The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller is a charming historical Christian novel set in 1913.
We see the importance of telling people about God who loves them. A preacher and his daughter travel into the American wilderness via the railways to spread the Good News to various communities. In some places they are welcomed, in others there is a degree of suspicion until they see that the pair are spreading love and not there to interfere.
The majority of the novel is set in a poor mining town. Here, the townsfolk are held to ransom by the mine owners who do not repair the properties, show little regard for safety in the mines and pay a pittance. The preacher and his daughter set about to show practical expressions of God’s love to the community.
In 1913 liquor is illegal in many states meaning that illegal making and selling of moonshine has sprung up. It is dangerous to interfere with these operations as the men are unscrupulous and are ready to kill. Their goal is to make money and to stop anyone in their way.
It may be hard to trust God when you cannot see or feel Him. We must step out trusting that God is good and His heart is kind. As we exercise our faith muscle, we will see instances of God at work.
A character with a good heart, trusts all she meets. She gives even the darkest of hearts the benefit of the doubt, believing what they say until it doesn’t line up with their actions. A good heart always attracts others to them. Kindness appeals to all.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Chapel Car Bride. It was a most delightful read.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I had never heard of a chapel car on a train before so it was nice to get a little bit of a history lesson while reading this book. The bad guy of the story was pretty predictable but his actions did help move the plot of the story along.

With thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC.

It’s taken me a while write this review as I couldn’t ‘get into‘ the storyline; which is a pity as I’m fascinated by the concept of using a railway car as a travelling chapel, to take ministry to others who otherwise would rarely (if ever) see ‘a Preacher’.

What a sweet romance. It's got love, suspense, danger, and illegal activities. Plus you've got a minister who travels the rails to share the gospel with people.

I enjoyed meeting Hope and Luke and watching them get to know each other. Plus enter the mine manager who was really a mismanager and had his own agenda. I kept hoping throughout the book that Hope would see him for who he was and not who he wanted her to see.

I enjoyed the location and time period. They're both ones that were made beautiful in the storytelling. Of course, Kirby is the villain I love to hate.

This is a good read. It read fast and didn't contain too much suspense or mystery. Rather just enough to keep you reading if you're not totally sold on romance novels in and of themselves.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

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.

Premise/plot: Hope travels with her father, a preacher, in a chapel car. They travel by rail and stopover at various communities in need of ministry. Her father does the preaching and leads the services; Hope does the teaching of the children. For most of this novel, the two are located in the mining community of Finch.

The community is shy of strangers--usually. But Luke Hughes takes a liking to them. He wants to be a preacher himself, not a miner. And Hope, well, he definitely wants to get to know her better. With Luke's friendship, the two settle down into the community.

They aren't the only "new" people in town. Kirby Finch has also arrived. He's the disgraced son of the mine's owner. The town doesn't know he's in disgrace and that he's been sent to the town as punishment. Kirby also takes a liking to Hope--as much as Kirby is capable of liking anyone. He is looking for a way to get rich quick--a way apart from actual work. Will he find a way in Finch?

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is set in 1913 in Pennsylvania. I enjoyed the characters, particularly Luke and Hope. The other characters aren't as well developed, perhaps. But as a romance that hardly matters when all is said and done.

Judith Miller has been one of my go-to authors for a number of years. I know I can count on her for a good historical romance with well researched facts and often subjects not covered in high school history class. “The Chapel Car Bride” did not disappoint. What an intriguing idea for a story about a railroad chapel car that was moved to mostly inaccessible towns as a means to spread the gospel! I was totally unaware of the practice.

As I can always expect, the story was very well written with an interesting premise and fairly well-rounded characters. Set in the hills of West Virginia and touching on such subjects as the hazards of coal mining, treatment of the miners by the mining companies, producing and running moonshine to supplement low wages as well as details about the chapel car, the book had plenty to keep it interesting. A bit of conflict, danger, and romance added extra dimension. It is probably not necessary to add that a strong thread of faith holds it all together.

I enjoyed “The Chapel Car Bride” and continue to look forward to any and every book this author releases.

This was a charming book about days gone by where the rail was the main mode of transportation, and life happened around it and the coal mines. It is the story of a preacher whose home AND chapel are in a train car, and as the train goes to the various towns he may hitch his train car and go along to another town as called. We join this story as his daughter, Hope, begins to travel with her father, the preacher. Many adventures, dangers, and heart matters are in store.

I didn’t know that there were Pullman chapel cars. They only stayed in an area for a short time bringing God's message to isolated areas that did not have a resident preacher. Hope is a good name for this character. After living apart from him for some time, she convinces her father to let her go with him to extend missionary services to small communities. They travel in the chapel car, where they live and hold church services. Two men come into her life. Only one genuinely cares for her but she has a hard time seeing them clearly – not realizing the situation she’s being put in. Engaging characters, very well written tale that keeps you on the edge until the end. Good lessons in faith, learning who you are and caring throughout. Another fabulous book from Judith Miller!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

One of the things that drew me to read The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller was the concept and the cover. So I was very excited to read it, however, it did not meet my expectations.

Don't get me wrong, this is a very well-written book, but I was longing for the story about the bride (Hope) and her groom and at least a little tension on how she becomes one, but it just wasn't there.

From the outset, we know who the villain is and this bothered me because I would have liked to guess (along with Hope) which beau to trust of the two who were trying to court her. Yes, there was deception involved but not in the way I was expecting. Also, there were few exciting moments that would urge me to keep reading. Instead, I had to force myself to finish the novel. Not a good sign.

