Threads of Hope...Review

When Kristin Eikaas arrives in America, she encounters prejudice and destructive superstition that is infecting the town. Will she have the courage to stand up for what is right—even against her own family?

The year is 1848, and Kristin Eikaas has sailed from Norway to make a new life for herself in Wisconsin. It doesn’t take long for her Uncle Lars to warn her about the Sundberg family. When she asks why, Lars tells her that Karl Sundberg’s second wife is an Indian who “casts evil spells on the good people of this community.” Having just left the old country where superstitions abound, Kristin believes her uncle and heeds his warning.On the day after her arrival, the family attends the wedding of a fellow church member. At the reception that follows, Kristin meets Sam Sundberg and thinks he’s charming. Still, she can’t help but remember her uncle’s warning. After coming to the rescue of Sam’s half-sister, Kristen is ostracized by her family and the entire community and sent to work at the only place that will take her in—the Sundberg farm. When she learns of Sam’s true nature, his benevolence toward others, his care and concern, she’s finally able to lay her belief in superstitions to rest and put her entire trust in the Lord. Furthermore, she can’t help but fall in love with Sam, the man who helped her understand this truth. She knows her uncle will never approve of the match. Will she have the courage to follow her heart?

After the death of her family, Kristin Eikaas leaves Norway and arrives in Wisconsin at her uncle's farm.  Anxious for a new start, Kristin quickly discovers that her uncle was less than honest about his situation and she finds herself in a difficult, abusive home.  Her uncle has a deep dislike for the Sundberg family because Sam Sundberg's stepmother is Indian.  Sam's father doesn't like the Sundberg's because he believes they stole silver from him years before.  Yet, Kristin and Sam find themselves drawn to each other and when she helps his young sister, her family kicks her out.  Sam's family brings her into their home as household help and Kristin finds herself falling in love.

As the feud between the Sundberg's and the Eikaas' grows, the town and church congregation find themselves divided.  Discovering how, and if,  that divisiveness can be healed makes Threads of Hope a compelling novel.

Some of the dialogue was a bit stilted and formal at times, but this was a sweet story about love and forgiveness.  Andrea Boeshaar has a gift for creating realistic characters and situations. I've enjoyed everything I've read from her so far and as this is the first book in the Fabric of Time series, I eagerly look forward to more.

Thanks to Jon of Charisma House and First Wildcard for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Andrea Boeshaar here. You can read the first chapter here.  You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 1/12

* * * *
4/5 Stars


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