In Lena Nelson Dooley's Brides of Minnesota, the brothers of the Jenson family are the focus of an intriguing trilogy of novellas. In addition to hearing about each brother's experience finding a wife, we also learn about the challenges faced by Swedish immigrants in Minnesota.

The three stories are "The Other Brother," "His Brother's Castoff" and "Double Deception." I believe "Double Deception" is my favorite of the three stories.

Overall, the stories were enjoyable and consistent. Dooley did a good job of illuminating and describing the changes brought about by relocating so far to begin a new life. There was also a clear message of faith, which I always value. However, I thought the "tell not show" element of storytelling weighed down a lot of the narrative.

I liked the trilogy as a whole, especially since they were connected and focused on the same family.

You'll like Brides of Minnesota if you're looking for a book with a consistent theme running through all the stories.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review. ( )