A review by kristi518
A Breath of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

5.0

After reading The Promise of Dawn, the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. Even though I was excited to read it I was also a bit hesitant. I fell in love with Lauraine Snelling's storytelling in the first book and was a bit worried that it was a fluke and I wouldn't enjoy other books by her as much. I needn't have worried though as I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more.

The author has created characters that are so realistic and likable that it is impossible to not care about them. (Yes, even mean old Uncle Einar.) I was glad to see more of Rune's family in the story as they made their way to America and a new life. Nilda and Ivar were a nice addition to the story. There was a minor character in the book that I really liked and am hoping to see more of in future books. Even though Mrs. Schoenleber is only in the book for a very short time she really added to the story and I can only imagine the possibilities of where her character could go. It was also nice to meet more of the people of Benson's Creek and Blackduck.

As to the story itself, it is just a really well-written, solid story of the life immigrants led as they came to America. It picks up right where the first book ended and with the addition of Rune's sister and brother coming over it gave the story new life and new possibilities. The author has a wonderful storytelling ability and moves the story along at a nice, steady pace. I found it fun to read about the day-to-day events in the lives of these characters and how even though they struggled at times they stayed strong and never gave up hope.

This is a book I think readers will enjoy reading again and again. It's a nice comforting read and will appeal to readers looking for a book about simpler times. I don't recommend reading this book without reading the first book in the series. There's a lot of things that won't make as much sense if you skip the first book and go straight to this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series and hope my wait isn't long.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are mine.