Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson and her ward, Ruth Forsberg, arrive in Iowa to claim the boardinghouse Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. While Amalia looks for her long-lost brother, her relationship with an attorney unfolds as she and Ruth navigate through love, loss, and unexpected friendships.
From Norway to America, they must strive for resilience amid unpromising new beginnings.

On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.

As Amalia and Ruth fight for their new home, a trail of orphans shows up on their doorstep, and Amalia makes a promising friend in Absalom Karlsson, the magistrate's son. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting of trials.

This Christian historical romance from Lauraine Snelling transports readers to frontier America, exploring themes of new beginnings, resilience, and faith. For fans of Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson.