Customer Reviews

A Dream to Follow (Return to Red River #1)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I loved this next books about all the wonderful characters of Blessing. I was so excited to be able to read more about the characters and can't wait for the next one to come out. One of the major scenes towards the end of the book was definitely a tear jerker though. I was thrilled with most of the developments, but I would have liked to at least hear from the characters from Blessing in Disguise and hear how Augusta was getting on in South Dakota.

Searching for God's plan for your life is an integral part of maturing now as it was for the teens in Lauraine Snelling's A Dream to Follow. Norwegian immigrant, Thorliff Bjorklund yearns for college and a writing career, yet his father sees a more practical future for his son. His father's dream is for Thorliff to take over the family farm.

Elizabeth Rogers has always wanted to be a doctor. But before the turn of the 20th century, woman doctors were not accepted. Elizabeth is determined and knows this is the path she is to take, but why so many obstacles?

Snelling alternates between the comfortable rural family life of Thor and Elizabeth's more sophisticated upper class atmosphere with ease. We are given many insights into Minnesota farm living and rural life as well as the life of a family in a more urban setting in the late 1800's. Snelling's writing is very simplistic and although she may not have intentionally aimed it at young adults, it would certainly appeal to teens who are searching for God's plan for their life.

This book displays how God's will for our lives may not be as clear cut as we would hope and that we must continually seek him and have faith in His plan.

--- reviewed by Robin for Christian Bookshelf

This was a very good book, a great way to continue on the Red River series. It was very easy reading. I had a hard time putting it down and wanted to know if Thorliff would ever be allowed to attend college. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

A Dream to Follow (Return to Red River #1)

WOW! Just when you think Lauraine Snelling has stopped writing her wonderful series, "Red River Of The North" in 1999, she shocks us in 2001 with another new series, "Return To Red River." If you are looking to find the Bjorklund family again, and follow their Christian lives and love throughout history, you've found it again in this book (and Return To Red River series). This book is FULL of meat, and it's a terrific read! I know I always say that you "can't put this book down," and I mean it, this one had me gripping the recliner chair and turning the pages very quickly. As in the past, I don't want to give the whole story away with details, but I will tell you this: a magazine buys a story, blizzards hit Blessing, adoptions, large family disputes, graduations, deaths, a new major character, loved ones marry and leave, a secret "shake," tempers flare, a special birth, a terrible accident, school for a loved one, and a telegram that breaks a heart. This book hops between a city and a town. A wonderful read, Lauraine Snelling again outdid herself with the bringing back of many loved ones, and keeping our interest at the "HIGH+" level. You'll need to take some time to read this, because you will want to read the whole thing at once! Thanks, Lauraine!

This book really continues on the story started in the Red River of the North series, but focuses on the next generation of Bjorklunds and a few new characters. It was a nice contrast to get away from the farm life towards the middle / end of the book and get a taste of city living in the late 1800's.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I hope there is a continued story here, I need to know the end of the love.

Lovely continuation of the Red River of the North series. If you have not read the Red River Series, start with those first. Contrary to what the "Pros" wrote, these series are about NORWEGIAN immigrants to NORTH DAKOTA. Yes, sometimes the endings are abrupt, but the next book will pick up where this one leaves off. Many sucessfull writers employ this technique, most notably J. K. Rowling. Delightful read, good for the spirit, have a box of tissues handy. I hope you like it.

A DREAM TO FOLLOW opens in the year 1893. Thorliff Bjorklund, 17, lives with his family in Blessing, North Dakota. Thorliff has been writing stories since he was a little boy and longs to study journalism. Everybody likes his writing, but his stepfather doesn't want Thorliff to go to college. He wants him to stay home and take care of the family and farm.

Thorliff is stymied, caught between his family and his desires, and he has no idea what to do. He also struggles spiritually; Thorliff doesn't have faith that God will make things right for him and his family. If that isn't bad enough, a long drought means there might not be enough money for his tuition. Thorliff has to make a very difficult decision about his life. Will he go to college and follow his lifelong dream or go with his father's wishes?

In another part of the story, Elizabeth Rogers lives in Blessfield, Minnesota. She comes from a very good family and is determined to reach her goal of becoming a doctor. Her family encourages her to follow her dream, but it's nearly impossible for a woman to get into medical school. Does her heart mislead her to think otherwise about becoming a doctor?

I liked this book because it inspired me to think about what I want to be when I grow up. When I grow up, I want to be a prosecuting attorney because I think it would be fun, and you wouldn't get bored at all because you deal with different types of cases. Maybe when you read A DREAM TO FOLLOW, it will make you think about what you want to be when you grow up, too!

--- Reviewed by Ashley, Reading Diva

This was the first Christian historical fiction book I have read and was quite impressed. I would reccomend it!'

This is one of the best series that I have ever read. It is a must see but beware, once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.