The history of the Chapel Car was intriguing and I loved the faith displayed by Hope, her father, and Luke, which is always a plus. Unfortunately, that alone could not save this book for me.

First of all, this cover is amazing, I love everything about it, the details, the colors, the lighting.  Then you open the book and start reading and Judith has done an amazing job with the story and characters as well!  "The Chapel Car Bride" is an excellent historical romance read with some mystery and adventure mixed in as well.  Hope has lived a sheltered life and is thrilled at the opportunity to join her father when he takes a position with the railroad and she is able to see more of the world and have adventure. 

This book helped fill the gap right now of being in between seasons of "When Calls the Heart" as it is the mining town and the miners and the living conditions in this community.   I felt as if I was back in Coal (Hope) Valley.  I found the chapel car and being a missionary on the rails such a unique storyline, it was fresh and different and thoroughly enjoyable.  I highly recommend this for anyone whom is a fan of historical romance!

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.

The Chapel Car Bride is a nice story but the characters where kind of flat - not much developed. Hope is on the train that goes town to town telling the people about JESUS (she tells the children mostly her father tells everyone else), until she gets to Finch. She gets there and meets Luke and Kirby - one is a good one with good intentions and the other is a bad one with not so good intention. She shares the joy of JESUS with them and one accepts HIM and the other well you can guess.

The Chapel Car Bride, written by Judith Miller, was a book I was very excited to read.
I loved the concept of the book about a Pastor and his daughter who traveled in a Chapel train car, staying in different train stops along the way and encouraging the small towns that didn't have a church or Pastor. While they were ministering to the people in a WV mining town where the mine was controlled by a greedy owner who didn't pay the miners enough and limited their ability to purchase anything except but through the company store. Because of this, the minors resorted in finding other ways to supplement their income, illegally. Throughout the entire book, we wait to find out who the bride (and groom) will be.
Although I've loved many of Judith Miller's books for many years, I felt that this book was not one of my favorites. It was okay. It seemed to take a long time to get to where we were going in the book. A lot of going up and down the hill, a lot of going into the woods or the mine, but not a lot of thriller moments in between. Just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean that it couldn't be for another reader...and I will definitely read other books she comes out with, but this one did nothing for me.
I was given this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

If you are looking for a read that will delight you with words, characters and plot, this is the book for you. I was drawn in with the historical aspect, and fell in love with the characters and their personalities. Luke and Hope stand out as a pair with their faith and ability to look for the best. I really felt their emotions while reading this book and in the end it as the perfect rainy day read.

This is a story that captured me and kept me reading. I was intrigued by a part of history that I had heard nothing about: the chapel car. Like the people in the story I wanted to know more about it. Yet it was the characters and the plot that kept me reading. It was a very enjoyable read.

The Chapel Car Bride

by Judith Miller

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Christian

Pub Date 04 Apr 2017

I am reviewing a copy of The Chapel Hill Bride through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

This book takes us back to 1913 where we meet Hope Irvine. After loosing her Mother thirteen years prior Hope stays with her Aunt, but after her Aunts death she decides to travel with her Father on the Chapel Car.

Luke Hughes shares a passion and love for music with Hope, as well as a Love for God, but he is a poor minor who has little to offer Hope.

Will Hope find happiness with Luke.

I give The Chapel Car Bride five of five stars.

Happy Reading.

The Chapel Car Bride was an interesting and well written novel that introduced an intriguing idea to me...a chapel car ministry. I liked how their ministry was to be attached to the back of a train and stop off in different towns without preachers to teach and to preach the Word. Then, if a town asked, they would spend a couple weeks-months in that area preaching before moving on with the train again. I enjoyed the storyline of this novel and its mixture of romance, suspense, and mystery. I liked the main characters, and I enjoyed seeing them grow as they experienced different trials and circumstances. I did think that Luke and Hope were somewhat lost in the overarching storyline towards the middle of the story and I almost lost interest in them, but I think the author did a good job pulling their story back into the centre of the novel towards the end. Overall, I found this novel to be interesting and a good summer read!

The Chapel Car Bride is a sweet, clean, Christian historical that takes place in the early 1900s. Prior to this book, I’d never heard of a chapel car ministry, so I found this premise especially interesting.

The authentic ‘old-timey’ feel this story emits quickly drew me in. The descriptions are clear but not overly done, and I was able to visualize and sense the atmosphere of the time period.

Her heart pulsed a beat that resounded in her ears. She tamped down her fear and glanced over her shoulder. There was no one in sight. She sighed in relief as she stepped forward. Likely she’d heard nothing more than some birds nesting in the trees. ~excerpt

Hope Irvine is a kind and innocent young woman, which I found mostly admirable, but somewhat saccharine-ish at times. I wish she had stronger weaknesses, something that gnawed at her, or something she fought against so that she’d be easier to sympathize with.

He simply assumed the preacher was her husband. Embarrassment seized him, but was quickly replaced by a sense of unexpected exhilaration. This lovely young woman wasn’t married—wasn’t even betrothed. At least he didn’t think she was. There he went again, jumping to conclusions. ~excerpt

Overall, I love the premise of this book, and found ministering from a chapel car an exciting and inspiring aspect in this story (and in history.) The romance is wholesome, and this is an entertaining read. I only wish the pacing was faster and the characters were a bit more flawed.


3 Stars

Cover: Like
Title: Like
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764219054
First Line: Hope Irvine clutched a handful of leaflets and picked her way toward the rear of the swaying train.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley.