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Book two in this series. Another story centered around Miriam Hastings and Trygve Knutson. But never fear, you will also keep up to date in the lives of all the folks in Blessing, North Dakota. This is a saga that began many series and many books previous, and I am so glad I started at the beginning as I have grown to love these people.

Miriam is doing her nurses training in Blessing, but is called home to Chicago, because her ailing mother is dying. When Miriam returns to Blessing she realizes her feelings for Trygve are growing. But it is hard to pursue that relationship with all that is going on in Blessing. The construction work, the hospital and its lack of staff, the terrible explosion that will rock the community, and the lingering knowledge that Miriam is only there for a year and then must return to Chicago. A lot is going on in this story, and as soon as I finish one story, I am ready to pick up the next book and see what will happen next. ( )

I just love this book! Definitely one of my favorites! ( )

Miriam Hastings is training as a nurse in Chicago in 1905. Her desire to be a nurse goes further than loving the vocation. She wants to be able to support her sick, widowed mother and young siblings that are forced to live in poverty. She finds herself with the opportunity of a lifetime: to train in a small hospital in Blessing, North Dakota. After just a few weeks, she is called back home as her mother has taken a turn for the worst. Although she wants to remain in Chicago, she is forced to return and finish out her year of training.
On the other hand, she finds herself unable to suppress her growing feelings for Trygve Knutson. He and his family, the Bjorklunds, are back bone and leaders of the fast growing, predominately Norwegian town. His family wraps her in love an acceptance. Her heart is torn between a life with Trygve in a town she adores and her family whom she loves so much. No matter what she does, she realizes she must make a choice and both will cause heartache.
I felt I was a part of Blessings, and through reading the book dreamed about how wonderful it would be to live in such a place. Life is simple but filled with hard fulfilling work. Whatever crisis might be faced, everyone rallies to shoulder the burden and help. I felt a part of the family’s closeness and interactions. Even though it was just a story, it gave me feelings of warmth and happiness.
I appreciated that the story was not a gushy portrayal a blissful life. The author showed the other side of misunderstandings, losses, grief, heartache, and problems. What makes it special is how each character works through these real life dilemmas based on their strong faith in God, biblical wisdom, and constant prayer. An uplifting story that you will find a “blessing” to read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have stated are my own. ( )

It's always good to read a series where the characters are familiar and you get to see them interact together. I will say that this book moved a little more slowly for me and I had a hard time finishing it. Although, after I got through the middle, the pace seemed to pick up and rush toward the end. I also noticed that there were parts of the story where I felt I should know more of the background then I did. So, after a little investigation, I saw that there are 2 other series that take place in the little town of Blessing, North Dakota--Home to Blessing and Daughters of Blessing. It might be good to read those first before this series so that you have all the background information since it is not repeated in this series. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how their lives play out throughout the trials and circumstances that they encounter. Looking forward to picking up the next book in the series, Streams of Mercy, coming October 2015.

***I received this free book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ( )