The Promise of Dawn by Lauraine Snelling

The Promise of Dawn

by Lauraine Snelling

I'm a big fan of Christian fiction and historical fiction - and I am a huge fan of Lauraine Snelling, so I was delighted to receive this book to read and reveiw!

"The Promise of Dawn" is the first book in a new series from Lauraine Snelling - Under Northern Skies!

This story follows a family as they emigrate to America from Norway.  It's a easy book to read, it's a pleasure as you get to know the family in Norway and how their chance to go to "Amerika" comes about, you are introduced to the main characters in their homeland of Norway, what their circumstances are and why the need to go and why they might want to go.  You also feel their excitement for a better, new life, and their sadness to say goodbye to their family members in Norway!

The story begins with a letter from America, to Gunlaug Strand Carlson, from her cousin and his wife, Einar and Gerd Strand.  They are an older couple, with no children of their own, and need help on their farm in Minnesota.   They are asking Gunlaug to see if her son, Rune, and his family (wife and three boys) would like to come to America, help them on their farm in exchange for their fare.

This offer gives them the chance to start a new life with hope of owning their own home, and having their own land, eventually.  What they didn't know was what was waiting for them once they arrived in Minnesota.  What would life be like, what were Einar and Gerd like, it was mentioned in the letter that Gerd was ill.

As the book moves on, it takes you through their experience on the long journey, on the ship, boats, and trains to finally reach their destination.  We also learn that Rune's wife, Signe is pregnant.  Not an easy time to travel!  We get to know each of their son's, Bjorn, Knute, and Leif.  

Once in Minnesota, they quickly realize that Rune's Uncle Einar is not a friendly man, the house is in terrible condition, the garden is full of weeds and the house full of mice!  They also realize that Gerd is far sicker than they imagined.  

But God is not done, and through the course of this book you see God at work!  The small steps, the family getting closer, the house getting in shape.  

So I don't give the story away, suffice it to say that through this book we learn a lot about farming, tree felling, and life in the early1900's in rural northern Minnesota!  We also get to know this family, a few townsfolk, and what it took to survive!

We see Signe's faith questioned, does God really hear our prayers?  What is the use in prayer if you don't have faith that God hears you!?

I love the way Lauraine Snelling writes, she simply tells the story of each day, as it comes, what hardships arise, what work need to be done.  As she does this you get to know each character and see them evolve from the beginning. 

How much stronger is each character becomes by the end because how much can you take from demanding people that don't seem to like anyone!?

Will they ever have their own home, will their debt ever be paid?

Throughout this book we keep in touch with other family members back in Norway through letters sent back and forth.  This will pave the way for the next books in the series!

I've read many of Lauraine Snelling's books and lots of her series through and find them compelling, it's a step back in time - where the work is had but the life is simple.  People are mostly kind and faith is most important.

Come along with the Strand and Carlson families in this exciting new Under Northern Skies series by Lauraine Snelling!

Book Two - A Breath of Hope review coming soon!

A big thank you to Bethany House for the free copy to read and review through their Blogger Review Program, my review and opinions are 100% my own.