Love Unexpected...Review

About the book:
All she's ever wanted was a home. But stranded at Presque Isle port after their steamboat sank, Emma Chambers and her brother, Ryan, couldn't be farther away from security. While Ryan at least can find work, Emma can't even find a place to stay. An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper, who recently lost his wife and is struggling to raise his young son, arrives in town. A traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems, and after a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger.

But nothing in her wandering life has prepared her for suddenly being asked to raise a child and keep a house. Struggling at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous.

Emma and her brother are shipwrecked at remote Presque Island on Lake Huron when their steamboat is attacked by pirates. Patrick Garratty has just lost his wife, and as keeper of the lighthouse is in need of someone to help care for his son. Penniless, Emma and Ryan must find work which Ryan is able to do. When that proves difficult for Emma, a well-meaning preacher steps in and suggests Emma and Patrick marry and be the solution to each others' dilemma.

Emma suddenly finds herself married to a man she doesn't know. Having never learned how to cook or keep house and having no experience with children, she is thrust into a unique situation. As she and Patrick learn to live and work together, she discovers that he has secrets.

Emma is sweet and wants so badly to please Patrick and be a good mother to Josiah. Patrick has worked hard to overcome his criminal past and begins falling in love with Emma.

I found myself frustrated with the supporting cast, especially Bertha. What a seriously unlikable woman. I wanted to shake Emma for confiding in Bertha, but I also realized that Emma had no other woman with whom to be friends and even an antagonistic person like Bertha is welcome when there are no others.

I've never been to Michigan and it still surprises me at the size of the Great Lakes. That they are big enough to need lighthouses is fascinating. Jody's gift for history is terrific. I love her author's notes at the end and the historical accuracy with which she tells her stories.

When I know a new Jody Hedlund book is being published, I get a little giddy. I adored Love Unexpected.

Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Jody Hedlund here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 12/14

* * * *
4/5 Stars

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