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As the back cover states: "Ever so slowly Dakota Territory is being transformed from a vast prairie into rich farmlands." This book begins in the year 1885 and continues to keep you up to date with what is happening in the small town of Blessing and with the Bjorklund family. There will be great blessings, along with great sorrows as people make a life for themselves with the help of family and friends. This has been a series I have greatly enjoyed. ( )

I had read this before, but had forgotten many of the details! Well worth reading again!

The story begins in Springfield, Missouri in the Early Summer of 1885. He was dead. Zeb MacCallister held the rifle instead of throwing it because of his pa's training to "Treat your rifle better than any woman...." His had saved his life. Why had Abe Galloway gone for his gun? They hid the body in a cave that Zeb & his sister's had played in as children. When he got home, his sister, Mary Martha, noticed the blood from what Zeb said was a flesh wound. Mary Martha joined Zeb on the horse & began to inspect it. When they got in the house, Zeb considered that his mother was older, the war had been hard on the women. He didn't know how he had known that. As he finished his birthday breakfast he prepared to leave home. Mary Martha fixed his bedroll & his mother handed him her bible. The last time he saw them they were on the porch as he waved good-bye, he had a long way to go and only God knew what would become of him. ( )

This one is definitely one of my favorites in the Red River of the North series! It's got all the classic characters - Ingeborge, Haaken, Agnes, Kaaren, Lars, Penny and Hjelmer, the kids, and even the Valderses. Zeb's storyline is so, so good, and his redemption story is just utterly beautiful, as is Mr. Valders. I love the rich history and beautiful themes of love, family, and redemption throughout.

Recommended for ages 16 for a few mature scenesreferences. ( )

leaves you wanting the "next" book. ( )