Book Review - The Doctor's Lady By Jody Hedlund

I had read The Preacher's Bride By Jody Hedlund so I was eagerly looking forward to her next book. I was not disappointed!

The two main characters, Priscilla White and Eli Ernest meet in the most unexpected place and take an instant dislike to each other. She wanting nothing more than to be a Missionary in India and he wanting, as a doctor, to travel back to the Oregon country to open a mission to the Nez Perce Indians. The problem with both of their dreams is that neither one of them is married and that is a requirement of the mission board. So, having been told she cannot go to India as a missionary because she is unmarried, Priscilla enters into an agreement with Dr. Ernest to be his wife in name only. Now mind you, a large part of this arrangement was from the result of Priscilla's very pushy mother. Having been told years earlier by the family doctor that she would never bear children, Priscilla felt she would never marry. This arrangement seemed perfect, IF they could get along.

The trip across country from New York to Oregon in the early 1800's was a difficult trip at best for a man and had never been attempted by a woman. If anyone could make it, it would be Priscilla. Or would it? Travelling with another couple, a Preacher, who also happens to be the man Priscilla was supposed to marry before she got her devastating news, and his pregnant wife was not what any of them, except Eli had counted on.

Through the words of the author we travel right along with them, in deplorable conditions, a cholera outbreak, heartbreak, the joy, and fullfillment of finally reaching their destination. The author does a wonderful job of helping the reader to understand what it was like during those times to travel across country and we experience every painful, fatigue filled moment of the journey. There were many times during the journey when Priscilla wanted to beg Eli to send her back to New York but her resolve to see it through was strengthened by the glimpses he gave her of the feelings that were growing. There is a lot of sexual tension in this book and it only enhances the story. The author takes us through many opportunities for both Priscilla and Eli to let their guard down and let the feelings show.

There is pain, doubt, and love in this book but most of all the need to rely on God to see them through. And see them through He does. The ending of this book was somewhat expected snd parts of it were not. There is a big surprise in the Author's Notes at the end of the book which only made the story richer. I am so glad the author chose not to put the Author's Notes in the beginning of the book. I highly recommend this book as it is not only a good story but is rich with history.

Thank you Ms. Hedlund for a wonderful book and a look into what life was like in the early 19th century. I look forward to reading your next book!