Whistlestop Book Review: "The Preacher’s Bride" by Jody Hedlund

“We must protect the children”

The Preacher’s Bride is an engaging, skillful narrative. The intriguing cover drew me in, and as I read I was immediately transported and immersed in the day to day lives of the Puritans of 17^th century England.  Some reviewers have erroneously hinted that The Preacher’s Bride takes place in America in Amish country. 

Set in the framework of the rancor between English Royalists and the Puritans, the book’s message is that enduring faith, children and family trump persecution.  I was unable to put the book down until I learned the fates of John Costin, a tinker “called to mend souls not just kettles,” and his housekeeper.

Elizabeth Whitbread, the heroine of this refreshing Christian historical romance, is a compassionate, persistent and perceptive young woman bent on protecting and nurturing the children of the recent widower. “My conscience before God will not allow me to stand idly by,” says Elizabeth.  

Author Jody Hedlund is particularly adept with dialogue and has the gift of swiftly moving her plot along.  Her personal experience as a mother of five has evidently enabled her to delve easily into the fanciful, innocent world of children.  Her young characters literally jumped off the page into my heart.  Particularly impressive is the characterization of Mary, the blind eight-year-old, whose sixth sense is clairvoyant and prophetic.  

The Preacher’s Bride is a page-turning tale that will keep you engaged. Kudos for enthralling storytelling about the wife of John Bunyan. Highly recommended Christian Historical Fiction and not restricted to Christian audiences.

©2010 Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont

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