Reviewed by Lynda Ochsner
Lauraine Snelling’s third book in the Return to Red River series, More than a Dream, continues the stories of young Thorliff Bjorklund and Elizabeth Rogers. Now up to the years 1895 to 1897, their career ambitions seem on the verge of finally happening. Thorliff has become established in his duties at the newspaper and as the celebrated young writer in town, with graduation nearing. Elizabeth completes her college studies and continues her work at the Chicago hospital while preparing to enter Medical School. The Bjorklund family, in Blessing, North Dakota continue their farming life, and experience many tragedies and suffering along the way.
Now that the Thorliff-Anjii love and break-up are past, from the previous book, the story quickens its pace. Finally Thorliff and Elizabeth’s lives come together—as was inevitable from the series’ outset. (After all, why introduce Elizabeth at all, unless somehow her story would join Thorliff’s?) Through the narrative that alternates between each of their experiences, as well as a section of letters spanning their months in different locations, the two years of the story quickly pass and Thorliff and Elizabeth’s friendship deepens.
Along with glimpses of inner-city life near the turn-of-the-century, More Than A Dream also describes the devastation of terrible floods that struck North Dakota in 1897.
Fans of Lauraine Snelling and her Norwegian characters will enjoy this latest installment of the beloved series.