The Preacher's Bride

Here is yet another story of strength and fearlessness through Christ, in the face of severe difficulties.  (Funny side note here...no matter how many times I have read this title, I still want to say The Preacher's Wife!  Duh?!  What's my problem?!  I think I'm broken...)

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

I fell in love with Hedlund's writing after I read The Doctor’s Lady.  I immediately ordered The Preacher's Bride, and waited (quite impatiently, I might add) for it to arrive at my door. It came by way of UPS and no one saw me for the next 24 hours.  OK, not really—but I did spend every spare moment reading it.  As with The Doctor's Lady, this book is based on truth--I just love that!

If you are a mother, (and even if you are not…) the first pages will tug, violently at your heart, and you will not be able to stop reading!

Elizabeth Whitbread is a sweet, caring, and unassuming looking woman, who feels that God is leading her to take care of John Costin’s children, in the wake of his wife’s death.  (Let me say quickly here, that I had no idea about this time in England’s history, and I was SO fascinated!  Wow. You will simply love this time-period!)

John Costin, the leading man, believes it is his mission to spread the word of God, no matter how he is threatened or abused.

As his grief over his wife’s death passes, John begins to fall in love with Elizabeth and sees her as the perfect companion for him.  She is already deeply in love with him—for his faith, his strength, his determination and not to mention dashingly good looks!  *sigh * Love it!  But the obstacles they face are almost too oppressive to bear.

There is a wonderful rescue scene in this book…I dog-eared the page, so if I just wanna go back and read that part I can. (teehee...)  I have been found, numerous times, reading that particular part with a big, silly grin on my face.  It’s at those moments my husband knows I must have had a particularly stressful day chasing my kiddos around.  So, wisely, he let’s me finish, before he asks what we are having for dinner.

Your faith will be strengthened when you read this book, no doubt.  Enjoy!

Happy Reading!
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A Bride Most Begrudging

Let’s face the facts, shall we?  I’m not a writer. *Gasp*  I’m an even worse speller. *Double gasp*   Hopefully that part will remain hidden from your notice thanks to spell-check.  (Spell-check, I bless your name.)  So why then, you ask, do I want to have a blog?  I will remind you, dear reader, that I am doing this merely for my own enjoyment and having you along with me is an added benefit.  So please be kind in your reviews of my reviews.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

What can be said about such a book?   If you read only a few HCRs in your lifetime this really has to be one of them. A Bride Most Begrudging is truly fabulous!  Let me just say—hello, romance!!! It won a Christy Award so you know it’s gotta be good.  Here you will find the perfect blend of everything—character, storyline, Christian message—it’s got it all!  For some reason I was reluctant to read it.  That happens to me sometimes when a book is so highly rated or so popular with a particular group that I get nervous that maybe for some reason I won’t like it as much.  This did not happen at all!  It was love at first read. 

The time-period in which the story takes place is original, and truly magnificent—you’ve heard of the pilgrims? It’s pretty much that. Early (very, very early) America. Love it! I am, as you know, extremely partial to the Wild West, but this book made me forget my need for Stetsons and calico.  Gist is gifted at bringing the story together quickly, instead of taking forever to get things going, so within a matter of a few chapters you simply don’t want to put it down!

Constance is a beautiful, red-haired, freckled-covered girl taken against her will to the Americas.  (Want to know why?  Read the book.  Teehee) She is sold as a wife to a man named Drew O’Connor.  Swoon!!!  Give me a second to compose myself….  OK.  I’m OK.  Now, neither of them are keen on the idea of having to be married, but it must be done.  The course of the book takes you through the journey of their relationship as a couple, but also through their individual relationships with God as they deal with the trials of life.  There is A LOT of excitement, and if you don’t shed some tears, I have some serious concerns about you as a human being.

All the characters are enjoyable and learning a bit about that time in America's history was also very enlightening.  This book really delivers on all levels!!

Happy reading!

Buy it!