A Song of Joy

This has been a really great series! In this part, Nilda is still facing Dreng's demons, but also coping with unwanted advances and a possible love interest. We get to know more of the family members, as well as the family of her employer. I love the historic touches, such as the invention of the typewriter and telephones in the home, that the author adds to lend a period feel to the story. After reading the epilogue, definitely looking forward to the next one!

I really loved this book and this series. I love getting to know each member of this family better with every book. Being able to still "see" the people from the previous books and what their lives are like is so great.
I love reading about this time period. Everything was so different and they had to work for everything they had. It was much tougher but simpler times. It fascinates me.

I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romances.

Nilda Carlson is finding a new life away from the family farm. She is now working for Gertrude Schoenleber as her executive assistant. As such she is learning much about business and philanthropy. She and Mrs. Schoenleber are working out ways to help immigrants gain a foothold in their new country and new community. Their efforts to provide housing and jobs is something that is bringing satisfaction to both women.

But Nilda has other things that are going to bring her new joys and some angst. She has a suitor, one of the nephews of Mrs. Schoenleber. But this nephew is a wealthy socialite who has very little desire to work. Instead he wants everything done for him. He is drawn to Nilda, but he doesn't understand her a bit. She is a hard worker and not interested in living a life of leisure.

The story unfolds as Nilda learns and grows under the teaching of Mrs. Schoenleber and as she develops a strong work ethic and many benevolent concerns. She also does haver an interest in one of Mrs. Schoenleber's nephews, just not the one that is interested in her.

Throughout the story we see the Hand of God working to direct the steps of Nilda and all those associated with her. We see the faithfulness of God to those who love Him and strive to serve Him. We see the glory of God fulfilling the dreams and desires of those who seek after His heart.

I only gave the story 4 stars because I felt the beginning dragged a bit. But the last fourth of the book moved very quickly and made up for what seemed to be dragging earlier.

I enjoy all of Ms. Snelling's writings and enjoy reading about the lives of early immigrants from Norway.

Enjoy!

First sentence: Life in America certainly wasn't like Nilda had dreamed.

Premise/plot: A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series. Though one could certainly start the series at any point, you'll get more enjoyment and satisfaction if you read the series in order.

Though there are many, many characters in A Song of Joy, the main character is Nilda Carlson. She's still working for Mrs. Gertrude Schoenleber as her assistant and secretary. She hasn't forgotten the traumatic event(s) of previous books--nor should she have.

Jeffrey Schmitz is pursuing a relationship with Nilda at the insistence of his father, Heinrik. Nilda can see through Jeffrey's advances. He's a self-centered snob who thinks Nilda should be grateful if Jeffrey stoops to say hello to her. He only talks of himself, and he's dismissive of just about anything and everything Nilda has to say. He's not too observant, or he'd never have proposed at a public ball! He reminds me a bit of Disney's Gaston.

Fritz Larsson is a teacher and a musician. He's known Nilda for several books now. She's been taking piano lessons from him. She's always liked him. Perhaps she's always liked-liked him. But does he like-like her? Does he love her? Does he want to marry her?

This one isn't just a romance. It's also a novel about compassion and giving back. Nilda and her employer are hard at work on a new project that will help new immigrants that arrive in Blackduck.

My thoughts: I had my issues with the third book, I won't lie. But I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the series. I'm so glad that I've read it. I don't know why I assumed they'd just be three books in the series!!!

I love Lauraine Snelling's novels. It's always a treat to spend time with her well-developed characters.

(4 stars) - A song of joy from Zephaniah 3:14-20

This is book 4 of a series. I was unaware & so have not read the previous books yet, so I can attest that the book stood on its own just fine; however, because it's a family saga, it most likely would be contextually richer to read them in order.

The hero and heroine's story is written so "real" & is so sweet that it makes me smile every time I think about it. I loved the historical detail, especially the new inventions of their time & how it affected them.

The story was incredibly realistic & immersive. I also really appreciated that the villains of the story, for the most part, didn't follow any of the common tropes.

There were some points where it felt like it didn't need to be quite so detailed, but that may well have been my eagerness for the happy couple to finally admit their love to each other. 😉

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: explicitly Christian, characters are protestant, but Christianity is relatively generic

Book 4 in the "Under Northern Skies" series, A Song of Joy tells Nilda's story while continuing the story of Nilda's family. Nilda's employer, Mrs. Schoenleber, provides education and opportunities for Nilda while 2 of Mrs. Schoenleber's nephews vie for Nilda's affections. Although a difficult book to read as a standalone, those familiar with Lauraine Snelling's books will thoroughly enjoy and quickly pick up the family story that this book continues. As always, Lauraine Snelling writes a delightful, enjoyable story. Great read!

A Song of Joy is a nice slow moving story of a young lady working away from her family. Nilda is an assistant and enjoys her work, but her employer's nephew, Jeffery, gives her unwanted attention. She likes her employer's other nephew, Fritz, but he hasn't shown any interest. It was a lovely story.

