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Home to Green Creek #2
At Morning's Light
Newlywed Maya Bredesen and her husband plan their trek as immigrants from Norway to a new life at her cousin's boardinghouse in America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to move in with the local magistrate and finish his seminary degree.
Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly-married couple, Maya seeks to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind neighboring farmer. Just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?
Lauraine Snelling creates a heartwarming picture of overcoming grief and embracing love on the Midwestern frontier.
Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly-married couple, Maya seeks to find her place amid the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind neighboring farmer. Just as Maya begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?
Lauraine Snelling creates a heartwarming picture of overcoming grief and embracing love on the Midwestern frontier.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2025
38 people are currently reading
3710 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
160 books2,047 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 21, 2025
This series by these two talented authors has had me hooked from page one. I love how this second book continues to follow the main characters from the first book while also adding in new characters. The emotional story drew me in and had me rooting for the characters.
I love how faith plays a huge part in the stories and the strength that each character puts from that to enrich their lives.
4.5⭐
thank you to Bethany House for the complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
*trigger warning: if you're sensitive to a de*th at childbirth you may want to skip, at least that scene.
I love how faith plays a huge part in the stories and the strength that each character puts from that to enrich their lives.
4.5⭐
thank you to Bethany House for the complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
*trigger warning: if you're sensitive to a de*th at childbirth you may want to skip, at least that scene.
December 7, 2025
At Morning’s Light is a heartwarming and inspirational story of overcoming grief and new beginnings on the Midwestern Frontier.
Newlyweds Maya and her husband live in Norway and are planning to sail to America and begin a new life when he dies unexpectedly on a fishing trip. Accompanied instead by her brother, grief-stricken Maya decides to follow through with her plans for the trip to America. When she arrives at her cousin’s boarding house, she struggles to find a way to fit in. As Maya deals with her grief and faces another tragedy, she meets a kind farmer. Will facing these trying times together bring healing and hope for the future?
It must be a brave woman who can travel from Norway to America while grieving the loss of her young husband to start a new life. The author establishes a strong sense of place and provides many vivid details about the hardships and challenges of adapting to a new country and embracing frontier life. The immigrants are courageous, and the frontier women work hard!
I might not categorize this story as a romance even though the main character ultimately finds love. First, Maya has to acclimate to her new country, deal with both lingering and new grief. It takes time for the friendship between Maya and Eben to grow (no instalove). Maya has a lot to process and resolve before she can consider a new relationship. The author realistically deals with Maya’s grief and patiently lays the groundwork for a new relationship. The result is satisfying and believable in every way.
I haven’t yet mentioned Amalia, Maya’s cousin. The story is also about Amalia who is compassionate and a woman of faith. She expertly runs the boarding house, cares for orphan children as if they were her own, is wise and patient with Maya as she grieves and adjusts to life in America, and looks to God as the source of her strength.
Content Consideration: grief, death of a spouse
Thanks #NetGalley @Bethany_House @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #AtMorningsLight upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Newlyweds Maya and her husband live in Norway and are planning to sail to America and begin a new life when he dies unexpectedly on a fishing trip. Accompanied instead by her brother, grief-stricken Maya decides to follow through with her plans for the trip to America. When she arrives at her cousin’s boarding house, she struggles to find a way to fit in. As Maya deals with her grief and faces another tragedy, she meets a kind farmer. Will facing these trying times together bring healing and hope for the future?
It must be a brave woman who can travel from Norway to America while grieving the loss of her young husband to start a new life. The author establishes a strong sense of place and provides many vivid details about the hardships and challenges of adapting to a new country and embracing frontier life. The immigrants are courageous, and the frontier women work hard!
I might not categorize this story as a romance even though the main character ultimately finds love. First, Maya has to acclimate to her new country, deal with both lingering and new grief. It takes time for the friendship between Maya and Eben to grow (no instalove). Maya has a lot to process and resolve before she can consider a new relationship. The author realistically deals with Maya’s grief and patiently lays the groundwork for a new relationship. The result is satisfying and believable in every way.
