I happened upon this book on a bargain table at Books-A-Million. Given that I've been trying to keep a more open mind about Christian Fiction and have actually very much enjoyed a couple of titles lately, I thought I would pick this one up. Thankfully, though it took me awhile to warm up to the story initially, I ended up enjoying it.Snelling's writing did not always have as much depth of detail and emotion that I like to find in a book, but she was able to tell a good story. I've always been partial to stories set in the West in the 1800's and early 1900's, so that initially drew my interest. Snelling was able to weave a story mixed with many blessings and occasional tragedies that not only brought Sophie back together with her family, but brought the town of Blessing closer together, as well. I felt like Hamre's death was rather anti-climactic when reading about it, but perhaps that's normal given that we're already given an idea that it will come when reading the back of the book... But I really enjoyed the romance that came Sophie's way later on, it was very sweet. And without giving anything away, let me just say that the scene where she is about to give birth was quite amusing and memorable. I think I might die of mortification if I had to be transported to the doctor the way Sophie was.Another plus for me was that I did not feel like I was being preached to, like I do with so many other Christian Fiction books. The religion and prayers to God were there, but I didn't feel like I was being told that I had to believe a certain way. That was something I appreciated for a change. This is the second book in the Daughters of Blessing Series, so I think I might have to hunt down the first to see what I missed.
I enjoyed the ups and downs of Sophie's life and the impact it has on her close knit family in N. Dakota. This is another series about the family from Norway who landed in NY and traveled to N. Dakota and settled. Sophie is a daughter from Kaarn. She is a twin to Grace, who is deaf. The whole family knows how to 'sign' and it is taught in the school as well. Sophie has a sense of adventure and is not satisfied with the status quo. Some of her adventures really test her and it's a good read to see what she does with the situations she creates. The author describes her characters and settings beautifully. I can imagine I am there with them. A very good read. This is the second book in this series.
What do You think about Sophie's Dilemma (2007)?
I always enjoy Ms. Snelling's books, and this one was no exception. It's interesting how Sophie, her sister and the others her age compare themselves to their mothers especially when it comes to their relationship with God, their faith, praying, etc. The questions that she asks herself regarding her relationship with her sister and her father upon her return show well the struggle that a person may have when trying to bring relationships into harmony after tough and maybe even hurtful decisions. I look forward to reading the next set of series by this author.
—Patricia
This is the second novel in the Daughters of Blessing series and centers on seventeen-year-old Sophie who elopes with Hamre and moves to Seattle. The title of the book says it all: Sophie faces more than one dilemma as circumstances in her life overwhelm her. The author tells an interesting story while being consistent with the tenets of Christian fiction. I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The series is set in North Dakota very early in the 20th century, and the author does a good job of recreating that time period for her readers, including the excitement over a washing machine that could wash and wring out clothes. (We’ve come a long way, baby!)
—Mayda
I thought that the Daughters of Blessing series was going to be just like the other novels about the Bjorklund family, but I was wrong. Lauraine Snelling managed to give Sophie a much different voice than the other members of the family. Sophie wasn't as selfless and duty-bound as the others, and that made for a refreshing change. Of course she mended her ways in the end, but the way Snelling brought that about felt natural rather than abrupt and forced as I have seen in other Christian novels. I am definitely ready to spend more time with the inhabitants of Blessing, ND.
—Dani
