"The Promise of Dawn" by Lauraine Snelling

The Promise of Dawn (Aug. 1, 2017) by Lauraine Snelling.*

Moving from Norway to Minnesota in 1909 is dauntingly life-changing, but with opportunities scarce in Norway and Rune Carlson’s uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them money for passage to America, it seems the most viable option. Still, Signe Carlson hesitates to leave home, especially as she suspects she is pregnant with the couple’s fourth child after multiple miscarriages. But Einar has promised them land of their own, something they’d never be able to afford in Norway.

            Rune and Signe, with their three sons Bjorn, Knute and Leif, travel to Minnesota. They are no strangers to hard work, but Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are a very demanding and seemingly callous couple. Einar, Rune and Bjorn make it a daily task to fell trees, while Signe has the unenviable task of getting a house back in shape after months of neglect with Gerd fallen ill. As Einar’s demands and his expectations put someone she loves in striking distance of grave danger, Signe’s faith wobbles. Rune is there to encourage her faith as he keeps his. Can Signe find the fortitude she needs to help lead her family and protect them in this new land?

            I have not read many books by Lauraine Snelling, but I was first drawn to this story when I read that the characters emigrate from Norway to Minnesota. It reminded me of American Girl character Kirsten Larson. “The Promise of Dawn” did not disappoint. It is clear that Snelling has put in a great deal of historical research. Reading the story was an immersive experience. It was also emotional, as I’d have strong feelings toward Einar’s treatment of, well, everyone, and Gerd’s apparent dissatisfaction of everything. The amount of love Signe and Rune have for their family is astounding, but their lifestyle in Minnesota isn’t just honest hard work. The environment they’re in is toxic, and I’m not talking environmentally. Patience is a virtue oft-displayed by the Carlson family. They also show us what hard work is and what it means to endure. I was wrapped up in this book and look forward to reading the next installments in the Under Northern Skies series.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”