Monday, August 17, 2015

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope #1) by Jody Hedlund













Title: Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope #1)
Author: Jody Hedlund
Pages: 348
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     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 review:

     This is an incredible historical romance!

     I loved both of the main characters, Emma Chambers and Patrick Garraty. They have both had a very hard childhood which has left them wanting a secure home and family. In reaction to his childhood Patrick made some very poor choices as an adult. Then when he hit a very low point he found God. Emma has drifted along life with her brother moving from place to place with no idea how to achieve her dream.

     At the beginning of the book they are thrust together out of necessity. The rest of the story is about their efforts to work together and build that family and home life that they are searching for. Before that can happen though Patrick has to face his past and learn the full meaning of God’s salvation and forgiveness. His journey to discover what that means is a wonderful reminder to all of us exactly what God’s grace and mercy is all about.

     I have loved lighthouses for years. The fact that the lighthouse is an integral part of this story captured my interest from the beginning. I am giving this book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

No comments:

Post a Comment