// Love Unexpected // Beacons of Hope // Book #1
By Jody Hedlund
{Review by Bethany}
Publisher: Bethany House
Source: Review copy provided by the author
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2014
Number of Pages: 348
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
{Review by Bethany}
Publisher: Bethany House
Source: Review copy provided by the author
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2014
Number of Pages: 348
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
// Author Website //
// Purchase on Amazon //
// Book Synopsis //
Taken from Good Reads
Taken from Good Reads
"A Perfect Blend of History and Romance, with a Whisper of Mystery
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."
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."
// Bethany's Book Review //
Love Unexpected, the first book in the Beacons of Hope series, is a tender story of hope and redemption. Charmingly set in Michigan by the sea and lighthouses, this sweet story is a heart- warming one that is sure to delight and inspire.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the setting and characters. There is just something very calming about lighthouses; and the tenderness of the storyline combined with the backdrop made for a very pleasurable read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While reading this book, I could almost feel the sea spraying on my face, and feel the wind blowing my hair. I easily got into the story and connected with the characters. The story was so sweet and endearing, and I loved reading Patrick and Emma's story.
Each of the characters were meaningful, and I'd have to say that my favorite was Patrick's son Josiah. I've always particularly enjoyed stories where the story has a young child, as it really helps bring the characters personalities out. I think this was especially true for Patrick and Emma. Josiah had such a huge part in bringing out the other characters personalities, and I loved seeing him in the story and the warmth and humor that he brought into the novel. I also admired Patrick's character. He was such an honorable person, and I loved learning more about him as the story progressed! The mystery aspect of his past kept me turning pages!
The story was very easy to get into, and had a nice mix of tender romance with a hint of mystery. The story flowed very consistently, and there weren't any dry bits that hindered the reading experience. The story line itself was masterfully written, and I loved seeing how the themes of love and redemption came out.
Hedlund's writing style is so easy and fun to read, and I loved how she combined a sweet story that is interesting, with historical bits that added even more to the story. I loved how the story was loosely based on a true story of a light-keeper. I always enjoy stories that are based on real events as they make learning history fun and memorable, and this story is no exception!
In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of sweet historical fiction! I eagerly await book number two in the Beacons of Hope series!
D I S C L A I M E R :: I received a complementary copy of Love Unexpected from the author and publisher, for the purpose of this review. I was not paid to promote this book, and all thoughts expressed are completely honest and unbiased.
KINDLE FREEBIE ALERT! Interested in the Beacons of Hope series? If so then you should check out the free e-novella prequel to the series, Out of the Storm, available for free on Amazon HERE! I really enjoyed this quick read, and would recommend it if you are interested in reading Love Unexpected or looking for a good weekend read! If you are interested in hearing my thoughts on the novella, then check out my short review over on Good Reads.
