Book Review: Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond

From the book jacket: 

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

I enjoyed that this wasn't a normal mail-order bride story.  But one where the protagonist had run out of options, this was her last choice.  I loved that each chapter started with a short statement (think quote) that tied that chapter together.  I enjoyed the story and the growth of the main character.  I love reading because I love to make my own movie.  To picture the book as if I were watching a movie.  The author of this book made that possible.  

This story of emerging, growing, forming love, energy and renewal is one I would recommend for readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction.  The book also has a group discussion guide at the end.  

Thomas Nelson Publishing was gracious enough to provide me with a complimentary copy of this novel for review purposes.