Book Review: Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

I just had an opportunity to read and review the e-book version of Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond.

Description:

When Susannah goes to Dakota territory as a mail-order bride she finds something she never dreamed she would—true love.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister's homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn't see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

In spite of her petite size and the fact that Susannah doesn't look like she could survive on the prairie, Jesse quickly discovers that his new wife is a greater blessing than he even hoped for. The years she spent as her father's veterinary assistant allow her to save Jesse's ox and twin calves and to help neighboring farmers with their animals.

But Susannah's feelings of unworthiness are deeply rooted, and she can't believe that Jesse's praise—or the tenderness and love he shows—could possibly last. The thawing of her heart seems almost as distant as Spring in the midst of the winter blanketing the Dakota prairie.

I love Historical Fiction and thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. It was wonderful to see Susannah's transformation as she learned and grew, came to have trust in her husband and the Lord. She showed a willingness to do whatever was necessary in order to survive and remained loyal to her husband. I found it an interesting irony that Susannah became a mail order bride because she had no prospects but before too long had too many. I loved the friendships that grew and the willingness to help each other out. I loved Jesse's character; honest, trustworthy, hard working, kind,sincere, proud of his wife, and a true love for the Lord. But even Jesse showed that he was an imperfect human being who gave in to fear and had to deal with the consequences of it. But, the Lord uses all things for good for those who love Him and in the end it all turned out okay.

One thing I did want to mention is that I wasn't happy with the way the book ended. I felt like there were too many strings left hanging and several unanswered questions. That would be okay if there were plans for a sequel....which by the way I would love to read.

I received a complimentary e-book copy of Spring for Susannah from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.