Book Review - Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

It is 1859, and Emma Chambers and her brother Ryan just survived a shipwreck off Presque Isle, Michigan. Though thankful to be alive, Emma is uncertain about her future. Holy Bill, the local circuit preacher, suggests a solution to her dilemma – marry widower Patrick Garraty and help raise his two-year-old son Josiah. Emma agrees, but soon second guesses the wisdom of her hasty decision.

As Patrick deals with his wife Delia’s recent passing, he knows he cannot care for his son and tend the Presque Isle Lighthouse. While grateful for Emma’s help and apparent affection for Josiah, he wrestles with how much of his past he should reveal to Emma. Delia’s cousin Bertha suspects something is amiss in Patrick’s past and doesn’t hesitate to spread rumors about him.

Patrick offers Emma a home, something she has always wanted. She delights in this, yet is frustrated with Josiah’s strong willed personality and her lack of cooking skills. Patrick and Emma form a quiet friendship, one however, that is threatened by Patrick’s past and Bertha’s vicious rumors.

Love Unexpected is a sweet story, full of historical detail and genuine characters. I enjoyed watching Patrick's and Emma’s relationship develop, as well as how their challenges helped shape their character. It was interesting to learn the inner workings and the importance of lighthouses, especially during this period in American history. I also enjoyed the tie in with Jody’s novella, Out of the Storm. While one does not need to read it to understand Love Unexpected, there is an interesting connection between the two.

Jody’s stories never fail to entertain, educate, and share the gospel with readers. This heartwarming story is Book One in the Beacons of Hope set. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Buy Love Unexpected here

Visit Jody Hedlund here






What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen