"Love Unexpected," by Jody Hedlund

"Love Unexpected," by Jody Hedlund

1859

Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she's left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He's just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other's dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

The one thing I liked about this book was all the twists and turns and secrets.  All is not what it seems and it was like peeling an onion, trying to get down to the next layer.  This was also one of those situations where you hear something and get the wrong impression about something.  For those reasons it was a good book to read and it kept you interested.

Emma was a lovely character, and you could feel her longing to provide a good home for little Josiah and give him the love of a mother.  Patrick had many hidden layers as well that once they were peeled back made you want to go up and hug him.  

I found it interesting about the historical side of this story.  You can read more about it in the authors note at the back of the book.  This book is loosely based on Mary Chambers Garraty who along with her husband Patrick did settle on Mackinac Island and became lighthouse keepers on Presque Isle in 1860.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 This is the first book in the Beacon's of Hope series, which are based around lighthouses.  Jody as always wrote a great book and included a lot of interesting facts.  I always enjoy her books and this one wasn't any different, enjoyment wise.  Well worth the read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".