A Heart for Home (Home to Blessing, Book 3)

I am hopelessly in love with all of books in the whole Blessing series... I have not only read them all but for the third time now and I find I am just as excited to start the next one as I was on the first time of reading them. I get such a blessing from the strong Christian foundation in these books, that I find myself praying for some of the same prayers. I have grown up in a loving Christian home with a God fearing Grandmother that was a great example of "living your Faith". No one was ever turned away, and there was always enough food for one more... so this series hit home. I thank Lauraine for following God's guidance and using her talent of writing to Bless me and I know so many others.. I can't say it enough to those who think they might want to read this series LOOK NO FURTHER this is a MUST READ. But start from the beginning that would be An Untamed Land, be ready for an amazing tale of a journey to a new land a strong Christian historical fiction that will leave you begging for more of the story..

This was a wonderful read. I am addicted to Lauraine Snelling books. I am so elated that she has so many. The ongoing saga of the Bjorkland family in the late 1800's to early 1900's is very interesting. I find this book as well as some of her others to be riveting and I am either smiling, crying, mad or very relieved. Lauraine has a way of evoking many emotions in her books and I love how she crafts a sentence and has such a knowledge of human nature. My all time favorite has to be though how these are filtered through a Christian perspective and that is also enjoyable for this reader.

Lauraine Snelling is a master at making pioneer life become real to her readers. Since my grandmother was born in Norway and settled with her family in North Dakota, I know how accurate Ms. Snelling has been in creating the environment to take her readers away into the past. I have wondered, however, if it was purposeful or a mistake that the word "recipe" always comes across as "receipt." Maybe that is what the early Norwegians thought was correct. Nevertheless, after reading all the "Blessing" books, this crowned the final scenes in a most beautiful way.

This wonderful series adds another book to the best ever series. This family, with two of its original now older women, continues to inspire and show the love and inspiration for the younger members of Blessing. The people continue to amaze me with their wisdom and kindness, their willingness to help those less fortunate and even the siblings of long ago friends. The grateful hearts of these wonderful people will stay with me forever. Do not miss this wonderful series for your best read ever.

Very good series I bought several books. Two complete series and I enjoy reading this time period.

After reading the first two volumes in this series, which were excellent, this volume is "good". It covers the basic theme of working together to accomplish more than the sum of its people which is a terrific concept of living in community. Lauraine also does an excellent job of describing a constant relationship with God that can see us through anything that happens in life. However, it is weak when it comes to Astrid's budding relationship with Daniel Jeffers which is covered in the very last parts of the book.

This series is a great read, sweet and pure, but interesting with conflict of the heart and faith. This is the last of the series, but the next reads continue in Song of Blessing #1, To Everything a Season.

After reading all the books, I feel like I am saying goodbye to the family! I am very sad it is over. Lauraine Smelling has a gift of writing that keeps a person connected to the characters and also keeps a refreshing Christian perspective on life. Many things have I taken from her writings to better my own life. Thank you Mrs Snelling! May the Lord bless you as you have blessed others!

Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors. The way she applies the ability to hear God's voice and see His faithfulness through the trials of everyday life is amazing. She is constantly bringing her characters and the reader back to the truth of God's unfailing love for His sons and daughters, no matter how small or large the problem may seem at the time. She reminds us that all we have to do is to seek His face and wait for His voice, He will always answer if we are patient to listen to Him and walk in His will.

Once again, a wonderful story. Such adventure,mishaps, and survival of the new country. The story ended too soon,wanted more. Great storyline.

I am hopelessly in love with all of books in the whole Blessing series... I have not only read them all but for the third time now and I find I am just as excited to start the next one as I was on the first time of reading them. I get such a blessing from the strong Christian foundation in these books, that I find myself praying for some of the same prayers. I have grown up in a loving Christian home with a God fearing Grandmother that was a great example of "living your Faith". No one was ever turned away, and there was always enough food for one more... so this series hit home. I thank Lauraine for following God's guidance and using her talent of writing to Bless me and I know so many others.. I can't say it enough to those who think they might want to read this series LOOK NO FURTHER this is a MUST READ. But start from the beginning that would be An Untamed Land, be ready for an amazing tale of a journey to a new land a strong Christian historical fiction that will leave you begging for more of the story..

