In Book One of Lauraine Snelling's new series The Daughters of Blessing, we are returned to Blessing, North Dakota and the approaching wedding of Ellie Wold and Andrew Bjorklund. Andrew and Ellie are asked to wait getting married by Andrew's father, Haakan, who believes that because their house has not come on time, it is a sign from God. This throws the couple into temporary chaos, but through this waiting period they both discover the wisdom of following divine guidance and listening to their elders.
Snelling once again writes with extensive detail, so the reader will have no trouble at all envisioning life in the early 1900's among Norwegian immigrants and life on a farm. When Andrew and Ellie's new barn burns, the young couple learns some hard lessons. During this time, Andrew and Ellie both grow in their spiritual lives and commitment to each other. Andrew learns to trust and have faith in God to help him handle the trials in life, while Ellie discovers that the best way to help Andrew with his problems is to pray for him. Snelling also brings the readers up to date on what the other characters from the Red River of the North series are doing. Even if you haven't read this previous series, you will feel like you know them when you finish this book. This first book in the series of The Daughters of Blessing is a stand-alone book; the characters are well developed.
If you have a love for historical fiction, get this book! When I finished reading it I was inspired and encouraged to appreciate the little things in life, taking nothing for granted. Life is never easy, but it's worth the glorious journey and we come out of our hard times stronger and wiser, realizing how God was and is with us every step of the way. Judy Vipperman, Christian Book Previews.com
