"The Preacher's Bride" Book Review

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Preacher's BrideBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)byJody Hedlund

MY REVIEW:

This book may be Jody Hedlund's debut novel, but it certainly bodes well for readers that this is only a beginning for her. A novel set in Puritan England, where details bring the characters and setting to life and the story line is wonderfully original. A headstrong Puritan young lady with a big heart steps in to find a wet nurse to save the life of a baby whose mother has just passed away. She has to go head to head with one of the woman leaders of the church who doesn't approve. Elizabeth eventually steps in as housekeeper for the widower who is often gone to preach in neighboring towns. She takes care of the children and while she is only doing the work of God, she ends up square in harm's way. Threatened by someone who wants John's preaching silenced, will they find the culprit before he does serious harm to Elizabeth or someone else...

I didn't realize until the end of the book that this is a "true fiction" book about John and Elizabeth Bunyan. Totally fascinating! Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction and Jody Hedlund brought this story to life!



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 In May of 2009 she double-finaled in the Genesis contest, a national fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW.Shortly after the final, Jody acquired an agent, Rachelle Gardner of Word Serve Literary.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.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Preacher's Bride, go HERE.