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Under Northern Skies #3
A Season of Grace
In 1910 Minnesota, Nilda Carlson's dreams are coming true. Though her first few months in America were difficult, her life now resembles the images that filled her daydreams in Norway. She and her younger brother Ivar live in their own house, just a short distance from her older brother and his family. Together they work the farm and fell trees for lumber. They plan to grow a dairy herd, weave rugs out of their own wool, and make skis to sell. Everything is going right.
The only thing missing from Nilda's life is love. But though she has two suitors--a quiet schoolteacher and a handsome lumberjack--Nilda feels hesitant. A terrifying experience in Norway has made her cautious where men are concerned. When she thinks she sees the man in question, all her fears come flooding back. Is it possible the danger has followed her across the Atlantic? If Dreng Nygaard is truly in Minnesota, all of her dreams for the future could come crashing down around her.
The only thing missing from Nilda's life is love. But though she has two suitors--a quiet schoolteacher and a handsome lumberjack--Nilda feels hesitant. A terrifying experience in Norway has made her cautious where men are concerned. When she thinks she sees the man in question, all her fears come flooding back. Is it possible the danger has followed her across the Atlantic? If Dreng Nygaard is truly in Minnesota, all of her dreams for the future could come crashing down around her.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
491 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
161 books2,060 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 102 reviews
October 20, 2018
This is going to be hard to review. If you know me at all, you know Lauraine Snelling is my favorite historical fiction author, and there have only been one or two books of hers that I did not like, but unfortunately, this is another of them.
It was delightful to catch up with all of my favorite characters in Blackduck, MN, and the addition of more family from Norway coming to America was very cool. I love the sibling relationship between Nilda, Rune, and Ivar. And of course, the little boys and Kirstin are adorable as well.
Overall, while I didn't particularly mind the meandering storyline, I was frustrated by the complete lack of plot. Like, there was literally *no* plot whatsoever. Nothing seemed to ever really happen, there was no climax until 95% of the way through the book, and then that wasn't really a climax either. And the last 5% of the book didn't wrap up much at all. Nothing significant worth speaking of. And I have to say, it looks like book 4 will be a lot of the same, which is incredibly disappointing to me.
All in all, this is not one of Snelling's gems, and I probably won't reread it, although I might buy a copy to keep with the rest of my series. ;)
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17+ due to mature themes.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
It was delightful to catch up with all of my favorite characters in Blackduck, MN, and the addition of more family from Norway coming to America was very cool. I love the sibling relationship between Nilda, Rune, and Ivar. And of course, the little boys and Kirstin are adorable as well.
Overall, while I didn't particularly mind the meandering storyline, I was frustrated by the complete lack of plot. Like, there was literally *no* plot whatsoever. Nothing seemed to ever really happen, there was no climax until 95% of the way through the book, and then that wasn't really a climax either. And the last 5% of the book didn't wrap up much at all. Nothing significant worth speaking of. And I have to say, it looks like book 4 will be a lot of the same, which is incredibly disappointing to me.
All in all, this is not one of Snelling's gems, and I probably won't reread it, although I might buy a copy to keep with the rest of my series. ;)
CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 17+ due to mature themes.
FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 21, 2018
Nilda, a recent arrival in Minnesota from Norway, hopes a person from her past does not follow her to Minnesota. In the new country she finds two new chances at love, but the past still haunts her. While I enjoyed the glimpses into settler life, I did not enjoy the overall story which seemed disjointed. I normally enjoy immigrant stories, and I appreciate the faith expressed in the lives of the settlers, but this book simply didn't work for me. The novel does not make me want to try other works by the author. (2.5 stars)
November 7, 2018
First sentence:
August 1910
The rocking chair on the porch made all the difference.
Premise/plot: A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling is the third book in the Under the Northern Skies series. The first two books in the series are The Promise of Dawn and A Breath of Hope. The books focus on a Norwegian immigrant family as they settle down in America at the turn of the century.
The first book primarily focuses on Signe and Rune and their children. The second book introduces more of their family: Nilda and her brother Ivar. (Both are siblings of Rune.) The third book sees even more of their family coming over and settling in. (Including their mother) But in this third book the focus shifts considerably.
The heroine is truly Nilda--and Nilda alone. She's been given an opportunity to work as a companion/assistant of sorts to a wealthy woman who lives in town. She is being taught social graces--learning English, learning the piano, learning social customs and niceties. There are socials nearly every week. Several men seem potentially interested in her. But one man continues to haunt her--or at the very least haunt her dreams. The man who attempted to sexually assault her back in Norway. Dreng.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved the first two books in this series. I got very bonded with Signe and her family. Part of me wanted more of the same in this third book. I wanted to stay on the farm. I wanted the focus to be on the entire family: Signe, Rune, their three sons, their daughter; Ivar and Nilda; the new family members--widows both. I was enjoying this book--up to a point--the point where Dreng started becoming the central focus.
