When it is well-written and compelling, Christian Historical Fiction cannot be beaten by any other genre (or at least that’s my opinion!). For many years Bethany House Publishers have excelled at releasing superior historical novels that not only meet expectations, but usually go above and beyond them. A new Bethany House release written by Judith Miller, the award-winning author of dozens of Historical Fiction novels, is a winner on all counts. “The Chapel Car Bride” combines a fascinating piece of little-known history with well-rounded characters to form a highly enjoyable story that transports you back in time to 1913, to a little mining town called Finch.

Have you ever heard of a chapel car ministry? I certainly hadn’t before picking up this novel! In the story, Hope Irvine travels with her Pastor father in a train car which has been converted into 77 feet of chapel area and 18 feet of living quarters. This unique structure allows the Irvines to travel to small communities that are without a permanent church building, preaching the Gospel and sharing the love of Jesus anywhere there is a rail line to transport them! At times the chapel car remains on a spur of the rail line for months, and other times their stay lasts only a few days. All in all, this setting makes the perfect backdrop for a unique historical novel…

Certainly the most unique part of “The Chapel Car Bride” is the setting. I can’t name another story that takes place in a railcar-converted-into-a-church, can you? Add in bootlegging locals, union-striking miners, romance, conflict, and inspiring elements of faith, and the combination is irresistible for readers! “The Chapel Car Bride” is truly Christian Historical Fiction at its best.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”