{{{GIVEAWAY}}}: The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund (Mom's Bookshelf)

Although my personal reading time is at a premium, I do enjoy well written fiction, especially historical fiction, as a way to unwind once in awhile. After reading Jody Hedlund's first book, The Preacher's Bride, based on the story of John Bunyan and his wife, I was looking forward to more by this talented new author. Recently I enjoyed her second title, The Doctor's Lady.

The Doctor's Lady is based on the story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries to the Nez Perce natives of Oregan. Narcissa was the first white woman to cross the Continental Divide, and Ms. Hedlund drew much of the story from her diary of the trip.

From the publisher's description:

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.

Just as with The Preacher's Bride, The Doctor's Lady captivated me. I stayed up late into the night to finish it, even though I kept intending to read "just one more chapter". I was thoroughly drawn in to Priscilla and Eli's world, and my emotions were fully engaged in the story. There's plenty of romantic tension, adventure, and inspiring faith, not to mention realistic and memorable characters. It's a very well-crafted, enjoyable, and at times heartrending, story. I highly recommend both The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride!

And, even better, I have a copy of The Doctor's Lady to give away to one of you! Here's the nitty-gritty on entering the contest:

Mandatory:

• Leave a comment telling me why you'd like to win the book.

Optional additional entries:

• Subscribe to Home With Purpose using Linky Followers or Google Connect (at the bottom of the page), Feedburner, Networked Blogs, or by email.
• Like the Home With Purpose Facebook page.
• Post about the giveaway on your Facebook page.
• Tweet about the giveaway.
• Display my button on your blog's sidebar.

Here's the fine print:

The contest will be open until midnight CST on Friday, March 9, 2012, and the winner will be announced by Monday, March 12th. A separate comment must be left for each entry. Winner will be chosen at random.

Disclaimer: I received two copies of the book free of charge, from the author and Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are solely mine.

Linked with Hip Homeschool Moms Giveaway Day.