Land of Dreams

Author: Lauraine Snelling
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Home to Green Creek #1
Pages: 352
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

From Norway to America, they must strive for resilience amid unpromising new beginnings.

On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

As Amalia and Ruth fight for their new home, a trail of orphans shows up on their doorstep, and Amalia makes a promising friend in Absalom Karlsson, the magistrate's son. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting of trials.

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Reviewer: Deanne Patterson

I am always so excited to read a book by one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I know some years ago I read a series by the author with Norwegian characters and the Norwegian culture and enjoyed it very much. This has the same in it. I read it awhile ago so I can’t remember if any of the characters from that series are in this book or not.

Making a new start is not easy, but when the unexpected happens, it’s doubly hard. On a ship bound for America, Norwegian immigrant, Amalia Gunderson becomes the guardian of a young girl who lost her mother on the voyage. She and five-year-old Ruth find themselves in a strange and new land with a house Ruth will inherit when she is of age, but it is not empty. 

Despite being pushed and pulled in a lot of directions with opposition to what she is doing and some bad advice, Amalia shows her strength and perseverance. Doing what is right in this new land by taking care of the child and honoring God is her mission and though struggles are ever present, she will not give up on herself or God. 

With a boarding house being run, there are other orphans that show up and through hard work and sacrifices all work towards a common good. The author has a way of writing realistic fiction that I feel as though I am there experiencing it as well.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Diana Varela

This is the first book I am reading by this author, and her writing style was interesting. It is also the first book in the series, and I am looking forward to the others.

I am a fan of friendships, so I like the close knit friendships that were created in this book. I liked how characters had to lean on one another to get through situations that arose. 

I liked the plot. It was interesting, and it kept me turning pages to read more from this lovely story. I liked the boarding house vibes. This is the first I have read from the past. A historical read is always enjoyable to read as it opens my eyes to what could have been. I like how Lauraine Snelling wrote the historical part, as it made me feel like I was present in that time. 

I liked the faith message in this. It was not overly done, but it was done in a tasteful manner that did not even seem like it was being pushy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

This is a story of faith, hope and resilience that I very much enjoyed.

I was lost in the story from the beginning until the end. I didn’t want this book to end. I hated to say goodbye to these two awesome ladies. I felt like they were the sisters I never had.

I love how God puts people in the right place at the right time. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters a lot.

I didn’t like Zelda from the beginning. She wasn’t a very nice person.

I liked the author’s notes at the end of the book. Those always interest me.

Five stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley.

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