An Untamed Heart

First of all, let me say that as I was reading the book, I came to a pallet page 80 and it just fell out of the book. I requested a replacement and returned the defective book. I received my replacement right away. So it was very pleased about that.I was also pleased with the book. It, as with all of Lauraine Snelling‘s books I have read, is very well written and captivating. If you enjoy historical fiction, then this book, (and also The Red River of the North series), is for you.

I liked this book a lot, but it does have a lot of inconsistencies, in my opinion. The storyline itself is great, but I kept running up against things that distracted me. Ingeborg's younger brother Hjelmer, for instance. Apparently both Ingeborg and Roald had little brothers named Hjelmer. I noticed this in the original books, too. Ingeborg talked about her brother coming, and then when Hjelmer did come, he suddenly was Roald's brother. That REALLY confused me since, in one book, Penny gets mad at him for flirting with Katie at a dance (Katie was his sister, though he apparently didn't remember it). Another thing is Roald himself. He was a LOT more likeable in this book (I didn't like him at all in the first book -the only one he was in- of the original series) and almost seemed to be a different person. Her father was another puzzler. In the original series, she mentions in one place that her father was prone to getting drunk and finally was found in a snowdrift after one drinking bout. In this book, he doesn't drink much, but his brother does. And so on and so forth. Still, it must be very difficult to keep all these "facts" about people who don't actually even exist, straight. And since I, for one, couldn't write anything half as good as this series, I feel like giving her a break on getting everything perfect. It's a really good story, though sad in places, and well worth reading, even if you haven't read the series it's a prequel to. Get ready, though; if you haven't read the series, this book will make you want to!

The author does it again. A very good well written story of a young girl's life. Her mother wanting her to marry while she is just waiting for the right man. This book is about her life - the work they did to survice and why so many 'grew up' far faster than any kids today. Which is also why so many girls married very young and were considered spinsters if not married at 20 or later. I really enjoyed reading about all the things they did - cleaning, cooking, shearing sheep & preparing the wool to be used for clothing, raising hogs, chickens, cows, having a garden, etc - All to live & it was simply their way of life.She saves a young man's life with the help of her siblings and cousins and falls in love. But tragedy hits and she goes through deep heartbreak.This book is a Stand Alone book. And, yes, if you want to learn more of her story, you need to read the next book - which is another adventure and part of her life. Many of us have had things happen in our lives that took us in a different path - a path we never thought of - and that is how I view this story - Her Life and how it is changing.

I have to thank Lauraine Snelling for giving a bit of insight as to how Ingeborg Strand came to be married to the Roald Bjorklund of the early books in the RRN series. That was a mystery to me. Actually, Roald was a nicer person in the prequel, although we met the stiff and sober Roald in the series so briefly, we didn't form an attachment to him. Just as well, I guess..... She got HAAKAN! I wonder if there are going to be other books on the prequel side, telling us how the huge family rift I resolved.... (I'd like to know)I am also a bit curious about Ingeborg's brother Gilbert and his fiancée. There was a bit of mystery about that. There were several hints, and unfinished bits of story that made me wonder. Also....WHAT was going on with Ingeborg's mother??? I will always love Ingeborg....of the big series, but in this prequel, she hadn't become THAT Ingeborg as yet. I felt the introduction and hard work that all of the "seter" family went through to bring Nils back to life...and love, was wasted when he died so tragically. I wish his story had ended way differently. I would have rather seen him in love with Gunlaug, and Ingeborg get the lesson in lost love that Gunlaug got.....which would explain her acceptance of Roald a bit better.Oh well... I didn't write the book, and could never even hold the door for a writer such as LS. I love her series, and have read the RRN series more times than I can count. As long as I can read, I will take them out periodically. We lived in Bismarck for a short time, and some of our close friends are transplanted Norwegians. Love those hard working people. Love these books.

Deep and enthralling. Some unexpected turns. Not fairytale but wholesome. The heroine's genuine walk with her Lord is an inspiration. It certainly inspired mine.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Ingeborg's early life and how she came to be married to Roald. A welcome addition to the series.

Excellent, informative and interesting book. The historical perspective was intriguing. It kept my attention and was very enjoyable to read.

Loved reading about the beginning of this series particularly as I love Norway.

Not as good as expected.