Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

From the publisher:
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.
____________________________-

Jody Hedlund is a master writer of historical fiction.  She takes pockets of history, little known history, and creates an intriguing story for readers to enjoy. I love reading her novels and don't want to miss a single one. 

You won't have to wait pages upon pages to feel drawn into this story, the first pages will have you into the lives of Emma and her brother Ryan as they journey.  

I really liked how Jody Hedlund wrote Emma's character.  A sweet and beautiful soul who wanted nothing more than a home.  She was not a complex character but one who the reader will feel bonded with.  Patrick's character is more complex but his gentleness with his son will capture the reader.  

While this book does not preach on each page, the theme of God's redemption and new beginnings is throughout the story.  Hedlund also touches on the idea of prayers and answered vs. unanswered prayers through the conversations of the characters.  

There is a novella prequel to this book "Out of the Storm" which I highly recommend reading.  It will give additional insight to a certain part of this story, but if you haven't read it, you will still be able to thoroughly enjoy this story.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.