At the alarming rate at which the author is mercilessly killing off characters, with at least 3 to 5 per book,

it seems almost inevitable that by the conclusion of this series, there will be no one left standing.

This trend is truly depressing and casts a shadow over the entire reading experience.

One can't help but wonder why the author feels the need to be so ruthless in disposing of the very characters that readers have come to know and care about.

It makes it difficult to fully invest in the story when there is a constant fear that any beloved character could be suddenly wiped away.

The result is a sense of unease and sadness that lingers throughout the series, detracting from what could otherwise be a truly engaging and enjoyable read.

Tender Mercies by Lauraine Snelling is the fifth novel in the “Red River of the North” series.

Just like the others, I was completely engrossed in this account of the founders of Blessing, Dakota Territory.

The series chronicles the lives of Norwegian immigrants who first settled in Dakota Territory in 1880. Their courage, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication laid the foundation for those who would come after them. In Tender Mercies, the town of Blessing has been established. It now boasts a general store that doubles as a post office, a bank, a blacksmith, a grain shed, a church, and a school.

Some of the homes are constructed of wood, but many are built of sod - brick-like slabs of soil with grass roots still intact. In 1887, when the events of Tender Mercies unfold, both the school and the pastor’s house are made of sod.

Pastor John Solberg was devastated when Katy Bjorklund married Zeb MacCallister, a man with an annoying Missouri drawl, so different from the soft Norwegian/English language prevalent in Blessing. Pastor Solberg is also the teacher at the one-room school. When Zeb’s sister Mary Martha comes to visit, she decides to stay and offers to assist at the school. At first, he is hesitant to accept her offer - her southern accent is an unwelcome reminder of his lost love. However, as the school year progresses, he is not only impressed with her help with the children but also finds himself strongly attracted to her. When a family emergency calls her back to Missouri, both John and Mary Martha realize how precious they have become to each other.

Lauraine Snelling’s captivating account of Dakota Territory’s difficult beginnings and gradual growth is the essence of the “Red River of the North” series. By the fifth novel, the different family names are not only familiar to me but also feel like old friends. Each book focuses on one family while including the others in their struggles and triumphs.

One of the reasons I adore this series is the opportunity to learn how our early immigrants managed with such humble beginnings. For example, when they slaughtered a pig, every part of the animal was utilized - the meat for eating and preserving, the skull for making head cheese, the feet for pickling, the fat for rendering into lard, the intestines for making sausage, and the hide for leather reins and shoes. Cold storage was a root cellar, an underground structure that kept food cool in the summer and prevented it from freezing in the winter.

Another pleasure for me was learning about the new invention of the Singer Sewing machine, a machine operated by a foot treadle. Up until that time, all clothes were made by hand. With the new machine, seams were stronger, and garments could be made in a fraction of the time. I am a long-time Singer user, and it was fascinating to read about its early history.

If you are seeking a great story about our nation’s early years, I highly recommend Tender Mercies of the “Red River of the North” series. Even better, start with the first one, An Untamed Land.

Mary Martha MacCallister arrives in Blessing at the invitation of her brother Zeb.

When some in the community suggest she assist Pastor John Solberg in his school, she decides to be of service and discovers that she enjoys both the children and working with the Pastor.

However, when she is called home to care for her ailing mother, she promises to write.

Back home, she realizes that she misses Blessing more than she had anticipated and turns to her mother for advice.

Meanwhile, Zeb and his wife are expecting their first baby and are also taking care of two young girls Zeb found abandoned on his way to Blessing several months ago.

Katie, Zeb's wife, appears to be having a difficult pregnancy, and all the women are worried about whether she will be strong enough to get through it.

Overall, the story is filled with interesting developments and the anticipation of what will happen next in the series.

Looking forward to reading the next installment and seeing how the lives of these characters continue to unfold.

This is the beginning with the Singer Sewing machine salesman!

Treadle on! The salesman is full of energy and enthusiasm as he promotes the wonderful Singer Sewing machine. His confident steps and persuasive words draw the attention of passers-by.

And still like these books a lot. These books are like precious treasures, filled with knowledge and inspiration. They have accompanied me through many wonderful moments, and I can't help but be attracted by their charm again and again.

