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3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable read with an engrossing story and well-written characters. I liked the fact that the author did not shy away from the real difficulties experienced on a wagon train, especially since this book is based on a true story. I did, however, have an issue with some of the repetitious phrases used, such as the main character, Priscilla, constantly "sucking in her breath." Overuse of this phrase made me think Priscilla was very melodramatic and it didn't fit well with her developing fortitude as the story progressed. ( )

I was pleased to find out that this story was based on real people. Although they didn't call it the Oregon Trail yet, these people were breaking ground for all the men and women who would later pioneer to the old Northwest. Jody paints a bleak picture, but Priscilla is determined to not be a burden. They never pointed out that going to India would have been difficult as well, in different ways, but I think that wasn't the point. I will continue to seek out reading more of this author's books. ( )

Wonderful book! I love to read fiction and find out it was based on a true story! As with The Preacher's Bride, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were very "3D" as I like to call them. The struggles and conflict were all believable. And the pacing was perfect. Mrs. Hedlund is steadily climbing toward the top of my "favorite authors" list. ( )

Title: The Doctor’s Lady
Author: Jody Hedlund
Pages: 374
Year: 2011
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Eli Ernest believes he has been given the God-given dream of traveling to the Oregon Country to set up a medical mission to serve and save the Nez Perce Indians. The year is 1836 and he has returned from his travel west to gain funding to set up his mission. Once in the Oregon Country, he doubts he will ever return to the East. As he nears his departure date, he chafes at the requirement placed on him by the Board of Missions that he must take a wife with him, as well as another missionary couple. He finally finds the couple, but has trouble finding a wife. He decides his only choice is the beautiful, but prim and proper, Priscilla White. He must get west and will do whatever it takes to get there.
Priscilla White is now 26 years old and has enamored of missionary work since the age of 15. She knows she will never marry and has put in her application to teach as a missionary in India. However, with the board’s new requirement of marriage, her application is rejected. She had her hopes pinned on this job so she could leave her town and avoid the eventual pity and scorn that would come when everyone finds out about her infertility. Now, with her hopes dashed, she meets Eli. Their first encounter is full of sparks. Priscilla’s mother becomes convinced she needs to go West with Eli. Eventually, both Eli and Priscilla realize that in order to pursue their God-given missions they must marry. They decide to marry each other and have a marriage in name only. Eli promises that if the journey west, which no white woman has ever done before, becomes too much, he will send her home with an annulment.
As the journey takes place via riverboat, horseback, and wagon, Eli begins to appreciate the value of his wife. She never complains about the arduous pace he sets, their scant food and their less than comfortable accommodations. Priscilla begins to see Eli for the brave, resourceful and caring man that has made him into a great doctor. Through the various trials along the way, both come to see that they are willing to give their lives in service to God.
The characters in this story are very well done and I admired Priscilla very much. I also like the author’s added notes about the historical accuracy of some of the events that happened to the real person Priscilla was modeled after. I also liked the inclusion of the other missionary couple and their history with Priscilla as well as the fact they were real people too. I’m a history buff and this historical information added so much depth to the story for me. This is one readers won’t want to pass by.
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )