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Northern Lights #3
Midnight Sun
KAATJE JANSSEN - Desperate to know if her missing husband still lives, Kaatje hires the rugged, yet tenderhearted James Walker to guide her through the perils of the Alaskan wilderness. What she finally discovers, however, is far from what she expected—and could well place her in the greatest danger of her life.
ELSA RAMSTAD - As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. Forever changed by loss, she accepts her fate of solitude. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again?
TORA ANDERS - Her foolish youth behind her, Tora looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past—and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future.
KARL MARTENSEN - Though he is widely admired, Captain Karl Martensen feels no depth of emotion for any of the women with whom his life becomes uncomfortably entangled. He has only tender memories of the love he once lost—a love that, by the grace of God, he just may find again—
From the fierce Alaskan wilderness to the gaiety of San Francisco society; the familiar peaks of Bergen, Norway, to the dark, churning waters of Cape Horn; witness the glorious conclusion of the Northern Lights family saga as four long-time friends journey out of the shadow of their darkest days into the bright future awaiting them in the land of the Midnight Sun.
ELSA RAMSTAD - As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. Forever changed by loss, she accepts her fate of solitude. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again?
TORA ANDERS - Her foolish youth behind her, Tora looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past—and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future.
KARL MARTENSEN - Though he is widely admired, Captain Karl Martensen feels no depth of emotion for any of the women with whom his life becomes uncomfortably entangled. He has only tender memories of the love he once lost—a love that, by the grace of God, he just may find again—
From the fierce Alaskan wilderness to the gaiety of San Francisco society; the familiar peaks of Bergen, Norway, to the dark, churning waters of Cape Horn; witness the glorious conclusion of the Northern Lights family saga as four long-time friends journey out of the shadow of their darkest days into the bright future awaiting them in the land of the Midnight Sun.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1985
43 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Tawn Bergren
102 books3,798 followersAbout
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 28, 2009
This was the 3rd and final book in this series. It was one of those books that kept me motivated to go to the gym just so I could listen to it and continue the story. The characters had real depth and the story line was compelling. It was not just a predictable "happily ever after" book, but kept you wondering just what would happen and how it would all end. The Christian message throughout was also so uplifting and encouraging, but also very down-to-earth and realistic. I will miss following the lives of these characters.
July 18, 2020
I got the first two on sale at the bible book shop and this became my white whale. I waited so long to lay my hands on it. The story never left me.
April 24, 2013
This is the third and concluding book of the Northern Lights series. One third of the way through it becomes easy to predict that the ending will be a happy one and the three women, Elsa, Tora and Kaatje will find true love in marital bliss. But getting to the conclusion proves to be circuitous. Yes, there are a number of twist and turns in these women's lives. Frankly, there are credibility issues in Bergren's storylines but the readers of the previous two books will plough on to see the story through to its end.
After reading this series I felt that the Norwegian connection in this series was a plot device to catch ethnic readers. Most of these characters neither speak nor behave much like new immigrants from Bergen. Most nineteenth century people from that town would have been engaged with fishing or trading but Bergren has the "Bergensers" settling in Washington State to farm, not fish or trade. The three main female characters soon demonstrate capabilities which would have been most unlikely in real life. And, apparently they speak eloquent English soon after their arrival. With no experience Elsa captains ships manned by rough and ready sailors with their complete admiration and acceptance. She takes her two small children along on the high seas. Young inexperienced Tora improbably knows how to wheel and deal, starting up and managing numerous roadhouses. Kaatje quickly learns how to run a farm all by herself. Later she chooses to go on an arduous trek through the Alaska and Yukon wilderness with two male strangers. Occasionally Bergren inserts Norwegian words in spoken sentences for validity. Most of these are OK but in this last volume she twice uses the expression "dyr one"--meaning "dear one." Unfortunately, the word "dyr" translates either as "expensive" or "animal," not "dear"! Awkward!
After reading this series I felt that the Norwegian connection in this series was a plot device to catch ethnic readers. Most of these characters neither speak nor behave much like new immigrants from Bergen. Most nineteenth century people from that town would have been engaged with fishing or trading but Bergren has the "Bergensers" settling in Washington State to farm, not fish or trade. The three main female characters soon demonstrate capabilities which would have been most unlikely in real life. And, apparently they speak eloquent English soon after their arrival. With no experience Elsa captains ships manned by rough and ready sailors with their complete admiration and acceptance. She takes her two small children along on the high seas. Young inexperienced Tora improbably knows how to wheel and deal, starting up and managing numerous roadhouses. Kaatje quickly learns how to run a farm all by herself. Later she chooses to go on an arduous trek through the Alaska and Yukon wilderness with two male strangers. Occasionally Bergren inserts Norwegian words in spoken sentences for validity. Most of these are OK but in this last volume she twice uses the expression "dyr one"--meaning "dear one." Unfortunately, the word "dyr" translates either as "expensive" or "animal," not "dear"! Awkward!
May 15, 2016
Well I should have stopped reading way before I did (I finished it) and at least I can say I added another book to my reading challenge. Writing was so bad. Story was boring and scary chills?...sorry but not very thrilling either. Story and characters lacked substance and dialogue was so weird.
October 15, 2024
I really wanted to enjoy this book..and really didn’t. I was so disappointed in the turnout, the ending, etc. and the romance throughout this book really bothers me. And I hated Karl 🤮I I’m sorry for those of you who like him, but i did not. I also hate that (spoiler) he and Elsa end up together! It just did not sit well with me. So definitely a disappointment for the ending if a good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
I'm really glad this series ended with a good book that didn't bug me, because after The Captain's Bride, I was worried. The book resolved most of the series' conflicts, and at the same time didn't dredge up too many new plotlines.
Setting: The prologue, which was just practically chapter 1, was set in May 1888, Juneau, Alaska. The story spanned a little over a year, to summer 1889, and other locations included the Alaskan Interior, Ketchikan (Alaskan territory), Norway, San Fransisco, and even Hawaii, as well as a couple specific ships. The passage of time was well-documented, and the geographical location nearly as well, although the different places did get confusing at times. The physical setting of rugged Alaska was certainly not ignored, but there wasn't a huge emphasis on describing each and every shard of ice. I'm not complaining.
Characters: A nice passel of them, but a few of the good ones did get on my nerves. Again, Elsa's plotline never interested me, and her character always irritated me. (I could go into a rant into how she's not acting in a biblical manner, but I won't.) I did like Kaatje a lot more, and I felt for her struggles. I also liked Tora's character and how she was portrayed, and especially her relationship with Trent Storm. Trent himself was one of my favorite characters, though his protective and gentlemanly personality definitely could have been sharpened. Karl Martensen was a fine character, well-written, though nothing spectacular in and of himself. As for Soren and James Walker ... well, I won't say much, but their characters were well done. And Kaatje was a winner.
Plot: A few aspects of the book had news strains of plotline--and, because they were less developed than the others, were less believable--but the book consisted mostly of resolutions of the previous books. This was good, but served to be a little boring during the lulls near the end. Kaatje's story was well written, if a bit predictable (not in relation to the specifics, but in the general conclusion). Very sad, as well. I found her loss to be much more devastating than the other characters did. I didn't see that Elsa's future life was spelled out clearly, but that may be just me and my disapproving conservative opinions of her career. Tora's character arc was also very well done, and not rushed.
Faith Content: It is portrayed that the characters are great Christians, praying and knowing right from wrong, etc., but I found it starkly obvious that there were certain biblical tenets that were more or less ignored, and the characters relied almost solely on feelings. Kaatje, who certainly wanted to do the right thing, really only "felt" one way and "felt" another. She didn't make any decisions based on what she believed was right (which, big surprise, you find out by reading the Word of God, but no one seems to do--in really most Christian fiction; that's not a criticism of just this book). She just "felt" two opposing things that created conflict. Same with Elsa. All she did was "feel" things. It just "felt" right to be a ship's captain. No matter how that might hurt her children. So, suffice it to say, although it was very much Christian fiction, there were a few underlying subtle aspects with which I disagreed with theologically.
Setting: The prologue, which was just practically chapter 1, was set in May 1888, Juneau, Alaska. The story spanned a little over a year, to summer 1889, and other locations included the Alaskan Interior, Ketchikan (Alaskan territory), Norway, San Fransisco, and even Hawaii, as well as a couple specific ships. The passage of time was well-documented, and the geographical location nearly as well, although the different places did get confusing at times. The physical setting of rugged Alaska was certainly not ignored, but there wasn't a huge emphasis on describing each and every shard of ice. I'm not complaining.
Characters: A nice passel of them, but a few of the good ones did get on my nerves. Again, Elsa's plotline never interested me, and her character always irritated me. (I could go into a rant into how she's not acting in a biblical manner, but I won't.) I did like Kaatje a lot more, and I felt for her struggles. I also liked Tora's character and how she was portrayed, and especially her relationship with Trent Storm. Trent himself was one of my favorite characters, though his protective and gentlemanly personality definitely could have been sharpened. Karl Martensen was a fine character, well-written, though nothing spectacular in and of himself. As for Soren and James Walker ... well, I won't say much, but their characters were well done. And Kaatje was a winner.
Plot: A few aspects of the book had news strains of plotline--and, because they were less developed than the others, were less believable--but the book consisted mostly of resolutions of the previous books. This was good, but served to be a little boring during the lulls near the end. Kaatje's story was well written, if a bit predictable (not in relation to the specifics, but in the general conclusion). Very sad, as well. I found her loss to be much more devastating than the other characters did. I didn't see that Elsa's future life was spelled out clearly, but that may be just me and my disapproving conservative opinions of her career. Tora's character arc was also very well done, and not rushed.
Faith Content: It is portrayed that the characters are great Christians, praying and knowing right from wrong, etc., but I found it starkly obvious that there were certain biblical tenets that were more or less ignored, and the characters relied almost solely on feelings. Kaatje, who certainly wanted to do the right thing, really only "felt" one way and "felt" another. She didn't make any decisions based on what she believed was right (which, big surprise, you find out by reading the Word of God, but no one seems to do--in really most Christian fiction; that's not a criticism of just this book). She just "felt" two opposing things that created conflict. Same with Elsa. All she did was "feel" things. It just "felt" right to be a ship's captain. No matter how that might hurt her children. So, suffice it to say, although it was very much Christian fiction, there were a few underlying subtle aspects with which I disagreed with theologically.
August 30, 2017
The Lord works in wondrous ways, and truth is stranger than fiction. However, some of the coincidences in this book somewhat stretch the imagination. I mean, how many people can end up in Juneau, Alaska of all places. While strained, they are still satisfying to the reader. Loose ends are tied up for the most part, and certain issues are resolved. All in all, the ending chapters close the books on a series of relationships. Sure, an astute reader has it figured out who will end up with whom, but the author handled it rather nicely I thought. A couple of near miss tragedies give a little excitement to the book. It was enjoyable for me and a good ending to the series. Nice.
January 4, 2018
Great ending to this three book series. We see the full transformation of the character Tora, from irritating brat to a woman seeking God's grace. Elsa, Carl and Katjia find peace and happiness from their trials and Soren in a way gets his just desserts. This was a wonderful series to read, full of adventure, christian principles and romance. The author writes in a way that makes you have to know what happens next. After a slow start at the beginning of book one, the story jump starts into high gear, capturing your attention from then on to the end of book three. I highly recommend this delightful three book series
March 14, 2020
Another great book by this author that I love. This wrapped up the trilogy. I can't believe all that I 'experienced' in this trilogy. The characters left their home in Norway, travelled to America, built businesses, became captain(s) of ships, found love, lost love, found hope, transformed their lives. These books covered several years in the lives of the main characters and I got a close up look at the ups and downs, how they handled the disappointments, how they bounced back with God's help. Truly inspiring, truly a thrilling ride!
December 7, 2018
The series as a whole is good. There were things that just didn't click for me and seemed very implausible and unrealistic for the time period and setting though. And Elsa? I really really disliked her character. I have read all 3 books in the series and with each book I have disliked Elsa more and more! I really wanted to like her, but she just ruined the books for me.
January 11, 2021
In this final installment, Bergren wraps everything up nicely. I love how God can take the huge mess that is our broken humanity and create a beautiful masterpiece of His redemption. The journeys of life can often be confusing, with trials and dangers. But God is always there to comfort us with His presence.
Both Kaaje and Elsa get themselves into a bit of a love triangle but each situation is unique. James is so sweet and caring. Karl is hilarious. All three stories come to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion.
The children are precious! I enjoy seeing their personalities come out and the play they incite.
Content warning: there is kissing but nothing is graphic.
Both Kaaje and Elsa get themselves into a bit of a love triangle but each situation is unique. James is so sweet and caring. Karl is hilarious. All three stories come to a beautiful and satisfying conclusion.
The children are precious! I enjoy seeing their personalities come out and the play they incite.
Content warning: there is kissing but nothing is graphic.
February 25, 2020
Really excellent. I do wish I had read the first two books before this one, as many of the characters are a big part of the beginning of the story, unlike most series I've encountered. Still, I enjoyed Alaska and the high seas, and all the drama, joy, and pain of this story.
March 19, 2017
This... This was such a great finish to such a great series.
October 9, 2017
It read like a clean soap opera. I liked that because it was a mental break for me.
November 4, 2019
Pretty good, enough excitement. Slightly disappointed with the obvious plotline.
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May 1, 2020What an ending to this "Northern Lights" trilogy!
December 10, 2022
Great end to this series.
May 25, 2021
KAATJE JANSSEN - Desperate to know if her missing husband still lives, Kaatje hires the rugged, yet tenderhearted James Walker to guide her through the perils of the Alaskan wilderness. What she finally discovers, however, is far from what she expected—and could well place her in the greatest danger of her life.
ELSA RAMSTAD - As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. Forever changed by loss, she accepts her fate of solitude. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again?
TORA ANDERS - Her foolish youth behind her, Tora looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past—and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future.
ELSA RAMSTAD - As captain of the Majestic and mother of Kristian and Eve, Elsa has sought to ease the ache of her lonely heart. Forever changed by loss, she accepts her fate of solitude. But when an old friend rekindles the spark of romance within her, will she allow the flames of love to burn again?
TORA ANDERS - Her foolish youth behind her, Tora looks forward to her wedding and a fresh start in life as the wife of her beloved, Trent Storm. But first she must confront, face-to-face, the terrible demons of her past—and her struggle to forgive the man who radically altered her future.
November 28, 2023
I actually enjoyed most of this story. I thought about giving it 4 stars, but I part of the book stopped me. Tota experienced a traumatic event in book two, and when the villan resurfaces in this book, Tora believes God desires that she put herself in a dangerous situation in order to reach the man who hurt her.
This plot line is dangerous and adds shame to victims. The Lord doesn't want his children to put themselves in abusive situations. A good counselor would never encourage a woman to put themselves in this kind of situation.
Author's, if you have never experienced this type of trauma, please write something else.
This plot line is dangerous and adds shame to victims. The Lord doesn't want his children to put themselves in abusive situations. A good counselor would never encourage a woman to put themselves in this kind of situation.
Author's, if you have never experienced this type of trauma, please write something else.
August 8, 2015
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. It was a nice conclusion to the series, everyone's story is finished and the epilogue gives even more detail about the future.
But my big problem with this book is one that I cannot say outright, because it would be a spoiler.
But without spoiling anything, or, anything much, if you've read even the first book, you know that there are people in this series who lust after married people. The one who does this from the first book isn't the only one.
Now the spoiler that really bothered me And that's why I give this last book 3 stars.
Both books 1 and 2 were more interesting than this last one, but it was still an enjoyable read.
But my big problem with this book is one that I cannot say outright, because it would be a spoiler.
But without spoiling anything, or, anything much, if you've read even the first book, you know that there are people in this series who lust after married people. The one who does this from the first book isn't the only one.
Now the spoiler that really bothered me And that's why I give this last book 3 stars.
Both books 1 and 2 were more interesting than this last one, but it was still an enjoyable read.
August 6, 2011
Lisa Tawn Bergren has done an excellent job of wrapping up all the lives we learned to love (and some we didn't!) in the first two of this trilogy. CAPTIAN'S BRIDE and DEEP HARBOR kept you on the edge of your chair and at times exclaiming - "she can't do that to that character!". In MIDNIGHT SUN, you can relax a little more while reading, but for me it was still a "stay up and read until it's finished" wonderful, satisfying ending. The author may state this is the end to this series, but I wonder if she would consider another book with the children all grown up? Does Alaska have to be the final frontier for these wonderful characters? Read all three books, you will laugh and cry with the rest of us!
November 5, 2013
the books just keep getting beter. How can they. For Kaatje to go on such a journey and to fall for her guide and get back to Alaska and find her husband alive. Man and to think just when things are goin well then her husband decides to let her know he's alive just to pop up and expect to go right where they left off. The friends who became lovers Elsa and Karl finally find out that they can love each other. Then everyone waits to wait for all their loved ones together to get married.
It's sad Soren can't let it go with James and each of them give in to their anger. It's a happy ending but I can't seem to think there should be another book I can't have the ending up in the air. Awesome book I love the series and hope theres another book.
It's sad Soren can't let it go with James and each of them give in to their anger. It's a happy ending but I can't seem to think there should be another book I can't have the ending up in the air. Awesome book I love the series and hope theres another book.
October 6, 2013
This series spans ten years and feels epic in the multiple story-lines and global locales. Well-written, with adventure, romance, redemption, betrayal, and forgiveness, I was surprised time and again with where the story led. I didn't like the first book as well because of some choices characters made, but really liked books two and three. You definitely need to read these in order. If you like historical fiction, don't miss this series!
I received this e-book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.
I received this e-book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2014
Finally, the saga was drawn to a conclusion. I was glad I persevered with this series even though I found myself losing interest now and then because I wanted the story to move along at a faster pace. I may read this series again, someday, and find I have a greater appreciation for its pace than I do, now.
Favourite quote, from book 1 page 37: "It was not fair, but it was fact." This sums up some of the angst felt by nearly all of the characters at least once or some of the time during the saga of these three books.
Favourite quote, from book 1 page 37: "It was not fair, but it was fact." This sums up some of the angst felt by nearly all of the characters at least once or some of the time during the saga of these three books.
October 2, 2014
I picked up this Christian historical fiction series after reading one of Lisa T. Bergren's young adult series, and found a beautifully enticing journey. From start to finish, Norway to America, I followed these characters and their diverging and converging paths with a joyous realization of the story's accurate portrayal of faith, sin, redemption, and life in general.
This is one of my favorite series (and authors) of all time, and I find myself recommending it (and her) again and again!
(The fact that Lisa T. Bergren is from my hometown only sweetens the deal. ☺)
This is one of my favorite series (and authors) of all time, and I find myself recommending it (and her) again and again!
(The fact that Lisa T. Bergren is from my hometown only sweetens the deal. ☺)
January 9, 2021
Midnight Sun is about Ashley being an outsider within her family. She was accustomed to the gossip from her family.
Ashley inherited her fathers business Stephens Timber which made matters worse with her cousin.
Stephens Timber Corporation and Daniels Logging Company were both competitive families fighting for the same timber business. When Ashley began dating her rival Daniel her father disowned her, yet upon his death left her the company.
Midnight Sun is a second chance romance with the enemy to lovers element.
Ashley inherited her fathers business Stephens Timber which made matters worse with her cousin.
Stephens Timber Corporation and Daniels Logging Company were both competitive families fighting for the same timber business. When Ashley began dating her rival Daniel her father disowned her, yet upon his death left her the company.
Midnight Sun is a second chance romance with the enemy to lovers element.
May 25, 2010
Very satisfying ending to this trilogy. Even if I know who was going to end up with who from the beginning Bergren still kept my interest going with good twist to the story. This book took up some very difficult human emotions about forgiveness of self and others that would be very interesting to talk about in a book group. Very wholesome. Highly recommended. Thanks Susann!
October 16, 2010
Really enjoyed this one. Ironically it contained more action than the two before it, as well as more 'danger'. It managed to spin most of it out until the end as well, before starting a nice, full 'wrap up'. It wrapped the series up very satisfactorily, no hugely glaring loose ends, no 'wondering' what happens. It was all quite. . .ahhhhh. :)
September 24, 2013
this was a wonderful ending to a wonderful story about Norwegian immigrants to America. The story followed them from Norway to Maine, across the continent to Washington Territory and finally up to Alaska where the majority of this book took place. The friends faced loses and a few lost their belief in the Lord, and had to work their way back to His side. Very moving!
April 29, 2009
I didn't get to read the three book of The Northern Lights Series until a short times ago. I had a little hard time getting into the book but once I did I enjoyed it as much as I did the first two of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews