Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A Writer's Review of “The Doctor's Lady" by Jody Hedlund

Okay, like I said-- I requested to review The Doctor's Lady  for Bethany House strictly on the principle that Jody Hedlund's first book (The Preacher's Bride) was so well-written. I also made the point to read the "Author's Note" at the end of the book first-- so I would know beforehand whose lives the book was based upon.

The answers to this question is: Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the first white missionary couple to travel and serve as witness to the Washington/Oregon area in 1836. Knowing this, and specifically that there were a few scenes taken straight out of Narcissa Whitman's journal, was nice to know before reading the book. When I came to those scenes in the book, they meant more to me.

There was nothing I didn't like about this book. It had everything. Well-developed characters, believable emotional conflict... and lots of tension. And of course, being written by Jody Hedlund, it was incredibly well-written. I love the fact that Eli Ernest and Priscilla White were encouraged to get married simply so they would both be able to minister to the unreached people-groups on the other side of the country. This is actually something I've always wanted to write a book about--and is part of the plot of my third book. I think that was one reason I was so excited to read this book. :)

I'm looking forward to meeting Jody Hedlund at the ACFW Great Lakes Chapter Writing Conference in Jackson, MI on November 19th. It's just a small one day conference, but I am really looking forward to going.

I give The Doctor's Lady 5 STARS. It was truly one of the best historical romances I've read all year.

Dawn

2 comments:

Katie Marie said...

The Doctor's Lady is my favorite historical I've read this year. Wow, it was just so awesome! And I know what you mean--if it's written by Jody, you know it is well written. She is SO talented with words, drawing you right in. Loved it!!

Katie Marie said...

Btw, be sure to check out my post today. You won two blog awards on my blog. Read the post for details on how to accept the award. :-)

http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-more-awards-d.html