Book Review - Spring For Susannah by Catherine Richmond

 

Spring For Susannah is a new historical fiction book out from Thomas Nelson publishers. This is the debut novel for Catherine Richmond. But for being a first novel it sure doesn't seem like it and it really doesn't disappoint at all!

Susannah is a mail-order bride who is very uncertain about what is to come in her new life. Her world is rocked when her parents pass away and there are no gentlemen interested in her. So she has agreed to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse. Suddenly Susannah has now left the only place she has ever called home to the great unknown of the Dakota territory.

Jesse surprises Susannah with how loving and patient he is. She does have a hard time believing that she deserves any of it and is constantly on her guard, no matter how accepting Jesse seems to be. But with God's help Jesse slowly breaks through Susannah's tough outer shell.

Now they are getting along nicely together. But Susannah becomes pregnant, only to miscarry a little while later. Her life feels like it's crumbling to the ground. Meanwhile the winter is extremely hard for her and only adds to her general despair. And when she finally sees the first potential of spring coming it gives her a great amount of hope for her new life.

Now, what do I think of this novel? I loved this book a whole lot. I cannot remember reading a first time novel that was on this level or this awesome. Catherine Richmond definitely has an incredible gift for writing.

From the very start Catherine draws you into the the story. You wouldn't even believe that this is a debut novel! The characters Susannah and Jesse were extremely easy to understand and relate with. I was really impressed by the fact that Catherine wasn't afraid to write about lovemaking. Most Christian fiction skirts right around that or avoids it in general (though the bible doesn't). But she wrote about it in such a tasteful and special way, much like what it would be like in a marriage. That was very refreshing and made for a more complete, satisfying story.

Now that isn't the only good thing about this book. The way the writing flows is fantastic though it could be considered confusing by some in the way that it switches back and forth between the past and present day. The way the story is laid out gives you a really great back story and helps you to really see who these characters are and what they are really like. Jesse is incredibly sweet and Susannah is super guarded, though in the end they get their bearings with each other and develop a beautiful relationship. I think that this book would make a really fantastic movie.

Go check out this novel at your book store!! You will not regret it one bit. I received this novel in exchange for my review, and that didn't affect my views at all.

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat,  testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!