An Untamed Heart

August 26, 2013
Those readers who want to know even more about the Bjorklund family, whose multigenerational saga has unspooled in four series by Snelling, have their wish fulfilled in this prequel to the Red River of the North series, which introduces the characters Ingeborg Strand and Roald Bjorklund in their native land of Norway. Ingeborg, her siblings, and cousins are off to their summer farm, where she can escape the critical eye of her mor (mother). A parallel story line involves Oslo student Nils Aarvidson, who’s reluctant to accept the duties that go with being heir to the family business and fortune. An accident throws Ingeborg and Nils together in the country, and their feelings for one another grow and considerably complicate prospects. Ingeborg’s future becomes even less clear when later she meets the widower Roald Bjorklund and his young son Thorliff. The novel moves slowly at times, providing details of life on the Norwegian summer farm that may try the patience of readers more interested in romance. It’s a challenge to keep straight the identities of the little Strand siblings and cousins. Still, the Bjorklund family backstory will certainly please fans of the series, who are numerous. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency.

October 1, 2013
In 1878 Norway, women are expected to marry, but Ingeborg Strand is more interested in becoming a midwife than a wife. Despite the assortment of eligible bachelors her well-meaning, matchmaking friends and family members set before her, Ingeborg doesn't find any of the men suitable. Then Nils, a university student, comes into her life, and Ingeborg knows she's found a love that will last forever. Alas, their happiness is short-lived. The only cure for Ingeborg's overwhelming grief is radical change, which might include widower Roald Bjorklund, his son, and America. This faith-based novel of a strong woman made even stronger by surviving a tragedy will appeal to a broad audience. It is a prequel to Snelling's popular Red River of the North saga (An Untamed Land, 1996; A New Day Rising; 1997; A Land to Call Home, 1997), but would also work well as a stand-alone title.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)