This book was hard for me to get in to. There were a lot of characters and some with similar names, Nilda and Gilda, that made it confusing. The story seemed like it took a while to get going too. The second half was better than the first half which I found very slow paced.

I give this book a 3.5 star rating.

This was a sweet story with a love triangle and a solid sense of community. I felt like I missed a lot by not having read the previous three books in the series, but I only had access to the one. I especially loved that this was a family- and community-oriented story. The plot was enjoyable, but it was well-developed characters that made this novel sing.

Content: alcohol

Lauraine Snelling always brings me to tears. I especially love her Norwegian/Scandinavian characters and always want to know them better and longer than I am able.

This was a good story although I wish I had realized that this was part of a series. Usually a series connects to one another and is another layer to the previous story. This book was one where reading the previous chapters would have helped me understand the first chapters and how it happened to be.

The story is rich in the description of daily life as an immigrant in a new country building a life. So for the basis of the story was built previously and I was dumped into it trying to catch up.

In order to give an accurate review of this book, I will need to read the first part of the series to truly appreciate what I have read thus far. But as it stands now, the book is not really a stand alone.

An interesting beginning… I may come back to it, after I read the first books in the series, I didn't know that it was the fourth book in the series.

"In His time, God will make it clear to you. Thank Him in advance for His answers.”
1911 What a joy to be back in Blackduck, Minnesota, with these special people again. We say this was a simpler time, but there was so much work in day to day things. Like using the telephone. We all have one on us these days. Back then, not all houses had one. You had to go into town to use one. People communicated by mail. Now I bet some do not even know what its like to receive a letter. Written in cursive.
A family of Norwegian immigrants, in a town made up of mostly that nationality. There is the farm where this family resides and grows, and they bring over family from Norway a little at a time. Hardworking, skilled people. And a wealthy widow in a nearby town who took in one of the girls to train and groom her as an assistant. I love how Lauraine brings in people from different generations, you learn about them, their likes and skills. It's fun to see potential and watch the young kids grow. Enriching to read. This is a year in the life of the lovely immigrant girl, Nilda, from Norway and how she settles in and learns from this wonderful woman, who has much to offer in loving kindness as well as money and prestige. This level of society and family money are not without responsibility or family struggle for control. Nilda is still shaking off the death of the man who harmed her in the previous book. God has a plan for her, which unfolds gracefully through the pages. A book that makes you feel warm all over inside - as Lauraine is so skilled at doing.

Quote
“You all work hard.” “That’s what it takes to survive out here. And we want to do more than survive.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”
#NetGalley #ASongOfJoy

Lauraine Snelling has done it again. This is the fourth book in Under the Northern Skies series and I loved it just like I loved the other three books.

The whole series takes a look at the Carlson family that has immigrated close to Blackduck, Minnesota. Starting with the Rune and his wife Signe and their children in the first book and then on to Rune's brother Ivar and sister Nilda and finally, their mother also making the trip to Minnesota.

In this book, Nilda is busy working for Mrs. Schoenleber in Blackduck, MN and they have the needs of other immigrants on their minds and hearts. The book is full of their plans to help the loggers and their families and is quite satisfying to read about. Nilda is an amazing woman and while there is a part of me that wonders if so much could be done in such a short time, I find the storyline fascinating. I also find Nilda's love of work and her desire not to be an upper society snob also refreshing.

There is a tiny bit of romance in this book, the book does end with a wedding, but it's very understated and even humorous at times. It doesn't pervade the whole book. You aren't even sure if anything will even happen in that regard until towards the end.

I just really enjoyed reading this series and would recommend it to anyone else who enjoys a good story. It's a feel-good story yes and yet it feels so real-to-life. It's not all happiness and roses, especially not in the first book or so. It's just a good refreshing read.

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this newest book in the Under Northern Skies series.
The story continues with Nilda in Blackduck, Minnesota. She is blessed to live in Mrs. Schoenleber's home and loves her mentor immensely.
Nilda is presented with opportunities to learn about things she would never encountered on the farm like; proper social etiquette, how to create proposal to get investors interested I immigrant housing, learning how to use a typewriter and taking piano lessons from Mrs. Schoenleber's handsome nephew.
Though she misses her family her days are filled with so many activities that she practically falls into bed each night.
If you like historical fiction, you will love this series.

This is the fourth book in the series Under Northern Skies. I did not realize this was a series book when I requested it through Netgalley. Even though it was the last of a series, it was still a good standalone book. It would have been more interesting if I had read the first three books, but it was still interesting.