I haven’t yet mentioned Amalia, Maya’s cousin. The story is also about Amalia who is compassionate and a woman of faith. She expertly runs the boarding house, cares for orphan children as if they were her own, is wise and patient with Maya as she grieves and adjusts to life in America, and looks to God as the source of her strength.
Content Consideration: grief, death of a spouse
Thanks #NetGalley @Bethany_House @AustenProse for a complimentary eARC of #AtMorningsLight upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
December 8, 2025
At Morning's Light is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series which starts out in Norway and settles down in Iowa. I will say I get. Very excited when I read books that mention my home state. This second book was just as great as the first one providing a great plot and introduction to some new characters and bringing back the characters we met in the previous book!
We are introduced to Maya who is Amalia's cousin who has recently married and planning to leave Norway to settle with her cousin in Iowa. However, before the trip her husband dies in a accident so she is left to make the Voyage with her brother. After arriving she struggles to move forward with her life but with time she fids herself being able to move forward.
I will say that this was a very heartwarming story and i'm glad I took the opportunity to read it.
We are introduced to Maya who is Amalia's cousin who has recently married and planning to leave Norway to settle with her cousin in Iowa. However, before the trip her husband dies in a accident so she is left to make the Voyage with her brother. After arriving she struggles to move forward with her life but with time she fids herself being able to move forward.
I will say that this was a very heartwarming story and i'm glad I took the opportunity to read it.
December 16, 2025
At Morning's Light is the second book in this new series from Lauraine Snelling. Initially, I was reluctant to read it as I hadn't read book #1 yet. I'm a bit a purist when it comes to series in order. But I decided to try it and see how it went. This book definitely implies that it picks up at the end of the previous book. And there is a lot given in the first couple chapters to help me "understand" where we are at this point in the series. In fact, tidbits of clarity were given throughout the book, so I felt like I wasn't missing a gigantic part of the story.
This book has the POV of three main characters: Amalia (main character of book #1), Maya (Amalia's cousin), and Eben (Amalia's neighbor). The story is MOSTLY about Maya and Eben, but we continue to move forward in Amalia's life throughout the story. Many aspects of this story is asking the question of how can God be good when it feels like He's punishing you for loving with loss. Such a common thread of so many Christian books these days.
I felt that this was a good book that could be read out of order if need be. I do want to go back and read book #1, but I don't feel like it's 100% necessary. The author is always so good at bringing to life the Norwegian culture and I love it. I will be continuing this series.
4 stars
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGAlley for my ARC of this book. All opinons are 100% my own.
This book has the POV of three main characters: Amalia (main character of book #1), Maya (Amalia's cousin), and Eben (Amalia's neighbor). The story is MOSTLY about Maya and Eben, but we continue to move forward in Amalia's life throughout the story. Many aspects of this story is asking the question of how can God be good when it feels like He's punishing you for loving with loss. Such a common thread of so many Christian books these days.
I felt that this was a good book that could be read out of order if need be. I do want to go back and read book #1, but I don't feel like it's 100% necessary. The author is always so good at bringing to life the Norwegian culture and I love it. I will be continuing this series.
4 stars
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGAlley for my ARC of this book. All opinons are 100% my own.
December 11, 2025
"In her new homeland of Iowa, Maya must risk heartbreak and uncertainty for her dreams to flourish."
Book two in The Home to Green Creek Series is here!
After loosing her husband unexpectedly in Norway, Maya decides to continue with their plans of moving to America. Only now she is accompanied by her brother rather than her husband. After a long journey she is reunited with her dear cousin Amalia where she plans to share in her boarding house duties as she starts fresh in a new country. As Maya faces illness and deep grief, she wonders why God allows so many horrible things to happen to her. I loved this book, it had me feeling all kinds of emotions right along with Maya. I also loved the continuing of characters from Land of Dreams - it was so good to see what everyone was up to!!
5/5 ⭐️ for this heart touching tale.
