Love Unexpected

Author: Jody Hedlund
Publication date: December 2, 2014
Series: Beacons of Hope #1
Pages: 348
Genre: Historical, Romance, Christian
Synopsis: 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 Factor (How much I loved it):
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My Opinion

I have been eye-balling this book at amazon for a bit now since my local library didn’t have the kindle version for me to loan. So one day on a whim, I purchased a physical copy to try it out since I’ve read a couple of Jody’s other novels an I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it within 1 1/2 days.

I thought the little boy on the cover was a perfect model for Josiah. I could just imagine him grinning and laughing like how he did in the book. I also thought she wrote him perfectly well – testing Emma, making messes, and throwing temper tantrums when he doesn’t get his way.

Patrick was an enjoyable character. I loved how he always called Emma ‘lass’ but yet again I like when any male character calls the female one that. Also what I found amusing is when Holy Bill suggested Patrick to court Emma – to woo her to gain her affections – which he was clueless and didn’t know how to go about it. Another favorite part of the book was the picnic scene, I thought that was so cute how Patrick was playing opossum so Emma would continue stroking his face and hair.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading Jody’s other novels and patiently await her new releases.