Saturday 27 December 2014

Book Review: Love Unexpected

Cover Art

ISBN # 9780764212376

From the Back:

1859
Presque Isle, Michigan
What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?
All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she's left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He's just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other's dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

My Reflections:

Love Unexpected is the first novel in Hedlund's new series Beacons Of Hope. What a splendid start to a new series!

I must say that I absolutely love lighthouse tales, what is better than a story surrounding such a picturesque setting? Jody Hedlund recently released the novel Captured by Love which was quite good, but her newest book has certainly caught my attention.

This book is 345 pages of pure reading pleasure. I managed to breeze through the book in 2 sittings, the plot was absolutely engaging, I have to admit I stayed up well into the night because I was unable to put the book down.

Emma Chambers is a sweet and naive character, she seems real to life and would be someone you would want to tuck under your wing and mentor. Emma struggles with her self worth and abilities, or lack of..

After a hasty marriage of convenience she finds her role as mother and wife to be daunting, yet sweetly rewarding. Has Emma finally found the home she has yearned for? Will Patrick let Emma into his life completely, and reveal his horrid past? Will she ever find the deep and abiding love she craves? Or will Patrick's sins be too much for her to overcome?

Patrick Garraty has just buried his wife, thing is he can't watch his small son and keep the light on in the Lighthouse without a miracle.

When Patrick comes upon Emma and her brother after a pirate attack his miracle may just have washed up onto shore. Both have a need, and the logical thing seems to be a hasty marriage officiated by Holy Bill the traveling preacher. Patrick struggles with his growing attraction to Emma and the need to shelter her from the truth of his past. Can he court Emma properly without revealing his dark and hidden secrets?

Overall a truly fun book to read, Hedlund always incorporates romance scenes so eloquently. The development of the relationship is filled with tension and longing, yet in a tastefully written depiction. There is nothing offensive or lusty about her writing, such a nice balance of drama and character development. Well done! I sure am completely hooked, and cant wait for book #2. Wonder if it will be about Emma's Brother or Patrick's sister?

Book was provided free of charge from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review. Thank you so much Bethany House!




About The Author:

  1. Jody Hedlund
    © Sarah Davis Photography

    Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of seven novels, including Captured by Love, A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and The Preacher's Bride, winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence. She...
    Continue reading about Jody Hedlund

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