MY REVIEW:
Judith Miller has been one of my go-to authors for a number of years. I know I can count on her for a good historical romance with well researched facts and often subjects not covered in high school history class. “The Chapel Car Bride” did not disappoint. What an intriguing idea for a story about a railroad chapel car that was moved to mostly inaccessible towns as a means to spread the gospel! I was totally unaware of the practice.
As I can always expect, the story was very well written with an interesting premise and fairly well-rounded characters. Set in the hills of West Virginia and touching on such subjects as the hazards of coal mining, treatment of the miners by the mining companies, producing and running moonshine to supplement low wages as well as details about the chapel car, the book had plenty to keep it interesting. A bit of conflict, danger, and romance added extra dimension. It is probably not necessary to add that a strong thread of faith holds it all together.
I enjoyed “The Chapel Car Bride” and continue to look forward to any and every book this author releases.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she’s thrilled at the chance to accompany him. While accommodations in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn’t be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has hit hard times and is suspicious of outsiders.
Luke Hughes works for the coal mine when he can, but the struggling company doesn’t always offer steady work. When Reverend Irvine and Hope arrive in town, Luke is intrigued by what the reverend can teach him–and by the lovely and kind Hope.
When Hope’s desire to bring supplies and Sunday school classes to neighboring counties leads to her traveling with a flirtatious young mine manager, Luke is hard-pressed to suppress his jealousy. But when he begins to suspect the manager’s motives are less than charitable, can he prove it without hurting Hope, or worse, putting her in danger?
Read an excerpt from “The Chapel Car Bride” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judith Miller is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her family make their home in Kansas. Learn more at www.judithmccoymiller.com.