A Fantastic Read- Jody Hedlund’s The Preacher’s Bride

I’ve been slow to post recently, but I hope to get back on track. I am once again home and in the whirlwind of getting my house back in order and ready for the holidays! I can’t believe it is already the end of October, where did my summer go?  No matter, because fall is my favorite time of year and I will enjoy the cooler temps and autumn colors.

I have to brag now on a fantastic book I read by debut author Jody Hedlund, The Preacher’s Bride.  Most of you know her, but those who don’t let me tell you something,she is one amazing lady.  She inspires me as she is also a homeschooling mom and yet makes sure she has the time to write.  And write well.

First a confession. I haven’t read too many books in which the plot and characters are centered around a Christian theme, especially historical. In fact, even though I tend to write from a Christian angle, I have been worried that a book considered Christian fiction might not hold my attention.  I thought the romance would not be steamy enough, the plots too boring.  I have no idea where I came up with these theories because Jody’s book is NONE of these. I knew she was a fantastic writer, I just thought maybe it wouldn’t be my type of book. Wrong again!

I’ve picked up a lot of books over the years from new authors and many times the first few books they write are good, but lacking. The talent is there, but it’s not quite honed.  So imagine my surprise when from the very first sentence of Jody’s book she had me hooked.  I read without any of the “writer” thoughts going through my head of , “Well, the wording could be better” or “The plot is going a little slow” or “Hmm, that character is a little weak”.  I just kept reading Preacher’s Bride and my “writers” brain was in awe. 

The characters come alive, the plot keeps you turning the page and well, lets just say that the romance between the two main characters is anything but boring.  It’s a beautiful story of faith and love, one that left me up way past my bedtime to finish. 

The back cover sums it up wonderfully:

No matter the sacrifice, Elizabeth Whitbread would serve a wounded family.
No matter the danger, John Costin was determined to speak God's word.
Neither expected to fall in love.

It’s a book you won’t want to miss reading and it leaves me waiting for her next one.