Title: The Doctor’s Lady
Author: Jody Hedlund
Release Date: September 1, 2011
Publisher: Bethany House
Category: Christian/Historical Romance/Fiction
Type: Paperback/Hardcover/Kindle
Book Blurb:
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
Book Excerpt:
The decisive step of boots at the doorway echoed through the silence.
Once again, Priscilla shifted in her pew. This time she took in the tall form of a broad-shouldered man. With the brim of his battered hat pulled low, she could see nothing but the shadowed stubble on his jaw.
A twinge of trepidation wove through her stomach.
His boot heels clunked on the wooden floor, and with each step forward, the thread
pulled taut until, finally, when he reached the front and turned to face them, her stomach was as tight as the stitches in her sampler.
With a flick of his finger, he tapped up his hat and gave them a clear view of his face. Blue eyes the color of a winter sky peered at them from a tanned, weathered face. “Forgive me, Reverend, for disrupting your service,” he said, not bothering to look at Reverend Lull. Instead, his gaze swept across the
congregation.
There was something intense and passionate in his eyes, something that spoke of adventure and of daring deeds about which Priscilla could only dream.
Mary Ann’s fingers dug through Priscilla’s gloves and pinched her tender skin. Priscilla absently patted her sister’s hand, wishing Mary Ann’s fear didn’t mirror her own.
Standing next to the savage Indians, the man seemed fierce— from the pistol at his waist to the scar that cut a thin white path from the corner of his left eye to his cheek. Who was this man? And what did he want with them?
Priscilla pressed the knot in her middle. Yet even as she tried to still her quivering, she couldn’t keep from trembling with the thrill of the unknown.
Favorite Dialogue:
Before she could move, he swooped her off his feet and into his arms.
“What do you thing you’re doing --- ?”
He juggled her weight and hefted her against his chest. “Just speeding things up.”
She sucked in a breath and wound her arms around his neck. The graceful curves of her body were every bit as soft and delicate as they looked, and he dragged in his own breath.
She peeked at the crowd. Her lashes fell as a rosy blush covered her cheeks. “Please put me down,” she murmured. “You’re causing a scene.”
“I like causing scenes.”
“Dr. Ernest, please.”
He grinned and strode toward the sleigh, his boots crunching in the frozen slush. “Besides, a man has a right to hold his bride, doesn’t he?”
“Not like this. Not in public. It’s uncivilized.”
“Who says I’m civilized?”
Review:
I have never enjoyed a Christian Romance so much as I enjoy Jody Hedlund’s books. This is the second novel for the author. Her first book, The preacher’s Bride, was a joy to read. I did not believe that she would be able to write a book more moving and inspirational that the first, but I was wrong. This little gem had me in tears. Eli’s slightly defiant nature also lends just the right amount of humor to the story. The book is an all around good read!
True to form, Hedlund created a work of fiction inspired by the true life of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. The Whitmans were a young missionary couple who traveled to Oregon, across the Continental Divide, in 1836 for the purpose of ministering to the Nez Perce Indians. The Whitmans did travel with another missionary couple, Henry and Eliza Spalding. Both Narcissa and Eliza were the first two white women to successfully cross the treacherous territory. Not only is the accomplishment of the women often overlooked, but their consistent state of perilous travel from both hazardous terrain and potential Indian attacks is also downplayed.
Hedlund, once again, has successfully intertwined truths with fiction to create a moving story highlighting the human will to follow ones dreams in a testament of faith and perseverance. This epic tale follows the journey of two people, Eli and Priscilla, who bravely embark on a journey to satisfy a calling placed on their hearts to spread the Word of God. Their journey begins with a marriage of convenience, forced by the Mission Board. Sometimes foolish and other times courageous, Eli and Priscilla set out to fulfill their dreams of ministering to others. Along the way, they just may get a bit more than they bargain for when the marriage of convenience becomes burdensome in their efforts to remain plutonic. Could it be that God has paired these two together for more than just ministering? I highly recommend that you read this book to find out! Their struggles and successes are nothing short of inspirational.
(book won on blog http://lacienezbeth.blogspot.com/ ; book provided by @jodyhedlund)
No comments:
Post a Comment
I lurve comments! Say whatever is on your mind; just keep it respectful. I am always game for a conversation. :)