Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

What is the secret that could shipwreck both of their lives?

All Emma Chamber 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 get 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 rumour about the circumstances surrounding his late wife's death. It seems as if her wish for a home and a family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

Review: What an excellent read! I've read two of Jody Hedlund's books in the last three days. I am still shocked - and rather disappointed with myself - that I haven't been reading her works all along. The silver lining in just discovering her now is that I get to go back and read the rest of the books she has already written.

Hedlund's latest work, "Love Unexpected", is a beautiful love story situated by the stormy waters of the Great Lakes. Emma Chambers has had a rough life. After her mother starved to death in Ireland, her father barely managed to keep his son and daughter alive through stealing and other awful things. Emma's been on the run or moving almost her entire life, and all she dreams about his having a home of her own. She wants a husband, babies, and a place where she can place pretty things in the windows and plant a garden outside. 

Her life never takes the easy route, however, and a dramatic shipwreck at the hands of pirates lands her in the strong, life-saving arms of the light keeper. Having given up on prayer after the death of her mother, Emma doesn't realize that God is still looking after her.

Meanwhile, Patrick has been keeping the light at the Presque Island lighthouse for a couple of years now. He loves his job, and can't believe that a man like him, with the brutal past he has, could have such a favourable life. He has his light, he has sin beloved son, and he has is Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. After the tragic death of his young wife, Patrick is faced with loosing either his job or his son, and he's frantic to find a solution. 

God answers prayers in interesting ways, and Patrick certainly didn't expect the answer to his prayers to wash up out of the cold sea. 

I really loved this book. It is written exceptionally well, the principles in it are so wholesome, and Patrick is a Godly, outstanding man whose faith is very admirable. This is a story of redemption, forgiveness…and as I'm beginning to expect from Jody Hedlund - passionate love. I highly recommend this book.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group"