The Doctor's Lady

GIVEAWAY!!!

HEDLUND, JODY
THE DOCTOR'S LADY

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 Review:

Rich in historical detail, The Doctor's Lady is based upon the real life adventures of the first two women to make the treacherous journey West. Both were lady missionaries. That fact alone made me sit up and take notice but Hedlund's story-telling abilities held me spellbound.

This has the flavour of Laura Frantz with a dash of Little House on the Prairie thrown in. The breadth of the story is riveting, especially since I had the feeling that I was experiencing history first hand -- and with it an abundance of emotions. There were times when my blood just boiled -- especially over supposed Christians who funded missions to the 'heathen' nations, glorifying their conversion at the hands of the missionaries even as they rejected these new Christians as unfit to associate with because of the colour of their skin!

Eli and Priscilla's relationship is complicated and exasperating and heart-palpitating and even tender at times. Their emotional journeys -- both individually and as a couple -- are at the heart of The Doctor's Lady. He is a tad jaded, hardened by life experiences. She is wide-eyed with wonder and fervor and definitely unprepared for the seamier side of the western trek. Both grow and change during the course of their journey -- Eli softens, Priscilla toughens up and they find a new strength when they unite together.

Giveaway Opportunity:

If you would like to win a copy of The Doctor's Lady please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  Please put the book title in the subject line. This Giveaway is open internationally. Winner will be announced on Sunday September 25. Good luck!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".