I hated the fact that Nilda was discouraged from following her instincts. I hated the fact that even when Nilda spoke up about what happened to her in the past and spoke of his reputation--this wealthy society woman chose to keep inviting him into her home every week. I hated that she arranged for them to have a private meeting so that he could "apologize" to her and smooth things over. I hated that she was actively encouraged to socialize with the man who attempted to rape her. I hated that he knew where she lived. I hated that Nilda was isolated from her family. I don't think that Dreng would have been so bold to seek her out again and again and again if she'd remained on the farm surrounded by her brothers. (Though perhaps he would have all the same.) I hated that there was no distinction made between forgiveness as a step for personal healing and forgiveness as an invitation to welcome the abuser into one's life. I hated that when it came down to believing him or her--almost everyone believed him. "I've changed; I have. I'm no longer the man who did those things." "This wasn't a one time thing. He makes a habit of attacking women. He attacked me. I've talked to other women he's attacked. The women in our town talked to each other, looked out for one another, warned each other. His family knew about this and did nothing." She was essentially accused of privately slandering Dreng; she wasn't being fair to him. He could have changed. She doesn't know that he hasn't changed. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. It's a serious thing to cut someone socially and uninvite him into your home.
Nilda needed a better advocate, a better friend.
August 1910
The rocking chair on the porch made all the difference.
Premise/plot: A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling is the third book in the Under the Northern Skies series. The first two books in the series are The Promise of Dawn and A Breath of Hope. The books focus on a Norwegian immigrant family as they settle down in America at the turn of the century.
The first book primarily focuses on Signe and Rune and their children. The second book introduces more of their family: Nilda and her brother Ivar. (Both are siblings of Rune.) The third book sees even more of their family coming over and settling in. (Including their mother) But in this third book the focus shifts considerably.
The heroine is truly Nilda--and Nilda alone. She's been given an opportunity to work as a companion/assistant of sorts to a wealthy woman who lives in town. She is being taught social graces--learning English, learning the piano, learning social customs and niceties. There are socials nearly every week. Several men seem potentially interested in her. But one man continues to haunt her--or at the very least haunt her dreams. The man who attempted to sexually assault her back in Norway. Dreng.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved the first two books in this series. I got very bonded with Signe and her family. Part of me wanted more of the same in this third book. I wanted to stay on the farm. I wanted the focus to be on the entire family: Signe, Rune, their three sons, their daughter; Ivar and Nilda; the new family members--widows both. I was enjoying this book--up to a point--the point where Dreng started becoming the central focus.
I hated the fact that Nilda was discouraged from following her instincts. I hated the fact that even when Nilda spoke up about what happened to her in the past and spoke of his reputation--this wealthy society woman chose to keep inviting him into her home every week. I hated that she arranged for them to have a private meeting so that he could "apologize" to her and smooth things over. I hated that she was actively encouraged to socialize with the man who attempted to rape her. I hated that he knew where she lived. I hated that Nilda was isolated from her family. I don't think that Dreng would have been so bold to seek her out again and again and again if she'd remained on the farm surrounded by her brothers. (Though perhaps he would have all the same.) I hated that there was no distinction made between forgiveness as a step for personal healing and forgiveness as an invitation to welcome the abuser into one's life. I hated that when it came down to believing him or her--almost everyone believed him. "I've changed; I have. I'm no longer the man who did those things." "This wasn't a one time thing. He makes a habit of attacking women. He attacked me. I've talked to other women he's attacked. The women in our town talked to each other, looked out for one another, warned each other. His family knew about this and did nothing." She was essentially accused of privately slandering Dreng; she wasn't being fair to him. He could have changed. She doesn't know that he hasn't changed. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. It's a serious thing to cut someone socially and uninvite him into your home.
Nilda needed a better advocate, a better friend.
February 10, 2019
This was my first book in this series. The book started off seemingly in the middle of a plot already. Having not read the other books, I didn’t know any of the characters, who was a child of whom, and who was sister to whom... it was all very confusing. And ages, I have no idea how old anyone is! 6 chapters in, there is no focus on one character, yet the book description clearly defines Nilda as the main character. I was disappointed and decided not to finish. There is no discernible plot and no definitive main characters to follow. I didn’t feel any connection to the characters or story. Had I known I needed to read the previous books to enjoy or follow this book, I would not have picked it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling has us traveling to Benson’s Corner, Minnesota in August of 1910. Rune and Signe Carlson are moving into their new home with their children. Gerd Strand will also be joining them leaving her old home for Nilda and her younger brother, Ivar. Nilda is enjoying living in America with her family, but she still has nightmares of Dreng Nygaard attacking her. They are becoming less frequent and she hopes they will go away with time. Rune and Signe have a housewarming party and Nilda finds that she has two gentlemen interested in courting her. Petter Thorvaldson, a lumberjack they met on their trip to Benson’s Corner, and Fritz Larsson, the local schoolteacher, are both interested in Nilda. The family then receives news that their father has passed away and Gunlaug Carlson, their mother, wishes to immigrate to America to be near her children which pleases the family. Nilda and Ivar are invited to a young person’s social at Mrs. Gertrude Schoenleber’s home and the ladies quickly whip up a new dress for Nilda to wear. Nilda is shocked when Petter walks in with Dreng. That night her nightmares return with a vengeance, and Nilda is afraid Dreng will exact revenge he promised. Mrs. Schoenleber offers Nilda a position as her assistant which will provide wonderful opportunities for Nilda. The only downside of her new job is encountering Dreng who has managed to charm the local ladies. Will Nilda be able to move forward with her life or will Dreng’s attack continue to haunt her?
