Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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

The first couple of chapters were very interesting and I enjoyed the medical perspective for this time period. After that the book got a little strange. I could not understand the main character's conflict. It seemed like the author had to really dig to come up with something to make the story interesting.

The story is about Astrid Bjorklund who is an aspiring doctor. She doesn't really want to leave the little town of Blessing where her family lives but there is an opportunity for her to go to Boston and study further. In addition, a missionary at her church has planted the idea that she might be needed as a medical missionary in Africa. She has much soul-searching to know if this is God's will for her. Meanwhile, she is interested in a young man that has come back to the community.

Sadly, all the aforementioned conflict is still more or less unresolved at the end of the book. I don't dislike book series as long as each book in the series concludes its main plot. I really despise the type of series that leaves all the characters hanging like the season finale of a drama series on television until the next book is published. This is book one of such a series. I found that very annoying.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House.

What a Blessing! Loved this book. I am now hooked on the series. Positively enjoying them all. Check out your local library. I have found them all available.

Where to start. The story concept was good and the writing is done well. The problem is there are too many characters, no beginning, climax and ending. In fact, no ending at all. Authors do this to make you buy their next book, but it makes me run in the other direction. Another problem was that there were underlying stories that you usually see in a second or third in a series of books, but these came out of nowhere with no explanation---just poorly introduced. I wonder if the author intends to write a prequel. I will not buy this author again because the book didn't end. If you are a good writing and have a good story you don't have to make people buy your next book buy failing to end the first one, they will buy it because its so good. I have done this numerous times. But, I have yet to buy a second book when so I can read the ending of the first book. Too bad, this author has potential.

Even though A Measure of Mercy is book 1 in the Home to Blessing series, I was confused as to the characters and what their history was to each other. I looked in the front of the book after I was part way through it to see if the author had written anything else on the town of Blessing. She has ~ 4 other books! Well, I guess if I had read those I would not have been so confused. I do believe saying it is book one is misleading.

I believe the back of the book is a bit misleading. Astrid and Joshua have never really talked to each other, yet it says they have agreed to write letters back and forth. I wonder if the person who wrote the back of the book synopsis ever read the book. The end of the book ends in a cliffhanger.

The book is mainly about Astrid ad her desire to know the will of God concerning her future. She is not sure if she should become a medical missionary to Africa, go on to more medical training, or home to Blessing.


I was hoping for a little more about Joshua and why he feels he loves Astrid, but of course this could be in the other books. I also felt the book lacked any depth. It seemed the author was writing a book without any explaining~ especially if this is book one. I have never read any of Snelling's other works, but I am not sure I want to because I felt the author assumed the reader knew all about the families in the book and their previous experiences.

Lauraine Snelling is my favorite author. I have read all the
Home Blessings as well as Red River of the North Series, Daughters of Blessing Series, Dakotah Treasures Series, Return
to Red Riiver. I highly recommend all of them with 5 stars.

A Measure of Mercy is a book full of enjoyment for any reader who enjoys a touch of the past in the setting. The setting of life and all its challenges in the early 1900's to those who live in a small North Dakota settlement includes a touching glimpse of family love, support and encouragement in difficult days. The romance which blooms is a moving account of two people genuinely seeking the will of God in their lives, even as they understand His will may differ from what they desire. You will find yourself hoping that God's mercy allows all the prayers to be answered. At the conclusion of the story, you get a glimpse of His mercy as He gives courage to follow God's direction for their lives. I would recommend this book with no reservations. You will not be disappointed.

Ok I like a good christen romance as much as the next romance seeking mom but this was too much. I think they prayed in this book 20 times before the first chapter had even ended. WHo does that? It was not realistic even for back then. It bugged me too much....I just can't read anymore of this author I guess.