Reviewed by ~Mary
How could The American Board of Missions cause so much trouble?
Priscilla White is sure of one thing if nothing else; she is going to India to teach as a missionary. When Dr. Eli Ernest charges into her church one Sunday Morning and asks for support for his domestic mission-to help the Native American Nez Perce tribe-it begins a tug of war between Priscilla and Eli regarding which mission is most important. When they both realize that The American Board of Missions will not allow either one to minister unless married, it presents a dilemma, and the only conceivable answer in Eli’s mind is to marry Priscilla for convenience so that he can make it to Oregon Country and begin his life’s calling. For Priscilla, her only opportunity for mission work is to accept Eli’s hasty proposal for a sham of a marriage, and teach in Oregon Country instead of third world countries. Although not an ideal arrangement, they both commit through ceremony only and embark on their journey out West.
Along the way, they contend with traders with less than honorable intentions, disease, death, a former beau of Priscilla’s and harsh traveling conditions. As they travel, he carries extra baggage from his childhood and she carries a secret that haunts her on many occasions. By the time they see the sun set in Oregon Country for the first time, they have arrived different individuals with different ideals. And there are surprises that I would love to reveal, but will not.
The Doctor’s Lady is a novel that was hard for me to initially connect with, but by the 6th chapter, I was hooked. It was an even sweeter treat when I realized it was based on a true story. Hedlund is detail oriented as a writer but has a gift of attending to those details without bogging the reading experience down. She has found her writing style and improves with each book. If you liked The Preacher’s Bride, I can guarantee you will love The Doctor’s Lady.
Paperback: 378 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764208330
ISBN-13: 978-0764208331
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
