"A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom (Apr. 1, 2013) by Jody Hedlund.*

For Annalisa Werner, the notion of marrying for love is as far-fetched as the fairy tales her daughter, Gretchen, loves so much. Her marriage is a loveless, empty one, filled more with what isn’t there than what is. When her husband dies, it’s as though he’s failed her yet again, for now she has to shoulder a house, farm and family all on her own. As her vater says, “Annalisa must have a new husband.” Preferably someone who is strong and dependable and is a hard worker. That’s all Annalisa thinks she needs in a new husband, because who ever marries for love?

            Her father sends a letter to his brother, Matthias, who still resides in the Old Country (Germany). He asks him to send Annalisa a groom. The young man Matthias chooses has to wait until he has enough money for the travel fare – which in 1881 meant a long sea voyage in steerage with “ship-sized lice” – so he sends another man ahead to serve on Annalisa’s farm until her husband arrives. He calls himself Carl Richards. He’s supposedly a former schoolteacher, but he uses big words and speaks such impeccable English that Annalisa can’t help but wish she were brave enough to ask him more about his past.

            Carl proves himself to be a hard-working and inventive man of the non-complaining variety. He’s also endearing, gentle, considerate and as handsome as any fairy tale prince. Gretchen adores him and Annalisa just might, too. But that’s one thing Annalisa can’t afford to do, knowing her groom could arrive any day. Besides, she has enough to worry about with trying to pay off the farm loan and keep it out of the greedy hands of E. B. Ward. And with the severe drought, the entire Forestville, Michigan, area is like a giant tinderbox, ready to ignite with the smallest spark. Despite the hardships befalling her and those around her, can Annalisa see that she is worthy of Gott’s attention? And that He has enough love for everyone?

            “A Noble Groom” is a Christian fiction, historical romance novel. It is a winning blend of faith, romance and crisis. It is fraught with the adversities and perils of the historic time, but conversely, it is also filled with devotion and the realization that His love is ever present, even during one’s darkest days. Hedlund’s prose is easy to follow and a pleasure to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed her wit. Lines such as “The room grew silent enough to hear the lice he’d caught on the ship begin their daily symphony in his hair” made me laugh, cringe and want to scratch the imaginary lice in my hair all at the same time. (Fortunately, head-scratching is not required to read this book!)

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”