A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series about a Norwegian family that immigrated to Minnesota. This book continues the story of Nilda Carlson in the year of 1911. The best part of this wonderful story is its reminder of the pure enjoyment one can received from the simplest of blessings: time with friends and family, fresh produce, a bird's song, and a cool breeze on a clear summer's night. Since reading this book I have purposefully been making myself attend to these types of blessings rather than allowing them to slip by unnoticed. The pervasive theme of the joys of giving and serving are also treasures in A Song of Joy. I thank Lauraine Snelling for reminding us of these joys, and to whom we owe our thanks. She allows God to use her gifting as a storyteller to both entertain and minister.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Lauraine Snelling has been one of my favorite historical novelists for quite a number of years. I was first introduced to her through the Blessings Series, which I eagerly awaited new titles as soon as I completed one! Dakota Treasures and the Secret Refuge Series were both compelling sets as well. It has been a while since I picked up one of her novels, so I was really excited to start turning the pages in A Song of Joy, the fourth title in Under the Northern Skies.



As with many of Snelling's titles the story centers around a Norwegian immigrant. I love the setting and time period for this particular title. Set in 1911 in Minnesota, it is a time of simplicity and new innovations all at the same time. Nilda, originally from Norway and most recently from a small farm near Blackduck, MN, works alongside Mrs. Schoenleber. The older woman completely trusts Nilda, who acts a sort of personal assistant. She is also quite altruistic around town and with those whom she encounters, much to the consternation of her brothers who are more miserly and greedy with funds from the family business. It becomes increasingly apparent that these brothers are conniving. Nilda, meanwhile, is struggling with memories which haunt her of a man who attacked her. He is no longer living, but even in death he makes her life a nightmare.

I love how Snelling weaves truths from Scripture throughout the pages. We see the very real struggle of what it is like to live with the darkness which comes to someone who is attacked. I appreciate her ability to empathize and guide the reader through what the experience is like. I also appreciate the advice given by Nilda's family and employer to help her through this time.

I also find the struggle some of the characters have with English a truly beautiful thing! We learn a few Norwegian words along the way, but are reminded that those new to our country may need some help, not to mention patience and understanding, when they come to this country. It is easy to take our native language for granted.

There are three novels previous to this which I have not yet read. Although I greatly enjoyed the book, I would recommend starting at the beginning of this series in order to fully appreciate the family structure and know the background of the characters. I myself intend to go to the beginning of the series and read them all!

Song of Joy
By Lauraine Snelling
Unfortunately for me this was a series meant to be read in order and I have not read the previous books. I was unable to read past chapter 3 as much of the framework was set up in the previous books. I enjoy Lauraine Snelling books and look forward to starting at the beginning of this series.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve shared here.

Lauraine Snelling has an affinity for books about the Scandanavian immigrant. Each story builds on a previous one and fills in a bit more about the characters. It makes the reader feel a part of the neighborhood.

Nilda Larsson works for Gertrude Schoenleber as her secretary and assistant. Gertrude's brother doesn't feel that Nilda belongs in the board meetings of the family logging business, so he gets his son to court Nilda as a way of neutralizing Nilda's affect on the business.

At the same time another nephew of Gertrude's, named Fritz, spends his time being Nilda's friend and quietly courting her without being obvious about it. One of the talents Fritz has is playing piano and Nilda looks forward to his every visit so that she can have another lesson.

This book is a quietly, even-paced novel with well-written characters and deeply thought out settings. The reappearing characters get more depth and focus while the main characters shine like stars. I loved the way the plot played out in such a satisfying way.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a good report on your next piano lesson.

I want to thank Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read.

"A Song of Joy" is a Christian romance set in 1911 in Minnesota. This book is the fourth in a series and the third with Nilda as the main character. I didn't realize this was a continuation of her story, and I haven't read the previous books. The first few chapters "spoil" what happened in the previous books to get new readers up to speed on what she's gone through. Fritz hardly spent any scene-time with Nilda, but it was clear that Nilda and Fritz were attracted to each other and only each other. A rich, young man attempted to impress Nilda with his wealth so she'd marry him, but there wasn't much suspense about how the romance would turn out.

Much of the story was spent describing daily life for her family on the farm and for Nilda in town. Enjoyable historical details about farm life, manners, and such were woven into the story. Some suspense was created during Nilda's efforts to come up with ways to help the poor, local immigrants and gain support (and money) for her projects. Plus a detective clearly bent on causing trouble for Nilda kept popping up to question people about her or to say nasty things to her.

There was no bad language or sex. Overall, I'd recommend this story to those who have read the previous novels and who will enjoy learning how things are working out for those characters or to people interested in what life was like for immigrants at this time.

A Song of Joy is a nice slow moving story of a young lady working away from her family. Nilda is an assistant and enjoys her work, but her employer's nephew, Jeffery, gives her unwanted attention. She likes her employer's other nephew, Fritz, but he hasn't shown any interest. It was a lovely story.