This was a wonderful read. I am addicted to Lauraine Snelling books. I am so elated that she has so many. The ongoing saga of the Bjorkland family in the late 1800's to early 1900's is very interesting. I find this book as well as some of her others to be riveting and I am either smiling, crying, mad or very relieved. Lauraine has a way of evoking many emotions in her books and I love how she crafts a sentence and has such a knowledge of human nature. My all time favorite has to be though how these are filtered through a Christian perspective and that is also enjoyable for this reader.

Lauraine Snelling is a master at making pioneer life become real to her readers. Since my grandmother was born in Norway and settled with her family in North Dakota, I know how accurate Ms. Snelling has been in creating the environment to take her readers away into the past. I have wondered, however, if it was purposeful or a mistake that the word "recipe" always comes across as "receipt." Maybe that is what the early Norwegians thought was correct. Nevertheless, after reading all the "Blessing" books, this crowned the final scenes in a most beautiful way.

This wonderful series adds another book to the best ever series. This family, with two of its original now older women, continues to inspire and show the love and inspiration for the younger members of Blessing. The people continue to amaze me with their wisdom and kindness, their willingness to help those less fortunate and even the siblings of long ago friends. The grateful hearts of these wonderful people will stay with me forever. Do not miss this wonderful series for your best read ever.

Very good series I bought several books. Two complete series and I enjoy reading this time period.

After reading the first two volumes in this series, which were excellent, this volume is "good". It covers the basic theme of working together to accomplish more than the sum of its people which is a terrific concept of living in community. Lauraine also does an excellent job of describing a constant relationship with God that can see us through anything that happens in life. However, it is weak when it comes to Astrid's budding relationship with Daniel Jeffers which is covered in the very last parts of the book.

This series is a great read, sweet and pure, but interesting with conflict of the heart and faith. This is the last of the series, but the next reads continue in Song of Blessing #1, To Everything a Season.

After reading all the books, I feel like I am saying goodbye to the family! I am very sad it is over. Lauraine Smelling has a gift of writing that keeps a person connected to the characters and also keeps a refreshing Christian perspective on life. Many things have I taken from her writings to better my own life. Thank you Mrs Snelling! May the Lord bless you as you have blessed others!

Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors. The way she applies the ability to hear God's voice and see His faithfulness through the trials of everyday life is amazing. She is constantly bringing her characters and the reader back to the truth of God's unfailing love for His sons and daughters, no matter how small or large the problem may seem at the time. She reminds us that all we have to do is to seek His face and wait for His voice, He will always answer if we are patient to listen to Him and walk in His will.

Once again, a wonderful story. Such adventure,mishaps, and survival of the new country. The story ended too soon,wanted more. Great storyline.

Lauraine Snelling writes stories that are interesting and pull you in for awhile. There's romance which is wholesome and not a bunch of sex scenes. I Love these Faith based books.

I've become attached to the characters in this series. Stories are very well told with details about how life truly was during this time period. Ms. Snelling shows us examples of faith in her characters that I try to apply to my own life every day.

Wonderful House on the Prairie style story, I enjoyed this book and have loved the series

Another excellent book by Lauraine Snelling in the Home to Blessing series. Each book is well written and a keeper.

I love reading series book, because the characters become so real. This series is one of my favorite. Excited to read a few more.

I have read the whole Blessing series. The books are so well written. I truly enjoy all the prayers and scripture. I recommend these to everyone.

Reading all the Snelling Dakota books makes for a true vision of what my ancestors did when they settled North Dakota. I can only hope that my family did not suffer the many trials and tribulations as did the ficticious members of the books, but if so I can only hope we survived. It gives me a better understanding of my North Dakota family.

Can't believe I didn't write a review for this book - I read all of Lauraine Snellings books and loved all of them.

Lauraine Snelling has written a series that you can't put down. This is supposed to be the last book. The Red River Series is the start and well worth getting. The character Astrid of A Heart for Home wasn't born at the beginning of the series. This tells you how far back it goes. Astrid struggles trying to decide where she should go, and who is more in need of her doctoring. Should it be the reservation or Africa?! I really enjoyed this book. Lauraine Snelling really can tell a story and you feel like you are there and know these people. I can't say enough good things about this book and series.

