Book Jacket

 

rank 1367
word count 85421
date submitted 26.04.2011
date updated 19.06.2011
genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fictio...
classification: universal
complete

Finally Home

Rebecca Riker

Escaping a Nazi prison camp, Karlijna finds shelter in Sweden. When danger follows, she must accept the help of a man she barely knows.

 

Karlijna Bergstrom, along with her family, was imprisoned to prevent them from hiding the Jewish people in their home in Belgium. Sixteen year old Karlijna watched the enemy tear her family apart and kill those she loved, expecting to share their fate. In a moment, one powerful word saved her from the gas chamber and she escaped to Sweden.
After finding work and making friends, she is again attacked – not physically, but by the lies of a jealous woman. Karlijna realizes the slander is costing her friends their livelihood due to her association with them. She has no option but to allow Michael, a young man she hardly knows, to send her to live with his parents in Minnesota.
Karlijna travels to America, hardly understanding the language, but trusting God will see her through. While living with Michael’s family, Karlijna continues to write to him. In doing so, she eventually realizes she has fallen in love with him.
Their path to love, however, is hindered by a former love, a covert operation gone wrong, and a heart unwilling to forgive. Only when they can both learn to follow Christ’s example of forgiveness can their lives be whole.

 
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tags

forgiveness, minnesota, world war ii

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30 comments

 

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Mr and Mrs Jones wrote 336 days ago

Chapter one is excellently written. Your MC is clear and gutsy (that is a word, no?) I will read on. This is, secretly, very much Richard's thing but he asked me to read it and I am glad he did.
I will continue and back as soon as shelf space opens up.
The history is poignant and accurate by the way. A touching subject dealt with sympathetically.

Starred.

Yvette Jones
Hysteron

JennyWren wrote 374 days ago

This novel is thoughtful with an intriguing plot, 'real' characters and content that challenges the reader to think.
The basic premise of this book will definitely hit home with many readers. A blend of sweetness, sadness and emotion, with characters who are living and breathing throughout the story. I know there are some very talented writers on this site who could probably give you some constructive criticism about “showing” and not “telling” but I found it to be an impressive debut novel and one to watch.

JamesRevoir wrote 348 days ago

This book is hard to put down.

Neville wrote 188 days ago

Finally Home.
By Rebecca Rika.


Off to a good start with this book…straight in with the tension and need to read on…very nice start.
It’s so important to draw the reader in as quickly as possible.
It’s the difference as to whether the book is sold, or gets put back on the shelf in the shop.
Your efforts should ‘ring the till’.
Sixteen year old Karlijna Bergstrom, a Belgian, risking life and limb by hitching a concealed ride on a German lorry…fraught with danger but necessary to escape the violence of war in Germany.
You give a good account of the fear that she goes through, trying to snatch a sleep, exhausted from lack of food.
Even as she escapes the lorry, she meets up with a stranger…Mrs. Polanski…can she trust her?
Well she has to. Fortunately all turns out o.k. as she’s given food from the meager rations of the Polanski family.
You can sense the fear of any non-German as you turn the pages of this excellent book.
Then there’s the boat trip to escape to freedom…more tension here as the boat makes for Sweden on a dangerous mission with escapee’s and children aboard…chancing their luck.
You have written a chilling, sensitive and interesting book, Rebecca.
It has a good voice and captures the reader’s attention throughout with its vivid detail.
I hope you do well with this…you certainly deserve it. Well done!!
Pleased to star rate your book highly.

Kind regards,

Neville. THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST – THE TIME ZONE.


Meduville wrote 296 days ago

Excellent Beginning... Caught my attention from the very moment... Good Luck...

dee farrell wrote 297 days ago

The beginning paragraphs do an excellent job of detailing the despair of this time. In another book by a Polish author he describes his country and his people as gray because the lifeblood had been drained from them. Your use of color says a lot in few words. This is a nice tight read and should do well. 6 stars

Dee Farrell
Warrior Heart

JBlood wrote 300 days ago

Now I have read the entire book. I like the story and the spritiual lessons it contains. The typoes and occasional opps with switching of names was distracting but over all a wonderful read. Thank you for this story. God Bless all your writing with His wisdom.

JBlood wrote 301 days ago

In chapter 6 when the main female character can't sleep she is stressing about her new job. However, the new job was explained in chapter 5. I think this is a little glitch. You might want to rework the not sleeping reasons a bit. Just a suggestion. Otherwise I am enjoying the story.

JBlood wrote 301 days ago

I've just started and so far I am enjoying this book. The last sentence in the first paragraph needs a little work. The flow of the story is smoother on the section of chapter 1 that focus' on Michael. I plan to read more later and will most likely comment later too. Good Work.

GangKid wrote 306 days ago

Always found the turn of events surrounding the World wars tragic and intriguing. You have blended great writing with a tragic concept which makes this a must read. Well done!

kattterpatter wrote 313 days ago

Hey,
So I stumbled upon here through your fanfiction and I have to say, I really dig this story. I literally plowed through the whole thing in one night, making me stay up til 4am (which wasn't the greatest idea since I have work at 8). Needless to say, I thought it was great. It's rare to find a non-cheesy/realistic Christian based story, so I was very thrilled to come across this. Though I do have to say that Karli showed very little emotion when she told Ellie and Sig about the camp. I felt something as large as that, especially something that happened so recently, would be more difficult for a teenaged girl to talk about. I also would have liked to have more of Karli's thoughts when her brother showed up. It seemed like he sort just popped in there and I felt like you could have made that scene bigger (sense it is). It felt very unimportant and rushed as did most of the last chapter. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story. It was really lovely and I hope you continue writing, because I would love to read more of your work.

Wendi wrote 315 days ago

This was such a wonderful story! You have a way with taking the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Wendi wrote 316 days ago

This is a fantastic story so far! I've laughed and cried several times up to this point, and am in all ways completely engaged. I don't want to stop reading, but if I don't, I won't get any sleep tonight!

Wendi

mfleming wrote 318 days ago

Looking forward to reading the whole story! I have placed you on my watchlist in the meantime. Keep writing!

Michele Fleming
"Ana Grace - A Heart's Journey"

Blessedmama wrote 321 days ago

Hello Rebecca,I really got tied up with the train journey which I thought was extremely well done,so i was rather disconcerted to be suddenly transplanted to London in 1942,but presumably there is a back story to explain this,but I think that is taking a risk,when the first section was so good. Would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel,'A Buccaneer' set amongst Pirates in the Caribbean in the 17th century,best wishes,Strachan Gordon


Thank you for taking the time to comment, but. . .what train?

strachan gordon wrote 322 days ago

Hello Rebecca,I really got tied up with the train journey which I thought was extremely well done,so i was rather disconcerted to be suddenly transplanted to London in 1942,but presumably there is a back story to explain this,but I think that is taking a risk,when the first section was so good. Would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel,'A Buccaneer' set amongst Pirates in the Caribbean in the 17th century,best wishes,Strachan Gordon

Blessedmama wrote 336 days ago

Chapter one is excellently written. Your MC is clear and gutsy (that is a word, no?) I will read on. This is, secretly, very much Richard's thing but he asked me to read it and I am glad he did.
I will continue and back as soon as shelf space opens up.
The history is poignant and accurate by the way. A touching subject dealt with sympathetically.

Starred.

Yvette Jones
Hysteron



Thank you for your review. I am glad you have enjoyed it.

This era seems to display the worst depravity of man as well as the greatest opportunities to forgive.

Becky Riker

Mr and Mrs Jones wrote 336 days ago

Chapter one is excellently written. Your MC is clear and gutsy (that is a word, no?) I will read on. This is, secretly, very much Richard's thing but he asked me to read it and I am glad he did.
I will continue and back as soon as shelf space opens up.
The history is poignant and accurate by the way. A touching subject dealt with sympathetically.

Starred.

Yvette Jones
Hysteron

Jinianne wrote 337 days ago

Good gripping story of how the survival instinct kicks in and often prevails. Nicely woven and told.

bunderful wrote 339 days ago

I enjoyed reading this - both of the narratives in the first chapter. I think you capture the characters well I would only add that it would be nice to see some more descriptive language and to try to steer clear of cliches. The story is so good and I feel like the language is a bit too simple - you tell the story well and pace it well and describe things well, but they could be described better - with more unique detail. But it is nonetheless a good read and a great story. I wish you luck with it.