I have always enjoyed books by Lauraine Snelling and this did not disappoint. It was slow in some spots, a lot of description at times but this did not detract from the story. The characters were well developed and the plot was an easy read. It had a little bit of suspense when Nilda was being investigated but not a true suspense novel. It is more a love story, sweet and simple.

The editing was well done. That can make or break a book in my opinion. I hate having to re-read things to figure out the wrong words or punctuation.

This is a Christian book though not preachy. It does show the importance of depending on God. It is mostly a clean, no sexual content, love story. I freely give my review it is my own opinion and not forced in any way. I recommend this book and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling is a delightful story. Nilda Carlson, an immigrant from Norway, has for some months, worked as personal assistant to the wealthy Mrs. Schoenleber. She is grateful for all that she has learned and accomplished since being mentored by her generous employer. She has mastered English is learning the ropes in a large family corporation and fits in whether it is in the boardroom or on the family's farm. She is remarkably bright and it is her wish to give back so others who are new to the country can have some of the opportunities she has had. When she shares her ideas to her philanthropic boss, she is met with surprising enthusiasm that eventually leads to a whole community's involvement to help the newcomers.

I liked this book not just for the good story, but because it reminds me of how many of my ancestors came to America. Someone came first, checked out the opportunity and sent tickets home for others to follow either one by one or in a group. Some travelled by steerage and once they got to Minnesota, they settled together and worked hard. My father's family spoke mostly German at home. He went to school until the eighth grade, like Nilda's nephews, did in A Song of Joy. I admire how hard these immigrants worked the land or in other industries to support their families while building a new life in our country. Their resilience, similar to the Carlson family, is what settled the midwest, and eventually, the western states. I wasn't aware this was the fourth book in the Under the Northern Skies series but A Song of Joy can be read as a standalone. I recommend this book as the story is engaging with good old fashioned characters!

I have enjoyed this series by Lauraine Snelling, and this story follows my two favorite characters, Fritz and Nilda. I have loved seeing Nilda’s character develop throughout these books and I’ve appreciated that the author has allowed her character to retain her deep love of family, but also develop the unique gifts she has to take her a different direction than some of the other characters. Many of the other characters make an appearance, too, and we get to see how they have settled in to their new life in America. I’d recommend this whole series, as it’s wonderful Christian historical fiction. The author has done some great research as the background for her story, and I appreciated the faith of the characters all throughout the books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

In the Song of Joy, we follow a Norwegian farm girl, named Nilda Carlson. who has recently moved to America in the mid- 1910s. She is working as a secretary for a woman named Mrs. Schoenleber. Two men are trying to pursue Nilda. Jeffery and Fritz are both nephews of Mrs. Schoenleber. However, Jeffery might be not be genuine in his advances toward Nilda, nor understands her heart-felt compassion. Fritz on the other hand can understand Nilda and her passion for helping other immigrants like her self. Nevertheless, who will Nilda choose?

Caught between her farm life and trying to adapt to her new way of life, Nilda longs to help the immigrants that come to the area have an easier start. Although the task is difficult for her to accomplish on her own, she comes up with a plan to help not only others but also her family, too. Which man will genuinely agree with her dreams, Jeffery or Fritz? Will her family still be her number one support system and accept the new person she is becoming or will becoming a part of the society change their opinion of young Nilda? You have to grab a copy for yourself to see.

This was my second Lauraine Snelling book. Although it was good and I jumped right in again, the book had some parts that just lost my interest and it became hard to read. It must be something with the writing style Ms. Snelling uses. However, I enjoyed the book because it was different than some of the others I’ve been reading. I enjoyed the story about immigrants making their way in this country in the early 1900s. I hope that you will enjoy the book, too.

A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling is a delightful story. Nilda Carlson, an immigrant from Norway, has for some months, worked as personal assistant to the wealthy Mrs. Schoenleber. She is grateful for all that she has learned and accomplished since being mentored by her generous employer. She has mastered English is learning the ropes in a large family corporation and fits in whether it is in the boardroom or on the family's farm. She is remarkably bright and it is her wish to give back so others who are new to the country can have some of the opportunities she has had. When she shares her ideas to her philanthropic boss, she is met with surprising enthusiasm that eventually leads to a whole community's involvement to help the newcomers.

I liked this book not just for the good story, but because it reminds me of how many of my ancestors came to America. Someone came first, checked out the opportunity and sent tickets home for others to follow either one by one or in a group. Some traveled by steerage and once they got to Minnesota, they settled together and worked hard. My father's family spoke mostly German at home. He went to school until the eighth grade, like Nilda's nephews did in A Song of Joy. I admire how hard these immigrants worked the land or in other industries to support their families while building a new life in our country. Their resilience, similar to the Carlson family, is what settled the midwest, and eventually, the western states. I wasn't aware this was the fourth book in the Under the Northern Skies series but A Song of Joy can be read as a standalone. I recommend this book as the story is engaging with good old fashioned characters!

I have truly loved reading this author in the past. However, I was disappointed this time around. I feel that some of the characters could have been developed more; like the detective. His role was there just enough to add a small amount of suspense, but really did not add much excitement. Most of the book was descriptions of food and meals, I found myself very bored thru most of the book, and this was disappointing. I still look forward to future books from Loraine Snelling. I just hope for more activity and adventure, and a little less food discussion.

A Song of Joy, by Lauraine Snelling was an absolute delight to read. I always enjoy Ms. Snelling’s books for their gentle and easy flow, the characters who I just want to invite to tea and a good chat, and the lovely settings she brings to my imagination.

Nilda Carlson works for a wealthy lady in Blackduck, Minnesota. Being an immigrant herself, she has a heart for Norwegians moving to the area in need of help. Along with her employer, they begin a building project to house and feed the families of those working in the lumber industry. Nilda is a woman of high character, but there is someone lurking around, digging up the past and trying to ruin Nilda’s reputation. Add to that a man who seems determined to marry her, even though he doesn’t love her, and another man who loves her but is holding back, and Nilda has a lot to keep up with.

I really enjoyed this book. Nilda is such an endearing character, and I rooted for her the whole time. She is full of determination and gumption, and above all, love for those around her. It was exciting to watch her love life unfold. The characters back on the family farm were also delightful to read about. A Song of Joy is an all around fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

What a great story! This book will tug at your heart. Nilda is such a lovable character and I've really enjoyed her story. This book is about strong women and immigrants... following God's lead and loving people. 
I really hope there will be more books in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

A Song of Joy is the fourth novel in Under Northern Skies series. I recommend reading this series in order, though, the author does summarize what happened in the previous books. I thought A Song of Joy was well-written and it proceeds at a gentle pace. I would have liked a little peppier pace because I did feel the story dragged in places. We get to see what daily life is like for Nilda and for her family on the farm. While A Song of Joy focuses on Nilda, I like that we get to catch-up with the family. They are busy cutting trees, planting crops, taking care of the animals, and the numerous other daily chores on a farm. There are such wonderful, developed characters in the book, and I like the references to Ingeborg Bjorklund which has me looking forward to reading A Blessing to Cherish. The author captured the time period with the clothing, events, books and the new technology. Electricity, motorcars, and the typewriter are some of the new inventions mentioned in the book. Nilda also learns shorthand to help her take notes at the quarterly company meetings. I enjoyed watching Nilda grow over the course of the series and the ending left me happy. This is a clean Christian novel. We get to see how God plays into the lives of our characters. They pray for guidance to make the right decisions and have faith that God will lead them in the right direction. They are compassionate people who want to share their blessings. A Song of Joy is a heartwarming novel with rich characters.

A Song of Joy
by Lauraine Snelling


Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 06 Aug 2019



I am reviewing a copy of A Song of Joy through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:



In this book we will be transported back to 1911 Minnesota. Nilda Carlson finds herself torn between society life in Blackduck and spending time with her family on the farm. She is employed by Mrs. Schoenleber who is giving her more and more responsibility and experience which includes recommending new opportunities for her philanthropy. Nilda who is still new to America herself focuses on the areas immigrant community. But she finds herself having to fight to get her ideas accepted by donors and locals alike.



One of her greatest joys at the time is her weekly piano lessons with handsome Schoolteacher Fritz. But just as Nilda is coming to the realization she has feelings for him, a young affluent, stylish woman moves to Blackburn monopolizing all of Fritz’s attention. Can Nilda hope to compete with such a Sophisticated beauty?


I give A Song of Joy five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A Song Of Joy is a return to 1911 Blackduck MN. I have greatly enjoyed reading about the Carlson family as I live about a 100 miles north of Blackduck and I often drive through on my way to Bemidji. I love the characters that Ms. Snelling has created. it is fascinating to read of the struggles of the Scandinavians who settled this area. Nilda Carlson is a strong Norwegian immigrant who is struggling to find her place in a new world. She is fortunate to have a sponsor in Mrs. Schoenleber, who has not only employed her, but has offered friendship as well. I highly recommend Ms. Snelling's Under Northern Skies series along with the Red River Valley series. So grab a cup of Coffee and a few ginger cookies then settle in for a great read!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

A Song of Joy is by far my favorite of Lauraine Snelling’s Under Northern Skies series. I adored this story and highly recommend it.
Five plus stars.