💕 Read If You Like:
•Historical fiction with light, friends to more romance
•Gentle, authentic faith messages woven throughout
•Resilient heroines
•Fresh-start stories & "found family"
•Emotional stories that give you deep feels
⚠️Content notes (all handled gently & gracefully):
• Death from illness
• Orphans in difficult circumstances
• Grief & loneliness
•Traumatic birth and infant loss
Nothing overtly graphic or inappropriate—no language, no spice.
A special thank you to Austen Prose, Bethany House, Lauraine Snelling, and Kiersti Giron for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book two in The Home to Green Creek Series is here!
After loosing her husband unexpectedly in Norway, Maya decides to continue with their plans of moving to America. Only now she is accompanied by her brother rather than her husband. After a long journey she is reunited with her dear cousin Amalia where she plans to share in her boarding house duties as she starts fresh in a new country. As Maya faces illness and deep grief, she wonders why God allows so many horrible things to happen to her. I loved this book, it had me feeling all kinds of emotions right along with Maya. I also loved the continuing of characters from Land of Dreams - it was so good to see what everyone was up to!!
5/5 ⭐️ for this heart touching tale.
💕 Read If You Like:
•Historical fiction with light, friends to more romance
•Gentle, authentic faith messages woven throughout
•Resilient heroines
•Fresh-start stories & "found family"
•Emotional stories that give you deep feels
⚠️Content notes (all handled gently & gracefully):
• Death from illness
• Orphans in difficult circumstances
• Grief & loneliness
•Traumatic birth and infant loss
Nothing overtly graphic or inappropriate—no language, no spice.
A special thank you to Austen Prose, Bethany House, Lauraine Snelling, and Kiersti Giron for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
Wow! More than 5 stars for this book. I haven't read the first book in this series, and I didn't feel lost.
The characters are written brilliantly! I connected with Amalia and Maya on a deep level. Amalia is literally the epicenter of everyone in her life. Her work seems unending, her compassion overflows, and her heart and home are open to all. Maya deals with more heartache in 6 months than most people do in their entire lives. Thankfully, Amalia and her brother stand beside her and encourage her. She also opens her heart to 2 special men!
Amalia has provided a type of sanctuary for those who have been orphaned. Her faith in God stabilizes her. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? "
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
**side note** I have been a fan of Lauraine Snelling for a long time. Her books always speak to my heart and encourage me in my faith walk. **
The characters are written brilliantly! I connected with Amalia and Maya on a deep level. Amalia is literally the epicenter of everyone in her life. Her work seems unending, her compassion overflows, and her heart and home are open to all. Maya deals with more heartache in 6 months than most people do in their entire lives. Thankfully, Amalia and her brother stand beside her and encourage her. She also opens her heart to 2 special men!
Amalia has provided a type of sanctuary for those who have been orphaned. Her faith in God stabilizes her. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? "
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
**side note** I have been a fan of Lauraine Snelling for a long time. Her books always speak to my heart and encourage me in my faith walk. **
December 8, 2025
Are you a morning person or a night person? I am more of a night person. Although now that I’m older, I’m definitely not staying up as long.
Einar and Maya Bredesen plan to immigrate to the United States from Norway. Einar goes on one last fishing trip before they leave and is lost at sea. Maya travels on to America with her brother to stay with her cousin Amalia in Green Creek, Iowa in 1890. Amalia runs a boardinghouse and has recently married. Will Maya be able to find a new life and potentially love in America?
My thoughts on this novel:
• Maya had a hard time adapting to America. She doesn’t speak much English and feels like a fish out of water. It was a good reminder of what most Americans (besides indigenous) ancestor’s felt when they first arrived.
• This is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series. I read this as a standalone, but I wish I would have read the first book, so I had more of Maya’s background and story. It took me a bit to get used to characters.
• This novel had great characters. I really liked Amalia who is always trying to help everyone and Maya who goes through so much.
• This was a clean read and a Christian read. There are references to their Lutheran faith throughout.
• This was a second chance romance novel.
• The new love interest for Maya, Eber, starts as a friend and enters about halfway through the story. Therefore, this is also a friends to lovers’ story.
• There are good book club discussion questions included at the end of the book.
Overall, At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling was a beautiful story of second chances and friendship.
Book Source: Thank-you to @laurainesnellingauthor @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted at my blog at:https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
Einar and Maya Bredesen plan to immigrate to the United States from Norway. Einar goes on one last fishing trip before they leave and is lost at sea. Maya travels on to America with her brother to stay with her cousin Amalia in Green Creek, Iowa in 1890. Amalia runs a boardinghouse and has recently married. Will Maya be able to find a new life and potentially love in America?
My thoughts on this novel:
• Maya had a hard time adapting to America. She doesn’t speak much English and feels like a fish out of water. It was a good reminder of what most Americans (besides indigenous) ancestor’s felt when they first arrived.
• This is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series. I read this as a standalone, but I wish I would have read the first book, so I had more of Maya’s background and story. It took me a bit to get used to characters.
• This novel had great characters. I really liked Amalia who is always trying to help everyone and Maya who goes through so much.
• This was a clean read and a Christian read. There are references to their Lutheran faith throughout.
• This was a second chance romance novel.
• The new love interest for Maya, Eber, starts as a friend and enters about halfway through the story. Therefore, this is also a friends to lovers’ story.
• There are good book club discussion questions included at the end of the book.
Overall, At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling was a beautiful story of second chances and friendship.
Book Source: Thank-you to @laurainesnellingauthor @bethanyhousefiction @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted at my blog at:https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
December 7, 2025
Thank you to @laurainesnellingauthor @bethanyhousefiction and @austenprose for the #gifted book.
Dive into the enchanting world of the second book in the Home to Green Creek series, a captivating tale that stands strong on its own!
Set against the scenic backdrop of 1890 Iowa, this poignant story centers on Maya, who embarks on a heartfelt journey from Norway, grappling with the profound loss of her husband. Arriving in her cousin Amalia's charming boarding house, Maya must navigate the challenges of a new life while finding her footing in an unfamiliar land. Amidst this transition, she discovers an unexpected and tender love with her captivating neighbor, Eben. Maya learns to embrace new beginnings and the magic that love can bring!
Set against the backdrop of 1890 Iowa, this story follows Maya, who embarks on a poignant journey from Norway after the loss of her husband. She lives in her newly married cousin, Amalia, in her boarding house. She learns to navigate her place in this new environment. She discovers unexpected love with the neighbor, Eben.
Maya's character is truly endearing, and I couldn’t help but feel her pain and resilience. With Amalia's unwavering support, she learns to embrace her past and find forgiveness for a life altered by grief. Despite enduring immense loss, Maya blossoms into the person she was meant to be. The connections she forms, especially with Eben, highlight the depth of friendship and the kindness that binds their community together.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that weaves together beautifully developed characters and exquisite writing, this book is a must-have for your collection. Don’t miss the chance to experience Maya's extraordinary journey!
Dive into the enchanting world of the second book in the Home to Green Creek series, a captivating tale that stands strong on its own!
Set against the scenic backdrop of 1890 Iowa, this poignant story centers on Maya, who embarks on a heartfelt journey from Norway, grappling with the profound loss of her husband. Arriving in her cousin Amalia's charming boarding house, Maya must navigate the challenges of a new life while finding her footing in an unfamiliar land. Amidst this transition, she discovers an unexpected and tender love with her captivating neighbor, Eben. Maya learns to embrace new beginnings and the magic that love can bring!
Set against the backdrop of 1890 Iowa, this story follows Maya, who embarks on a poignant journey from Norway after the loss of her husband. She lives in her newly married cousin, Amalia, in her boarding house. She learns to navigate her place in this new environment. She discovers unexpected love with the neighbor, Eben.
Maya's character is truly endearing, and I couldn’t help but feel her pain and resilience. With Amalia's unwavering support, she learns to embrace her past and find forgiveness for a life altered by grief. Despite enduring immense loss, Maya blossoms into the person she was meant to be. The connections she forms, especially with Eben, highlight the depth of friendship and the kindness that binds their community together.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that weaves together beautifully developed characters and exquisite writing, this book is a must-have for your collection. Don’t miss the chance to experience Maya's extraordinary journey!
