"The Preacher's Bride" by Jody Hedlund

[reviewsbyerin]

This is the second Jody Hedlund book I have read, and I have learned this very important thing in the process: Do not start reading one of her novels unless you have time to sit and read it! She hooks you in and captures your imagination, and the fact that you don't know how the story wraps up will be ever-present in the back of your mind until you sit down and finish the book. All in the best possible way, of course! It's tortuous and thoroughly enjoyable all at the same time. Please tell me you know what I'm talking about.

This story is based on the life of John Bunyan, writer of Pilgrim's Progress, and his wife Elizabeth. We come upon the scene when John's first wife has died after giving birth to their fourth child. As well as supporting his family as a tinker, John's ministry is beginning to really take off. Rarely having time at home, the church leaders insist upon hiring a housekeeper to help manage his children and household affairs. Enter Elizabeth, a plain but outspoken young woman who is promised to be wed to another at summer's end. Elizabeth falls in love with all of John's children and fights for the life of the baby when many others think he is too weak to survive. She draws especially close to 8-year-old Mary, whose blindness allows her a deep perception into those around her.

John faces many enemies because of his preaching. The Anglican church frowned upon him because he was neither properly trained nor had obtained a preaching license. Those who would put a stop to his ministry decide to attack where it would hurt John most: his home, his children, and his housekeeper. Elizabeth must decide if the threats against her life are enough to make her step down from her position.

I read several reviews about this book that complained about finding John selfish and stubborn and hard to relate to. Although he certainly was stubborn, I thought his emotions came through just fine. He was a man under a call to preach at a time when it was illegal to do so unless you agreed with the doctribes outlined by the government. That's a hard place to be in. A passionate man, John's love for his family was very much part of who he was, even if the way he acted upon those feelings was misguided at times. Another complaint I've seen leveled against this novel was the portrayal of Elizabeth. I actually strongly related to Elizabeth, as a hardworking woman more likely to be steady in the background than flitting playfully in the center of attention. As her choices to be faithful in the ministry entrusted to her required more and more of her life and dreams to be taken away, my heart ached for her. I thought both characterizations were well done.

Though the author took some liberties with the historical account, as soon as I finished this novel I was online researching more about John Bunyan's life. That's the mark of great historical fiction. I really did enjoy this one and will continue catching up on Jody Hedlund's previous releases as I have opportunity. I'm happy there are many very talented authors in this, my favorite genre!