Elsa Anders's dream of marrying Peder Ramstad is about to come true. But as this independent, strong-willed woman discovers her own creative gifts--a love for travel, painting, and the sea--can she find happiness with a captain who insists upon leaving her safely on shore?
Leaving their home in Norway behind, Elsa and Peder embark on a new life in with their closest friends, including: Kaatje Jansen, a woman seeking a new beginning for the sake of her marriage and for the child growing within her; Elsa's sister Tora, a sly young vixen who knows exactly what she wants--and exactly how to get it; and Karl Martensen, a man torn between his friendship for Peder and a forbidden, secret love for Elsa, a man tormented by emotions that threaten to ruin them all.
Product Information
Format: Paperback Number of Pages: 400 Vendor: Random House, Inc Publication Date: 2009 Dimensions: 8.25 X 5.50 (inches)
Reviewed by Maureen (Syracuse NY), September 10, 2009
Have now finished all three books. It will be hard leaving good friends and not knowing anything more about their lives. I kept thinking that somehow Peder would have been rescued...but that was not to be. Really enjoyable reading!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christy Lockstein (Oconto Falls, WIsconsin), July 06, 2009
The Captain's Bride by Lisa Tawn Bergren is the first in the Northern Lights Trilogy about Norwegian immigrants to the US in 1880. Elsa Anders has been in love with Peder Ramstad since they were children together back in Bergen. The day of their wedding, they, along with several neighbors, boarded his ship destined for Camden, Maine to begin a new shipyard there.Tora, Elsa's strong-willed younger sister, stows away onboard and begins an clandestine relationship with with Soren, who is married to pregnant Kaatje . Karl, Peder's first mate and best friend, is trying to fight his feelings for Elsa, but close confines only bring them to a boil. I'm not always a fan of historical romances, especially Christian ones. They all too often are saccharine and predictable, but Bergren's tale of these tempestuous Norwegians is compelling and fantastic, a true joy to read. Peder struggles to juggle his roles as husband and captain, while Elsa tries to practice submission without giving up her dreams.Tora is feisty and unforgettable , and while her actions are at times shocking, she's never boring or a stereotype. Even though this book is over ten years old, it's incredibly relevant. I will definitely be seeking out the rest of the books in this series!
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