December 14, 2025
It always fascinates me to read about people and families who traveled to America for a better life. Maya has just lost her husband and her brother has agreed to take his ticket to America to accompany Maya. Traveling all the way to Iowa while grieving her husband felt like abandonment, did she make the right choice? But as the weeks continue it seems so does her sickness and her cousin and many are worried about her. Every one grieves differently, but this seems something else entirely. Meanwhile her bother has adjusted well and is working his way towards seminary school as he wanted. Bound to pull her weight around the boardinghouse, Maya does what she can to help keep the place running. But loss seems to be the new normal for Maya and after another devastating loss, can she really continue? When an unexpected orphan is brought to the boardinghouse Maya realizes that this just may be what she needs to help her move on. Someone to care for and to love as her own. And there is someone else waiting for to love her as well, but has known she has needed time. Can Maya love once again and finally settle into a life in America? I really enjoyed her story although it was heartbreaking at times. It was so well written and just flowed. I loved all the other characters at the boardinghouse and need to go back and read the first novel in this series. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Austenprose Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
December 7, 2025
At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron continues the story of Amalia and Absalom. Maya Bredesen along with her brother come to America and join their cousin at the boarding house. I like Amalia’s generous heart. She is always willing to help others. We get to follow Amalia as she cooks and cleans plus does the other chores needed to run the boardinghouse. Eben Miller, a neighbor, is unlucky in love and has trouble getting his father to see that he has good ideas for improving the farm. More time is spent on the conflict between Eben and his father than on romance. I like the characters, and I thought the author captured the time period. The steam powered threshing machine that Eben wishes to invest in is an example of the latest in farming equipment. It took a crew to operate it as the author shows in the story. Faith was nicely woven into the story. It seemed natural for Maya to question why God allowed certain events. I believe it is something that everyone struggles with at one time or another. The story moved at a mild pace which suited it. At Morning’s Light is the second book in Home to Green Creek series. While At Morning’s Light can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Land of Dreams first. At Morning’s Light is a heartwarming historical tale with a bustling boardinghouse, a sunken ship, blissful nuptials, welcoming cousins, school distress, a hardworking husband, and a new addition.
November 20, 2025
"At Morning's Light" is a Christian historical set mostly in Iowa in 1890. It's the second book in the series and mainly continued the story of Amalia and Absalom from the first story. A lot of time was spent on the cooking and other chores involved with running a boarding house. The one problem Amalia had with Absalom was finally solved by Amalia simply telling him that she felt like she saw him less now that they're married than before they married. Ironically, when he took a day off to spend with her, she spent all but a couple hours of it on cleaning and cooking. Go figure.
Maya didn't arrive in Iowa for several chapters, and, after she did, she and Eben didn't really meet or spend time together until halfway through the book. Maya helped out at his house for a while, they got along well, he thought her beautiful, and they agreed to marry. More time was spent on Eden's conflict with his father than on the romance, which is fine, just don't expect a romance-focused book.
The characters were likable, and historical details were woven into the story that brought the setting alive. Maya struggled with why God let her husband and another loved one die. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to those who enjoyed the first book in the series.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley
Maya didn't arrive in Iowa for several chapters, and, after she did, she and Eben didn't really meet or spend time together until halfway through the book. Maya helped out at his house for a while, they got along well, he thought her beautiful, and they agreed to marry. More time was spent on Eden's conflict with his father than on the romance, which is fine, just don't expect a romance-focused book.
The characters were likable, and historical details were woven into the story that brought the setting alive. Maya struggled with why God let her husband and another loved one die. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to those who enjoyed the first book in the series.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley
December 31, 2025
A slow start but a fun read for the holiday season.
Maya Bredesen and her husband are wanting to plan a trip from Norway to America but before they can her husband passes away leaving her alone. Maya heads to America with her brother hoping to start a new life at her cousin’s boardinghouse full of orphans. It is hard for Maya to fit in and find her place among all the little ones until she meets Eben Miller, the kind farmer from next door. Her heart still hurting from the loss of her husband makes her weary to start anything new, especially in a new place that doesn’t feel like home yet. But as they try to work through the trials life throws their way, they wonder if love is something they can find together.