- Rena

Kenneth Edward Lim wrote 341 days ago

Rebecca,
"Finally Home" tugs at the heartstrings as it follows the flight of a young girl across a war-torn Europe to seek succor from anyone anywhere because her family is no more. The prose is clear and uncluttered, the dialogue straight from the heart. Your imagery is vividly rendered with well-chosen descriptives, and emotional subtleties flavor the narrative. Thank you so much for the compelling read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Kenneth Edward Lim wrote 341 days ago

Rebecca,
"Finally Home" tugs at the heartstrings as it takes us across war-torn Europe in the POV of a young Belgian girl fleeing the Nazis to seek succor anywhere, from anyone who would take her. Your prose is clear and honest, your dialogue straight from the heart, giving the story a special appeal. Innocence and vulnerability threatened by mailicious gossip is a huge matter to be burdened with but Kalijna does so, showing a tough spirit behind her facade of timidity. Thank you so much for the compelling read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Blessedmama wrote 341 days ago

Nathan,

Thank you for your comments. They are so appreciated. I have an acquaintance who is a book editor. She did the first chapter for me, so, along with your comments, my first chapter has undergone some changes.

I can see why you would enjoy reading more description. The pictures you paint in your book are vivid. I do not always think that way, but I will be working to improve.

Thanks again.

Rebecca Riker

Nathan Maki wrote 341 days ago

Hi Rebecca,

Since you intend to go on reading my next couple chapters, and since I'm interested and drawn into your book I thought I'd read some more and comment. Here's my thoughts on Chapter 2.

“…community tub(.) ‘How far are we…’”

That was funny about her being Lutheran. :)

I find myself curious about Mrs. Polaski. She seems like just a normal old woman doing laundry, but then she knows all this about escaping to Sweden and is able to organize it and pull it off. Maybe you give her more space later on, but if not it might be fitting to give her a bit more attention here. She’s obviously a very remarkable woman, and even though her assistance is just necessary to move the plot forward, a bit more explanation of how she can do so much might be in order.

“the man travelled” “the man arrived” maybe a different construction besides “the man”? You could say “They arrived at their destination” instead maybe?

I think there’s more potential in the trip to Leba than how you’ve treated it here. You pretty well have scripted it in from the omniscient POV, but what if you were to get under the wheat sacks with Karlijna as they drive, the heat and discomfort, the worry as voices order them to halt, listening to the exchange of question and answer, the rustle as Mr. Krawiec produces his papers, the soldier’s footsteps as they come over, the truck tilting slightly on its shocks as the soldier leans in to inspect the cargo in the bed. Heart hammering in her chest. This is more than just a quick segue to Sweden and then Minnesota, it’s an opportunity to suck your reader in and make their hearts pound as well.

Personally, I love to see and smell and taste the world that a character is in. For instance, when they pull into the port city of Leba and she gets out of the truck and onto a boat, it would be nice to colour in that picture a bit more. It’s a port, she must be at the dock, let her hear the swells lapping at the pier’s pilings and smell the fish and the salty tang in the air, even before Mr. Krawiec pulls the sacks off of her. What is the boat like? Is it big or small? Old and rusty? Wooden? Sail boat or engine? No one is on deck? Is anyone around to see them boarding? Is she nervous that there might be?

I like the word play, “There was barely enough room for them to draw a breath. Karlijna thought they might have to take turns.” I wonder if a semi-colon between these two sentences would eliminate any confusion as to what turns she’s talking about by showing that the two sentences are closely related and she’s talking about taking turns drawing breath.

I’m a bit confused about the number of passengers on the ship. You say 2 men and 2 women plus 3 children, plus Karlijna, but when the crew asks how many are down there the man answers 6. Shouldn’t it be 8?

“For neither party was this a problem.” Bit of an awkward way of saying it I think.

Very nice ending to chapter 2, in journalism we would call that a “kicker.” A punch line so to speak, a powerful statement or image to leave the reader with. That husband and wife who were so awful and self-centred ended up captured. I like the fact that you don’t moralize about it, you just state it and leave it to the reader to make the connections and draw the meaning.

Overall, a very well-moving chapter that sees Karlijna cover a lot of ground very quickly. I think if you can manage to weave in a few more details and a bit more suspense this would be even better, but I’m following with the story and it’s moving, which is good.

I hope these comments help. Again, I don’t mean to be critical, just bouncing ideas around. I find sometimes comments from other writers help me to look from a different perspective and motivate me to rewrite a certain section to make it even better. I look forward to your comments on my chapter 2.

All the best,

Nathan

Blessedmama wrote 346 days ago

Nathan.

Thank you so much for your comments on my book. I do not find them too critical at all. I have enough people telling me everything I write is wonderful (my family is over-the-top supportive). I am eager for people to help me improve.
I am in the middle of reading three books right now, but I am definitely interested in yours.

Rebecca

Nathan Maki wrote 346 days ago

Hi Rebecca,

I can see why this book is one of the top-rated historical fiction on the site right now and I was excited to realize from your pitch that it's Christian historical fiction! I write in the same genre and love the WWII era almost as much as the Roman era that I cover in my book. I've only had time so far to read the first chapter, but here's my thoughts/comments/feedback that I had as I was reading through. I hope you won't find my comments too critical, I certainly don't intend them to be anything but constructive. Writing is rewriting as they say, and editing is a process that requires people giving you honest feedback. So here goes. :)

You twice use the word vehicle in the first paragraph. From the action it sounds like a truck, would it make sense to say that so the reader has a clearer picture?

“shadow of war that covered the entire earth...” nice word play!

“but now, in 1942,” but the title says April 1943.

“Shadows, passing as citizens slipped through the streets...” not sure about the wording here, seems to be a bit confusing?

“...before she was able to slip (off of) the end.”

“I need to get these bags (in to) the commandant, (not into)...”

After she jumps out of the truck you say she dropped to her knees...where? Just behind the truck? But the soldier said he was coming to unload the truck...wouldn’t she have wanted to run or crawl away to hide?

I didn't really have any critiques about Michael's part in the chapter, it all seemed to flow smoothly there and make sense.

I've given this 5 stars, and will back it as well. I believe in supporting other Christian authors, especially if I think their work has merit, which this does.

If you get a chance to take a look and comment on my book, A War Within, and support it as you see fit, I'd greatly appreciate it.

God bless!

Nathan Maki

Nathan Maki wrote 346 days ago

Hi Rebecca,

I can see why this book is one of the top-rated historical fiction on the site right now and I was excited to realize from your pitch that it's Christian historical fiction! I write in the same genre and love the WWII era almost as much as the Roman era that I cover in my book. I've only had time so far to read the first chapter, but here's my thoughts/comments/feedback that I had as I was reading through. I hope you won't find my comments too critical, I certainly don't intend them to be anything but constructive. Writing is rewriting as they say, and editing is a process that requires people giving you honest feedback. So here goes. :)

You twice use the word vehicle in the first paragraph. From the action it sounds like a truck, would it make sense to say that so the reader has a clearer picture?

“shadow of war that covered the entire earth...” nice word play!

“but now, in 1942,” but the title says April 1943.

“Shadows, passing as citizens slipped through the streets...” not sure about the wording here, seems to be a bit confusing?

“...before she was able to slip (off of) the end.”

“I need to get these bags (in to) the commandant, (not into)...”

After she jumps out of the truck you say she dropped to her knees...where? Just behind the truck? But the soldier said he was coming to unload the truck...wouldn’t she have wanted to run or crawl away to hide?

I didn't really have any critiques about Michael's part in the chapter, it all seemed to flow smoothly there and make sense.

I've given this 5 stars, and will back it as well. I believe in supporting other Christian authors, especially if I think their work has merit, which this does.

If you get a chance to take a look and comment on my book, A War Within, and support it as you see fit, I'd greatly appreciate it.

God bless!

Nathan Maki

JamesRevoir wrote 348 days ago

This book is hard to put down.

Pastor John wrote 350 days ago

The plot keeps making me want to see what the next peril is that the main character will face--and how she is rescued. The reader sort of has the feeling that Karlijna is going to eventually come out OK, but I find myself eager to cheer her on in the midst of all the challenging moments. I'm enjoying the book a lot.

harryanderson wrote 350 days ago

I love the book so far. I love Christian fiction "love stories" and this is a good one!!!!

JennyWren wrote 374 days ago

This novel is thoughtful with an intriguing plot, 'real' characters and content that challenges the reader to think.
The basic premise of this book will definitely hit home with many readers. A blend of sweetness, sadness and emotion, with characters who are living and breathing throughout the story. I know there are some very talented writers on this site who could probably give you some constructive criticism about “showing” and not “telling” but I found it to be an impressive debut novel and one to watch.

Blessedmama wrote 380 days ago

I enjoyed what I have read so far. The character development is great and you have kept my interest.



Thanks so much. I can't believe how excited I am to get a comment. Woo hoo!

eric.swanson wrote 380 days ago

I enjoyed what I have read so far. The character development is great and you have kept my interest.

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