The Promise of Dawn (Under Northern Skies Book 1) by Lauraine Snelling

Sometimes I see a new book that catches my eye by a new to me author and I'm really excited to pick it up and read it.  

Lauraine Snelling begins a new series in The Promise of Dawn.  From the back: In a Compelling New Saga, One Family Strives to Make Their Own Future

Opportunities are scarce in Norway, so when Rune and Signe Carlson receive a letter from Rune's uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them money for passage to America, Rune accepts. Signe is reluctant to leave her home, especially as she is pregnant with her fourth child, but Einar promises to give them land of their own, something they could never afford in Norway.

But life in Minnesota is more difficult than Signe imagined. Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are hard, demanding people, and Signe and her family soon find themselves worked nearly to the bone to pay off their debt. Afraid they will never have the life they dreamed of, she begins to lose her trust in God. When the dangers of the North Woods strike close to home, will she find the strength she needs to lead her family into the promise of a new dawn?

This book was a mixed bag for me.  I loved the historical aspects of it.  The author did her work and understood the time period and how hard it was to be an immigrant.  The Carlson family find themselves reduced to little more than live in help when they come to America.  Despite the hardships they went through they let their Christ like attitude shine through.  

On the flip side, the book was often repetitive and the plot was slow so I didn't find myself drawn in the way I had hoped to be.   Also there were mentions of characters from another series of hers in the beginning and since I hadn't read any of her other books I was a little lost. These made the book a little harder for me to loose myself in the author's world.  I may go back and try her other series to see if I can connect some dots in this book.  

All in all this book left me feeling conflicted.  I really wanted to connect with it.  It has so many good points going for it.  If you want to explore and decide if this book is a good fit for you you can look here.  

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*