At Morning’s Light was a sweet and tender romance with a lot of heart and soul to it. It didn’t take me long to want to see Maya find a happy ending and route for her to let go of the loss and grief she wants to cling to so desperately. I loved that I was able to make a quick connection with the characters and follow their story all the way to the last page. This story was quick and fun and as far as historical romance novels go it is high on my list of favorites. This is a book that fans of the genre will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Maya Bredesen and her husband are wanting to plan a trip from Norway to America but before they can her husband passes away leaving her alone. Maya heads to America with her brother hoping to start a new life at her cousin’s boardinghouse full of orphans. It is hard for Maya to fit in and find her place among all the little ones until she meets Eben Miller, the kind farmer from next door. Her heart still hurting from the loss of her husband makes her weary to start anything new, especially in a new place that doesn’t feel like home yet. But as they try to work through the trials life throws their way, they wonder if love is something they can find together.
At Morning’s Light was a sweet and tender romance with a lot of heart and soul to it. It didn’t take me long to want to see Maya find a happy ending and route for her to let go of the loss and grief she wants to cling to so desperately. I loved that I was able to make a quick connection with the characters and follow their story all the way to the last page. This story was quick and fun and as far as historical romance novels go it is high on my list of favorites. This is a book that fans of the genre will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
December 13, 2025
Get ready for an emotional journey that will touch your heart! Maya Bredesen never imagined she would travel to America without her husband. But when a violent storm claims his life, she finds herself making the difficult move from Norway to her cousin's boardinghouse in Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother. Heartbroken and weakened by illness, Maya struggles to find her place in the bustling household, as well as peace in her new life.
As the second book in the Home to Green Creek series, this tender story brought tears to my eyes several times as Maya navigated her shattered dreams and sorrows. Yet, through her trials, her faith grows stronger, highlighting the beautiful theme of “beauty for ashes.”
There is a light romance thread as Maya’s friendship with the gentle, kind Eben Miller slowly blossoms into something more.
I loved catching up with the characters from the first book, especially Ruthie and Hank!
This book is for you if you enjoy:
✨ Historical Fiction with gentle faith themes.
✨ Friends-to-more romance.
✨ Found family.
✨ Themes of new beginnings and hope.
✨ Emotional, tender stories.
Content Warning:
The loss of a spouse, traumatic childbirth, and infant loss.
As the second book in the Home to Green Creek series, this tender story brought tears to my eyes several times as Maya navigated her shattered dreams and sorrows. Yet, through her trials, her faith grows stronger, highlighting the beautiful theme of “beauty for ashes.”
There is a light romance thread as Maya’s friendship with the gentle, kind Eben Miller slowly blossoms into something more.
I loved catching up with the characters from the first book, especially Ruthie and Hank!
This book is for you if you enjoy:
✨ Historical Fiction with gentle faith themes.
✨ Friends-to-more romance.
✨ Found family.
✨ Themes of new beginnings and hope.
✨ Emotional, tender stories.
Content Warning:
The loss of a spouse, traumatic childbirth, and infant loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is the second book in the Home to Green Creek series. This is a Christian historical story that follows after the first book in the series, so I feel it is best to read them in order. This story is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed catching up with Amalia and the happenings at the boarding house. I enjoyed how caring she is and how quick she is to take in others in need. In this story she welcomes her cousins from Norway. While Amalia is expecting Maya and her husband, a tragic accident changes Maya’s life and she arrives with her brother.
I enjoyed seeing how Maya was able to heal from the loss of her husband under Amalia’s care. I also enjoyed seeing how the men at the home found work together. I love the connection between Amalia and those who live with her and her neighbors. It’s fun to see how Eben takes on a new adventure that helps him and other local farmers. This is an enjoyable story to read of those who settled in America before us and how they not only survived but prospered.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
I enjoyed seeing how Maya was able to heal from the loss of her husband under Amalia’s care. I also enjoyed seeing how the men at the home found work together. I love the connection between Amalia and those who live with her and her neighbors. It’s fun to see how Eben takes on a new adventure that helps him and other local farmers. This is an enjoyable story to read of those who settled in America before us and how they not only survived but prospered.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
October 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this story a lot! I simply couldn't put this novel down once I got started.
Maya is a sweetheart. I liked her instantly. I enjoyed watching her grow into the person she needed to be.
I think my favorite thing was watching the community grow and help each other. I wish it was that way in today's world.
I finished this book late into the evening. I wanted to see what happened next.
Grief can asail you no matter where or what you're doing at the moment. Yes, it gets better over time but you'll never really stop missing that person. I haven't. Snelling has done well with this subject. I liked the way it was portrayed. Its why I loved Maya so much.
Friends are great to have like Eben, Hank and Amalia. I was very happy to see her back. She's like an old friend.
Im giving this story 5 stars for a beautifully written story that kept me turning the pages long into the evening.
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Maya is a sweetheart. I liked her instantly. I enjoyed watching her grow into the person she needed to be.
I think my favorite thing was watching the community grow and help each other. I wish it was that way in today's world.
I finished this book late into the evening. I wanted to see what happened next.
Grief can asail you no matter where or what you're doing at the moment. Yes, it gets better over time but you'll never really stop missing that person. I haven't. Snelling has done well with this subject. I liked the way it was portrayed. Its why I loved Maya so much.
Friends are great to have like Eben, Hank and Amalia. I was very happy to see her back. She's like an old friend.
Im giving this story 5 stars for a beautifully written story that kept me turning the pages long into the evening.
My thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
December 31, 2025
Thank you to Bethany House for my #gifted eARC!
I always love reading sweet historical fiction books and I wanted to try this author.
This story follows Maya as she travels from Norway to Iowa after the sudden death of her husband. Once she arrives at her cousin's boarding house, she finds that she is with child and struggles to navigate her new life.
This is story is full of growth, faith, and standing strong in hard times. Maya goes through a lot in this novel and she overcomes it all by leaning on God and her faith. She meets Eben who works on a neighboring farm, and they lean on each other in their heartache.
Overall, a nice read. I really liked the Norwegian detail and culture throughout. Romance was very sweet and tender.
I did struggle with the characters in that the first half mostly focused on Amalia, who is the main character in book one. Maya and Eben need way more on page time especially when this book is supposed to be about them. This book can be read as a standalone but I think reading the first one would have helped me more.
I always love reading sweet historical fiction books and I wanted to try this author.
This story follows Maya as she travels from Norway to Iowa after the sudden death of her husband. Once she arrives at her cousin's boarding house, she finds that she is with child and struggles to navigate her new life.
This is story is full of growth, faith, and standing strong in hard times. Maya goes through a lot in this novel and she overcomes it all by leaning on God and her faith. She meets Eben who works on a neighboring farm, and they lean on each other in their heartache.
Overall, a nice read. I really liked the Norwegian detail and culture throughout. Romance was very sweet and tender.
I did struggle with the characters in that the first half mostly focused on Amalia, who is the main character in book one. Maya and Eben need way more on page time especially when this book is supposed to be about them. This book can be read as a standalone but I think reading the first one would have helped me more.
November 5, 2025
This author has been a favorite of mine for a long time and with her new novel, she continues to be.
At Morning’s Light is beautifully crafted and rugged at my heart with the story of Maya’s tragic loss. She was so excited to begin a new chapter with her husband, traveling from Norway to her cousins boarding house in Iowa.
Of course the best laid plans don’t always turn out the way you expected.
I loved how the story unfolded, the friendship offered to her by Eben and the care he gave her.
If you love historical fiction, finely crafted characters and fantastic writing, then you’ll definitely want to get a copy of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel. Opinions are my own.
At Morning’s Light is beautifully crafted and rugged at my heart with the story of Maya’s tragic loss. She was so excited to begin a new chapter with her husband, traveling from Norway to her cousins boarding house in Iowa.
Of course the best laid plans don’t always turn out the way you expected.
I loved how the story unfolded, the friendship offered to her by Eben and the care he gave her.
If you love historical fiction, finely crafted characters and fantastic writing, then you’ll definitely want to get a copy of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel. Opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is the captivating second installment in the Home to Green Creek series. This heartfelt Christian historical novel picks up where the first book left off, so I recommend reading them in order to fully appreciate the story. The writing is smooth and engaging, making it an enjoyable read. The characters' unwavering dedication to building America highlights their resilience and hope. I especially appreciated Lauraine’s vivid storytelling about the Norwegian settlers and the farmland. I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book, which I was under no obligation to praise. Lauraine Snelling’s books truly speak to the soul and strengthen your faith.
October 5, 2025
I was able to read At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling, thanks to NetGalley. Maya and her husband are planning to leave Norway for America. They are to help Maya’s cousin in Iowa. Before they can leave, tragedy strikes. Maya and her brother are now going to America. They arrive to a busy boarding house. Construction, school, and summer are in full swing. Eben Miller lives in his parent’s farm next door. After a series of events, Maya helps out the Millers. As the summer lengthens, they draw closer together. I love this series. It’s a glimpse of the past and time that we all yearn for. A slower pace and a peaceful time.
October 23, 2025
I thought that "At Morning's Light" by Lauraine Snelling was an excellent story about Norwegian immigrants coming to America and settling in Iowa. She uses each of the characters in ways that are in sway with Norwegian teachings and with the times. I guess Maya Bredesen was the main character
with that of her cousin with Amalia Gunderson. We have drowning of a spouse, marriages, school fights, baby kittens being born, ice cream being made, school being taught, and building another house for Maya. She writes with ease and the characters are happy in all cases to build America. I liked Lauraine and her telling of the farm land with Norwegian settlers a lot.
with that of her cousin with Amalia Gunderson. We have drowning of a spouse, marriages, school fights, baby kittens being born, ice cream being made, school being taught, and building another house for Maya. She writes with ease and the characters are happy in all cases to build America. I liked Lauraine and her telling of the farm land with Norwegian settlers a lot.
January 2, 2026
I treasure every word of these stories. The love, the grief, the struggles, daily life and Christian lessons. Blending families in the community, neighboring farms and at the boarding house. Loveable characters that feel like family and friends.
#BethanyHousePublishers #AtMorningsLight #LauraineSnelling #KierstiGiron @LauraineSnelling @KierstiGiron #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
#BethanyHousePublishers #AtMorningsLight #LauraineSnelling #KierstiGiron @LauraineSnelling @KierstiGiron #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout
December 31, 2025
Ended too soon, as most of Mrs. Snelling’s books!
As usual, when I read one of her books, I continue days later to wonder what happened to the characters in the story. I feel like I’ve made new friends!
As usual, when I read one of her books, I continue days later to wonder what happened to the characters in the story. I feel like I’ve made new friends!
January 4, 2026
Lauraine Snelling is my favorite author so I was excited to see that she had released two books in 2025. At Morning’s Light was a lovely continuation of Land of Dreams in the Home to Green Creek Series. I’m hoping that she will expand the series!
December 17, 2025
I couldnt wait to get my hands on this book. Loved it!
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December 22, 2025Lauraine is my favorite historical fiction writer and she did it again! I am already hooked!
December 22, 2025
I enjoyed the gentleness of the characters as they wrestled or helped others wrestle with life's emotions for a positive outcome.
December 24, 2025
Loved it!!!
January 3, 2026
Happy Times
I love how this book just told the story of a family that yes hard times fell on them but the stood together overcoming all things- good and bad and stayed close as a family. I really enjoyed this book.
I love how this book just told the story of a family that yes hard times fell on them but the stood together overcoming all things- good and bad and stayed close as a family. I really enjoyed this book.
January 2, 2026
A nice continuation of the story, I would say that the climax came rather late in the book but it kept me engaged and I am hoping for more of their stories in another book.
January 3, 2026
I enjoyed this latest book in the series.
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