Update 12/37/2017:

At 5 am, I am lying in bed, sobbing bitterly for the loss of a sweet friend. My heart is crying out to God, asking why this had to happen. I am praying for strength for the rest of the family. Remembering the same feeling I had previously expressed, and then it suddenly dawns on me and I chuckle. They are fictional! :-) The deaths are not real, yet they wrenched my heart as if they were!

I firmly believe that it takes a master storyteller to immerse you so deeply into a book that the boundaries between reality and fiction become blurred. When you can predict the reactions of your characters, when their thoughts and actions on the page draw you personally closer to God. When you are blessed beyond measure by the time spent with them, that's an EXCELLENT story! :-)

April 17, 2015

I cried my way through this book. There was an abundance of heartache, yet there was also joy. I would find myself smiling through the tears. This is an amazing series that has the power to touch your emotions and take you on a rollercoaster ride of feelings. It makes you feel as if you are part of the story, experiencing everything along with the characters. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is both captivating and moving.

Heartwarming.
The journey of hardships endured and overcome is a truly touching one. It is filled with moments of sadness as they face numerous challenges along the way. However, the sense of rejoicing that follows their victories is equally powerful. Their strength in the face of adversity is simply amazing. It is a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience. What is even more remarkable is their strong faith, which serves as their guiding light through the darkest of times. This series is a must-read as it offers a profound insight into the human spirit and the power of hope. It will leave you inspired and uplifted, and remind you that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a way forward.

I absolutely love this series.

I was reading it while coming home from Ohio.

I had a significant amount of time in the airport and on the plane to engage in reading.

This particular installment ended on a very sad note that truly touched my heart.

Katy and Zeb had such a beautiful romance blooming.

But then, to have Katy die in childbirth along with the baby was simply heart wrenching.

However, I was happy that the Pastor and Mary Martha got married in the end.

The author does an excellent job of keeping the series moving forward with all the different twists and turns involving the main characters.

It makes the reading experience constantly engaging and full of surprises.

Overall, this series has become one of my favorites, and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

The book I just finished reading is not as good as the first three books in the series, but it's still okay. The pacing is a bit slow moving, which can make it a bit of a slog at times. However, there are some really good aspects to it. The descriptions of the land and the storms are quite vivid, although at times they do go on for a bit too long. The story also jumps around a lot, which can be a bit disorienting. But despite these flaws, I did still like the book. I think the author did a good job of creating a unique and interesting world, and the characters are well-developed. Overall, it's not a perfect book, but it's definitely worth a read if you're a fan of the series.

December 1887
Blessing, Dakota Territory

The main characters are numerous, and there are too many others to enumerate.

Reverend John Solberg is a single minister. Mary Martha McAlister, Zeb's sister, is new in town. Katie Bjorklund McAlister is the woman John had been in love with, and Zeb McAlister is Katie's husband. And there are many more!

The wonderful faith element throughout the book is quite evident. In fact, every book in these Dakota series has a satisfying emphasis on God.

If I were Norwegian or knew more about this culture, I believe I would have a better appreciation for this series. Perhaps I wasn't in the right frame of mind for this book, so I didn't care for it as much as I hoped to. I was a bit overwhelmed by the many characters, and then the sad events that caused the main characters to doubt God also affected my reading experience.

I think I might be done with Blessing, North Dakota and the Bjorklund family, at least for a while.

The book was narrated by Callie Beaulieu, who did a pretty good job. She didn't attempt the Norwegian accents, but that was acceptable. Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that completely captured my heart.

I have loved this series to an extreme extent!

I read the first four books back to back, almost without any sleep!

I held off on reading number five because I read the reviews and someone mentioned that it was overly sad.

I had a lot of things happening in my life at that time, so I couldn't endure the sleepless nights and the tears that I knew I would shed.

However, I started reading it yesterday and completed it today.

The first half of the book was quite good, and I had no idea what the reviewer was referring to.

But about two-thirds of the way through, it really hit me.

I became a sobbing mess.

It was indeed a good read, very well written, and I have a great affection for the characters.

Nevertheless, this particular installment was a rather sad one.

Despite the sadness, I still appreciate the story and the way it was crafted.

It managed to evoke such strong emotions within me, which is a testament to the author's skill.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this series.

This is a very good series indeed.

Each installment in the series has its own unique charm and吸引力. The storylines are engaging and keep the readers hooked from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for the audience to form an emotional connection with them.

The writing style is流畅 and easy to understand, yet it also manages to convey deep emotions and complex themes.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this series has something for everyone.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to be entertained.

Overall, this very good series is highly recommended and is sure to become a favorite among many readers.

This is yet another outstanding book within this series.

This time around, the central character hails not from Norway but from Arkansas. Mary Martha is the sister of one of the husbands in the family from Norway.

When she first arrives, she only knows English. However, she quickly embarks on the path of learning Norwegian.

Moreover, she becomes a helper in the school, where she assists three sisters in learning English. Interestingly, this process also benefits her own language learning.

As she spends time teaching the sisters, she gains a deeper understanding of the English language herself and discovers new ways to communicate.

This not only helps her in her daily life but also enriches her cultural experience.

Overall, Mary Martha's journey in this book is filled with challenges and growth, making it a captivating read.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is a truly wonderful author. Her works have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless readers around the world.

Mary Martha journeyed to the Dakotas with great anticipation to visit her brother. During her stay, she had the opportunity to meet John Solberg and became involved in helping at the school.

The story of those who lived in Blessing is one that is filled with charm and warmth. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era and the simple yet meaningful lives of the people who resided there.

Wilder's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make it easy for readers to envision the landscapes, the characters, and the events that unfold within the pages of her books. Her ability to bring the past to life is a testament to her talent as an author.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder or new to her works, the story of those in Blessing is sure to delight and inspire.

This series truly gets better and better with each successive book.

It is simply astonishing to think about how far they have advanced and evolved.

The storylines become more intricate, the characters more developed, and the overall world-building more immersive.

With each new installment, the author manages to take the readers on an even more thrilling and engaging journey.

I find myself completely captivated by the unfolding events and eager to see what lies ahead.

It's like a never-ending adventure that keeps getting more exciting with each turn of the page.

I can't wait to see where the series will go next and how it will continue to amaze and delight me.

This is an extremely good story.

It tells about the pioneers who came from Norway to the Dakota's and built a community named Blessing.

All the other characters from the previous books are also involved in this one.

There are some very emotional stories within it, along with some serious events.

The children in the story keep you entertained.

It features a large family and friends, and there are lots of children.

The author manages to keep up with all the characters very well.

This is a very good series.

The author writes about TRUE to life events, which makes the story even more engaging and relatable.

It allows the readers to step into the shoes of the pioneers and experience their joys, sorrows, and the challenges they faced while building their community.

The detailed descriptions and the well-developed characters make this story a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I am truly relishing the Red River of the North series, and this particular volume happens to be the fifth one in the sequence.

This captivating book transports us from September 1887 to April 1888. In this historical narrative, Singer Sewing Machines play a significant role, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

Not only that, but the elements of blizzards, disease, and childbirth also weave their way into the plot, creating a rich tapestry of challenges and triumphs.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those readers who have a penchant for the history of our country presented in the form of a family saga.

It offers a unique perspective on the past, allowing us to step into the shoes of the characters and experience their joys and sorrows.

Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this book is sure to captivate and engage you from start to finish.

So, pick up a copy and embark on this wonderful literary journey through time.