ABOUT THE BOOK:
Michigan,
1880
Annalisa
Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way
and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She
needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone
strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something
she's given up on.
So
her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find
Annalisa a groom.
Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher---or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.
Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher---or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.
With
time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's
admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming---unlike any man she's ever known.
But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her
true groom may arrive any day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The
Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the
2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist
for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home
in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing
from readers on Facebook and on her blog.
Find
out more about Jody at http://jodyhedlund.com/
MY REVIEW:
This was another wonderful book by Jody Hedlund!! I love her books for the rich descriptions, the deep historical information, and just the fantastic writing!
This book is about German imigrants living in Michigan, farming under harsh conditions. Just as harsh are some of the marriages of the young women - especially Annalisa and her sister, Idette. After her husband's death, Annalisa's father writes to his brother in the old country asking him to send over one of her cousins to marry her. Marriages are arranged with no regard for love - just hard work.
Carl has to flee Germany for his life and, with the help of his manservant, he ends up at Annalisa's father's. He agrees to help Annalisa until her cousin can arrive to help her. Unlike the other men, Carl is kind and caring, even to the children. Carl and Annalisa grow more and more attached. Unfortunately, their backgrounds are too different and there will soon be a husband for Annalisa anyway.
There are a lot of scary situations that they have to deal with. A violent man who wants Annalisa's land, fire, lack of water, and other situations. Just when you think things are going to go smoothly, something else happens. I found myself angry at the unjust situations of some of the people - especially the women - but then I would find myself in tears over something else that was touching and sweet. I especially liked the faith of Carl and how he taught Annalisa about a loving God rather than the harsh God or indifferent God that she saw. His faith was just a normal part of his day and I loved how it was so real and easy to understand.
This is an excellent book! If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll love this book! I actually felt sad when the last page was turned and I sat the book down. The characters were like old friends by the end of the book.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
You can read more reviews of this book HERE
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