I bought this set of three books, and couldn't do anything but read, until I finished them!! My father imigrated to North Dakota from Sweden in 1905, and the book is so real, it brought back so many childhood memories, even though it is set 20-30 years before. The isolation and the harshness of the freezing temperatures of the winters was so very real, even though we were a family of ten children.But the love and respect that families had for each other made all the hardships worth while, and this love will stay with me forever. My grandchildren have a great heritage, and ask me many questions, as their life in California in the 2000's is so very different. The land my father homesteaded is still in our family, and is now in the 3rd generation. It has increased to over 2000 acres, and still sustains the Nelson family, and the 2 generations who live on the land.We had lots of Indian graves on the land ,and our father taught us to respect, and never disturb them. The Indians were still around when he first arrived from Sweden. What an adventure back in time!!!! Can't wait to get the continuing series!! Thanks, Ms. Snelling!!!

I'm am from ND and lived there for 25 yrs. I have done research into my own family tree and have found a lot of what Snelling refers to is acurate. I was reaffirmed by how much the settlers portrayed in the series rely on their spirituallity and family values. It makes one long for the "Good ole Days" at times, and weep right along with the Bjorklund's and thier close network of freinds, during the bad. I often found myself praying for them as well. I have recommended this book to several of my ND freinds and I hope that it helps others to understand the power of a good book.

From the first sentence, Snelling captures your attention and your heart with the struggles of a Norweigan family. Sit back and enjoy the rugged Dakota Territory. It is an experience not to be forgotten.

First I would like to thank Amazon for making this fine book so easy to obtain. There are countless thousands of descendants of these, strong, courageous people that now live throughout the world. my son among them, being on a temporary assigment in Turkey. Many thousands more know little of the history of our people. This book should have a particular appeal to these folk. Perhaps by the reading of Mr. Howards book some will be induced to further study and research. It is a benifit to all that seek the true history of our country. These folk were a monolithic type, what happened to one could be an indicator of what happened to the society in the whole. My families have ties to several of those mentioned in this book. As an example, my grandfather was the first cousin to the wife of Louis Riel. My great grandmother was the god child of, Marie Anne Gaboury, the first white woman in the northwest. My fathers mother was baptized by, Father Lestanc. These people are mentioned in this well written book. Thank you, Melvin Beaudry Lynnwood, Washington.

The amazing story of the Metis people whose French ancestors first colonized and controlled most of North America. Louis Riel should have been a National Hero for all Canadians since without him most of the land west of Ontario would have fallen in US hands.

This book is riveting and should be required reading for history majors.

A century ago, North America almost had a fourth nation, Assiniboia. That would-be nation's leader, a poet, religious zealot and one-time schoolteacher named Louis Riel, once was considered a traitor ro Canada but now is being revered and "rehabilitated" as one of the founders of the Dominion of Canada. Riel was "drafted" as leader of the Metis, "mixed blood" children of the fur trade, when Canada was reneging on its promises to these people who carried on the cultures of both European and indigenous ancentry. (Today, Celtic and French folklorists visit Metis in Western Canada and Montana to record unblemished versions of tradition folk music long dead in their original mother countries.) Howard, a legend in Montana journalism and history himself, penned his masterpiece in "Strange Empire." He gets down to the basics of the struggle for Western North America and some of the more haunting passages deal with the pyschlogical effects of such white man's diseases as smallpox and alchohol and their role in subjugating the natives a century or so ago. Riel was hanged for his insurgence, but had he been more decisive in battle, the maps -- and language patterns -- of much of North America would be much different.

Like so many others, I lived through the Grand Forks flood. A co-worker showed this to me, and I could not get half-way through without tearing up. It captured so many memories, and touched so much emotion that still lies right below the surface. A great job, and a "must own" for those who experienced the flood first-hand. Well done, Jane.

