Monday, August 26, 2013

Rebellious Heart and Jody Hedlund Interview

Good Morning!!!

I am THRILLED to be able to introduce this fabulous story to all you lovely, lovely ladies. *wink* As you know, Jody Hedlund is absolutely one of my favorite authors, as well as being simply a marvelous woman who shines with the light of Christ. 

Her latest release REBELLIOUS HEART (it's available Set. 15, but of course you can PRE-ORDER it right now...jus' sayin'...) is a story that will stay with you forever, just as all her others have done.

The Revolutionary era has always been one of my favorites so when I heard Jody had written a story set in Boston in the 1760's I just about flipped! I asked Jody a few questions about her latest story, and now that I know more, I love it more--and I know you will, too! 

But you may be asking, "So, Amber--have you read it? Where's your review?" 
Answer: No. I haven't read it yet, BUT my influencer copy is coming soon and believe you me--when I get it I will be reading it immediately and writing my review just as quick. *grin*

OK, one last thing...did someone say GIVEAWAY?!?! That's right, my friends, Jody is giving away a copy of REBELLIOUS HEART-- so do yourself a favor and enter! You must be a follower of my blog or FB page, comment and leave your email address if you want to be entered to win. Easy-peasy, right?

Heeeeere's the interview!....


What prompted you to write a story in this era?

I was really interested in writing another story inspired by a famous couple from history similar to my books, The Preacher's Bride and The Doctor's Lady. So I compiled a list of various couples that I thought had unique courtships and fascinating lives.

During the course of my research, I came across several biographies regarding John and Abigail Adams. As I read more about them, I realized that the stories about how they met and courted would make a wonderful book, especially because they faced numerous obstacles in their quest for love.

As most history buffs know, John and Abigail Adams went on to have a wonderful marriage full of love and friendship. They penned numerous letters to one another during their lifetime. And although much has been recorded of their marriage, very little has been written about their early days and courtship. I thought it would be fascinating to bring them to life for our modern generation.

What did you love most about these characters as you were writing them?
I loved getting to explore some of the issues of the colonial era.Both Susanna and Ben are facing discrimination, but each on a different level. Susanna faces discrimination because she's a woman and Ben because of his lower social status. I loved being able to wrestle through some of the issues they dealt with as a result of the discrimination.

I also enjoyed delving into some of the Pre-Revolutionary War tension that was beginning to escalate at that time. Ben is already involved in the unrest. But Susanna is determined to obey her God-ordained authorities, even if she doesn't always agree.

Of course, as the story unfolds both are challenged beyond what they think they can endure, and they both have to make life-threatening choices. It was exciting to see these characters grow throughout the story.


What message do you hope people will take away from this story?


It’s my hope that readers will walk away encouraged by the sweet relationship of this famous couple. Even more than that, I hope readers will take courage from their compassion, bravery, and willingness to stand against tyranny for God’s higher laws of justice and mercy.


THANK YOU SO MUCH, JODY! I am so happy you were willing to take the time to answer my questions. God bless you as you share your special gifts with us, we love you!

Happy Reading!

37 comments:

  1. This book sounds fascinating! I'm looking forward to reading it!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  2. I can't wait to read this book!! Sooooo excited!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  3. This looks like another fantastic book from Jody Hedlund. Thanks for the giveaway.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  4. I just started reading historical Christian romance books this summer, and I love them! I look forward to reading this one!

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  5. Wow - sounds like a great story - I can't wait to read more about this couple from history

    babykf629 at gmail dot com

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  6. All of Jody's books have been top notch! I think I enjoyed the Doctor's Lady and The Noble Groom the best.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. I would love to win a copy of Jody's new book!

    Stimmer@familylife.com

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  8. Awesome! I love Jody's books. Thanks for the opportunity!

    jesusbmylight@yahoo.com

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  9. Would love to win! (I followed you on Facebook.)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  10. How exciting! Love your blog! And excited for this giveaway! :)

    Lis.OGara@gmail.com

    Lis Ann @ The Indigo Quill - http://theindigoquill.blogspot.com

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  11. I love reading historical novels~~ I too love the Revolutionary era. This books exciting and I would love to read it.
    Blessings,
    Kristin Jager
    keithkrisjager(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. Sounds wonderful! Great interview. :) I love the love story between John and Abigail Adams.
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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  13. I use to not read. Then I read my first romance! ♥ :o)~

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  14. I have loved all of Jody's books and would love to read this one soon!!! rmaney@firstarpchurch.org

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  15. Hi!

    I love history! Fiction, non-fiction, even the dry boring dates in a history book. The Colonial/Revolutionary War period is what got my interest when I was about 10 and started me on a historical fiction journey that I have no intention of ending.

    So looking forward to reading this book!

    Blessings!
    Jasmine A.
    montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. I love regency novels. It would be a pleasure to win her book.

    faith@Hotmail.com

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  17. anxiously awaiting the book's release.

    Bethany
    dhsminis319@aol.com

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  18. As a lover of American history I'm looking forward to reading this book and would be absolutely thrilled to win a copy of it.

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  19. I would love to win Rebellious Heart. The plot and characters sound so interesting.

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  20. Looking forward to reading it. I follow both the blog and facebook! :)

    cavinessemail@gmail.com
    cavinessemail[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. Oh my I feel like I have found my sister. You read all the books that I read. All of those authors on the side are my favorite. I love Jody's books. I look forward to many more interviews!
    Erin Reed
    erinzachjj@gmail.com

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  22. I love every one of Jody Hedlund's novels, and am so looking forward to her latest!

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  23. I'll read this book, especially if I win it! Looks very good and like the value of compassion. sm, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. I would love to read another Jody Hedlund book!
    rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. I would love to read another Jody Hedlund book!
    rdewey17(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. I would love to win her new book - such a fan of her writing. thanks for the chance. I follow on fb
    truckredford(at)gmail (D0t)Com

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  27. Hello, Thank you for the wonderful interview! It sounds like a fascinating book. Please enter me in the contest. Thank you!

    Stephanie
    truthblossom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. I'd like to win this book (zemeks at sbcglobal dot net).

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  29. I have a copy already, just wanted to say I'm excited to read it!

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  30. Always love to check out Jody's newest books!
    danddkiss@netzero.net

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  31. Sounds so romantic!
    dutchbunny5@yahoo.com

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  32. Christian Romance is the best type of book! I have read Judy's books before and enjoyed them immensely! Thank you for hosting a giveaway!

    I follow your blog! photofly89@yahoo.com

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  33. This sounds like a great book!

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  34. Sounds interesting! Thank you for posting and am a follower of this blog.

    janoww1(at) yahoo(dot)com

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  35. Love a good historical romance! Heading over now to follow you on FB!

    PJsDolls@comcast.net

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  36. I love her books and I'm super excited about getting this one. So glad to have found and to connect with some of her other readers. I'm hosting a giveaway of Rebellious Heart on September 2 at http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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  37. I love Jody Hedlund and would love to read her newest book! Thanks for the chance! daizeefli@gmail.com

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