit to assess damage quickly becomes a deeply personal journey. As Tora sorts through scattered documents and photographs, long-buried questions about her family’s history begin to surface, alongside the discovery of a mysterious cache of ancient coins that suggests there is far more to her family’s story than she ever imagined.
Cerna’s storytelling truly shines in the way she bridges generations. Through vivid dream sequences, Tora encounters ancestors who share their stories with her, allowing history to unfold in an intimate, emotionally resonant way. These moments feel purposeful rather than contrived, reinforcing the novel’s spiritual core and its belief that God reveals truth in unexpected ways. The seamless blending of dreams and reality gives the book a quiet sense of wonder and keeps the reader fully engaged.
The character of Felix adds a particularly powerful dimension to the novel. His presence opens a thoughtful exploration of eternal life and what faith beyond earthly time might look like. Cerna approaches this with warmth and reverence, offering readers a hopeful, imaginative vision grounded in Christian belief without feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Themes of redemption, continuity, and God’s eternal plan are woven naturally into the narrative.
At its heart, Solbakken is about connection between family members separated by time and distance, and between humanity and a God whose mysteries are vast and loving. It is a comforting, reflective read that encourages faith, curiosity, and trust in a greater purpose.
This novel will resonate deeply with readers who enjoy Christian fiction rooted in family, legacy, and spiritual discovery. A thoughtful and uplifting story that lingers long after the final page.
Solbakken: A Tale of Generations by Wendy Jo Cerna is a heartfelt and imaginative work of Christian fiction that blends family mystery, spiritual reflection, and the enduring power of faith across generations. Centered on legacy and divine purpose, this novel gently invites readers to consider how the past continues to shape the present and how God’s hand may be working beyond what we can see.
The story follows Tora Dahlgren, whose quiet life during the isolation of the COVID era is disrupted by a call about a break-in at her uncle’s ancestral home in Solbakken, Minnesota. What begins as a practical visit to assess damage quickly becomes a deeply personal journey. As Tora sorts through scattered documents and photographs, long-buried questions about her family’s history begin to surface, alongside the discovery of a mysterious cache of ancient coins that suggests there is far more to her family’s story than she ever imagined.
Cerna’s storytelling truly shines in the way she bridges generations. Through vivid dream sequences, Tora encounters ancestors who share their stories with her, allowing history to unfold in an intimate, emotionally resonant way. These moments feel purposeful rather than contrived, reinforcing the novel’s spiritual core and its belief that God reveals truth in unexpected ways. The seamless blending of dreams and reality gives the book a quiet sense of wonder and keeps the reader fully engaged.
The character of Felix adds a particularly powerful dimension to the novel. His presence opens a thoughtful exploration of eternal life and what faith beyond earthly time might look like. Cerna approaches this with warmth and reverence, offering readers a hopeful, imaginative vision grounded in Christian belief without feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Themes of redemption, continuity, and God’s eternal plan are woven naturally into the narrative.
At its heart, Solbakken is about connection between family members separated by time and distance, and between humanity and a God whose mysteries are vast and loving. It is a comforting, reflective read that encourages faith, curiosity, and trust in a greater purpose.
This novel will resonate deeply with readers who enjoy Christian fiction rooted in family, legacy, and spiritual discovery. A thoughtful and uplifting story that lingers long after the final page.
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November 9, 2024A really mystifying and thought-provoking narrative, Solbakken spans generations of life, legacy, and eternal hope. Wendy Jo Cerna has intricately woven this family saga with a deep-seated vision of what eternal life may or should look like. It is a theme that resonates in the hearts of readers of all ages. What is more prominent in this novel is how Cerna weaves spiritual themes into relatable, vivid characters - a story now becomes more than just that but an experience wherein reflection is sometimes unavoidable.
In the intergenerational approach of the novel, rich character points about family dynamics and how the extended family ties definitely bind one to the roots are seen. Personal struggles and their triumph, amidst these interminable struggles, are delicately intertwined with the themes of faith and eternity, making every page not just a glimpse into their lives but a reflection of our shared human journey.
A person who values the relations between past, present, and future-left me so moved for really seeing that. The way the relationships are navigated by Cerna leaves one feeling like the story unfolds not just in the page but in our very hearts as well. It's such a book that provokes readers to think about their legacies, reminding the readers that what constitutes life cannot be defined by time.
This is a good read for people interested in stories of endurance, family, and faith. It succeeds with its deep spiritual undercurrent and exciting narrative. I would highly recommend this to readers who are looking for more than entertainment: it's one of those books that will leave you thinking even after the last page is turned.
In the intergenerational approach of the novel, rich character points about family dynamics and how the extended family ties definitely bind one to the roots are seen. Personal struggles and their triumph, amidst these interminable struggles, are delicately intertwined with the themes of faith and eternity, making every page not just a glimpse into their lives but a reflection of our shared human journey.
A person who values the relations between past, present, and future-left me so moved for really seeing that. The way the relationships are navigated by Cerna leaves one feeling like the story unfolds not just in the page but in our very hearts as well. It's such a book that provokes readers to think about their legacies, reminding the readers that what constitutes life cannot be defined by time.
This is a good read for people interested in stories of endurance, family, and faith. It succeeds with its deep spiritual undercurrent and exciting narrative. I would highly recommend this to readers who are looking for more than entertainment: it's one of those books that will leave you thinking even after the last page is turned.
June 19, 2024
Another Wendy Jo Cerna Experience
This is a trip back and forth through ancestral history. As all of Wendy Jo’s books, you are engaged completely from beginning to end. I enjoyed experiencing the joy, thrill, and quiet sadness woven throughout this story. Although very entertaining, this story makes you question what is possible and why things happen in our lives and along our family history. Solbakken is a story that will keep you entertained, connected with the characters, and thinking about what is possible in your family tree. Enjoy.
This is a trip back and forth through ancestral history. As all of Wendy Jo’s books, you are engaged completely from beginning to end. I enjoyed experiencing the joy, thrill, and quiet sadness woven throughout this story. Although very entertaining, this story makes you question what is possible and why things happen in our lives and along our family history. Solbakken is a story that will keep you entertained, connected with the characters, and thinking about what is possible in your family tree. Enjoy.
May 10, 2023
Solbakken: A Tale of Generations took me places I absolutely wasn't expecting. I loved the characters and found myself loving the journey I was on to understand the previous generations of family members! And I say with absolute certainty that when I started to learn about Felix, and the life of Einar. I couldn't wait for the next chapter, the next page, the next line! I loved the element Of places around Felix and the discovery! Definitely recommend!
May 16, 2023
A rare find!
This book was an adventure in so many beautiful ways. Thanks to my Sole Sister friend, Karen, for leading me to it! What a treasure.
This book was an adventure in so many beautiful ways. Thanks to my Sole Sister friend, Karen, for leading me to it! What a treasure.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews