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.

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund
Published November 25, 2014 by Bethany House Publishers
Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction/Romance
Format: e-book from Netgalley for review; 353 pages
Also By This Author: The Preacher’s Bride, The Doctor’s Lady
Goodreads | Amazon | Author’s Website
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Thoughts:

I actually read this book back in February and I hate that it’s taken me so long to publish this review! Love Unexpected is the second Jody Hedlund book I’ve read (the first being The Doctor’s Lady), and I genuinely enjoyed it. The characters were easy to sympathize with; Emma is desperate to find a home while Patrick is a widower needing someone to care for his son. Their relationship stems from convenience and practicality, but it develops into much more than that as they help each other emotionally and spiritually.

There is tons of drama in this novel, and it’s a little racy as well, especially for Christian fiction. But the characters have real qualities and are each longing for purpose, love, and redemption.

Read This Book If:

…you love stories about redemption.
…you enjoy books that take place by the sea (Patrick is a lighthouse keeper and it consumes most of his time), especially historical fiction.
…you appreciate characters with real struggles and flaws.
…you like reading books about second chances and fresh starts.

“God’s already let go of your past. He doesn’t remember it. He doesn’t count it against you. Now it’s time for you to let go, too.”

Final Musings:

As far as Christian Fiction goes, this book was a little racier than most. But if you enjoy romances that are grounded in faith and you don’t blush too easily, Love Unexpected is an enjoyable novel that will warm your heart.