Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's and father's suicide. Ellin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare and when it circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Ellin, Kirsten, and Sophia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America's story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's death and father's suicide. Elin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare, and when circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America's story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who writes and speaks full time, has won three Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.

Until We Reach Home is the story of three sisters from Sweden on a perilous voyage to America. Abuse and abandonment in their past, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia have nothing left but an unknown future. Orphaned, the teenage sisters seek a new beginning in America while hardships batter their fragile faith in God’s provision. As each sister learns to trust in God and believe in love again, they find a new home and calling.

Bestselling author, Lynn Austin is an acclaimed novelist, known for her resonating and moving stories about life, faith, family, and love. This year’s fiction writing speaker at Write To Publish in Wheaton Illinois, three of Austin’s historical books have won Christy Awards for exceptional Christian fiction. Austin’s novel, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark movie in 2006. A practice she has held for sixteen years of writing, Austin studies a book on writing before undertaking her next project, providing her readers with excellent style and quality. Holding her family in high priority, Lynn Austin incorporates her experiences into her books, creating relatable stories with a message of faith gracing the pages.

Staged in 1897, Until We Reach Home is a paperback novel of 41 chapters and 311 pages. Published by Bethany House, this deep and engaging story is told through the eyes of strong and tangible characters.

Until We Reach Home is definitely a chick book. As a tomboy reader, I appreciate how Austin deals with harsh issues such as betrayal and abuse. In the end, the reader is left with the promise that God faithfully stands beside his children, a lesson the sisters learn from Psalm 46:1-2, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

I recommend Until We Reach Home to women of all ages who enjoy emotional, dramatic novels. In a new light, the story leads readers along a journey where redemption and love are found in unexpected places. -- Estee Wells, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

In 1897, the promise of the gold-paved streets of America can heal the broken hearts and lives of orphans Elin, Kirsten and Sofia Carlson, if only they survive the transatlantic trip from Sweden. Family secrets—ranging from the disgrace of suicide to shameful relations—churn like the ocean itself during a two-week crossing, only to haunt the girls after they reach Ellis Island. From the first sighting of Lady Liberty through their travails to reach a newly rebuilt Chicago, the girls discover their strengths, a variety of new acquaintances and, most importantly, each other. And while they quickly experience the immigrant's harsh realities, they also find a way to make a life in their new world. Complete with room for happily-ever-after, this rich tale will not disappoint historical romance fans. Austin, three-time Christy Award winner, scores again with an engrossing tale of loss, determination and hope. (Oct.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

http://www.christianbook.com/until-we-reach-home/lynn-austin/9780764204951/pd/204951

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_review

__USERID__

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/ask_and_answer

• Books >> Fiction >> Historical
• Fiction >> Historical
• Start A New Christianbook.com Search

I'm the author/artist and I want to review Until We Reach Home.