I have read all of Lauraine Snelling's books, and enjoyed each one in the different series. They move right along, have mystery, love and romance, family closeness and keep the reader interested. I recommend this book to anyone who is into wholesome reading.

The author caught my attention with the first sentence. I like all the references to the Bible and trusting in God's will. I laughed along with characters and cried with them.

I couldn't put this book down. Kept me totally engrossed. I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, but also loves romance.

I love this author. I have all the books in this series, starting with the first book An Untamed Land and going through to this last book. I have read these multiple times and love them. They are my favorite books.

Was gift for my wife and she loves the author.

This book was a nice finish to the "Home to Blessing" series. I especially enjoyed that it took an unexpected turn part way through (just like real life has a habit of doing). At the end, I felt like I could close the book and leave the characters to carry on with their lives in Blessing -- until next time!

You can't go wrong with any of her books. I love the Blessing books. My favorite of all time. I could read them all again.

Wonderful series

These books are a great mixture of real life and real emotions and how to have God in the center of it all!

This is the 3rd in the series of "Home to Blessing" and was just as enjoyable as the first two. The author makes the characters very real, and the story was so interesting I couldn't put the book down.

Loved this book.

I found this (and the other two Home to Blessing books to be outstanding. I for one am very sorry to see this series end. I keep hoping the author will reconsider and continue with the series. Even if you have not read the earlier books, you can follow the entire series quite well.

Love these so much that both my husband and I read all winter on them. The grand children are now going through them and there is a waiting list of others who want to start the searies

A good book

especially like this series

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. It kept me interested til the end. I am always looking for new books from this author.

The story is heartwarming and makes the reader to be a better person. I also was gratified that medical missions was a theme--whether in Africa or on an Indian reservation.

One of my favorite authors. She knows how to keep the reader interested in the story and it moves right along. One of those "can't put it down" books.

I have read all of Lauraine Snellings books about the Dakota territory, and enjoyed them so much I reread them.. I feel like I know the families.. A very enjoyable series..

Another fantastic book. I enjoy your books about North Dakota so much and would recommend them to all. Thanks Lauraine

Enjoy all Lauraine Snelling's books

Thank you for such an uplifting book.

I love Lauraine Snelling books. The Red River/ Blessing/Dakota series' are all excellent stories that help a person visualize how to live out your faith in everyday life.

Another wonderful book by ms. Snelling she has such warmth you loose yourself in Her books and characters and when they are a series you eagerly await each new one

This book is one in a series and hopefully is not the last. I loved reading about this family and their life in North Dakota.

Another great story by Loraine Snelling. Read all of her books.

I love Lauraine Snelling's writing on Norwegian family traditions, acting on our faith and belief in God and how we experience God's purpose for our lives. Reading through all the books of the Red River series is a journey where you laugh, cry and fall in love with the characters.

See the review of "Reunion: A Novel" by Lauraome Snelling" Tlhe same review for all her books. Good reading with good moral values.

Lauraine Snelling can make you feel like you are right in the heart of Blessing. Her characters are so real with tribulations and triumphs that will have you crying and cheering. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a Christian theme in their reading. Along with Lauraine Snelling, I read books by authors Margo Hansen and Beverly Lewis.

Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite writers. You can't go wrong buying her books. Stories with gentle and strong people that we should strive to emulate.

Slow moving but I love the series.

Reading this book was such a great experience. Reading it on my kindle was quick and easy and I enjoyed it very much.

I haven't read this one since I received it, but I read it about 7 or 8 years ago. This is the first time I've been able to find each of the books in the 'Return to Red River' series, the 'Daughters of Blessing' series, and the 'Home to Blessing' series. I have just one to finish before I start on the 'Home to Blessing' series.. I love Lauraine Snelling's books!

I absolutely loved this series, I felt like I was there My only regret is it did not continue on with next generation.

I enjoyed living through the turn of the century with this family. The way the town helped each other is almost lost now. These folks worked well, but they shared well. I loved it.

I have read all Snelling's books about the Bjorklund family, and have, for the most part, loved them. I was so excited that Astrid got her own "series" of books in which to grow and develop and come into her own. But this conclusion to her story felt very rushed. I felt that though there were multiple interesting and undeveloped sub-stories, the main story remained relatively flat. I also thought it weird that she set up Joshua as the main love interest for Astrid for the first 2 books, and spent the majority of this book explaining why the relationship wouldn't work. Then, halfway through she introduces a new guy, spends almost no time developing him as a character and the relationship grows to marriage in about 4 chapters. I still like the book; it's a great look into what life was like at the turn of the century for 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, and for the most part, the characters are engaging and believable. Snelling fans will enjoy this finale to Astrid's story, as long as you don't expect it to be her best work.

Very good book. Enjoyed the series.

Timely

Another great read.

Lauraine Snelling does a wonderful job in presenting her characters and stories in true-to-life settings, whether it be historial or present day. I've read all her books/series on this family and they have all been interesting and compelling to want more of the story. This one didn't let me down. It was true to her writings and well worth the time to sit down and enjoy. Great Book!

I am really disappointed in the Home to Blessing Series.... I have read every book in this Blessing series, but this trilogy was really king of boring. The only reason why I am finishing reading "A Heart to Home" is because I am invested in the Bjorklund family. I don't know if I am just tired of this series, but I can not wait to have the book done and move on. I agree with other reviews that the Daniel Jeffers marriage moved to quick, and wasn't really realistic. It seemed like the book was a wrap up book with all of the recaps and history in it. The religion aspect was too heavy and bored me also in the trilogy. Would I recommend it? Probably if you were invested in the series, but as a stand alone book or trilogy - no.

an awesome author !!!!! keep those books coming !!!!

Good book, in good shape, no tears or stains in very good condition

I have been trying to read this book since it was published. I had read the first two in the series and was hoping I could find it. Of course, Amazon came through as always. Book is in excellent condition. Enjoyed every minute of reading time. Many thanks.

Wow I almost feel as if I have lived with these characters as I have been through the series from beginning to end. Lauraine Snelling has a way of drawing you into the characters. I really appreciate her writing skill.

Would read this series over again. I read from Ingeborg in Norway all the way to Astrid getting Married. Excellent!

Love all Snelling "Blessing" novels

I love the books by this Author!!

I could identify with this story being that I grew up close to Blessing. It is very authentic about the people and how life started out on the prairie.

I love this series of books have read almost all of them too date and maintain my copies to reread later. Wish they would take these books and make a series of movies with them.

I love this entire series. I have been reading it for months. I only have 1 book left... eck!!

The series is finally done! Good read...enjoyed the whole series, but was ready for it to be done-like Snellings writing...

Really enjoyed the continuing saga and Astrid's story. Well written, held my interest!

Very good

I was sorry to see this book end. I feel like I know this town, it's characters and families like my own. I have almost all of Snelling's books. Her knowledge of history is amazing and her characters, while being presented by a Christian writer are not all sweetness and light. Her relationship to the bible is not overwhelming in the story. I reccommend her books highly.

greatread

I've loved everyone of these books

Love this author

Wonderful series. An accurate depiction of life as it was in the late 1800s to early 1900s. I also loved the Red River and Dakota series books.

Loved it

I've enjoyed the writing of Mrs Snelling and glad I could complete the series with my purchase from you

Another great Lauraine Snelling novel.

great Christian reading

I love Lauraine Snelling books. Happy to see I can still find them in paperbacks. Hope you continue to get them in paper back.

Lauraine Snelling is a great author. I love her books. They have a good combination of Christian values, love and history that keeps your interest.

Good book have enjoyed reading about this fictional family and town.

Enjoyable Reading.

excellent..

Wonderful book following the families of Blessing, ND. Glad to have gotten it HOT off the Press. Read during any free time at work and anytime I was awake. Hard to put down. Lorraine Snelling is the best!

Very Very good book all the books in all the Red River series are wonderful books from start to finish

I love anything by Lauraine Snelling.

I bought Five books by this author for Sons of Norway (Kenosha WI branch) and they were all taken out immediately

It is a wonderful book and I hated to see it end. The Blessing series is great. Everyone should read Lauraine Snellings books.

A Heart for Home was a fitting wrap up to the Home to Blessing series. It followed the same track as the other two books with the story of Astrid. The strangest thing about this series for me was how everything was fairly even keel. This meaning the drama at the end of the book was no more impactful that they dramatic moments throughout the tale. It was almost as if you were peeling back a veil to peer into someone's ordinary everyday life and just watching them live their lives for awhile. I did want to finish the story, so it was entertaining. It was just not as gripping with a pulse pounding ending like other stories can be. Most stories tend to be more about the biggest moments in someone's life, and while these novels contained a pivotal point in Astrid's life, it still read like I could have waited ten years and peaked back in on her life and the things happening would be of the same importance as the things contained in these books. The events are simply smooth, one ripple hardly standing out from the next. I am more of a fan of a book where moments throughout the story have huge impact that make my heart race. Additionally, there was a romance, but it was not one that I felt deeply like I have with other books. Additionally, even though Astrid and Joshua's conclusion to their relationship was the one that I wanted, it seemed like a strange ending when we had spent so much time with him in the previous books. So while I enjoyed learning about the events going on in Blessing, I would have like a few of the events to pack a little more punch.

This is the first book of the entire series that I had a difficult time getting into at first. Not sure if it was the subject matter (I've never cared for Joshua) or because I wasn't feeling very well and was distracted. I took it on vacation with me, and just finished it on our last day. It was the perfect vacation book. Easy to pick up and put down without forgetting what was happening. I don't read them for the romance, but I'm glad Astrid's love life ended up the way it did even though it seemed to happen pretty quickly. Look forward to the next in the series.

The Red River series is just about my favorite series of all time. I love the Norwegian/American work ethic - where they built a wonderful town from NOTHING, and the warm touches of romance. I have definite favorite characters, (Ingeborg and Haakan, Grace and Jonathan, Thorliff and Elizabeth, Rev. Solberg, and others),and some that don't grab me, (Sophie, Joshua Landsverk,and a very few others) I looked forward SO much to receiving this book. I preordered it, and when it came, everything else was set aside and I read it immediately. The book was FLAT. It skipped around and the story wasn't developed, nor were the characters developed, like Snelling's other books. At times, I wondered if Lauraine Snelling really wrote it. Not much narrative.... just mostly surface dialogue. Couldn't stand Joshua Landsverk, and was glad that Astrid sent him packing - although it was obvious all through the book that he would end up with Miss Christopherson. OBVIOUS! It became hard to care about any situation, because there was so little written about so MUCH that could have been important stories in themselves, that just didn't happen. (the Indian epidemic, the Indian agent's wife, the new hospital, Astrid's romance, the Bjorkland family's cares etc. So MANY characters and so little about most of them. Mr Jeffers seemed like a fine man, but we would have liked to have known him better, and maybe gotten a glimpse of his love for Astrid, and hers for him. Dr. Red Hawk made and appearance, but he seemed to be a very interesting character that I would like to have heard more of. Lots of loose ends! (The Indian agent's selfish immature wife for example .... Whatever happened to her? Those Indian nurses were peripheral and unnecessary to the book, although very necessary to the reservation.) I MISSED HAAKAN.... my all time favorite character in Snelling's books. Haakan was there, but missing in the story for the most part. He is the man that all women hope to find. He and Ingeborg hardly interacted at all. He was such a fringe character in this book. Most of the folks came off as caricatures - not the real people that I have come to expect from Lauraine's books. I read it all the way through, but felt really let down. It was almost as if the author was thinking...."I just have to get this series finished, and be done with it". I may stand alone on this one, but you can't love Snelling's books like I do, and not feel a bit robbed. Guess I will just haul out my RRN series and start over - I need a Bjorklund fix!

In 1904 in South Dakota, Dr. Astrid Bjorkland provides medical care to the Rosebud Indian Reservation at a time the tribe faces a terrible epidemic. She and her family also try to help the immigrants settling in Blessing, North Dakota. In fact the Bjorkland clan wants to construct a medical facility to help the needy. However, Astrid's immediate concern is the ailing Indians whose elders want her to leave until wise men like Red Hawk notice some of their tribe is recovering under her care. While she works diligently as a physician, she also mentors others to provide some medial help. Meanwhile Joshua Landsverk wants a second chance with Astrid who believes God wants her to doctor the needy. The third Home to Blessing historical tale (see No Distance Too Far and A Measure of Mercy) is a terrific early twentieth century novel that provides a deep spotlight on the Native American and Norwegian cultures in the Dakotas. The cast is solid but this is Astrid's tale as she wonders what God wants from her when Joshua begins to try to court her. Readers will appreciate this wonderful return to Blessing. Harriet Klausner

