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22 January 2015

Noela Nancarrow reviews LOVE UNEXPECTED by Jody Hedlund

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, Book One)
Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

 Love Unexpected’ is an enchanting historical romance that unfolds on Presque Isle, Michigan in 1859, shining a light upon the rich history of the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the woman who became a Keeper there. It’s also a captivating tale of pirates and shipwrecks, the community of a small fishing village, and finding unexpected love and hope amidst tragedy and hopelessness.

When Emma Chambers and her brother are stranded on Presque Isle, Emma finds herself penniless and homeless. A traveling preacher who has just helped the local light-keeper Patrick to bury his wife, brings the two together as the solution to the now-widowed father of a small boy, and the destitute Emma. Inexperienced Emma is suddenly mother to a strong-willed child given to tantrums, as well as a wife with no domestic skills to an imposing albeit kind man. All she had ever really wanted was to have a home and family of her own, but as Emma begins to listen to gossip and dire warnings, along with her own suspicions mounting, it seems like her life might once again become capsized.  


I was extremely impressed at how deftly the author was able to express the frustrations and other emotions of the characters. Their fears, doubts, and longing for love and acceptance squeezed and tugged at my heart. Sublimely written, the very soul of the relationship between Emma and Patrick was tender yet intense, and dripping with romantic tension. And incorporated in ‘Love Unexpected’ was possibly the finest illustration and enlightenment on the pitfalls of gossip that I’ve ever read, illuminating a snare that has damaged or sunk many a relationship. ‘Love Unexpected’ is a beautiful and intriguing story that captures the reader right from the exciting onset!
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Available for purchase at these stores and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM, and Book Depository

GIVEAWAY: Author Jody Hedlund is generously giving away a copy of Love Unexpected to one blessed commenter!!


30 comments:

  1. What an amazing review, NOELA!!! You captured the very essence of this book so beautifully. It's a wonderful story and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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    1. Oh I always look forward to Jody's books as well! Some authors ALWAYS write exceptional books... And Jody Hedlund is one of those writers. I love having that faith in authors.
      Thanks for your kind words, Diana. :-)

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  2. Noela, what a great review! I love Jody's books. I cannot wait to dive into this one.

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    1. Regina, I guarantee you'll love this one too! :) Thanks!

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  3. NOELA, thank you for the wonderful review. I would love to read LOVE UNEXPECTED. :)

    Blessings

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    1. Here's hoping you get to read it sooner than later Caryl!! :) Thanks!

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  4. I have been wanting to read this one since I have heard of it. Noela Nancarrow your review of LOVE UNEXPECTED by Jody Hedlund is excellent. I'll bet you enjoyed it alot. Your review really captures the essence of the story. I sure hope to read it soon.

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    1. Thank you Deanne, and you're right... I absolutely loved this story of Jody's!! I hope you get to read it soon too! :)

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  5. This does sound like a beautifully written story. Thank you for your review.

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    1. It truly is a beautiful story Mary, one that fully sweeps you up and into the lives and hearts of the characters. You're welcome, and thanks!

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  6. Love the cover of this book, as well as the title! Yes, love does 'come unexpected' at times. Thank God!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Haha yes thank God for love unexpected, but then He is the God of love isn't He! :) I agree Susan, it's a gorgeous cover, and it perfectly captures the characters and feel of the story.

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  7. Love Unexpected is just the type of book I love to read. That it is authored by Jody Hedlund is an extra bonus. Thanks for the great review and the giveaway.

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Pam!! And I hope you get to enjoy it very soon! Blessings!

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  8. NOELA this is an absolutely amazing review. Makes me want to run and grab this book and put it on my ever toppling TBR stack. ;-) I can't believe I haven't read all of JODY's books yet; I need to remedy that in a hurry!! lol

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    1. I can't believe you haven't read all of Jody's books either, Teresa!! :) If I were you, I'd go find them all and place them at the very top! I love that with Jody Hedlund's books, you can be assured of an incredible read that enriches you in every way. Thanks btw for your kind words!

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  9. Love you review, Noela - thank you!!

    SO many things to love in this book, also. Your use of the word intense and mention of the characters longing for love and acceptance tugging at your heart - drew me in. Sounds like such a personal story and yet, isn't love and acceptance what we all yearn for?? Can't wait to read "Love Unexpected"!!

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    1. Thanks Bonnie! You know, the part that you mentioned was what stood out to me the most. You could literally feel the longing... And you desperately wanted the characters to find their happy ending! You'll so enjoy this story when you get to read it Bonnie, and yes we all do yearn for love and acceptance... Which I guess makes it very relatable.

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  10. Thank you for the wonderful review. I love the cover of Love Unexpected and I know I will love the story.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You will indeed Melanie!! :) Thanks, and I so agree about the cover!! Bless you!

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  11. I have a great fascination with lighthouses and this book sounds wonderful!!! Would love to read it. Hope I win! Rhonda
    nashhall AT aol DOT com

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    1. I wish you all the best with your entry then Rhonda! :) This book has a wonderful description of the lighthouse and it's workings which you should thoroughly enjoy!! Not to mention a FABULOUS story surrounding it. God bless!

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  12. Hello sweet friend. You wrote another great review. I have tried to win it but haven't yet. I love the cover and sounds like a great story also. Hoping to win of course, as are many. :) GOD bless my OWG girls.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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    1. Thanks sweet Maxie! I SO hope you get to either win or read a copy of Love Unexpected soon, it is such a wonderful story! God bless you Maxie!!

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  13. what mom isn't captivated by a woman and a waif? :) mandn(at)wisper(Dash)wireless(dot)com

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  14. Exactly! Thx for coming by Mandy! :)

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  15. Jody Hedlund's books are always excellent! Thanks for your review- I'm definitely looking forward to reading this one!

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    1. Thanks and you're welcome Heidi! I concur 100% that Jody's books are always an excellent read!! :)

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  16. Oh my, your review has certainly whet my appetite to read Jody's new novel! :) I love stories with children in them, too. Thank you for the great review and for offering the free book! Be blessed, every one!

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    1. Thank you Caryl, and blessings upon you as well!! This truly is a wonderful novel and the child character was extremely well-written I thought.

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