Book 4 in the "Under Northern Skies" series, A Song of Joy tells Nilda's story while continuing the story of Nilda's family. Nilda's employer, Mrs. Schoenleber, provides education and opportunities for Nilda while 2 of Mrs. Schoenleber's nephews vie for Nilda's affections. Although a difficult book to read as a standalone, those familiar with Lauraine Snelling's books will thoroughly enjoy and quickly pick up the family story that this book continues. As always, Lauraine Snelling writes a delightful, enjoyable story. Great read!

(4 stars) - A song of joy from Zephaniah 3:14-20

This is book 4 of a series. I was unaware & so have not read the previous books yet, so I can attest that the book stood on its own just fine; however, because it's a family saga, it most likely would be contextually richer to read them in order.

The hero and heroine's story is written so "real" & is so sweet that it makes me smile every time I think about it. I loved the historical detail, especially the new inventions of their time & how it affected them.

The story was incredibly realistic & immersive. I also really appreciated that the villains of the story, for the most part, didn't follow any of the common tropes.

There were some points where it felt like it didn't need to be quite so detailed, but that may well have been my eagerness for the happy couple to finally admit their love to each other. 😉

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: explicitly Christian, characters are protestant, but Christianity is relatively generic

First sentence: Life in America certainly wasn't like Nilda had dreamed.

Premise/plot: A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series. Though one could certainly start the series at any point, you'll get more enjoyment and satisfaction if you read the series in order.

Though there are many, many characters in A Song of Joy, the main character is Nilda Carlson. She's still working for Mrs. Gertrude Schoenleber as her assistant and secretary. She hasn't forgotten the traumatic event(s) of previous books--nor should she have.

Jeffrey Schmitz is pursuing a relationship with Nilda at the insistence of his father, Heinrik. Nilda can see through Jeffrey's advances. He's a self-centered snob who thinks Nilda should be grateful if Jeffrey stoops to say hello to her. He only talks of himself, and he's dismissive of just about anything and everything Nilda has to say. He's not too observant, or he'd never have proposed at a public ball! He reminds me a bit of Disney's Gaston.

Fritz Larsson is a teacher and a musician. He's known Nilda for several books now. She's been taking piano lessons from him. She's always liked him. Perhaps she's always liked-liked him. But does he like-like her? Does he love her? Does he want to marry her?

This one isn't just a romance. It's also a novel about compassion and giving back. Nilda and her employer are hard at work on a new project that will help new immigrants that arrive in Blackduck.

My thoughts: I had my issues with the third book, I won't lie. But I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book in the series. I'm so glad that I've read it. I don't know why I assumed they'd just be three books in the series!!!

I love Lauraine Snelling's novels. It's always a treat to spend time with her well-developed characters.

Nilda Carlson is finding a new life away from the family farm. She is now working for Gertrude Schoenleber as her executive assistant. As such she is learning much about business and philanthropy. She and Mrs. Schoenleber are working out ways to help immigrants gain a foothold in their new country and new community. Their efforts to provide housing and jobs is something that is bringing satisfaction to both women.

But Nilda has other things that are going to bring her new joys and some angst. She has a suitor, one of the nephews of Mrs. Schoenleber. But this nephew is a wealthy socialite who has very little desire to work. Instead he wants everything done for him. He is drawn to Nilda, but he doesn't understand her a bit. She is a hard worker and not interested in living a life of leisure.

The story unfolds as Nilda learns and grows under the teaching of Mrs. Schoenleber and as she develops a strong work ethic and many benevolent concerns. She also does haver an interest in one of Mrs. Schoenleber's nephews, just not the one that is interested in her.

Throughout the story we see the Hand of God working to direct the steps of Nilda and all those associated with her. We see the faithfulness of God to those who love Him and strive to serve Him. We see the glory of God fulfilling the dreams and desires of those who seek after His heart.

I only gave the story 4 stars because I felt the beginning dragged a bit. But the last fourth of the book moved very quickly and made up for what seemed to be dragging earlier.

I enjoy all of Ms. Snelling's writings and enjoy reading about the lives of early immigrants from Norway.

Enjoy!

I really loved this book and this series. I love getting to know each member of this family better with every book. Being able to still "see" the people from the previous books and what their lives are like is so great.
I love reading about this time period. Everything was so different and they had to work for everything they had. It was much tougher but simpler times. It fascinates me.

I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romances.

This has been a really great series! In this part, Nilda is still facing Dreng's demons, but also coping with unwanted advances and a possible love interest. We get to know more of the family members, as well as the family of her employer. I love the historic touches, such as the invention of the typewriter and telephones in the home, that the author adds to lend a period feel to the story. After reading the epilogue, definitely looking forward to the next one!