A Season of Grace is the third installment in Under Northern Skies series. This is a series that you need to read in order. Each book in Under Northern Skies series builds upon the previous one. We have watched the various characters adapt to America and they are beginning to prosper. Rune and Signe are thrilled to have their own home, but they do not want to leave Gerd behind. Gerd has blossomed since the Carlson’s have come into her life and she has come out of her shell since her husband passed away. I have enjoyed watching Gerd’s journey. The focus of A Season of Grace is Nilda. She is given a wonderful opportunity by Mrs. Schoenleber that will allow her to learn how to read and write English properly, meet new people, live in a larger city, learn proper etiquette, get new clothing and a chance to travel. Lauraine Snelling has created such lovely, heartwarming characters that I look forward to visiting in each new Under Northern Skies book. I like hearing about how the farm is prospering. We get to experience the daily life on a farm which includes taking care of the animals, making their own cheese and butter, cutting wood to keep the fireplaces going, butchering the animals, making soap, creating their furniture, and much more. If you are looking for a book full of action, then A Season of Grace is not for you. There is activity at the end of the story as Nilda’s story with Dreng reaches its climax. Dreng is the dark element in the story. The Christian elements are beautifully woven into the story. The family is grateful for each blessing in their life. Prayer, grace, hope, and forgiveness are other Christian elements in the book. A Season of Grace proceeds at a gentle pace which I enjoyed. It allowed me to appreciate and absorb the story. I am giving A Season of Grace 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to visiting the Carlson family again in the next Under Northern Skies novel.
A Season of Grace is the third installment in Under Northern Skies series. This is a series that you need to read in order. Each book in Under Northern Skies series builds upon the previous one. We have watched the various characters adapt to America and they are beginning to prosper. Rune and Signe are thrilled to have their own home, but they do not want to leave Gerd behind. Gerd has blossomed since the Carlson’s have come into her life and she has come out of her shell since her husband passed away. I have enjoyed watching Gerd’s journey. The focus of A Season of Grace is Nilda. She is given a wonderful opportunity by Mrs. Schoenleber that will allow her to learn how to read and write English properly, meet new people, live in a larger city, learn proper etiquette, get new clothing and a chance to travel. Lauraine Snelling has created such lovely, heartwarming characters that I look forward to visiting in each new Under Northern Skies book. I like hearing about how the farm is prospering. We get to experience the daily life on a farm which includes taking care of the animals, making their own cheese and butter, cutting wood to keep the fireplaces going, butchering the animals, making soap, creating their furniture, and much more. If you are looking for a book full of action, then A Season of Grace is not for you. There is activity at the end of the story as Nilda’s story with Dreng reaches its climax. Dreng is the dark element in the story. The Christian elements are beautifully woven into the story. The family is grateful for each blessing in their life. Prayer, grace, hope, and forgiveness are other Christian elements in the book. A Season of Grace proceeds at a gentle pace which I enjoyed. It allowed me to appreciate and absorb the story. I am giving A Season of Grace 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to visiting the Carlson family again in the next Under Northern Skies novel.
October 7, 2018
I was so happy to get the last book in the Under Northern Skies Series by Lauraine Snelling. This series is wonderful. Thank you NetGalley for providing the book in exchange for my honest review.
As I mentioned previously this is the last book in the series. I just went back and re-read the first chapter to see if this book made sense as a stand alone, and it does. So, I guess, technically you could read this book without having read the other two before it, but it makes this book so much better when you know the history behind Signe and Raul's coming to America. The relationship between Signe and Gerd when they first arrived in Minnesota and Gerd's husband Einar was still alive.
That being said....This last book wraps up everything nicely. The book is filled with heartwarming characters that I loved getting to know.
The community in this story is perfect. I loved seeing how they all work to help each other, it was touching. Made me wish for simpler times.
I hope you decide to read this series.
As I mentioned previously this is the last book in the series. I just went back and re-read the first chapter to see if this book made sense as a stand alone, and it does. So, I guess, technically you could read this book without having read the other two before it, but it makes this book so much better when you know the history behind Signe and Raul's coming to America. The relationship between Signe and Gerd when they first arrived in Minnesota and Gerd's husband Einar was still alive.
That being said....This last book wraps up everything nicely. The book is filled with heartwarming characters that I loved getting to know.
The community in this story is perfect. I loved seeing how they all work to help each other, it was touching. Made me wish for simpler times.
I hope you decide to read this series.
December 11, 2018
A Season of Grace is book three from Lauraine Snelling's Under the Northern Skies series. This one is my favorite of the series so far. I enjoyed being taken back in time to 1910 Minnesota and she how the immigrants of Norway were living then. I just loved Nilda and admired her strength and courage. I was rooting for her until the end.
I give A Season of Grace four stars. I am looking to the next book in the series.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give A Season of Grace four stars. I am looking to the next book in the series.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
January 29, 2019
This series is like Little House on the Prairie for grownups and I am completely obsessed. When I found that the 4th book of this series isn't out until August, I almost cried. Yes, I have issues and I could care less, as long as I can keep reading these books. Why I can't stop reading them, I don't know. All I know is I need August to get here super fast.
April 3, 2022
I gave this book four stars because the author is evidently doing something right to keep me reading, sometimes doing the whole "just one more chapter" right before bed. However, I feel like I need to say to potential readers: "Wait for iiiiiiiiit," like Gus and Sean in Psych, because you literally have to wait until the last chapter for anything at all to be resolved. I was so worried, reading the blurb on the back, that the author would have a redemption arc for Dreng. Look, I'm all for redemption arcs, just not for rapists. Which is clearly what Dreng is. I mean, maybe he didn't rape Nilda, but he tried, and it hinted that he was successful with other girls and there was at least one who was "sent away." So he got a girl pregnant, and I'm thinking it wasn't in a relationship. Knowing all of THAT from book two, and the threats he had sent to Nilda, I was really getting irritated with pretty much everyone in this book when Dreng showed up in Blackduck. I give Nilda a pass - it's not uncommon for sexual assault victims to freeze in the presence of their attacker and be hesitant to tell people about it. I felt her entire family, however, were way too passive about the whole thing. "Oh the guy who tried to rape you, then threatened you, has now crossed a FREAKIN OCEAN to follow you. But don't worry, trust God, and it will all be okay." When Nilda is having PTSD nightmares, all they have to say is, "don't worry, it's not real." Okay, I get it, it's the Victorian era, and they don't know what we do now about what victims go through. Still - it seemed odd that her brother Ivar was just chill with playing charades in the parlor with Dreng when back in Norway he "taught him a lesson" along with Nilda's other brothers. I'm assuming, though they won't tell Nilda, that they beat the crap out of the guy. But now Ivar's just chill about it? WHAT!? Then, when Nilda tells her employer, Mrs. Schonleiber (sp?), about it, the woman practically MAKES her meet with Dreng to forgive him. Look, I'm a Christian, and I agree that we always need to forgive, but that doesn't mean you have to be around a person who TRIED TO RAPE YOU. Nor should anyone guilt you into doing so. Then Mrs. Schonleiber keeps inviting him around because "he says he's changed"? Ugh. And they just let him flirt with all the giggling girls and NEVER WARN ANYONE HE IS A RAPIST. Yes, Jesus can redeem anyone, but if you think someone could hurt people, I think you have a responsibility to say something. It's basically their fault that he tried to rape the poor girl in the logging camp. Again, this wasn't on Nilda, the victim, this was on her family and all those around her who KNEW the entire time about this guy. I was relieved when A) Dreng wasn't redeemed and Nilda didn't marry him (I was seriously concerned this was where things were going - yuck) and B) things were FINALLY resolved in the final chapter. But, like I said, I had to wait for it. Then I felt like it wrapped things up way too neatly way too fast. Okay, now that I have written all this out, I'm changing my review to three stars. This book just worked me up in SO many ways - and not good ones. I wanted to yell at so many people. Constantly. And shake them. Repeatedly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2018
I jumped into the Under Northern Skies series with book three, A Season of Grace. While I could tell as I read that Snelling assumed her reader was familiar with the characters and their background, it did not keep me from understanding and enjoying this story set in 1910 Minnesota.
Nilda Carlson and members of her family had immigrated from Norway. Nilda may have hoped to escape the memories of being assaulted by her employer's son, but those memories engulfed her as her assailant, also an immigrant, began to attend social events sponsored by her new employer. Nilda, torn between sharing his history with her employer and allowing him to prove himself a changed man, was not prepared for the events to come.
I was especially drawn to the character of Tante Gerd in this story. An elderly aunt who had lived for decades under the negativity and controlling thumb of her husband, Tante Gerd's loving and cheerful personality was blossoming in her widowhood. She took full pleasure in all the blessings presented to her rather than allowing herself to be robbed of them by dwelling in the past.
To the best of my memory, this is the first book that I have read by Lauraine Snelling. I do have several more in my Kindle library, and now look forward to reading them. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of A Season of Grace in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
Nilda Carlson and members of her family had immigrated from Norway. Nilda may have hoped to escape the memories of being assaulted by her employer's son, but those memories engulfed her as her assailant, also an immigrant, began to attend social events sponsored by her new employer. Nilda, torn between sharing his history with her employer and allowing him to prove himself a changed man, was not prepared for the events to come.
I was especially drawn to the character of Tante Gerd in this story. An elderly aunt who had lived for decades under the negativity and controlling thumb of her husband, Tante Gerd's loving and cheerful personality was blossoming in her widowhood. She took full pleasure in all the blessings presented to her rather than allowing herself to be robbed of them by dwelling in the past.
To the best of my memory, this is the first book that I have read by Lauraine Snelling. I do have several more in my Kindle library, and now look forward to reading them. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of A Season of Grace in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
February 26, 2019
Loved the cover; enjoyed the historical setting but as with other Snelling's books, I was left confused and perplexed.
Immediately the reader is inundated with countless characters. There were so many characters at the beginning of this book that I couldn't keep them straight. Page after page I kept flipping back and forth trying to figure out if I needed to remember all the different names people because later I might need them.
I put the book down, tried again but as I read further I became more and more confused and then annoyed by the wandering story and seeming lack of plot.
It's such a tragedy that this book meanders so for I really wanted to enjoy it. I once lived in Northern Minnesota; knew many Norwegian people and was fascinated with the customs still evidenced from the "old country".
I have found similar issues with other of Snelling books. The older ones were better because apparently she didn't assume we all knew all of her characters but her more recent stories are stuffed with extraneous characters.
If a character isn't central to a plot can't they be referred to as "another neighbor or another coworker " or something like that instead of by a name? If one reads books by other authors, such as I do, I don't retain a family history of Snelling characters!!!! To have to remember dozens of names from year to year waiting for each new Snelling book to come out is virtually impossible. I can't recall all 100 people that I'm related for heaven's sake so why would I do that for an author?
Immediately the reader is inundated with countless characters. There were so many characters at the beginning of this book that I couldn't keep them straight. Page after page I kept flipping back and forth trying to figure out if I needed to remember all the different names people because later I might need them.
I put the book down, tried again but as I read further I became more and more confused and then annoyed by the wandering story and seeming lack of plot.
It's such a tragedy that this book meanders so for I really wanted to enjoy it. I once lived in Northern Minnesota; knew many Norwegian people and was fascinated with the customs still evidenced from the "old country".
I have found similar issues with other of Snelling books. The older ones were better because apparently she didn't assume we all knew all of her characters but her more recent stories are stuffed with extraneous characters.
If a character isn't central to a plot can't they be referred to as "another neighbor or another coworker " or something like that instead of by a name? If one reads books by other authors, such as I do, I don't retain a family history of Snelling characters!!!! To have to remember dozens of names from year to year waiting for each new Snelling book to come out is virtually impossible. I can't recall all 100 people that I'm related for heaven's sake so why would I do that for an author?
November 6, 2018
A good title! and love that cover. It was again so good to return to this family from Norway. Good to settle into the stories of the blessings in their lives mixed with hard work and coping with hardships, ups and downs, shared by all in this close family. They really make me hungry though, reading of the wonderful things they make to eat! The family lives on a farm, but Nilda is offered a position as an assistant to a very wealthy woman. Working for her is nothing like she left in Norway, as she is a kind and thoughtful person who loves to take care of people. Nilda is getting closer to two young men, but it remains to be seen if she will choose either of them. She is still pursued by the horrible young man who tried to abuse her in Norway, making for many tense times. Working through this with the support of her family and new friends is a learning experience for her - a stretching of her wings yet learning to rely on God and others for support. As always a fabulous read that you won't want to end.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#AseasonOfGrace #NetGalley
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.”
#AseasonOfGrace #NetGalley
October 18, 2018
This book was filled with love, family, forgiveness, and God’s amazing grace. There were so many wonderful examples of faith throughout this book. The way this family prayed and trusted God with their lives was inspiring something we should all take note of and try to emulate in our own lives.
I love getting deeper into each member of these families lives. I love Nilda and her story in this book was incredibly interesting and at times, suspenseful. I can’t wait to see more from her and everyone else.
I found this book heartwarming, and I loved reading about the “simpler times”. They had to work so hard back then; they worked for their food and shelter. Sitting around the table together was normal and enjoying coffee with friends was an excellent treat. Family should always be the most important thing, only after God, but it seems that life has become more about material gain now days.
Recommendation: I loved traveling back in time to this way of life. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
I love getting deeper into each member of these families lives. I love Nilda and her story in this book was incredibly interesting and at times, suspenseful. I can’t wait to see more from her and everyone else.
I found this book heartwarming, and I loved reading about the “simpler times”. They had to work so hard back then; they worked for their food and shelter. Sitting around the table together was normal and enjoying coffee with friends was an excellent treat. Family should always be the most important thing, only after God, but it seems that life has become more about material gain now days.
Recommendation: I loved traveling back in time to this way of life. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*
November 5, 2018
A Season of Grace shares a tale of winter life in northern Minnesota in the early 1900’s highlighting the hardships, tragedies, and hard work that it took to survive during this time. This third novel in the series showcases a new era in the life of the extended Carlson family. Lauraine Snelling brings that feeling of family, faith, and community to readers as she continues her story of the expanding Carlson family.
This story centers around Nilda, one of the newest arrivals from Norway, as she begins working and stretching her wings in the community. This novel had a bit of the dark to it as an uncertain presence from the past shows up in Benson’s Corner. Read this engaging historical family saga to further your acquaintance with the Carlson family and to find out how Nilda deals with her ghost from the past. If you enjoy historical fiction at a slow, comfortable pace, this book will be perfect for you. A great book for a rainy afternoon and a cozy cup of tea!
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
This story centers around Nilda, one of the newest arrivals from Norway, as she begins working and stretching her wings in the community. This novel had a bit of the dark to it as an uncertain presence from the past shows up in Benson’s Corner. Read this engaging historical family saga to further your acquaintance with the Carlson family and to find out how Nilda deals with her ghost from the past. If you enjoy historical fiction at a slow, comfortable pace, this book will be perfect for you. A great book for a rainy afternoon and a cozy cup of tea!
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
November 13, 2018
While this could be read as a stand-alone, it is much richer if read in the context of the world Snelling has created around the town of Blessing. This book is from the series Under Northern Skies #3. While this family has a connection to the family that located in Blessings, this is a different location.
But as always, Snelling draws us into the family and into the time period. We hear the creak of the harness and groan at the never-ending labor put in to create a life in the new land. This is not a romance, though there are threads that will come together in future books.
Nilda is seeking to build a new life and is happy in her new situation. She has family and friends and a new job with a wealthy, caring businesswoman. She is frightened when she realizes the man that sent her escaping her home is now, not only in America but also in her town. Has he changed or is he waiting his chance to finish the assault from which she escaped last time?
A story of family, trust, faith....and so much more.
But as always, Snelling draws us into the family and into the time period. We hear the creak of the harness and groan at the never-ending labor put in to create a life in the new land. This is not a romance, though there are threads that will come together in future books.
Nilda is seeking to build a new life and is happy in her new situation. She has family and friends and a new job with a wealthy, caring businesswoman. She is frightened when she realizes the man that sent her escaping her home is now, not only in America but also in her town. Has he changed or is he waiting his chance to finish the assault from which she escaped last time?
A story of family, trust, faith....and so much more.
November 18, 2018
This is book 3 in this series and it was very good.You should read book#1 and book#2 before you read this one so you know who the characters are.The main character is Nilda who lived in Norway and came to the United States with her brother Ivar to live with their older brother Rune and his family.
Nilda and Ivar meet a very rich lady(Mrs. Schoenleber) on the train and she takes them under her wing and invites them to stay at her house until they are reunited with family.After they are settled with Rune's family ,Mrs.Schoenberg invites Nilda to come live with her & work for her.She buys clothes for her and pays for a teacher to teach her the English language and the piano.They have servants there to do everything for them.Nilda has never had anything like this before and enjoys it but misses being with her family.Her new life is going pretty good until someone from her past shows up to cause her problems again.Will Nilda be able to find happiness and peace with this intruder back in her life?
Nilda and Ivar meet a very rich lady(Mrs. Schoenleber) on the train and she takes them under her wing and invites them to stay at her house until they are reunited with family.After they are settled with Rune's family ,Mrs.Schoenberg invites Nilda to come live with her & work for her.She buys clothes for her and pays for a teacher to teach her the English language and the piano.They have servants there to do everything for them.Nilda has never had anything like this before and enjoys it but misses being with her family.Her new life is going pretty good until someone from her past shows up to cause her problems again.Will Nilda be able to find happiness and peace with this intruder back in her life?
December 22, 2018
This is a story of a young woman (Nilda) who came to Minnesota from Norway, with her two brothers. The brothers have started cutting trees and looking at other opportunities to make a success now that they have finished building their home. Nilda their sister has landed a job with one of the wealthy businesswoman in a nearby town who is teaching her to speak English. Other things learned were how to act around the people she invites for socials. When she found out that the man who tried to assault her while back in Norway was now living in their town and would possibly be coming to socials at her employer’s home wanted to give up this opportunity. When her employer noticed Nilda’s discomfort around him pressed her to share her story. Although he said he was sorry Nilda was fearful around him. Would his true colors come through once her guard is lowered? This is a familiar problem which many women have experienced. This was an interesting book especially during the time frame. This is the only book of this series I have read.
March 1, 2023
While I agree that forgiveness frees the person who forgives, not the one forgiven, the whole push for Nilda to forgive felt gross. Almost as if we were glossing over what had been done and not protecting her or anyone else he may harm. This is an issue in real life and by having it in books, it perpetuates the problem. It makes it seem like handling it like this is ok. I honestly stopped & considered returning the book entirely never to finish it after the forgiveness scene. I only continued to see if it would be handled better. If Nilda would be protected & any justice would be done. The ending does not give that feeling at all. So disappointed.
The plot line of a young farmer's daughter suddenly being given the "gift" of being a rich older woman's assistant or companion has been done before as well. This made the story rather boring. I wish we would have focused more on life back on the farm & what was happening with the family.
Probably my least favorite book of Lauraine Snelling's I have read.
The plot line of a young farmer's daughter suddenly being given the "gift" of being a rich older woman's assistant or companion has been done before as well. This made the story rather boring. I wish we would have focused more on life back on the farm & what was happening with the family.
Probably my least favorite book of Lauraine Snelling's I have read.
November 18, 2021
The third in this series. Nilda and Ivar are now living in the home by themselves after their distant cousin, Einard died and his wife moved into the new home that Rune and Signe have built. Their mother wishes to emigrate too but their father refuses to even consider it.
Ivar is working in the woods helping to clear the land and Nilda is content working for the elderly woman in the nearby town although the woman asks Nilda to increase the days she works with her. She is obviously grooming her to be an elegant well spoken woman. Nilda works hard improving her English and dressing in good clothing. But when she learns Dreng Nygaard, the young man from Norway whom she had a terrifying encounter with is now living in the same town and is acting as a charming young man, she is frightened. She hopes he has learned his lesson and changed his ways.
She has several young potential suitors but is uneasy about whether Nygaard is a real threat or not.
Ivar is working in the woods helping to clear the land and Nilda is content working for the elderly woman in the nearby town although the woman asks Nilda to increase the days she works with her. She is obviously grooming her to be an elegant well spoken woman. Nilda works hard improving her English and dressing in good clothing. But when she learns Dreng Nygaard, the young man from Norway whom she had a terrifying encounter with is now living in the same town and is acting as a charming young man, she is frightened. She hopes he has learned his lesson and changed his ways.
She has several young potential suitors but is uneasy about whether Nygaard is a real threat or not.
November 10, 2018
Best-selling Christian author, Lorraine Snelling, has added a beautifully-written, new addition to her many novels about the Scandinavian immigrants who helped settle Minnesota. They are all well-written and full of interesting facts about the Norwegian culture. This book is another great story about the Carlson family with its many vivid characters and interesting cultural traditions. A Season of Grace is all about family, love and the powerful strength to be able to survive the early 1900's in the rural areas of the northern Midwest. I loved this book and highly recommend it! (I also love her Red River of the North series.)
A Season of Grace is now available from Bethany House Publishers. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
A Season of Grace is now available from Bethany House Publishers. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
October 13, 2019
Lauraine Smelling is a favorite author of mine as well.
I've enjoyed this series immensely except for the strange names she gives her people.
I love their bravery for coming to a new country to start their lives over and begin anew. It couldn't have been easy in fact I know it wasn't!!
Heck just moving to a new school, state and town is difficulty enough. Making new friends is even harder much less in getting to know your neighbors!
I have been admiring Nilda. Her courage, stamina and determination is timeless and encouraging to others.
Lauraine makes me a part of her stories the moment I open one of her books which is why I always look forward to seeing what she has coming out next!
I recommend this book or any of her really! My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed this series immensely except for the strange names she gives her people.
I love their bravery for coming to a new country to start their lives over and begin anew. It couldn't have been easy in fact I know it wasn't!!
Heck just moving to a new school, state and town is difficulty enough. Making new friends is even harder much less in getting to know your neighbors!
I have been admiring Nilda. Her courage, stamina and determination is timeless and encouraging to others.
Lauraine makes me a part of her stories the moment I open one of her books which is why I always look forward to seeing what she has coming out next!
I recommend this book or any of her really! My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.
March 8, 2021
Another hit and miss for me. This novel was written in a day-in-the-life sort of way. The main plot didn't come off very strong- there was so much going on around it that the culmination of the main plot that was suggested at the beginning felt thrown in at the last second toward the end. It was a pleasant book to read in that there was sometimes entertaining dialogue amongst the family members and I found the details concerning life for new Norwegian immigrants to America interesting. But ultimately the momentum of the book was too slow to hold my interest for even a first-time read. This is the kind of book where I feel like I could randomly peek in at any chapter just to see what they were doing in that day of life, but it isn't something that pulls me in enough to sit down read it through to the end again.
May 23, 2023
I just finished this book today and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book showed me so much about the history of these Norwegian immigrants and the lives they led. I did find the language stilted sometimes, but I wonder how much of that was due to listening this on audiobooks and much of it during a long drive home visiting family.
