Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund {Review & Giveaway}

About the book: All she's ever wanted was a home. But stranded at Presque Isle port after their steamboat sank, Emma Chambers and her brother, Ryan, couldn't be farther away from security. While Ryan at least can find work, Emma can't even find a place to stay. An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper, who recently lost his wife and is struggling to raise his young son, arrives in town. A traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems, and after a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger.

But nothing in her wandering life has prepared her for suddenly being asked to raise a child and keep a house. Struggling at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous.

My thoughts: As expected, Jody Hedlund has written another book to delight readers. The world and life for Irish immigrants in the Great Lakes region was one of poverty, risk, isolation, and danger. Marriage was often thrust upon folks for convenience and not for love. Women needed a husband to provide home and hearth and personal shelter. Children often lost mothers and marriages were arranged solely for the reason that the children needed a mother.

Emma lands in both of these categories. She needs a home. She needs a protector. And she needs to mother a motherless child - an adorable, lovable little boy.

The story has mystery surrounding the individuals and their past lives. There is the mystery of roaming and attacking pirates. There is the danger of suspicious neighbors. And there is the story of love. Love of a woman for a motherless child. Love of a man that blooms unsuspectingly for this woman providing a mother for his child. And there is faith. Faith of individuals in each other. Faith of a minister of God. Faith of a man once lost and now redeemed.

A good read. A safe read. A read you won't want to miss.

GIVEAWAY: The author has tucked away a copy for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win in this giveaway.  Begins January 5 & ENDS January 27 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by the author in exchange for a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.