So much tragedy! Jody Hedlund has written a very interesting novel of overcoming when everything is against you. I thought her characters were very well written. Recommended!

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My Review
Annalisa is working hard collecting sap from a tree one day when she and her daughter, Gretchen, discover that her husband is dead. The families and neighbors immediately meet together to decide Annalisas fate, but no one is able to tell for certain whether Hans has been murdered or accidentally killed. Annalisa has learned that her late husband stole her savings so she is now unable to pay off the farm as she intended to do and she has precious little time left. A letter is sent to a distant cousin requesting a husband for Annalisa, but she is well aware that this arrangement isnt about love, its a partnership that will ensure her and her childrens survival. When Carl arrives, Annalisa dreads being remarried but learns hes not like other men. Annalisa has long given up on happily ever after and trusting in God, will Carl be another disappointment in her life or the answer to all she has longed for?

Carl is in prison awaiting his execution when suddenly help arrives and his prayer of escaping is answered. However, theres a condition. He must hide out in America among a small community of German immigrants until the real criminal is discovered or until he figures out his next step. When Carl arrives, he immediately determines he doesnt fit in. He has no knowledge of laboring on a farm, he slowly learns the routine but doesnt feel he is much help, he is amazed at how harshly the women are treated, he is determined not to deceive anyone of his predicament anymore than he has to, and he awaits answers to letters he has sent out for new employment as well as Annalisas new groom. He makes up his mind to stay with Annalisa until this new person shows up to help her, but the growing attraction between them has him wondering whether he was meant to stay after all.

I was utterly humbled at the levels of poverty Annalisa and her neighbors endure. They now have the chance to own their own land and homes on their terms, but Annalisa longs to give her children a better life. When Carl comes along, Annalisa is embarrassed at the sparse conditions she has to offer him, but she serves him with her whole heart as he gives himself to working on her property.

Carl is my favorite character in this story and the title of the book is only a brief description of the incredible man he is. He is noble, kind, considerate, God fearing, respectful, humble, heroic, gallant, humorous, sensitive and meek as he finds his way around the land. He puts Annalisa and Gretchen before himself in every way and he will not allow injustice in their life. He makes sacrifices and takes liberties in defending Annalisa that few people would attempt knowing that their involvement was temporary.

Some of the obstacles Carl and Annalisa have to overcome are: a ruthless business developer set on getting his way, lice, an abusive brother-in-law, typhoid, drought, one barn fire that quickly gets out of control, and the knowledge of a groom making his way to Annalisa.

There is such tragedy in this book, but its realistic to the time period and conditions the characters live in. As uncomfortable as I was in the deception Carl must abide by in the story, theres only one thing he does in the plot that had me disliking him. However, its an offense that is easily forgiven once everything gets resolved. The violence in this book surprised me, but its authentic and the author does a brilliant job of pulling in the readers attention with the adversity described. Despite certain elements I was uncomfortable with, I absolutely loved the ending. Carls personality and spirit had me smiling throughout the book and the clean romance in this book pleased me immensely. I believe this book is a definite for those who love historical fiction as well for those who like stories of second chances, forgiveness, justice, encouragement, and those who like fairy tales.

I want to thank Bethany House for the review copy they provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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I enjoyed Jody's newest book about German immigrants trying make a new life in Michigan in the 1880's. Freedom to own land through their own hard work was extremely important to these new Americans, since their hard work was to the nobility's benefit back in Germany. The chance to change the old system was why so many parents sacrificed to bring their families to America.

I liked Annalisa and Carl very much. Annalisa's growth as she becomes self-confident was particularly touching. Carl grew from an arrogant man into a humble one, no better than his neighbors, and learned to face the consequences of his choices.

With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my free review copy.

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