Until We Reach Home [Paperback]

Lynn Austin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008

Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother's death and father's suicide. Elin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters' welfare, and when circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.

Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America's story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1897, the promise of the gold-paved streets of America can heal the broken hearts and lives of orphans Elin, Kirsten and Sofia Carlson, if only they survive the transatlantic trip from Sweden. Family secrets—ranging from the disgrace of suicide to shameful relations—churn like the ocean itself during a two-week crossing, only to haunt the girls after they reach Ellis Island. From the first sighting of Lady Liberty through their travails to reach a newly rebuilt Chicago, the girls discover their strengths, a variety of new acquaintances and, most importantly, each other. And while they quickly experience the immigrant's harsh realities, they also find a way to make a life in their new world. Complete with room for happily-ever-after, this rich tale will not disappoint historical romance fans. Austin, three-time Christy Award winner, scores again with an engrossing tale of loss, determination and hope. (Oct.)
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Review

"Austin, three-time Christy Award winner, scores again with an engrossing tale of loss, determination and hope." --Publishers Weekly Oct. 2008

"Fans of inspirational historical fiction will enjoy Austin's tale...." -- Cindy Crosby, FaithfulReader.com

"Until We Reach Home gave me a new appreciation for the struggles immigrants go through ... a good read!" --Lindsey Freitas, BookLoons.com

"As usual Lynn Austin plucks the heartstrings of readers with her vivid prose and characters that leap to life...." -- Melissa Meeks, ChristianBookwormReviews.com

"...Lynn Austin ... write[s] characters whose lives mirror real life no matter what time period she is writing from." --The Sleepy Reader (readingtoolate.net)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprinted edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764204955
• ISBN-13: 978-0764204951
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won four Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down romantic historical, November 15, 2008

By 

Michelle Sutton (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Until We Reach Home (Paperback)

This story had so much intrigue, suspense, peril, yearning, hope, and faith in the midst of trials that it truly inspired me. The faith journey was SO believeable. The pain they went through made a lot of sense, and I truly felt for them. My heart grieved right along with them. I found myself thinking about the story all the time until I could steal away and read more. That, to me, is the sign of a fabulous read.

I am a real sucker for romance, which is sprinkled generously throughout the book, too. Plus, the heartache and pain resulting from dysfunctional situations and sin is portrayed realistically. While not edgy in regards to the details, Ms. Austin did a magnificent job of making me care about their pain and showing how deeply they hurt. Yet she balance that by showing how that makes them love more deeply as well.

In my opinion Ms. Austin is one of the best historical fiction authors at putting her characters in impossible situations and showing how God provides a way in the midst of heartache. She shows how God allows it to make His children grow in faith, and that He is always there even if He doesn't always take away the hardship and pain. And He can transform even the hardest of hearts when people love Him and each other like the Scriptures say.

The relationship that Sophia developed with Ludwig was so amazing it took my breath away. I NEVER would've thought to draw out the character's faith and introduce them to true love through sharing God's Word the way the author managed to do. And to use the Bible as a tool to communicate between their languages was brilliant. This tender relationship was beautifully developed and one of my favorite parts of the story. It made my heart sing!

I can't say enough good things about this story. I'm definitely putting this book on my list of favorites for 2008!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, inspiring story!, September 20, 2008

By 

Magnus (Chandler, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Until We Reach Home (Paperback)

Lynn Austin never fails to amaze me as a writer. She writes in the most amazing way and never disappoints. I kept hoping that the book was not going to end. I was so drawn into each next chapter that it was next to impossible to put down. This book had so many wonderful examples of the kind of relationship that one can truly have with Jesus Christ. I think anyone would enjoy this story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it truly drew me into the plot. A must read!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic story!, October 13, 2009

By 

Ava Chapman (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Until We Reach Home (Paperback)

I have about 25 pages left and just can't stand for this book to end! I just want to finish it so I can share it with others! It has been one of the most enjoyable books I have read and I would recommend it to anybody!