Just when I thought I had bought all the commerative items I wanted for living through the Flood of 1997, I found this book. The book is seen through the eyes of a child, who saw and remembered things that adults overlook. From the way the sandbags were made and stacked to the air raid sirens to the comparison of our snow banks and all our treasures along the berms waiting to picked up by the crablike machine. Even if you didn't experience the Flood of 1997 in Grand Forks, but may have experienced some other disaster, you will be able to relate that it all comes down to is the family and friends you have, not the possessions that have been lost. This is a great gift!

This book is based on real-life experiences of the floods in Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1997, but it is sure to have a universal appeal. The poems are both child-like and lyrical. This would be a wonderful read-aloud and also a great book to use in the classroom.

I was so completely engrossed in this story that I had dreams about it each night as I was reading it. I found myself charged to learn more about mid-19th century California history. I looked at maps, researched the history of Indians in my area, found web sites on the Donners. I also felt completely horrified, on a physical level, at Ms. West's depicton of how white settlers raped and pillaged the people and the land. I felt compelled to somehow change history...the mark of a well-written and effective historical novel.

I also appreciated the author's choice to present her perspective of events from women's points of view (not to mention an ancient oak tree and the trickster, Coyote.)

I have a renewed inspiration to honor the land on which I live, and to honor those who lived here before me.

(a warning: be prepared for much sex...I started reading this with my young teen, and then opted out...he can read it in a few years!)

As a great, great grandaughter of a 49er (JOHN GARLAND RICKER) I can now more fully appreciate the absolutely deplorable living conditions in the mining camps that Naida so eloquently describes in her wonderful narrative. Now I can understand why he spent less than two years seeking an elusive fortune in the gold camps of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

I feel this book is a reading must for my daughters and grandchildren so that they too, can better understand and value their heritage

Carleen Leise, Shingle Springs, California

Ms West makes California history come to life in her tales of the Donner party and Sutter's gold. The characters paint a vivid picture of early California -- mexicans, indians, norte americanos, and the movement West. If you think you know California history -- let Ms West broaden you area of interest and pose questions for you to ponder. What a story -- difficult to put down once you read the first sentence. The characters may not be real, but you will never forget them!

Open letter to the author:
Mysterious Heritage is so great, Pat. I remembered the story, but I didn't remember it being that good. Did the publisher give you editing help, or did you get that polished on your own? The breaks in the story came at just the right times. I always knew where I was in time. All of the characters were accounted for at the end. As soon as I finished it, I started rereading it. You really did yourself proud, Pat.
What started out as a contemporary novel for the present day part thirty years ago has now evolved into a period novel. 1973 is almost another character in the novel.
I think you should call Oprah's office and find out how to submit a published novel for consideration for her book of the month. A lot of her choices have black characters. If you could get her endorsement, you'd have a best seller.
...I certainly will take you up on your offer to read my novel when it is written. Who can pass up PROFESSIONAL HELP!!

In Across the Red River to her Mysterious Heritage by Patricia Shipp Lieb, Mary Gray, a young black woman with blue eyes searches for her heritage. When she comes close to answers, she is involved in a car accident that leaves her in the mind of a white woman who died in the 1920s. Mary thinks she is this woman, Kate Wagner, and tries to find her way back to that era. The story takes the reader through time, and into the lives of complex characters, until near the end when the story reveals shocking results and Mary Gray is once again herself and satisfied with her idenity. The suspensful story holds the reader's attention from the first page to the last. The author must surely be a master.

I read this book almost two years ago, but I still remember how much it captured my attention. I think what made the book so interesting is the fact that it didn't create a phony atmosphere. Everything was so real and their problems were so crushing that I think I better understood what a hard life many immigrants went through. I appretiate the spiritual side of the book too. I think it's a great witness when writers use Jesus Christ as a key player in their character's lives. I have also read the next two books in the series and am looking forward to the third. I have a lot more to say of the book, but I'll leave it at this; it's a great book for people interested in history and in love with great reading!

This book was almost too real. The Christian characters were far from perfect and very believeable. It offered true insight into the hardships of settling a new land in the 1800's, much more than Little House on the Prairie, in that you could see and feel the struggle and sacrifices in their life. It was riveting and I can't wait to read the next one.

