The Preachers Bride by Jody Hedlund
October 2010 by Bethany House
Paperback, 384 Pages
Review Copy
Book Synopsis
In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher--whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family. Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child--and man--she's come to love....(CFBA)
October 2010 by Bethany House
Paperback, 384 Pages
Review Copy
Book Synopsis
In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher--whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family. Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child--and man--she's come to love....(CFBA)
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Preacher's Bride, go HERE.
Review
Elizabeth Whitbread is a young puritan woman who favors doing right by God and right by her peers. When Mary Costin dies shortly after childbirth she leaves behind, her young husband John and four small children. Elizabeth being drawn to the dying infant Mary just birthed tries to intervene, she is met with coldness and indifference by the woman in charge of the newborn and learns that a wet nurse will not be found. Determined to save the child she seeks the help of a vagrant woman named Lucy, even though it is against puritan ways the baby's only hope of survival is a woman who's milk is considered "bad white blood".
Admired by her deed, the church board recommends her to be John's housekeeper and nanny. Although making enemies with an important but puffed up woman in the community worries Elizabeth, its not enough to turn down helping John and his kids.
Without so much as a glance after Elizabeth takes over, John wraps himself in his work as an independent traveling preacher and shuts himself off as he begins to heal from the loss of his wife. He's under constant strain as grief and persecution bear down on him and during the course of Elizabeth’s care taking, John and her can't seem to get things straight between them. Everything seems awkward and uncomfortable, she truly wants to help and he thinks she is there to entrap him in marriage, something he has no interest in. Watching the relationship form between John and Elizabeth was hilarious yet very innocent. Elizabeth has no qualms speaking her mind to John, yet seeing him shirtless about sends her running for the hills….poor puritan woman…can you imagine if puritans could see the way people dress today…they would surly pass out or die of freight!! Months go by and against anything Elizabeth can control she falls in love with John and as the environment around John becomes more hostile to give up preaching, the persecution soon transfers to Elizabeth. She’s threatened, beaten and almost killed before John finally realizes how much she means to him. Does love stand a chance…..even with persecution, betrothed mates and poverty…..? Only God knows.
Admired by her deed, the church board recommends her to be John's housekeeper and nanny. Although making enemies with an important but puffed up woman in the community worries Elizabeth, its not enough to turn down helping John and his kids.
Without so much as a glance after Elizabeth takes over, John wraps himself in his work as an independent traveling preacher and shuts himself off as he begins to heal from the loss of his wife. He's under constant strain as grief and persecution bear down on him and during the course of Elizabeth’s care taking, John and her can't seem to get things straight between them. Everything seems awkward and uncomfortable, she truly wants to help and he thinks she is there to entrap him in marriage, something he has no interest in. Watching the relationship form between John and Elizabeth was hilarious yet very innocent. Elizabeth has no qualms speaking her mind to John, yet seeing him shirtless about sends her running for the hills….poor puritan woman…can you imagine if puritans could see the way people dress today…they would surly pass out or die of freight!! Months go by and against anything Elizabeth can control she falls in love with John and as the environment around John becomes more hostile to give up preaching, the persecution soon transfers to Elizabeth. She’s threatened, beaten and almost killed before John finally realizes how much she means to him. Does love stand a chance…..even with persecution, betrothed mates and poverty…..? Only God knows.
I love the historical age of the puritans, to see how they lived simple but hard working lives is so intriguing. I cant imagine doing the daily work of a puritan woman...(I think Ive grown very accustomed to my stove and energy efficient washer/dryer)....with all the washing, cooking and cleaning. The religious persecution they went through was no doubt horrific yet at the same time fascinating to see their courage and rise to freedom. Jody Hedlund has presented an incredible story based on real life events, with heartbreaking sadness and tremendous hope. Be swept away by the 17th Century and the tale of love, while you walk within the harsh realities of life for the puritans, the vagrants and desperate people wanting to be free to worship God in their own way and daring to dream for it.
Rating
Suitable for most readers and recommended to anyone who loves romance and historical fiction. Content includes: Violence, domestic abuse, death and religious persecution.
5/5- Christian-Historical Fiction
Thanks to Bethany House via the CFBA for review copy
5/5- Christian-Historical Fiction
Thanks to Bethany House via the CFBA for review copy
About the Author
Jody has written novels for the last 16 years (with a hiatus when her children were young. In May of 2009 she double-finaled in the Genesis contest, a national fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW.Shortly after the final, Jody acquired an agent, Rachelle Gardner of Word Serve Literary. Her agent spent the summer of 2009 working on selling her books. In September of that year, Jody signed a three-book deal with Bethany House Publishers. Jody’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride, releases in Oct. 2010. Her next book will release in 2011 and a third in 2012.
WOW, a strong plot
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for a fantastic review, Tina!! Even though I've written the book, your review makes me want to go out, buy it, and read it all over again! :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm adding a link to your review to my website!
Blessings,
Jody Hedlund