Forever My Own

Prodigal sons learn valuable lessons in the pleasing second installment of Peterson’s Ladies of the Lake series (after Destined for You). It’s 1871 and 20-something Swedish immigrant Kristin Hallberg is visiting her grandmother, Lena Segerson, for the first time in many years. Eleven years before, Kristin’s older brother, Domar, had been shunned from their Swedish village and left for America, but his ship sank. Only faith helped Kristin survive the grief. So when Domar shows up at Lena’s house, Kristin is shocked to learn he’s alive and that he let his family back home think he was dead. Now, he begs Kristin to keep his secret as well. Meanwhile, Domar’s best friend, Iliam Farstad, has a difficult relationship with his father, Habram, who is in love with Lena. Kristin is determined to help Domar fix his relationship with their family as well as help Iliam forgive his father, though Iliam, even if he’s fond of Kristin, does not appreciate her meddling. Only by trusting in God, acknowledging the truth, and offering forgiveness will these intertwined families be able to heal old wounds and move forward. This feel-good story will delight fans of faith-filled historical romance. (July)