Library Journal Top Pick author Lynn Austin has garnered an unprecedented number of Christy Awards for brilliantly crafted historical gems, including A Proper Pursuit. In this sweeping saga, three Swedish sisters endure an 1890s Atlantic crossing, an Ellis Island detention, and various other trials as they struggle to find love, faith, and home. First came their mother's death. Then their father's suicide. For orphans Elin, Kirsten, and Sofia, life stretches on like an endless winter. When circumstances become unbearable, they write their Chicago relatives, desperate for a safe haven. Soon the three find themselves among the huddled masses bound for America-the promised land of dreams and second chances. Yet amidst the hardships of their journey, these brave young ladies determine to let nothing stop them from reaching a place they can call home.
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"This book about three Swedish immigrant teenage girls was a very good read to me. I am of Swedish descent, and my grandfather immigrated in the late 1800's. Another thing I liked about the book is that it kept me wondering if the issues were going to be resolved before the end of the book! It did meander a bit in the later chapters, but was wrapped up nicely. I will definitely be exploring this author."
— Alma (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book is about immigrant sisters from Sweden, and their unwavering love for each other through all the hardships that befell them as they tried to find a new home in America. Great historical fiction. "
— Debby, 2/20/2014" This was an enjoyable book but I wish it would have gone on further into their lives. "
— Lisa, 2/14/2014" This was a novel I just finished for my book club. It was a slow start for me as I found the beginning to be a bit slow and repetitive. However, I grew quite fond of the three sisters in this novel and my interest grew upon reading about their tribulations upon reaching Ellis Island. The themes in Austin's work are heartwarming and I especially appreciated them as we are approaching the holiday season. "
— Jennifer, 2/9/2014" I could hardly wait to return to these characters each evening. I had never read Lynn Austin before, but, I believe, I've found another favorite author! "
— Karen, 2/4/2014" It was not easy to come to America for these three sisters. My own grandmother had to walk without a limp even though she was in great pain just to get past Ellis Island. "
— Jane, 1/27/2014" I absolutly LOVE this book! Wow, Lynn Austin is like, my most favorite author now. She is really talented in creating and blending several full characters into one story. This one has so many twists and turns and grips you from the very start. It's adventurous, suspenseful, emtoional, not super romantic, and really weaves God in in a personal way. This is a MUST READ! :) "
— Omi, 1/21/2014" The book got off to a great start...then it became a sermon. The message was to "Have faith in God". I don't mind religion in books, but this was overkill in my opinion and overshadowed the story which could have been great. Sometimes less is more. "
— Shawna, 1/18/2014" I really liked this book.. Love reading historical fiction and learning about life back when they had so little. Clean, interesting, a great story line and kept me wanting to read... "
— Jill, 1/13/2014" A fun, easy read set at the turn of the century "
— Brenda, 1/8/2014" I really enjoy all of the books I have read by Lynn Austin. I really like historical fiction and these books don't have to much cheesy romance in them. "
— Jeanna, 12/22/2013" A lovely Christian story about 3 sisters coming to America "
— Naomi, 12/15/2013" A sweet and rewarding story. Not as compelling as the previous books I read by her, but still a fantastic book that has stuck with me. "
— Karen, 11/25/2013" Very good book, yanks on the emotions makes you truly were in there shoes. "
— Jocelyne, 10/2/2013" awesome book. first one i read about traveling to the US through ellis island, in the slums of the boats. a great book. "
— Melanie, 9/29/2013" Top 10 of 2009. Wish there was a sequel "
— Kim, 9/16/2013" i loved this book, it was about family, about the immigrations into Ellis Island years ago and it got me thinking about my own ancestors. "
— Cathy, 5/14/2013" Sweet, charming historical Christian romance. Predictable, engaging, and fun. "
— Aleisa, 5/3/2013" I enjoyed this Christian historical fiction, but it was too predictable (and thin) for me to give it four or five stars. If you enjoy Christian fiction and want to learn more about the Swedish immigrant community around 1900, you'll probably enjoy it, too. "
— Joanna, 3/5/2013" I loved this book. A triumph and love story between sisters coming to America from Sweden. I love it when a author reminds the reader how important family is. "
— Rosina, 2/10/2013" Loved this book! Feel like I know the characters personally! One of my favorites! "
— Laura, 11/18/2012" I wish they had half stars....I would add another half of a star. I like books by Lynn Austin...they have good stories and they revolve around important times in history. It made me think deeper about those immigrants coming to America for a piece of the American dream. "
— Celeste, 8/5/2012" I loved the depth of the characters. At first I was completely fustrated by them but as they matured and grew up, I came to appreciate them. I love stories of immigrants,and this one was definately good. The writing was decent; it could have been improved but for modern writing it is fine. "
— Natalya, 5/3/2012" I don't think there's a book of her's that I don't like. "
— Faith, 4/21/2012" I liked this book! It was a very good read. "
— Whitney, 1/26/2012" This was recommended on another reading website that I frequent. I read about 100 pages and couldn't finish it. I am not a fan of either Christian or historical fiction and this was both. I think the writing style would be more appropriate for a very young person. "
— Jeanne, 9/2/2011" I found this book ok but didn't like it as much as others by Lynn Austin. This one is about 3 sisters who immigrate to America from Scandanavia to escape an abusive situation and begin new lives. "
— Lisa, 5/15/2011" A "happy" Austin book. I usually have to read her books with a box of kleenex. This one was definitely a lighter mood. "
— Laura, 4/25/2011" Top 10 of 2009. Wish there was a sequel "
— Kim, 4/17/2011" I really liked this book.. Love reading historical fiction and learning about life back when they had so little. Clean, interesting, a great story line and kept me wanting to read... "
— Jill, 3/7/2011" I wish they had half stars....I would add another half of a star. I like books by Lynn Austin...they have good stories and they revolve around important times in history. It made me think deeper about those immigrants coming to America for a piece of the American dream. "
— Celeste, 1/20/2011" I listened to this book via audio. It was a little slow at first but once they got in America I really started to enjoy it. This was not quite half way through. Made me very interested in exploring more about Ellis Island and immigration. I great historical novel. "
— Debbie, 1/15/2011" This book is about immigrant sisters from Sweden, and their unwavering love for each other through all the hardships that befell them as they tried to find a new home in America. Great historical fiction. "
— Debby, 1/11/2011" Fun book to read considering my last name. Bylin is Swedish. My great grandparents went through Ellis Island and lived in Chicago. This book brought them to life. "
— Victoria, 1/5/2011" Three sisters, Elin, Kirsten & Sofia, from Sweden immigrate to the USA, Chicago area. "
— Fran, 11/7/2010" This was an enjoyable book but I wish it would have gone on further into their lives. "
— Lisa, 11/6/2010" This was recommended on another reading website that I frequent. I read about 100 pages and couldn't finish it. I am not a fan of either Christian or historical fiction and this was both. I think the writing style would be more appropriate for a very young person. "
— Jeanne, 10/11/2010" My Favorite Austin book and wish she'd do a sequel "
— Angela, 9/12/2010Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie.
Ruth Ann Phimister has appeared off Broadway and in numerous regional productions, including Life with Father with Robert Reed. She has also worked in television, film, and commercial voice-over.