"A Heart for Home" by Lauraine Snelling is a fabulous addition to the Red River Valley series. The third book in the "Home to Blessing" series and the 16th following the Bjorkland family. It seems that no matter how much is written about this family there is always something new and interesting. I usually find making a series too long makes it contrived and forced, however, this new book seems fresh and new. Astrid Bjorkland, the youngest child of Hakaan and Ingeborg Bjorkland, is finally a doctor and goes to the local Indian reservation to assist with a measles epidemic. At the end of the last book, Astrid's love interest, Joshua Landsverk gives her an order - don't go to the reservation, which causes their break-up. Will they get back together, will Astrid find someone who can understand her passion for being a doctor, or will she remain single for the sake of her calling? I love Snelling's writing style, and characters. I must admit, her characters are well developed over the series and any of the books would be able to be read as a standalone book. "A Heart for Home" not only follows a story line, but explores the character's spiritual lives as well. This is one great positive for Snelling's books, no only are they well written and a pleasurable read, they discuss important spiritual truths. This book, as well as Snelling's other works are a definite must-read for anyone who enjoys romantic or historical fiction.

I will say that I have spent every waking moment the past 4 days reading the entire series. The first book caught my eye, and once I realized there was 2 more... I just couldn't put them down. I loved the first 2 books, but the ending to the 3rd really didn't end like I thought it would. Like others have stated, the author didn't really talk about Mr. Jeffers, but spent the first 2 books having Joshua as the main love interest. I figured that Astrid and him would work it out somehow, (or I really wanted them too) and that they would go to Africa together. Other than the ending not how I wanted it to be, the book was a very good read and I would definitely recommend it to others.

I enjoyed the entire series so much that reading this final installment of the series was like having best friends move away. Each of the 16 titles is a stand alone novel but it is so very enjoyable to continue with characters throughout the series. Snelling is a Christian author. This is just merely part of the story. The characters have morals. The setting is late 1800's and early 1900's.

I enjoy all of Lorraine Snellings books. I am always anxious to read the next series.

Ms. Smelling captures the essence of a growing Christian community and the struggles individuals experience in an effort to walk in obedience to the Lord. I appreciate the Scriptures referenced and the thread of prayer woven throughout. I appreciate her development of the characters also.

best writer ever

This entire series has been wonderful, and so well written. Everything was brought together, giving a wonderful ending to the series with the hope for such a blessed future!

Love Blessing, ND and all of it's families. I had forgotten how much I like to read Ms. Snelling's books. Wonderful saga of life in the early 1900's.

I am a huge fan of Lauraine Snelling's writing and I waited a long time for this "Home to Blessing" series. A great Christian author and a fantastic continuation of this family's lives, trials and joys.

I have read most of Lauraine Snelling novels. As always they are wonderful.

Lauraine Snelling continues to tell a good story. I couldn't put the book down. And the town of Blessing and its characters are as interesting as ever. I hope for more.

I own all the books from this series and the three other series before this one! This was a wonderful way to end it. I hope there is more, but if not, then I'll just have to start buying her other books.. She also wrote another series called Dakota Treasures. It is also good. I recommend it very much!

Another wonderful story of the Bjorklund family legacy and the town of Blessing, North Dakota

Lauraine Snelling books are amazing.... I've been reading through this series and I am hooked!

A

Love historical fiction.

Loved the whole series!

Fantastic series. I would suggest reading the whole series, but note that they are not listed in order in the books.

This is a most wonderful addition to the Red River Valley series. Lauraine Snelling is a top rated author and I treasure all of her books! I won't give away any of the events of the book, but I highly reccommend it to all readers! Lauraine, you have truly done a wonderful job on this series and I cannot wait to read future books.

Excellent

Be sure and read in order

kept me spell bound.

I was so disappointed with this book. Like another reviewer, I asked myself mid-way through the book if Lauraine Snelling was the author. Joshua's character was not developed at all. Even if his story didn't end the way I hoped, I at least expected him to be able to grow as a character and struggle with his ideas. That didn't happen at all in the book. I finished the book, but it just seemed so different than the other two books in the series.

Can't put it down. Love all the series.

WONDERFULLY series