"A Song of Joy" is a Christian romance set in 1911 in Minnesota. This book is the fourth in a series and the third with Nilda as the main character. I didn't realize this was a continuation of her story, and I haven't read the previous books. The first few chapters "spoil" what happened in the previous books to get new readers up to speed on what she's gone through. Fritz hardly spent any scene-time with Nilda, but it was clear that Nilda and Fritz were attracted to each other and only each other. A rich, young man attempted to impress Nilda with his wealth so she'd marry him, but there wasn't much suspense about how the romance would turn out.

Much of the story was spent describing daily life for her family on the farm and for Nilda in town. Enjoyable historical details about farm life, manners, and such were woven into the story. Some suspense was created during Nilda's efforts to come up with ways to help the poor, local immigrants and gain support (and money) for her projects. Plus a detective clearly bent on causing trouble for Nilda kept popping up to question people about her or to say nasty things to her.

There was no bad language or sex. Overall, I'd recommend this story to those who have read the previous novels and who will enjoy learning how things are working out for those characters or to people interested in what life was like for immigrants at this time.

Lauraine Snelling has an affinity for books about the Scandanavian immigrant. Each story builds on a previous one and fills in a bit more about the characters. It makes the reader feel a part of the neighborhood.

Nilda Larsson works for Gertrude Schoenleber as her secretary and assistant. Gertrude's brother doesn't feel that Nilda belongs in the board meetings of the family logging business, so he gets his son to court Nilda as a way of neutralizing Nilda's affect on the business.

At the same time another nephew of Gertrude's, named Fritz, spends his time being Nilda's friend and quietly courting her without being obvious about it. One of the talents Fritz has is playing piano and Nilda looks forward to his every visit so that she can have another lesson.

This book is a quietly, even-paced novel with well-written characters and deeply thought out settings. The reappearing characters get more depth and focus while the main characters shine like stars. I loved the way the plot played out in such a satisfying way.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a good report on your next piano lesson.

I want to thank Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read.

Song of Joy
By Lauraine Snelling
Unfortunately for me this was a series meant to be read in order and I have not read the previous books. I was unable to read past chapter 3 as much of the framework was set up in the previous books. I enjoy Lauraine Snelling books and look forward to starting at the beginning of this series.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve shared here.

Lauraine Snelling has been one of my favorite historical novelists for quite a number of years. I was first introduced to her through the Blessings Series, which I eagerly awaited new titles as soon as I completed one! Dakota Treasures and the Secret Refuge Series were both compelling sets as well. It has been a while since I picked up one of her novels, so I was really excited to start turning the pages in A Song of Joy, the fourth title in Under the Northern Skies.



As with many of Snelling's titles the story centers around a Norwegian immigrant. I love the setting and time period for this particular title. Set in 1911 in Minnesota, it is a time of simplicity and new innovations all at the same time. Nilda, originally from Norway and most recently from a small farm near Blackduck, MN, works alongside Mrs. Schoenleber. The older woman completely trusts Nilda, who acts a sort of personal assistant. She is also quite altruistic around town and with those whom she encounters, much to the consternation of her brothers who are more miserly and greedy with funds from the family business. It becomes increasingly apparent that these brothers are conniving. Nilda, meanwhile, is struggling with memories which haunt her of a man who attacked her. He is no longer living, but even in death he makes her life a nightmare.

I love how Snelling weaves truths from Scripture throughout the pages. We see the very real struggle of what it is like to live with the darkness which comes to someone who is attacked. I appreciate her ability to empathize and guide the reader through what the experience is like. I also appreciate the advice given by Nilda's family and employer to help her through this time.

I also find the struggle some of the characters have with English a truly beautiful thing! We learn a few Norwegian words along the way, but are reminded that those new to our country may need some help, not to mention patience and understanding, when they come to this country. It is easy to take our native language for granted.

There are three novels previous to this which I have not yet read. Although I greatly enjoyed the book, I would recommend starting at the beginning of this series in order to fully appreciate the family structure and know the background of the characters. I myself intend to go to the beginning of the series and read them all!

A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series about a Norwegian family that immigrated to Minnesota. This book continues the story of Nilda Carlson in the year of 1911. The best part of this wonderful story is its reminder of the pure enjoyment one can received from the simplest of blessings: time with friends and family, fresh produce, a bird's song, and a cool breeze on a clear summer's night. Since reading this book I have purposefully been making myself attend to these types of blessings rather than allowing them to slip by unnoticed. The pervasive theme of the joys of giving and serving are also treasures in A Song of Joy. I thank Lauraine Snelling for reminding us of these joys, and to whom we owe our thanks. She allows God to use her gifting as a storyteller to both entertain and minister.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Heartwarming story about Nilda's work with Mrs. Schoenleber as she eagerly learns to master the English language. As an immigrant from Norway, Nilda is concerned for other immigrants and finds ways to help through Mrs. Schoenleber's philanthropy. I love Mrs. Schoenleber's kindness and love for Nilda and the encouragement to others to help. Recommended!

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.

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
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 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.

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, 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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

"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.”
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