by Margo Hansen
Unconditional Recommendation: Emma Newly encounters mystery, danger, and love when she agrees to help her father on a case.
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Thus far I’ve really enjoyed Margo Hansen’s Newly Weds series and this third book does not disappoint! Hansen doesn’t deviate from her style and these feel-good reads with accurate spiritual elements are an excellent contribution to the genre. I recommend reading the previous books in the series before this one.
Mattie’s Unspoken Vow (A Newly Weds #5)
Nineteen-year-old Emma Newly’s life is so predictable, and teaching school in Sand Creek just doesn’t satisfy her longing for excitement. Then news arrives about an accident involving her father, and suddenly Emma finds herself in an adventure that takes her across Minnesota to Boston on an undercover mission. With her is a man she has just met, a man who is a mystery to her, a man to whom she has pledged her life. But can she trust him?
Simon Chase doesn’t need the complication of having a woman around when he’s on a case, especially a woman with a temper. But together they concoct a plan to thwart their pursuers and protect those they love. Can they keep their secret hidden long enough to keep safe? And who is Sophia Barlow, the woman who keeps showing up in the most unexpected places?
Emma’s Marriage Secret is the third book in A Newly Weds Series. It follows the second generation of the Newly family in a romantic mystery novel that will keep you guessing until the final secret is revealed. Discover with Emma and Simon how God takes uncertainties in life and works them out for good.
If you don’t know this already I’ll say it again: Margo Hansen’s books are Biblically accurate and present the gospel in a clear and correct way—faith alone in Christ’s finished work on the cross. I’ve read many historical Christian fiction books that are quite good BUT they get the gospel wrong. It’s sad and at times frustrating how often the gospel is messed up in such a well-loved genre. That’s why Margo Hansen’s books are so refreshing. It’s all the goodness of a historical romance with the truth of the Bible accurately described and displayed. Bravo. Bravo.
The first book, Sky’s Bridal Train, lays the foundations for the families that will grow in Sand Creek, Minnesota. The second book Jade’s Courting Danger and the third book Emma’s Marriage Secret both focus on the adventures and romances of the next generation. I highly recommend reading the books in order without too much time between books so that you can appreciate all the characters that appear again and again in these stories. It makes the books that much more enjoyable when you the reader is acquainted with everyone.
In this book, I really enjoyed character arcs of Ralph and Philippa Tunelles. It’s a sub story of a marriage broken by a saved couple not walking with the Lord who are then restored through grace and forgiveness. To me, it’s a reminder that God is working in other people’s lives and hearts even while you’re consumed with your own life’s adventure.
It’s straight up a fun read. It’s a pleasant mystery, not a suspenseful one. It keeps you engaged and interested.
I specifically enjoyed the romance of this book because it involves a couple learning about and coming to love one another after marriage. Those romance plots have always intrigued me because it’s uncommon in America. I have no idea how people get on in arranged marriages so I really enjoy reading about them in fiction.
The ending is happy, of course, with a dash of humor. Please enjoy!