Review: Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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.

My Review

Seriously loved this first book in the Beacons of Hope series! I have a new favorite to add to the "marriage of convenience" list. Emma is so humble and so sweet. As a mother to a precocious toddler, I completely related to her struggles with Patrick's son Josiah. I felt the author realistically portrayed the joys and hardships of motherhood. Emma's trust and faith in Patrick humbles him and heals many past hurts and betrayals. I loved their developing relationship as they worked together and supported one another. There is an underlying feeling of tension and suspense with pirates on the loose, disturbing the communities along the shore and threatening ships on the great lake. The plot steadily progresses to a climax of dangerous action and with Patrick's past finally revealed, Emma's choices affect more than one life on the island. The main spiritual themes of choosing to follow God and accepting His forgiveness are thoughtfully portrayed. Once again I read the series out of order so it was a real treat to see Emma's brother Ryan more carefree before the war and the trials he faces in book two, Hearts Made Whole. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)


Be sure to check out the other wonderful books in the Beacons of Hope series:

Out of the Storm (FREE prequel novella)

Hearts Made Whole (book 2)

Read my review here

Undaunted Hope (book 3)

Read my review here

 

Forever Safe (book 4)

currently reading- review coming soon!