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Red River of the North #4
The Reapers Song
Ever so slowly Dakota Territory is being transformed from a vast prairie into rich farmland. With the coming of the railroad, the small town of Blessing begins to prosper, and the Bjorklund family is reaping the promised harvest that had lured them from their beloved home in Norway.
But for Ingeborg and Haakan, realizing their dreams will not come without a struggle. After their own fields are harvested, Haakan and the neighboring men take the steam engine and the separator on the road, threshing for other homesteaders in return for a portion of their grain. With Haakan away and the fields standing idle, Ingeborg frets over work yet to be done. Fearing an early change of seasons, she takes matters into her own hands.
Has the land become more important to Ingeborg than her own family?
But for Ingeborg and Haakan, realizing their dreams will not come without a struggle. After their own fields are harvested, Haakan and the neighboring men take the steam engine and the separator on the road, threshing for other homesteaders in return for a portion of their grain. With Haakan away and the fields standing idle, Ingeborg frets over work yet to be done. Fearing an early change of seasons, she takes matters into her own hands.
Has the land become more important to Ingeborg than her own family?
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
264 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,038 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 92 reviews
February 21, 2018
This one is definitely one of my favorites in the Red River of the North series! It's got all the classic characters - Ingeborge, Haaken, Agnes, Kaaren, Lars, Penny and Hjelmer, the kids, and even the Valderses. Zeb's storyline is so, so good, and his redemption story is just utterly beautiful, as is Mr. Valders. I love the rich history and beautiful themes of love, family, and redemption throughout.
Recommended for ages 16+ for a few mature scenes\references.
Recommended for ages 16+ for a few mature scenes\references.
March 28, 2023
I need more Audible credits so I can finish the six-book series. Listening to these stories is pure pleasure.
June 5, 2019
Good book! So glad I have it on audio!
Definitely read this series in order! So much change in each book! I love it.
Definitely read this series in order! So much change in each book! I love it.
September 18, 2025
We see the continuation of the building of this community in North Dakota territory. Weather and accidents are hardships that cannot be ignored. Can their community of friendship work through tragedies and changes that modernization is bringing?
March 26, 2008
The Bjorklund family remains the core of the Red River series. However, by the time we were half way into the book, I was becoming bewildered by more and more characters. Some more of the family immigrated from Norway. Some neighbors moved in from other areas of America. Finally, a unifying theme emerged from the chaos: developing a community.
In the first book of the series, two isolated couples on the prairie faced everything alone. At the lowest point, the two husbands died, leaving the two widows to survive through a lonely winter. Now we realize that some problems require the combined effort of the community: reaping the harvest with the new giant reaping machines; starting a cooperative bank; confronting an abusive neighbor.
I'm still looking forward to following this series!
In the first book of the series, two isolated couples on the prairie faced everything alone. At the lowest point, the two husbands died, leaving the two widows to survive through a lonely winter. Now we realize that some problems require the combined effort of the community: reaping the harvest with the new giant reaping machines; starting a cooperative bank; confronting an abusive neighbor.
I'm still looking forward to following this series!
July 9, 2018
While this book can be read as a stand alone it would be better to read the first 3 so you know how the people ended up where they are. The Bjorklund family is finally getting the land and houses they wanted when they moved from Norway to the USA. Haaken goes on a tressing trip and the crops are ready to be harvested so his wife Ingeborg is worried about frost and not getting the outside work done.She goes out to the fields herself and has an accident. The children and Haaken get the mumps and he is unable to work for a long time. The one thing that really stands out is how hard their lives were and how hard they worked.
May 30, 2015
Another great read in the Red River Series. This is probably my favorite historical series thus far. The small town of Blessing is growing and with that many new faces. There is a lot to keep up with in this series but I feel it's worth it. These Lauraine Snelling books are pure family and community and light on the romance; which will always be my favorite. They are not fluffy or cheesy or dripping with sweet words. Just raw grit and determination to seek out God's will in the Dakota territory. Wonderful descriptions of homesteading!!!
June 1, 2017
So many changes are taking place in a growing town. God is still good and helps them through it all.
November 2, 2020
Lauraine Snelling’s novel, The Reapers’ Song, the fourth book of the Red River of the North series, takes place in Dakota Territory and covers the period 1885 - 1886.
Blessings, Dakota Territory, is beginning to prosper from the hard work of the Norwegian homesteaders. The railroad helps bring business to the little town, and the surrounding farms are producing crops and livestock.
Ingeborg and Haakan, their children and neighbors, many of whom are relatives, work long, hard hours. Some still live in sod houses; others are fortunate to have wood-framed homes. The stock and harvest must come first, and it is a steady grind to eke out their living.
Haakan and neighboring farmers have managed to acquire a steam engine with a separator to harvest wheat. A team of men take the separator on the road, threshing for other homesteaders in return for a portion of their grain. While the men are gone, their fields remain idle, and Ingeborg worries about all the work to be done before the harsh winter sets in. She decides to take over some of the field work in her husband’s absence. But her plan backfires and causes unimagined pain.