The combination of the Singer Sewing machine salesman and these beloved books creates a unique atmosphere. It makes me think about the past and the present, about the things that have changed and the things that have remained the same.

As I look at the salesman and the books, I feel a sense of nostalgia and a longing for more. I wonder what adventures and discoveries await me in the future, and how these two elements will continue to play a role in my life.

Overall, this is a moment that is both ordinary and extraordinary, a moment that makes me appreciate the simple pleasures and the deeper meanings in life.

I absolutely loved this series

The reason I have such a deep affection for it is that we resided near Grafton ND. As a result, I am familiar with the locations of most of the towns that you mentioned in the series. The stories you crafted were truly wonderful and held an extremely high level of interest. They had the power to transport me to those very places and make me feel as if I was a part of the events unfolding. It was like embarking on a journey through a world that you had so skillfully created. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your remarkable talent with us

Another book was read to the wife. She has always loved to be read to. Reading is one of the few things that we can do together.

The book covered a relatively short period, from the fall of 1887 to the spring of 1888. However, many things happened during this time. The little town of Blessing was growing. The winter was harsh, with blizzards trapping children at school. Singer sewing machines appeared, and all the ladies, including Ingeborg, had to have one. Christmas was a happy occasion. The last three chapters were very emotional, but the book ended in a way that pleased the wife. So, I guess everything is fine.

We have enjoyed the series and are looking forward to reading book six, the last one in the series. But we will have to wait as it is checked out. In the meantime, we are going to have to find something else to read.

I asked how many stars, and Diana immediately said four. So, four it is.

This was a truly sad one

I would say that this is by far the saddest book among them all.

I found myself shedding tears throughout a significant portion of it. The emotions it evoked were truly profound and heart-wrenching.

However, despite its sadness, it is an incredibly good book. It masterfully portrays how God remains faithful even in the midst of the toughest and most sorrowful times.

The author has done an excellent job of weaving a story that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder of God's unwavering presence.

It makes one reflect on the power of faith and how it can sustain us during the most difficult of circumstances.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving and spiritually inspiring experience.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the role of God in our lives and a greater understanding of the human capacity to endure and find strength in the face of sadness.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

In this captivating series about Norwegian homesteaders in the Dakota territory, there are now a plethora of familiar characters to follow.

These characters bring the story to life with their unique personalities, dreams, and struggles.

We get to know the hardworking and determined Lars, who is constantly striving to build a better life for his family.

There is also the kind-hearted and nurturing Ingrid, who provides comfort and support to those around her.

And let's not forget about the mischievous and adventurous Ole, whose antics always manage to add a touch of humor to the story.

As the series progresses, we become more and more invested in the lives of these characters, eagerly awaiting each new installment to see what will happen next.

Whether they are facing challenges on the homestead or dealing with the joys and sorrows of everyday life, these Norwegian homesteaders have truly captured our hearts.

The series is definitely slowing down for me.

It seems that the pace has become a bit sluggish, and it's not as engaging as it used to be. However, I'm still curious enough in the story line to probably get the last one.

The allure of finding out how the story concludes is still strong within me. But maybe not before I take a little break from the prairie life!

I think I need some time away from this particular fictional world to recharge and gain a new perspective. It'll be a chance for me to explore other interests and come back to the series with fresh eyes and a more open mind. I'm looking forward to seeing how the final installment will wrap up the story and whether it will meet my expectations.

Only time will tell.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fifth installment of the Red River of the North series. The story was engaging from start to finish, and I found myself completely invested in all of the characters. Each one had their own unique personality and backstory, which made them feel real and relatable.

The author did an excellent job of developing the plot and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. There were plenty of twists and turns that I didn't see coming, which added to the excitement. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the descriptions of the setting and the historical context.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good adventure story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of the series and how the characters will continue to develop. It's safe to say that I'm hooked!

I just have an intense love for this series called Red River of the North. So far, I've adored every single book within this series! Life was truly arduous for the characters in the Decoda territory. However, I have a special affection for these characters; they gradually start to feel like my own family. I must admit that this particular book is one of the more sorrowful ones. It's not all gloomy, as there are good times intermingled with the bad. But if you're planning to read this book, be prepared to shed some tears. It has those emotional moments that will tug at your heartstrings and make you really feel for the characters and their struggles.