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BOOK REVIEW: A Dream to Follow
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by: Lynette Sowell Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: A Dream to Follow (Return to Red River, Book 1) Author: Lauraine Snelling Genre: Inspirational/Historical Romance Thorliff Bjorklund dreams of studying journalism; this dream collides with his father's expectations. He's the eldest son. The family farm is supposed to be his destiny. Throughout the last part of his schooling in the small town of Blessing, North Dakota, we follow Thorliff's journey. The answer to his dilemma isn't readily apparent, yet his mother encourages him to believe God to work out the details. And what about Anji, his first young love? Realizing his dream will mean leaving all that is familiar and comfortable behind. I keenly felt his pain of separation, after getting to know his family and friends in Blessing through birthings, dangers, and the overwhelming drought that threatened to destroy all of Blessing's dreams. Elizabeth Rogers is determined to become a doctor despite her mother's efforts to procure a perfect "match." She spends her time assisting the local doctor in Northfield, Minnesota. But she's trying to control her frustration with her mother's ways and society in general raising eyebrows at a woman physician. The Lord makes it possible for Elizabeth to meet her "ideal"— a lady physician in Chicago, Dr. Morganstein. Seeing Dr. Morganstein's hospital only solidifies Elizabeth's desire to pursue her calling and go to medical school. But what about the young men her mother sends her way? Throughout the story, Thorliff's and Elizabeth's journeys unfold, until their paths cross during Thorliff's first semester of college at St. Olaf College in Northfield. The book left me wondering what happens next to these two, especially when Thorliff lands a job working at Mr. Rogers' newspaper office. We are left with Thorliff's resignation to stay in college and not return home, despite the pain raking through his heart. If you're not familiar with Lauraine's families of Red River, you'll settle in with them easily and enjoy watching the hopes and dreams of its young people. If you've read the first series (Red River of the North), you'll enjoy following the lives of your old friends in Blessing, North Dakota. | |
