Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family's income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth. Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her. Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she ...
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Eighteen-year-old Astrid Bjorklund has always dreamed of becoming a doctor. She had intended to study medicine in Chicago or Grand Forks, but when a disaster wiped out a major portion of her family's income, Astrid stayed home instead, receiving hands-on training from Dr. Elizabeth. Joshua Landsverk left Blessing two years ago, but he's never forgotten Astrid. Returning to town, he seeks to court her. Astrid is attracted to him, and when the opportunity unexpectedly opens for her to go to Chicago for medical training, she finds it difficult to leave. Love blossoms through their letters, but upon her return to Blessing, she makes a heartbreaking discovery. Will she have to give up love to pursue her dream;
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When I first started reading A Measure of Mercy, I wasn?t sure if I was going to like it or not. There was an initial sequence (in the first chapter) that took place in the Blessing hospital that was quiet compelling and very well done, but after it, the book kind of lagged for a little bit and I put it down for a week or so.
When I came back to the book, I read the remainder of it without stopping!
After a chapter of two of contemplating, Astrid begins to make decisions and take steps in her life that lead to some really moving moments within the story.
A Measure of Mercy really emphasizes faith and demonstrates the works that are such an important part of a true Christian lifestyle. Trust in God and keeping a close ear on His callings is key in the plotline, and this book very honestly explores the thoughts of someone who is unsure about what lies ahead.
I LOVED the ending of A Measure of Mercy ? it reminds of the peace that comes to us when we have made a tough decision and have felt the burden of deciding leave us.
I can?t wait to read the upcoming releases in the Home to Blessing series!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review. This does not influence my opinion of the volume.
squiresj
Nov 10, 2009
Inspirational Historical Fiction
Astrid is working at becoming a doctor. She has struggled with decisions about whether to go to Chicago for further training or not. She finally makes the decision and goes. She almost did not go because of struggles dealing with losing a patient and a baby. She questions God as all of do if we were honest. Her struggles with decisions and her faith is something we all can relate to.
Joshua Landsverk comes back to Blessing because he remembers Astrid. He joins the community and struggles with his need to forgive his father and finding himself.
I loved the story of Benny, a homeless boy leaving on the streets. It was amazing how God worked to find the perfect parents for him. Also an Indian child is left in Astrid's parents barn during winter storm and she is so starved. Astrid's parents take her in and raise her as family.
What I found interesting about this book was the struggles Astrid, Joshua and all the characters in the book had to deal with. We can all relate to something in this book. However at the end I was disappointed that the story ended but it is as life is. One adventure ends and another begins. So because we do not know what happened, we have to hope for another book. All of us face the future not knowing what decisions to make and struggling with those decisions hoping we are making the right ones. A good read.
