Book Review: The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund

About the book: 

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 Rating:  5 Stars

My Review:
When I received the opportunity to read this novel, I jumped at the chance!  I had read so many wonderful things about Jody Hedlund's writing, that I knew I couldn't pass it up.  Within just a few pages, I knew that all of the 5 star reviews were right -- The Doctor's Lady is a story not to be missed!  And as the old saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover, well with this one you can.  The cover is one of the most gorgeous I've seen, and the story inside the cover is just as captivating; one that I won't soon forget.

With romantic tension, realistic characters, and plenty of action, there wasn't anything about the story that I didn't like.  The pacing was fantastic, with never a dull moment in sight.  And the romance?  Well, let's just say my heart skipped a beat on several occasions.  Jody has certainly impressed me with her ability to write an engaging, faith-filled story -- so much so, that I can't wait to read the rest of her work!

What I love about Priscilla, is that she's so easy to relate to.  I could identify with her on so many levels.  On several occasions in the book, I found myself thinking, "That's exactly how I would feel," or "That's just how I would respond!"  She has a strong desire to serve the Lord and to be a missionary, but she doubts her abilities when she's out of her comfort zone.  She knows that she's lived a pampered, sheltered life, and at times it leaves her feeling weak and selfish.  She's truly a wonderful character, and I really appreciate how Jody's portrayal of  Priscilla "walking out her faith," led me to examine my own heart.

I love the historical aspect of the novel, and how well Jody took the real story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and created it into a magnificent novel that explores all of the hope and heartache of westward expansion.  If you're a fan of this type of historical, I think you'll be very happy with one.  I loved every moment of this story, and highly recommend it! 

**Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**