Andrea Boeshaar wrote a wonderful story of forgiveness, love of brotherhood in this historical fiction novel, Threads of Hope. There were two things that initially attracted me to this book; it is about immigrants and Norwegians in particular. Since I have some Norwegian immigrants, it was thrilling to learn some Norwegian words and customs and to find out why many of them came to America in the 1840s.

In 1848, Kristin Eikas leaves Norway for Green Bay Wisconsin. Her parents and siblings were all killed by smallpox. When she receives a letter about how wonderful America is from Uncle Lars, the family that took her in to care for her decided to go with her. They worked very hard and saved money for passage but Mrs. Olstad and her daughter, Kristen's best friend would have to stay behind for now.

When she arrives she is surprised to find out that her father's brother is cruel, selfish and mean. She also steps into a feud with the Sundbergs. Both Ekias and Sam Sunberg are very obedient but still but their hidden friendship grows into love. Yet this story is not mostly about love. It is more a story of forgiveness and equality.

I loved learning the Norwegian customs, learning about the native Indian families in that region and gentle way the story is told. I find nothing that I didn't like in this book.

I highly recommend it to readers of American Historical Fiction. I can only have high praise for this book.

I received this book as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review. ( )