Sophie's Dilemma

Daughters of Blessing #2

by Lauraine Snelling

Fan-Favorite Lauraine Snelling Delivers Another Hit Novel

Certain she can't live without Hamre Bjorklund, the impetuous Sophie Knutson rejects her father's request to postpone her marriage until after graduation and convinces Hamre to elope. But life as a fisherman's bride in Seattle is not at all that Sophie had envisioned. Pregnant and lonely while Hamre's out at sea, she hires on at a fish cannery, only to be fired after fainting on the job.

When tragedy strikes, heartbroken Sophie can think only of returning home to Blessing.

But will her family welcome her after the way she's hurt them by her defiant behavior? And will she ever open her heart to love again?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

Award-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).

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic at times, heartwarming at others, this made for a great read. I'm glad I have the sequels on hand.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story set in North Dakota. Sophie begins as a very childish girl and learns to grow up and become a woman ready to face life. Her journey toward maturity was realistic and well portrayed.

Content: 18+ due to an extended birth scene, both lengthy and detailed.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen year old Sophie was certain she couldn't live without Hamre Bjorklund, so against her father's wishes they elope and head to Hamre's home in Washington where he is a professional fisherman. Will Hamre and Sophie make it or will life intervene?

Enjoyable follow up to the first book in the series.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I couldn’t agree with all of Sophie’s decisions, I did enjoy her journey. From North Dakota to Washington State and back, this was one grand adventure! It was fun seeing Sophie branch out on her own away from her twin sister, and their reunion was something special too. There were some really sad moments in this story, but those only deepened the plot and stretched the leading lady’s character as she learned how to deal with different stages and types of grief and took on more and more responsibilities. Despite her foolish choices in the early chapters, this gal grew up into a wonderful role model and a great member of her community.

Content: breastfeeding

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes forget how much I enjoy reading interconnected series, rather than series that can be read as stand alones. It's nice to see the continuing story of familiar characters while getting to know new ones. Though this is one of four interconnected series and the last one at that so it can be a little confusing at times, especially with older characters remarrying and new babies being named after relatives. I have so many books I now need to read! I liked the prodigal theme to this story, Sophie is very young and makes silly decisions with long reaching consequences but she is forced to learn and grow from them. I always struggle with reading such young characters as I have difficulty relating to them or believing in such maturity and circumstances at that age. I feel like I did get to know Sophie well by the end of the book but Garth still felt like a bit of a mystery as was their romance which wasn't much of one until it all of a sudden was. Overall it was a pleasant read and Grace's story is next and I've been looking forward to her story the most!

[Allan67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.

It was good to read this second book in the series. Diana enjoys Lausraine Snelling books. This one was no exception.

Sophie, Karen's seventeen year old daughter, learns some bad life lessons very early in life. But by the end of the book things begin to look up in her life.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A; Second in the set I borrowed from a coworker. I identified a bit with Sophie and her dreams of adventure. She was a fun character to explore and the hard working NoDaks still shone through.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality check:
Sophie would not be widowed
If she hadn't left home.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"However, there was one more problem she hadn't mentioned. Well, two actually. Would that be dilemmas with an s? Or would it be two dilemma, like sheep? One sheep, two sheep. Somehow today she couldn't see the humor in playing with words."

Sophie's Dilemma is the 2nd in a series of books about the Daughters of Blessing, ND. Sophie appeared in the Return to Red River series which I have read. (I'm sure she's in others as well.). Just like the other Red River books, Sophie's Dilemma is a sweet, clean, godly book for young adults and adults, especially those who enjoy the late 1800's/early 1900's.

Like many reviewers, I did find this book pretty predictable. Even still, it's enjoyable,well written, and even taught me a few lessons. Just like other reviewers, I related to Sophie, especially in my high school years. She wants adventure and romance. She wants to do and see things for herself and feels trapped at home having to finish her final year of school. Prince Charming comes along and she only has eyes for him.

I'm very glad there are books like these which are romantic yet clean and morally upright. (Well, in this book, some characters fell short, but this was the lesson they learned.). There are a few scenes which make this book a little romantically mature but thankfully Mrs. Snelling stays away from any sex or immorality. That said, I would suggest this book for ages 18+.

This book is not only about Sophie, but has many great stories of all the people of Blessing which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was so good to visit this small town and 'see' the faithful people of Blessing again. The whole book is filled with beautiful descriptions, thought provoking reflections, and funny and witty remarks!

This one makes me laugh:

"Could I be of assistance in helping her walk?
"We can get Thorliff--"
"Would it offend anyone if I stayed to help?"
"Not anyone here. Sophie?"
"Is it going to get worse?"
"Oh yes."
"Will it make Mrs. Valders shriek?"
"Oh yes."
"Good, then stay."

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more of the Blessing series.

[Beth Knoll-Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! When I started the book,I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but you never really know until you get further in.

The author weaves in multiple view points and side stories, which keeps things interesting and allows you to get to know more about the cast of characters.

Since the story focuses primarily on one community, you feel like you are walking alongside (and know) all the characters, not just the main character.

The pace of the story is perfectly timed. I never felt rushed. Something happens near the end that I would've liked to see develop a bit more earlier on, though.

The content was clean, Christian-focused and written gracefully. The story was interesting enough that I flew through this book, especially the last 10 chapters. I just couldn't seem to put it down. If you're looking for a good read, I highly recommend it.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie is a really annoying character in the beginning, but I really enjoy the character arc in this book.

By way of content warning, there is a bit more direct allusion to sex and attraction being used in an intentionally manipulative way. Not that there are sex scenes, but that Sophie is young and realizes, oh wait, marriage isn't just flirting and riding off into the sunset, and she has to grow up and face the consequences of her choices very quickly. It feels like a very mature handling of mature themes, but is probably better saved for older readers than the other books in the series as a result. This is also one of the more depressing books in the series, at least for me emotionally, until about halfway through. Just a lot of grief and growth and loss all packed into a short amount of time.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The changes in Sophie from the beginning to the end of the novel were incredible. From being a young schoolgirl, running away and eloping with Harme (a man whom she had been corresponding with) to losing her husband, to finding out she is carrying his children, to becoming the owner of the well-known boarding house in Blessing, and finally meeting and falling in love with Garth Wiste (a widower himself.) I also like that the novel didn't just focus on Sophie, instead, Snelling included scenes in Blessing, while Sophie was in Ballard.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one started out a bit slow compared to the others about the Bjorklund family. This one is about Sophie Knutson who is the daughter of Kaaren. She has dreamed and written to about Hamre who left North Dakota to work in Seattle on the fishing boats. He returns to ask her father if they can marry. However Sophie's dad tells them they must wait a year. But, Sophie convinces Hamre to go against her father's wishes and marry before traveling back to Seattle. Which is just the beginning of a new and eventful life for Sophie.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian Historical Fiction novel is interesting and true to life with both joys and heartaches occurring in Sophie’s life. Grace and Sophie’s relationship as twins was realistic, but I didn’t connect with her father as a character at all. For some reason I didn’t feel some of his reactions were believable, but perhaps the author was trying to portray a Norwegian sense of caring combined with aloofness. Forgiveness can be tough to ask for, especially if guilt is involved.

[Stephanie Pelopida · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FMC suffers a great loss in the very beginning. Sophie struggles a bit but remains focused and determined to get through her grieving. Her family forgives her for a poor judgment call based out of love and immaturity. The book's secondary characters are also facing problems of their own. I'd say it's got a nice bit of action to it. Anotherfaith-basedd book with a nice ending after a tremendous loss with a great tribute.

[sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book that much. It was weird and there was too much romance. It was unrealistic. Kind of stupid at times. Times other than the bad ones were okay and like all of Snelling's other books. I'm done with her books. They're the same and get boring when I could be rereading Harry Potter again.

[Lewis Romesburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy to have read this the 2nd book in this series. I’ve started the 3rd now. I learn something new every time I read a Lauraine Snelling book. She has me hooked for sure. This book leaves us with another happy ending and has us looking forward the the next book. It’s about love, forgiveness and the love of God that gets this community through all their daily lives.
Be sure you read this one..!!!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book! Halfway through this book the most sudden unexpected thing happened that altered the rest of the book. No spoilers, but, it was so sudden! I thought that she was going to have triplets because they mentioned that she was bigger than Kaaren was.

[Debbie Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sophie was just not likable to me. Lauraine Snelling usually has good books but she has a very Bad habit of killing off favorite characters for whatever reason she killled off a number in this book.

[Wintermote · Rating 4 out of 5]

So close to 5 stars! Not what I was expecting, the summary talks about her eloping and that it “wasn’t what she expected” but it took some time to get to that point I’m the story. All said and done, a very satisfying story.

[Kathy Gurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being of the older generation and the daughter of a Sweden and Norwegian decent . It has been fun to read . my mother does or did alot of the same things tg

that your stories are about. Fun to read about and refresh my younger years with my mom. Keep writing, loved it

[Emma Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading through all the Red River Valley books by Lauraine Snelling, and this one surprised me. Sofie was not one of my favorite characters going into this book, and she really grew on me. I liked her story.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God that He is patient with us. Lots of decisions and changes, but She learned to lean on the Lord for help.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie's story was enjoyable but sad. I am really liking Daughters of Blessing so far.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

From an unwise decision to growing up and using wisdom, it is a great journey.

[dyanna hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What twists and turns!!

This book was fun to read! You could have 3-4 different ways it could go! Enjoyed the storyline very much. Thank you Ms. Smelling for another great series!

[Alicia Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sure wanted a longer ending! Maybe the next book will answer my questions!! :)

[Martha Melendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Love to follow the next generation of blessing. I love the fact that prayer is a must go to when someone is in a situation.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie wants to travel and have adventures, but life has other plans

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong plot line, interesting setting