The heroine obsessed too much about the villain and others did too little about him to protect her, but that is perhaps my modern bias. I definitely see a trend in myself--I'm not all about the forgiveness when self-protection is on the line.
I do recommend this book--it's so good to appreciate the difficulties and challenges our ancestors went through to make this country what it is. We owe them all so much.
This book showed me so much about the history of these Norwegian immigrants and the lives they led. I did find the language stilted sometimes, but I wonder how much of that was due to listening this on audiobooks and much of it during a long drive home visiting family.
The heroine obsessed too much about the villain and others did too little about him to protect her, but that is perhaps my modern bias. I definitely see a trend in myself--I'm not all about the forgiveness when self-protection is on the line.
I do recommend this book--it's so good to appreciate the difficulties and challenges our ancestors went through to make this country what it is. We owe them all so much.
October 17, 2023
This book just never hooked me. Nothing much ever seemed to happen, and the "big" plot point felt flat because it just wasn't believable. For a woman who had been attacked before by a man who swore to hunt her down in the future, she was extremely calm about it all and even talked herself into thinking he had changed and it wasn't her place to tell others about his past attacks on her and other women when he came back to town. This frustrated me because, in my mind, she was basically putting a whole town of women at risk. I skimmed the last half of the book, slowing down for one or two pages at the end when it's resolved, but I don't feel l missed anything. I do want to try this author again though - based on other reviews, her other books sound more engaging!
October 28, 2018
Nilda Carlson is trying to get over an attack she suffered at the hands of Dreng Nygaard. She hopes to start a new life in Blackduck MN but as she settles in she discovers that Dreng has also settled there. Nilda tries to give him a second chance as she establishes herself in a new life as the assistant to a wealthy woman.
I really enjoyed this book as it is set about 100 miles south of where I live. The characters are real and the plot is fast paced and entertaining. So grab a cup of coffee, as all the Norwegians I know, love their coffee and settle in for a lovely read.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed this book as it is set about 100 miles south of where I live. The characters are real and the plot is fast paced and entertaining. So grab a cup of coffee, as all the Norwegians I know, love their coffee and settle in for a lovely read.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
October 14, 2024
Loved reading about things that happened in this time period. Immigrating to America was not easy for Nilda or Ivar but they had family they were going to. So much work to do on the farm to keep the family fed and clothed and housed. Just lost myself in going back to that era while reading this book. The author kept the storyline going with interesting things in each chapter that I didn't want to put the book aside. Nilda has two suitors for love but then someone from her past is rumored to be in Blackduck who tried to rape Nilda while she was in Norway. Look forward to reading about her what happens in her life in the next book of the series.
October 19, 2018
3.5 stars
This is not your typical historical romance. This is the third in the Under Northern Skies series and I feel you need to read them all to get the best understanding of the story line. I have not read them all and struggled a little but it is still a good story. This series seems to focus on an entire family and friends, where they all play important rolls in the entire story. Nilda Carlson is the main character in this particular novel and she must learn a lot about herself and the country she now lives in.
This is not your typical historical romance. This is the third in the Under Northern Skies series and I feel you need to read them all to get the best understanding of the story line. I have not read them all and struggled a little but it is still a good story. This series seems to focus on an entire family and friends, where they all play important rolls in the entire story. Nilda Carlson is the main character in this particular novel and she must learn a lot about herself and the country she now lives in.
November 13, 2018
I know this book was different then most of the other books like Ms. Snelling but I felt that she worked around the problem very well with out doing into to much detail. I think that Nelda and her family will come out ahead after going though this last year here in America and dealing with the mean Uncle and now this. Terrible times come to all of us and we can choose to going on or let it eat away at us. And I’m so glad that they chose to go on. I would have loved to have seen more of Kristen and Gerd because I love the relationship those two have.
January 1, 2019
This is the 3rd in the series and since it was some time ago that I read the first two, a list of characters would’ve been helpful, it seemed like you came in the middle of a story. Nilda’s dreams are coming true, the first months in America had been hard but now the farm is growing and she has a dream job as an assistant to a wealthy lady. The only flaw is the man from Norway that had tried to assault is here and she has to meet him often. She is trying to forgive him, but she can’t forget what he did. One thing that really showed in the book was how hard they all had to work to survive.
January 23, 2019
A Season of Grace is my favorite in the Under Northern Skies series. At least until book 4 comes out. This one starts to slowly turn the focus of the story onto Nilda. More characters from Norway join the family in America and the family even grows a little. I’m enjoying this series so far. It’s written well and perfectly paced. I have yet to actually lose interest while reading it.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of the Under Northern Skies series and I hope there’s at least two more books because I would hate for it to end. Highly recommend to fans of Mrs. Snelling.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of the Under Northern Skies series and I hope there’s at least two more books because I would hate for it to end. Highly recommend to fans of Mrs. Snelling.
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