The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this New York Times best-selling story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the twentieth century, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland for a better life, determined to fulfill her mother's hope. Her formative journey takes her through Europe and eventually to Canada, where she meets handsome Niclas Waltert. But nothing has prepared her for the sacrifices she must make for marriage and motherhood as she travels to the Canadian wilderness and then to the dusty Central Valley of California to raise her family. Marta's hope is to give her children a better life, but experience has taught her that only the strong survive. Her tough love is often misunderstood, especially by her oldest daughter, Hildemara Rose, who craves her mother's acceptance. Amid the drama of World War II, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. But unexpected and tragic events force mother and daughter to face their own shortcomings and the ever-widening chasm that threatens to separate them forever.
Download and start listening now!
"Wonderful book! I was on the waiting list at the library and was glad when it came in. Then I picked it up and went "Whoa!" - it's huge! I don't normally read books that are nearly 500 pages long. I tend to lose interest after about 300 or 350 pages. But this book held my interest and I became very absorbed in it. It's the first of a two part series and I will definitely check out the second book when it comes out later this year. Good story, good characters, very sweeping :)"
— Stacy (4 out of 5 stars)
This well-told tale will have readers eagerly awaiting the story’s resolution.
— Publishers Weekly" It was a very good book, very detailed, including the letters she wrote, it was very sad at points, rough life for all, but very intense. Took awhile to read, very long book. Felt sorry for the girls in this book, they are the ones who were sad most of the time. "
— Denise, 2/17/2014" Such a good book! Really made me think about my own relationships and realize that there are always underlying reasons for the way people relate to one another. At the end of the book, the author shares some personal family history, which was woven through the story. "Love doesn't always come the way we hope it would be packed ... and sometimes we don't recognize love when it is given." "
— B.J., 2/6/2014" Like her other books this one grabbed my interest right away. I couldn't put it down. "
— Shelley, 2/4/2014" Great Christian novel about family relationships and how your childhood experiences affect you and your children, Focus is on mother-daughter relationships. "
— Sylvia, 1/22/2014" Not one of my favorites of River's books. Interesting story line. I was hoping for something more uplifting from previous experience with her books but found this to be very depressing at times. "
— Lesley, 1/18/2014" One of my favorite books! Must read Her Daughter's dream next. You'll be sad when they are done. "
— Holly, 1/18/2014" What I love the most about Francine Rivers books is she uses personal experiences to pen a story that grips the heart. In this story, relationship between mothers & daughters effecting the 2nd to 3rd generation. It is so important to have a balance between protecting and prodding them (daughters) to get out there and discover their own idendity! This book speaks powerfully to this. and looking forward to reading the next book. "
— Jeanine, 1/12/2014" Love this book and the sequel. Anything by Francine Rivers is great. "
— Jennifer, 12/29/2013" One of the best books I've ever read. "
— Laura, 12/17/2013" What can I say? It's Francine Rivers!!!! "
— Jenny, 12/9/2013" Really enjoyed the story of Marta and her family! Really uplifting, but the ending was wrapped up too quickly, so I'm looking forward to the sequel. "
— Annie, 12/7/2013" This book was too close to home. The daughter turned into another version of the mother with her emotional abuse. I was sad most of the time reading this book. "
— Annette, 11/10/2013" This was another great book by Francine Rivers. The characters were really well developed and you find yourself getting mad at certain characters and sad for others. I can't wait for the next book in the sereis to come out. "
— Amy, 8/4/2013" Wonderfully written!! Francine Rivers never disappoints. "
— Valerie, 5/2/2013" This book was pretty good, kept your attention and told a good story. As with pretty much all Francine Rivers, the writing itself is so-so. I like this genre though - I would call it "fictional family story telling." "
— Haley, 11/30/2012" Another great Francine Rivers book! I can't wait until the sequel comes out! "
— Alissa, 10/8/2012" I enjoyed it! Great story. "
— Jeanette, 7/24/2012" I am a Francine Rivers nut (Christian fiction). These are easy reading entertaining books. This one was good but nothing compares to her "Mark of The Lion" Series. With that said I still will read the sequel to this one... "
— Nellie, 5/6/2012" When this book was suggested by a friend I was hesitant. I like Christian fiction but wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I was absolutely amazed!! What a great story of history, mothers & daughters, families, generations!! Can't wait to read the sequel!! "
— Kelly, 4/4/2012" I was hooked in this series but also very sad while reading them...FR does that to me: lulls me in to the plot to be affected. but for some reason I was really ready to finish thus series to move on from the dark sadness of regret and misunderstanding. "
— Sally, 1/18/2012" This book literally changed the way that I parent. Thinking about how my "love" might be viewed by my daughter (or son) as different than what is intended, thought provoking. I have remembered pieces of this book over and over again. I think that Francine Rivers writes applicable fiction. "
— Holly, 12/5/2011" There was too much stuff the wade through that could only encourage people to sin. Too much in it was not anything that should be in a Christian book. This is the first half of one book broken into a mini series. "
— Mckenzie, 10/18/2011" Terrific writing as always by Francine Rivers. Thought provoking on whether our actions and words are perceived as we intend "
— Janet, 7/25/2011" Another excellent book by Francine Rivers. I loved Redeeming Love and this one is just as good. "
— Michelle, 7/10/2011" Another excellent read from Francine Rivers. I was glad that I already had the sequel on hand when I finished this one. "
— Megan, 7/7/2011" Historical, autobiographical fiction. WWI--excellent! Involving, encourages the reader to pursue more historical fiction regarding WWI! "
— Doris, 5/22/2011" Easy to read story that travels from Switzerland 1901 thru California 1950's. Character driven as it is a family drama based on the relationships between mothers and daughters of multiple generations. "
— Kim, 5/16/2011" Trully Amazing read and Her daughter's Dream,too beautiful. "
— Portia, 5/13/2011" This two book series was great. Love all the history and the portrayal of the mother daughter relationships. It left me wanting more. "
— Cherisse, 5/12/2011" This two book series is some of Francine Rivers' writing at her best. She has a way of entrancing the reader into the story and not ever letting go. I think I liked the second one slightly better than the first, but both were incredibly written stories! "
— Juanita, 5/12/2011" very good understanding of the characters in the book and makes one member of the family like another one. "
— Janet, 5/9/2011" Looking forward to reading the sequel. "
— Pamela, 5/7/2011" I am a big fan of Francine Rivers. She is a great story teller. This saga is about a girl who leaves home to make a life for herself. A life that takes her through many towns and countries. <br/> <br/>This is only part one of the story it continues in HER DAUGHTER'S DREAM "
— Pen, 5/3/2011" A bit too detailed for my liking and the end is left open for you to read the second in the series. Likable characters, strong women personalities. I particularly liked the references to faith in God. "
— Paulette, 5/1/2011" I am so thankful for my mother and the relationship we had. No secrets, lots of Love!<br/> "
— Linda, 4/22/2011Francine Rivers published a number of novels in the general romance market until 1993, when she released her first book in the Christian book market. The Mark of the Lion series has sold half a million copies, and her total book sales are over one million. Since then all of her books have all been bestsellers. She has won numerous awards and was named to the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1997.
Stina Nielsen is an actress and audiobook narrator. Her reading of Kevin Henke’s Junonia earned her a 2011 Best Voice from AudioFile magazine. She is the winner of three AudioFile Earphones Awards.