Chapel Car Bride by Judy Miller is a heartwarming, engaging, romantic read. It's full of romance, suspense, mystery and engaging characters with a story that warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am going to search out some more of Ms. Miller's books to enjoy over this summer!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Miller, Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )

I loved this story. I had never heard of a chapel car before. It is a wonderful idea to take a chapel to the small towns through the use of a train. It is fascinating. I love all the characters in this book. They are great together. Every character needs to learn some very interesting lessons throughout this story. Can Hope and Luke get together? I received this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller begins in the spring of 1913. Hope Irvine along with her father, Reverend Layton Irvine, a traveling missionary, are traveling on Herald of Hope chapel car train. Hope had been living with her Aunt Mattie in Pittsburgh until her passing. It took some work, but Hope convinced her father to let her travel with him. She will be able to assist with the children and play the organ for the services. Their new assignment will take them to Finch, West Virginia. They temporarily stop in Brookfield where Hope is accosted by four ruffians and a miner traveling through town comes to her rescue. They finally arrive in Finch and Hope meets the miner once again. Luke Hughes works for the Finch Mining and Company along with everyone else who lives on the hill in Finch. Miners are having a hard time since hours have been cut and they are finding other ways to make money. Kirby Finch got into trouble once again and his father has sent him to Finch to work. Kirby is more interested in making quick, easy money that will allow him to escape what he considers a backwater town. Kirby believes Hope will provide a nice diversion while he is in town and then he comes up with a plan. Kirby offers to drive Hope to neighboring towns where she can teach the children about God and the Bible. Luke knows that there must be another reason for Kirby’s generosity, and he is determined to find out the reason. Luke is jealous of the time Kirby is spending with Hope. He has gotten to know Hope and is falling in love. But he does not feel worthy of such a wonderful woman. What is Kirby up to and is Hope being put in danger? Is there a chance for a future between Hope and Luke?

The Chapel Car Bride is nicely written and has an interesting concept. I had not heard about chapel cars previously and it was interesting to find out more about them. I was, though, disappointed with Judith Miller’s latest work. It was nicely written, but it was not up to her usual standard. The characters were not fleshed out or brought to life (flat). Hope is a naïve, upbeat, devout young woman who believes the best in everyone (I am surprised little birds did not fly around her head singing sweet tunes). Luke is the poor, handsome yet godly man who struggles with his cynicism of Kirby (yawn). The story builds up to Kirby and what he has been doing in Finch. The conclusion to this storyline is very anticlimactic. All the sudden it is over. I thought it was wrapped up to quickly and neatly. The pace of the book is slow. When you keep checking to see if you are closer to the end, you know the book is creeping along. I give The Chapel Car Bride 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). It is a sweet romance novel, but I just thought it needed more (complexity, depth, feeling). It was too predictable for me. Some issues are never discussed in detail (the father’s illness and recovery as well as the mining accident are good examples). There is a light, Christian element throughout the book (information about Bible stories and prayer). I have read all of Judith Miller’s works, and this is the first one to disappoint me. ( )

Thursday, May 4, 2017
The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller, © 2017

I have loved Judith Miller's historical stories since reading her Postcards from Pullman series. I was unaware of Chapel Cars sent out to unreached areas, linked to trains going in that direction and set off on a spur sidetrack until another train came along going to their destination. In the meantime, they ministered where they were if even for a day or two stop, inviting local families, and railroad workers to a service designated for them. In this story, Hope Irvine joins her missionary father for the first time, playing the organ for worship, and spreading a blanket outdoors and teaching the children. As the chapel car came to a town, they handed out flyers inviting those to attend the evening meeting.

Luke Hughes lives in a coal-mining town with his family in West Virginia. As their father has died, he feels the obligation to care for his mother and younger siblings. His father's brother has looked out for them as well. Upon the arrival of the chapel car, Luke is interested in attending services since their church had burned down years earlier.

Historical fiction is so interesting to me, to learn about parts of history and locations we may never travel to or have heard about.

Kirby Finch is sent by his father to learn responsibility manning their coal mine in Finch. Who we are follows us, as Kirby continues to follow his own lead. Sadly, externally he attends chapel car meetings but does not take inward the benefit he could receive. He manages to schedule laid-off miner Luke to work in the mines to enable him to spend time with the preacher's daughter apart from interference.

I liked reading about how Hope and Luke's sister Nellie joined Kirby on his trips to other town areas, to bring the children stories and Sunday-school papers to have for their own. A direct input that will carry forth into their remembrance in adulthood. Kirby may have had other ideas, but the Lord prevailed.

Trust and Obey ~ This hymn reflects Hope's daily delight in meeting with the women in their homes, as she gains their trust in a stranger coming among their families who have long lived alone without any interruptions or input into their days.

***Thank you, author Judith Miller, and Bethany House for sending a print copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )

Once again, Judith Miller takes the reader to historic West Virginia. This time, The Chapel Car Bride tells of a young woman,Hope Irvine, who accompanies her father to minister in "the chapel car" of a train as they travel to the coal mining town of Finch.

I loved the character of Luke. He is so kind, committed to his family to a fault, eager to learn about the Lord.

I also loved the character of Kirby, or rather, his characterization. While being very arrogant and lazy, and a person to twist reality, it was very easy to imagine him.

Miller well-describes the economy and attitudes of the hill people. She truly captures the flavor of coal mining Appalachia in the early 20th century.

I gratefully received a copy of this book from the publisher. I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions are my own. ( )