Have you ever read an author, liked her, but then forgot about her? That’s what happened to me and Lynn Austin. I am so glad that CFBA reminded me of her with her newest book titled Until We Reach Home.
I’ve read about first lines and I think this book has a great one. “Elin Carlson walked into the barn and everything changed.” I was drawn into the story from page 1.
Lynn Austin did a great job portraying 3 different sisters and their journey to America. The story is not just from one sister’s viewpoint, but rotates through each of them without making the story repetitive or confusing.
I must warn you that it’s not a get-to-America-and-everything’s-okay kind of book. Getting to America is only their first hurdle. It’s raw and it’s real.
The emotions Until We Reach Home provokes run the gamut of rage, fear, despair, sorrow, nervousness, determination, love, contentment, thankfulness, and elation.
I admired the courage of Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia as they grow physically, and spiritually. The part on Ellis Island where the German and Swedish immigrant “talk” to each other through Bible verses is my favorite.
Here is the backcover copy:
Life in Sweden seems like an endless winter for three sisters after their mother’s and father’s suicide. Ellin feels the weight of responsibility for her sisters’ welfare and when it circumstances become unbearable, she writes to her relatives in Chicago, pleading for help.
Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Ellin, Kirsten, and Sophia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America’s story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.
If you want to find out more visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
Joining sixteen million other immigrants who left their homelands for America between 1890 and 1920, Ellin, Kirsten, and Sophia begin the long, difficult journey. Enduring the ocean voyage in steerage and detention on Ellis Island, their story is America’s story. And in a journey fraught with hardships, each woman will come to understand her secret longings and the meaning of home.
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I too loved the scenes with the German and Swedish immigrant ‘talking’ through Bible verses. How creative! And the opening line is great, but I thought the final scene was the best!
Kara Ss last blog post..Faith ‘n’ Fiction: First Book
The last scene was really good, but I expected that to happen.
Sounds like a really good book to me. I love when you´re hooked straight away. I am a really slow reader, so when you get me really into a book, it means I´m more willing to stick with it.
Lesley
I have a comment that is totally unrelated, but I wanted to let you know that I’m finally back online with a blog.
Good! I have you in my Google Reader.