The Blessing community is grounded in deep faith. Without thinking of their own inconvenience, they help neighbors, welcome strangers into their homes, and do whatever is necessary for the good of all.
The author paints vivid pictures of the vast Dakota prairie, the dinginess of a house built of sod, the blessing of a church with a pastor, and the treasure of a school. She skillfully describes clothes, equipment, and attitudes of the period, and shows how faith and dedication help the immigrants thrive. I am enjoying the Red River of the North series and look forward to the two remaining books.
Blessings, Dakota Territory, is beginning to prosper from the hard work of the Norwegian homesteaders. The railroad helps bring business to the little town, and the surrounding farms are producing crops and livestock.
Ingeborg and Haakan, their children and neighbors, many of whom are relatives, work long, hard hours. Some still live in sod houses; others are fortunate to have wood-framed homes. The stock and harvest must come first, and it is a steady grind to eke out their living.
Haakan and neighboring farmers have managed to acquire a steam engine with a separator to harvest wheat. A team of men take the separator on the road, threshing for other homesteaders in return for a portion of their grain. While the men are gone, their fields remain idle, and Ingeborg worries about all the work to be done before the harsh winter sets in. She decides to take over some of the field work in her husband’s absence. But her plan backfires and causes unimagined pain.
The Blessing community is grounded in deep faith. Without thinking of their own inconvenience, they help neighbors, welcome strangers into their homes, and do whatever is necessary for the good of all.
The author paints vivid pictures of the vast Dakota prairie, the dinginess of a house built of sod, the blessing of a church with a pastor, and the treasure of a school. She skillfully describes clothes, equipment, and attitudes of the period, and shows how faith and dedication help the immigrants thrive. I am enjoying the Red River of the North series and look forward to the two remaining books.
July 19, 2011
I've enjoyed learning about the hardships and successes of the Norwegian immigrants who settled in the North Dakota Territory. The courage and strength of these determined people is amazing and their faith inspiring. Lauraine Snelling has developed a cast of characters in this Red River of the North series who are engaging, inspiring and memorable. I have enjoyed all the books in this series!
May 1, 2021
I get drawn into each book in this series almost as soon as I crack open the cover. In this issue, the author continues with the story of the two main characters; Ingleborg and Haakan and their struggles settling in the Dakota territory in the late 1800's. Her sister-in-law, Kaarn has her two twin daughters, one whom is deaf after her mother was exposed to German measles when she was pregnant. Kaarn is struggling to figure out how to communicate with Sophie but the two twins have developed a method themselves.
When Haakan and Lars (Kaarn's husband) purchase a steam engine to help with their threshing business, they have to travel around the country to help neighbors with their harvest. Ingleborg laments seeing the fields are lying idle so decides to go out on her own but she has an accident.
In this book, Mumps is making the rounds, another communicable disease that was prevalent every year until we were so fortunate to have a vaccine developed so complications that she wrote in the book no longer are an issue.
There are new characters being introduced with each book as more relatives immigrate from Norway.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
When Haakan and Lars (Kaarn's husband) purchase a steam engine to help with their threshing business, they have to travel around the country to help neighbors with their harvest. Ingleborg laments seeing the fields are lying idle so decides to go out on her own but she has an accident.
In this book, Mumps is making the rounds, another communicable disease that was prevalent every year until we were so fortunate to have a vaccine developed so complications that she wrote in the book no longer are an issue.
There are new characters being introduced with each book as more relatives immigrate from Norway.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 10, 2020
Wow. 6 months later.... Why did it take me so long to read this book!?!?! I gobbled up the first 3 in the series but they were online. I think with this one I was expecting the focus to shift away from Ingeborg, but it didn't and even though I love her, nothing much seemed to happen with that story line but there was lots else going on with others that didn't get focused on as much. Maybe that was it, maybe I was just lazy who knows.
This is the end of the thought below when reading:
type of series where every book if fresh and different, or perhaps the trouble is with the book after all, how can I tell? I am definitely reading the next two books though! I'm so behind in my to read goal but if I finish all these books at the same time I'll be caught up 😂
I need to stop writing about them and read them haha. But then again what's the point of reading if it's a chore, I only want to do it for fun
This is the end of the thought below when reading:
type of series where every book if fresh and different, or perhaps the trouble is with the book after all, how can I tell? I am definitely reading the next two books though! I'm so behind in my to read goal but if I finish all these books at the same time I'll be caught up 😂
I need to stop writing about them and read them haha. But then again what's the point of reading if it's a chore, I only want to do it for fun
August 8, 2025
A quieter entry, but full of soul, more like a well-worn quilt.This one is about aging and letting go, both of people and expectations. The everyday beauty of routine really stood out to me: the way someone refolds a quilt, or brings coffee without asking. It reminded me that life isn’t always big moments, sometimes it’s just keeping the lantern lit. It’s about endings and the kind of peace that only comes after you’ve lost and loved deeply. There’s also a scene with a cow that felt uncomfortably realistic. Humor here is blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, like someone raising an eyebrow mid-sermon. It’s subtle. It’s dry. It’s delightful. And yes, I felt like I aged with the family while listening—emotionally and possibly physically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2021
An engaging read!
I have been reading this series for awhile now and I've enjoyed each one. The book deals with Norwegian immigrants living and loving in the Dakota territory in the 1800s. Deals with how tough life can be under the conditions they lived in and how they overcome them and improve their lives. The women in the stories are strong and courageous women. How they make God the center of their lives is particularly interesting and very meaningful! Thank you MS. Snelling for a wonderful book!
I have been reading this series for awhile now and I've enjoyed each one. The book deals with Norwegian immigrants living and loving in the Dakota territory in the 1800s. Deals with how tough life can be under the conditions they lived in and how they overcome them and improve their lives. The women in the stories are strong and courageous women. How they make God the center of their lives is particularly interesting and very meaningful! Thank you MS. Snelling for a wonderful book!
June 5, 2021
I'm hooked. There is something very relaxing about this book series even though the plot line is constantly introducing new characters and problems to tackle. The people always support each other, which is comforting in the crazy world we live in.
This book concentrates on the entry of Zebulun Macallister, who has his own baggage to deal with.
I really like this book of the series. On to the next
This book concentrates on the entry of Zebulun Macallister, who has his own baggage to deal with.
I really like this book of the series. On to the next
February 15, 2021
I am so enjoying reading about the Bjorkland's family while in the Dakota territory. Ingelborg and Haakan have finally moved from their sod house into a new two story wooden home with lots of windows. No more sullen winters for the family. Of course more family is moving from Nordland to the Dakota's along with some running from trouble.
December 28, 2022
The Reapers Song was another exciting and stimulating frontier story that pulled me in and kept me coming back over and over until the last page was read. I love the family and the new characters Lauraine Snelling brought into the series. I can't wait to read what happens in the next book of this series. You won't want to miss this one.
February 6, 2023
I'm debating whether or not to continue reading this series. I'm curious as to the future of the Bjorkland family, but the author keeps adding so many new characters that it's hard to keep them all sorted out. She also has a tendency to seriously injure or kill off a few every book--it gets depressing.
June 24, 2023
It’s amazing to me how many big events Lauraine Snelling can include in just one book! The Reaper’s Song was a thrilling compilation of family events that made it hard to put down. And although I’ve read this one two or three times, it was only this time that I realized it’s title may have a double meaning…
April 27, 2024
Great series and author
Love this series and the author. The bold remind me of some of the struggles my parents faced in the mid 1940's in eastern TH. I remember a little of it but progress soon came in my early years life was thigh but that generation was some of the strongest people in our times.
Love this series and the author. The bold remind me of some of the struggles my parents faced in the mid 1940's in eastern TH. I remember a little of it but progress soon came in my early years life was thigh but that generation was some of the strongest people in our times.
August 31, 2024
I really enjoy these easy historical fiction reads. The writing on this one wasn't great. With the introduction of new characters, it felt that at times, there were chapters and chapters of them with no mention at all and not much description of where they were housed or the main characters' interaction with them. But I read these solely for easy to read, mindless entertainment so I let it go.
October 15, 2020
Enjoyed #4 in this increasingly addicting series on pioneer life that revolves around weddings and babies and consistently points the characters (and readers) back to the God of the Bible as the ultimate answer to the joys and sorrows of life.
July 12, 2021
The Red River books
I had read these books many years ago when our church started our library. I have the 1st 4 again and they were just as good this time as the first time. Ms Snelling is a great writer and I try to get as many as I can. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
I had read these books many years ago when our church started our library. I have the 1st 4 again and they were just as good this time as the first time. Ms Snelling is a great writer and I try to get as many as I can. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
July 24, 2024
A man with a past from Missouri joins the Bjorklund family and lots more adventures. Love how they support each other. Trials happen, but life is still joyful. It isn't a "too good to be true" story. Again it's like reading the history of a real family.
October 2, 2025
A great book about settling in America. All of the books in this series have been a very enjoyable read. I have learnt a bit about the history and what it was like in America. Thank you Lauraine Snelling for such a great series. Can’t wait to start the 5th book!
February 14, 2018
I really like this family.
July 17, 2018
Another great read by Lauraine Snelling
I just love reading about the Bjorkland family and their trials and triumphs as they homestead. Lauraine Snelling is amazing.
I just love reading about the Bjorkland family and their trials and triumphs as they homestead. Lauraine Snelling is amazing.
September 6, 2018
The Bjorklund clan get more settled on the Dakota prairie and a town forms. New characters are introduced.
October 9, 2018
Despite the constant and annoying 'Uff-das' and the children eating nothing but cookies, I care enough about the Bjorklund family to continue reading (listening to) the series.
February 3, 2021
Great new characters added. Intriguing story lines. Not just a book where you know the ending before you read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews