by Jody HedlundPublisher: Bethany House
Release Date: Sep 1, 2011
Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
Priscilla White knows she'll never be a wife or mother and feels God's call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God's leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
My Review:
I really loved the beginning half of the novel, but towards the end it really slowed down for me. I didn't feel like the romance was developing enough. And so much happened, it seemed to hop from event to even really quickly.
I enjoyed the start of the book very much, before they started their journey west. Priscilla was downright unlikeable, but I really liked the author's choice to portray her this way. She was so sheltered and close-minded at the beginning, we were really able to appreciate her growth so much more.
I really appreciated the fact that the story was based on the true story of a real life heroine. I was glad the author showed us a little of the real doctor's wife's story in the author's note at the end. Ironically, some of the stranger plots from the story were ones based on true events!
Main Characters: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Bottom Line: I think this will appeal to fans of American pioneer stories as well as fans of sweet romance.