This book is really a tear jerker!!!! I won't give it away but you can feel all the hardships that Kaaran and Ingeborg go through as the make their way towards their promised land. I would just like to know, When is there going to be a movie?

It was tempting to preface this review with "The horror, the horror...." but that would be too obvious.

Christian Jenning's "Across the Red River" presents the reader with a harrowing catalogue of horror, atrocity and inhumanity. Jennings is the quintessential observer and the relentless bodycount and descriptions of cruelty are presented in a matter-of-fact, unemotional manner that never loses its impact. He achieves this through an honest reportage, describing events with an almost photographic sensibility. Although the events he describes are gruesome, there is an objectivity and lack of gratuity that lends credibility and above all, gravity to his story.

His reportage is accompanied by an analysis of the political, social and sometimes personal circumstances surrounding wars, genocides and murders. This analysis is often bewildered as we learn through Jennings the labyrinthine complexities of Central African Real Politik.

All this is tempered with a careful humour. While Jennings can often find an amusing anecdote to relieve the grimness of the carnage, the humour is always directed back at himself. He never makes light of the horror inflicted on the innocent (and perhaps not so innocent).

He pulls no punches when it comes to the involvement of Europeans (particularly France and Belgium), Americans and in particular, the UN. Though loath to criticize individuals (save a few), he points out with righteous anger the systemic failings in UN policy and execution which have, through inefficiency and a sometimes callous disregard for the charges in their care, resulted in over a million deaths and the displacement of many more. He does not, however, tar everyone with the same brush. Some organizations (for example Medicine Sans Frontiers) he recognizes as having played a significant, if not heroic part, in attempting to limit the suffering.

He also recognizes that this is not an African problem, but a problem faced by the whole world as he watches the crises in Kosovo and Chechnya.

This book provides a valuable insight into the chaos of the late 20th century, long after it has slipped from the front pages and out of the CNN consciousness.

As a grad student of international relations I have read much about the nation state and human rights. However, Jennings puts the charnel house into very basic terms. Something that most academic texts papers over. I am glad to see that such an account is out there.

This book was an incredible read. It follows the author, journalist Chris Jennings, through his times in Rwanda, Burundi and the Congo during what must have been the darkest days these countries would ever have seen. As well as giving the reader the facts on what went on throughout the nineties, Jennings also goes into the history of the conflicts, clearly demonstrating that European colonialism has a lot to answer for. The book will at times make you cry and at times make you laugh. Jennings obviously found that the best way, if not the only way, to live through what he saw was to keep his sense of humour alive. There are harrowing accounts of unthinkable attrocities, but don't let that put you off. Reading this book will put your problems in perspective and hopefully disturb and shake up your 1st world pettiness.

Book 3 in Red River of the North opens with Penny writing to the absent Hjelmer who has fled the area to avoid a "shotgun wedding" trick. Even though he is young and immature, he is a hard worker with an eye for the future and inside information on the plans of the railroad. Kaaren delivers twins, nearly dying. One twin is not healthy and Lars cannot accept his deaf daughter. School is in full swing in the prairie schoolhouse, with Kaaren as teacher.

Ingeborg and Haaken travel a far distance by train to escort home the seriously injured younger sister of Kaaren. Solveig is a bitter, disappointed young woman who was on her way to join her sister, but whose future is crushed in a train wreck. Face scarred and barely walking, she goes home with Ingeborg and Haaken. Olaf, Kaaren's long lost uncle, mysteriously turns up after a long absence and his many talents make him useful and loved.

Penny has finally decided to travel to Fargo for work and further schooling. The farms continue to progress - a large wooden barn now graces the homestead of Ingeborg who gives birth to another baby, Haaken's first biological child. Metiz continues to weave in and out of the lives of the pioneer families. Her grandson, Baptiste, stays with his friend Thorliff to go to school and help with the farm work.

As much as she balks, Ingeborg gives up her plowing and hunting after teaching young Thorliff to take her place. As usual, tragedy does not pass over them without leaving scars. A tragic fire, blizzards and failing farms cause loss of life and dreams. Agnes give birth to a stillborn daugher. She harbors intensive anger toward Hjelmer for hurting her dear niece, Penny.

