Finding humor, faith, romance, history, wilderness and forgiveness, I was not disappointed as my expectations from this author were met. Reading anything and everything that author Jody Hedlund writes, though I missed the first book in The Bride Ships series, I definitely enjoyed Book 2, The Runaway Bride, which worked just fine as a stand-alone. Forced to decide between character and society expectations, Arabella must make some hard choices which could impact her future and her heart… Taking place during the Smallpox epidemic of 1862, not only do the men clash over Arabella but also over the prescribed treatment of the involved tribe and their own associated societal-class positions. Vowing to protect herself as well as her heart this time, she soon is sought after by two men, Lieutenant Richard Drummond, a man of the Navy, and Peter Kelly, a baker. Running from a past which scarred her emotionally, upper-class member Arabella Lawrence finds herself on a bride-ship from England to Vancouver Island. Bloomington, MN: Bethany house Publishers. The Runaway Bride: The Bride Ships- Book 2.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.Hedlund, Jody. This heartwarming story is Book One in the Beacons of Hope set. Jody’s stories never fail to entertain, educate, and share the gospel with readers. While one does not need to read it to understand Love Unexpected, there is an interesting connection between the two. I also enjoyed the tie in with Jody’s novella, Out of the Storm. It was interesting to learn the inner workings and the importance of lighthouses, especially during this period in American history. I enjoyed watching Patrick's and Emma’s relationship develop, as well as how their challenges helped shape their character. Love Unexpected is a sweet story, full of historical detail and genuine characters. Patrick and Emma form a quiet friendship, one however, that is threatened by Patrick’s past and Bertha’s vicious rumors. She delights in this, yet is frustrated with Josiah’s strong willed personality and her lack of cooking skills.

Patrick offers Emma a home, something she has always wanted.

Delia’s cousin Bertha suspects something is amiss in Patrick’s past and doesn’t hesitate to spread rumors about him. While grateful for Emma’s help and apparent affection for Josiah, he wrestles with how much of his past he should reveal to Emma. Emma agrees, but soon second guesses the wisdom of her hasty decision.Īs Patrick deals with his wife Delia’s recent passing, he knows he cannot care for his son and tend the Presque Isle Lighthouse. 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. Though thankful to be alive, Emma is uncertain about her future. It is 1859, and Emma Chambers and her brother Ryan just survived a shipwreck off Presque Isle, Michigan.

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund