Judith Pella Bachelor's Puzzle

Bachelor's Puzzle

Judith Pella

Bethany House, Jun 2007, $13.99

ISBN: 0764201336

In 1882, the female members of the Mainland Church look forward to the new unmarried circuit riding preacher Zack Hartley who will live in the small Oregon town even though he will be on the road more than home. The women work together on a welcoming quilt that turns into a somewhat acrimonious rivalry once everyone meets the handsome minister.

Zack fumbles with his religious chores, but no one cares. He visits the sick, but does not pray for a miracle; instead he does women's chores like the wash and the cooking. This only endears him further in the hearts and minds of the female practitioners who see a caring man who would make a good son-in-law. However, none of the women know that this eligible bachelor has secrets involving Portland crime rings and dangerous thugs that will make most of them withdraw their opinion that he is a prized spouse.

The first "Patchwork Circle" historical tale is a delightful post Reconstruction Era novel starring likable townsfolk and a devilish minister. The story line is lighthearted fun as the women compete to gain the attention of the newcomer whose earthly ways endear him with the sewing circle females. Yet with all the rivalry friendship that abounds as the women teach Zack (perhaps too easily) what caring for others mean; he has a serious chance for redemption and love if he can go through the eye of the Lord's needle.

Harriet Klausner