The railroad is coming and the time for proving up their land arrives. Both the Bjorkland widows are remarried with families. Extra people share both homes now. A large sack house stores their grain for direct loading on the train.

The book ends with their town becoming a water stop for the railroad, a real town with a real name, Blessing. In spite of the author's confusion with family relationships and forgetting Kaaren's married name, book 3 still deserves 4 stars.

There is much happiness and hope in this book. Ingeborg's marriage to Haakan is a wonderful blessing to her and her children. There are some new characters to add spice to the books and the discovery of Grace's deafness to add tears, but Kaaren and Ingeborg's faith continues to grown in the face of the difficulties that come from farming and joys of proving up their homesteads.

I am giving this book five stars because this series is eons better than others I have read. The characters are human, quirky, and loveable. Their struggle to tame the land is not glossed over as it is in so many historical novels. Even the details of their everday life ring true.

However, having read the first four books, I have a few questions. What is the order of the Baards' children? In the course of _A Land to Call Home_, Gus is older than Rebecca but then Rebecca is older than Gus. Do the Valders have children or not? In this book they do but in book four they do not, if I remember correctly. Finally, Penny is Agnes' neice, so why is she referred to in book four as Agnes' daughter's aunt rather than cousin?

Perhaps I am too picky, but I am honestly puzzled by these small discrepancies in a series so finely written otherwise.

The Red River of the North series of books by Lauraine Snelling are fabulous books. If you have any Scandinavian heritage...or even if you don't...you will like these books. I have gained insight into how many of my relatives came to America through Ellis Island and settled in the Mid West states. I highly recommend!

Lauraine Snelling is such a wonderful writer. You can relate to the character's behaviors and beliefs. She does a wonderful job getting you to feel like you are there in the book.

This is just a wonderful, clean, refreshing book/series. She gets so many emotions zinging through you as you are reading.

Ingeborg and Kaaren get help from another Bjorklund, Haakan, who helps make the farm life easier for Ingeborg although she has to come to grips with many issues. All the characters are easy to like and make the hard work of our ancestors clear. Through Ingeborg's problems with winters in the soddy, the books brings the hardships of those settlers to fruit. Andrew and Thorliff are such fun to read about! Lauraine Snelling has a truly wonderful and memorable work in this family's story.

A rollicking good read that puts you in the center of the storm from page one, and never quite lets up until the surprising ending. Perfect for fans of fiction that reads like nonfiction, or lovers of documentary films who like to be put right in the middle of the action. Meckel's crisp, unforgiving prose makes you feel wet from all the pounding rain and flooding waters, and her atmospheric settings made even this Florida native shiver from the cold during those long, balmy nights. I look forward to more from author Wendy Lea Meckel's realistic fiction in the future . . .

This one has it all: action, adventure, homespun family life, suspense, mystery, and enough tension to keep you reading at the dinner table - and well through the night! If there was a sequel, I'd buy it today! (Hint, hint!)

If ever a book was written for the big screen, Red River Rising is it. In this, her debut novel, the author encompasses drama, mystery, inner conflict, action, love and humor as well as a lesson for what is truly important in life. In only a little over two hundred pages, the action is condensed for even the most frenzied of readers, while the text manages to maintain attention to every detail. It speaks to the worst kind of tragedy, the loss of a child, and addresses the question we all carry within us, "Could it happen to me?"
When Jerry and Janice Olmsted lose their only child during the flooding of the Red River, it becomes apparent that guilt can overtake any parent. The tendency to blame themselves pushes their relationship to the brink of despair, hampering their efforts to discover what happened to Annie. The story takes us to small town, American farm country, and reminds us of the ideals technology has sometimes taken from us. Weaving within the story is the ever-present theme of the power of nature and man's inability to conquier it. The reader is introduced to images of icy, unforgiving terrain and unstoppable floodwaters. He connects with lovable characters of every lifestyle, as they embark on a quest to uncover what happend to Annie Olmsted. The ending is well worth the read and your heart will hold you spell bound and hell-bent to conclude.