A Measure of Mercy (Home to Blessing Series #1) [Paperback]

Lauraine Snelling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family's income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth.

Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her. Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she finds it difficult to leave. Love blossoms through their letters, but upon arriving back home, she makes a heartbreaking discovery. Will she have to give up love to pursue her dream?

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Let's go get some ice cream." Sophie took Astrid's arm. "What's the rush?" "There's someone here I want you to see." Astrid clutched the top of her head. "I'm wearing my work clothes and don't have a hat. I can't meet anyone." She dug in her heels so that Sophie had to let go. "You look just fine." Sophie grabbed her hand again. Letting Sophie have her way was a lesson Astrid learned when they were little girls. Why try to change years-long patterns? She let Sophie pull her along, no longer resisting but not making it easy either. As they neared the Blessing Soda Shoppe she heard laughter, a man laughing but not a laugh she recognized. The female laughing was Rebecca. She grabbed a post to the overhanging porch roof and jerked Sophie to a stop. "Who is it?" "You'll see." "I am not going one step further until you tell me." Sophie glared at her. "This is my treat. Come on." "Sophie!" "This is someone you met several years ago. Now he has come back to town, and I think you should welcome him." Astrid tried to turn and head back the direction she came, but Sophie caught her arm. "Please. Just say hello and--" "Well, hello." The timbre in his voice had not changed. Neither had his flashing dark eyes or the smile that wrapped itself around her heart and gave a tug... --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has been studying medicine under Dr. Elizabeth Bjorklund's direction and dreams of joining her practice in Blessing. But when a missionary arrives and tells of the need for medical ministry in Africa, he seems to look directly at her. Could God be calling her to go to Africa?

Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town he seeks to court her, and love begins to bloom. When the opportunity opens for Astrid to go to Chicago for further training, she finds it difficult to leave home...and Joshua. They agree to correspond, but after receiving only one letter from him, she learns he's left town--again. Believing Joshua no longer loves her, Astrid makes an impetuous, heart-wrenching decision. Will she regret the choice she's made?

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprinted edition (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764206095
• ISBN-13: 978-0764206092
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #186,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lauraine Snelling, an award-winning author of fifty-plus books with sales of over 2 million copies, also writes for a wide range of magazines and teaches at writers' conferences across the country. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a bit confusing, November 8, 2009

By 

Tara of Tara's View of the World (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Measure of Mercy (Home to Blessing Series #1) (Paperback)

This was a hard book for me to review... I have not read any of Snelling's books set in the Red River Valley before this one. In theory this is book one in a new series but honestly it felt a little like being the new kid surrounded by people who have known each other for decades. There were a TON of characters and back-stories that I didn't know and I think that really affected my ability to engage in the storyline.

I will say that the writing was very enjoyable and main storyline in A Measure of Mercy was good... but it would have been better for me without all the sidelines into stories I wasn't familiar with. It was just way too much information in too short a time!

I think anyone who has read Snelling's previous Red River Valley stories will love this book though.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If you're familiar with the characters, this is a good read!, February 16, 2010

By 

M. Parrish (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Measure of Mercy (Home to Blessing Series #1) (Paperback)

This is a sweet story that weaves faith in a Living God together with everyday life in the Red River Valley during the early days when women were just beginning to be allowed to enter the medical field as doctors. This book focuses on one young doctor, Astrid Bjorklund, who is trying to find God's will for her life.

While the story was interesting, there were a few things about the book that could have been better. This is book one of a brand new series. While you can read the book and understand it for the most part, I suggest re-reading the first series that the author wrote about these same characters to get the full meaning of certain happenings within the pages. There are also several hard-to-pronounce Swedish names. This story is also NOT for the weak of stomach. Many paragraphs I had to skip completely due to graphic portrayals of medical procedures, including amputations and the like.

Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if you have an interest in medicine and medical history. In fact, my mother is a nurse, so I gave this book to her knowing she would enjoy it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fine Americana tale, September 30, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Measure of Mercy (Home to Blessing Series #1) (Paperback)

In 1903 eighteen year old Astrid Bjordlund wants to be a doctor studying medicine in either Chicago or Grand Forks. However, her dream suffers a setback when her family loses much of their money. Astrid refuses a chance to go to Chicago deciding to remain home in Blessing, North Dakota studying under her sister-in-law, Dr. Elizabeth.

Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two-years ago, but has come home to stay. He was attracted to Astrid before he left and still is. She reciprocates and he courts her. However a second chance in Chicago arises, which forces Astrid to choose between her love for Joshua and her dream of big city medicine.

The first Home to Blessing historical romance is an entertaining tale due to the intriguing lead female protagonist who along with Dr. Elizabeth show women is starting to make it in previously male jobs, but have a long way to go at the start of the twentieth century. The story line is well written and entreating for fans of the Blessing saga. Newcomers will find it a bit difficult to dive in head first even though this is the beginning of a new saga. Still with a strong sense of time and place and a solid cast, fans will enjoy this fine Americana tale.

Harriet Klausner