Captured by Love

I haven't found a Jody Hedlund book I didn't like. Period.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Another fantabulous Jody novel. As you know I'm a huge fan and have read ALL of her books, this one was just a great as the others!

Angelique (that name drips beauty!!) is a sweet, endearing character who has suffered greatly in recent years, when her childhood love, Pierre, returns to the island. Their love sparks quickly and the trials they face are frightening and numerous--will they be able to overcome such tribulation in the name of love?

Full of adventure and romance, this will novel satisfy every HCR fan, no problemo! A very enjoyable read, you could easily finish this in a day or two. One thing that stood out to me a great deal was the location and the fascinating history surrounding Michimalackinanana.... I mean, Michimilkamooka.... I mean.... well, anyway its this cool island that is now known as Mackinac Island. Pretty much, this book made me want to take a second honeymoon there....so picturesque!!

How many of you have read this? What did you think?! This was the first book of Jody's I haven't been able to give my highest rating. As much as I loved it, I felt it was lacking somewhat in character development and depth. And.... I can't believe I'm going to say this.... the romance actually didn't feel real--it kinda felt mushy and shallow at times. DON'T SHOOT ME!! I know you probably didn't feel this way, but I feel compelled to be honest.

You've gotta let me know what you think!! Jody's got several more novels coming out soon!! YAY FOR US!! Congratulations, Jody, on another fabulous novel!!

Happy Reading!
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Rebellious Heart

REBELLIOUS HEART, where have you been all my life?!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I'm pretty sure I haven't ever rated a Hedlund book anything other than a Best of the Best. This is another winner no doubt!!

Here are the TOP FIVE reasons you will love this book:


5: Location, location, location! 
Who can't like pre-RevWar Boston? I mean, really. Talk about endless opportunities for fabulous conflict, right?

4: Character love!
There is something wonderful about this story's characters and the way they are all intertwined. There was no character I didn't really care for, which you sometimes find in even the most delectable novels. Ben and Susanna are marvelous together and their chemistry is so thick you can feel it coming off the pages.

3: Romance 101-501
Jody does it right. She has "romance" figured out from the basic essential components to the minutia that makes your mouth water. I LOVE the scenes in this book where Ben and Susanna are together, because no matter what is happening you feel their attraction growing.

2: History
I am obsessed with all things colonial and have been since I was young. OK, so I'm a nerd, so what. *wink* This story brought to life the colonial era in a way that made you feel the salty air from the beach and smell the apple tansey as it cooked. Jody claims she isn't an expert, but she could'a fooled me. *wink again*

1: Your story ain't nothin' if it ain't got plot:
I thought the plot of this story was beautifully complex and yet I never felt overwhelmed by it as can happen sometimes if there is too much going on. Simply marvelous!! Everything had a purpose--and oh, the drama! Bless my heart, I love intrigue and excitement and drama. A lot!! The spiritual nature of it was lovely as well, and I promise you will not be disappointed on that point either.
It was all there and so magically intertwined, I know you will LOVE this story as much as I did.

Thanks, Jody, for another masterfully written story. *smile*


Happy Reading!
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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!

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A Noble Groom

When you read a book what do you remember most--the story or the characters?

That's right. The characters.

Characters move a story--they are the reason we keep on reading. If the characters aren't good we don't care to see what happens to them no matter how interesting the story might be.

Carl and Annalisa will keep you turning pages long into the night, I can guarantee you that.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Why in heaven's name do people watch movies when there are books like this in the world? I mean really?!

Carl Richards is a leading man like no other. He is almost too good to be real!!! I loved his character in so many ways! When Carl comes to a small town in Michigan to escape his past, he is surprised to find this place could hold the keys to his future.

Annalisa Werner doesn't believe in fairytales no matter how many times she tells them to her sweet daughter Gretchen. She is convinced true love doesn't exist--especially in marriage--until she meets Carl.

The romantic tension is gripping! And when I say gripping, I mean you will grip your book until your knuckles turn white. Oh man, it does my DHH (drama-hungry-heart) good! Great passion, great action, great villain and even an awesome surprise at the end!!

Jody always delivers on Christian message, historical accuracy and well-developed plot.

Ladies, ladies, ladies. This book is a keeper!! I mean if nothing else, the cover will surely make you want to read it, am I right? *wink*

If you have read it, please let me know what you thought and which parts were your favorite! (I liked the beginning, the middle and the end.) *teehee*

The end. *double wink*

Happy Reading!
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September's Author of the Month: Jody Hedlund

Welcome to September, everyone! I was so blessed to feature Laura Frantz in August. She is a wonderful woman and it was a joy to get to know her better. Have you ordered her new book LOVE'S RECKONING? It comes out this month, don't forget!

(PS...yes, I know this post is a day early, but do to my schedule, I wouldn't be able to post it tomorrow...)

I am so happy to spotlight Jody Hedlund this month!  YAY!! I love this amazing author for so many reasons. Not only does her talent shine, her spirit does as well.

I first read THE DOCTOR'S LADY sometime last year not long after I discovered this fabulous genre. I immediately fell in love with Hedlund's style and ordered THE PREACHER'S BRIDE the very next day. Both books are truly inspiring! (Not to mention loaded with top-of-the-line romance!!)

Her next book UNENDING DEVOTION has just been released, and friends, it's AH-MAZING!! I could hardly put it down, and as I said in my review, I totally cried...and, if you didn't know, that's a good thing. *wink* The characters (and romance!) and message of the book will really affect you--at least it did me!

So, here are some questions that I asked Jody. I have loved getting to know more about her. Wow, she is an incredible woman. I don't know how she does all that she does, but somehow she does it, and she does it very well!  *giggle*  I decided that I want to be like her when I grow up!


First, tell us about yourself!  

I've been married to my college sweetheart for over twenty years, and we have five children ranging in ages from 15 down to 6. Between homeschooling and running our kids to activities, we're crazily busy! We live in central Michigan and so take our summers very seriously, considering at least 6 months of the year are cold and overcast.

I've been creating stories for as long as I can remember but began taking my writing seriously after I got married. Once I started having babies, I took a hiatus from writing. The time away from my writing really enriched me. The first book I wrote after my break was The Preacher's Bride.

When I'm not homeschooling or writing, you might find me sneaking in some pleasure reading. And you'd definitely find me eating chocolate and guzzling coffee!

What inspired you to come up with the story for UNENDING DEVOTION?

I live in central Michigan in an area that was once filled with towering white pines and that played a major role in the lumber era. In the 1870’s through the early 1880’s, lumbering employed more workers than any other industrial occupation in the United States. The white pine tree was considered “green gold” and netted greater profit than the gold rush of the West.

During my research for the book, I began reading biographies about people who lived during the lumber era. And as I did, I ran across stories of young women who didn't fit into the glamorized legends and songs.

The stories of many of these women were much darker. They're tales of women who were abused, exploited, and even enslaved.

Unending Devotion is inspired by one of those women, Jennie King. She rode a train into central Michigan in answer to  newspaper ad for a job. She expected to work in a hotel. Instead she found herself enslaved in a brothel. She fled, but was recaptured and beaten. The brave and desperate woman escaped again, wearing only a nightgown, and this time gained help from a local family. The brothel owner tried to get her back again. But the family helped smuggle Jennie out of town and to a safe place.

If you could take one historical Christian romance with you on a deserted island, which one would it be and why?  (It could be one of your books or someone else's!)

Oh, that would be SO hard! There are too many awesome books to choose from! But if I had to choose, I'd probably go with Deeanne Gist's A Bride Most Begrudging. It was one of the books I read when I was coming out of my writing hiatus, and it inspired me to work harder at writing historical romances (before that I'd been writing contemporary Christian romances).

What is your favorite bible verse?

One of the many verses I treasure is "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13 That verse has held me in good stead through many trials.


Here are a few more fun facts about Jody:

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling book, The Preacher's Bride. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children. Publishers Weekly called her newest book Unending Devotion, " a meaty tale of life amid the debauchery of the lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . . exciting and unpredictable to the very end."

I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com


Book Giveaway!!!!

Ladies, Jody has kindly offered to do a giveaway for her new book UNENDING DEVOTION! (I can hear you squealing with pleasure.)  *big grin* If you want to be entered to WIN the book, please comment on this post and include your EMAIL. And, if you're feeling chatty, please tell me what  historical Christian romance you would take with you on a deserted island!!


Three cheers for Jody Hedlund!!


Thank you SO much, Jody! I am thrilled about your new book, and I can't wait for other people to read it and feel uplifted just like I did. You are a blessing in so many people's lives and I am very grateful that you are sharing the magnificent gift God gave you.

God bless you and your family!

Happy Reading!!!!

Unending Devotion

“Awwwwwwwww…” That is the sound of an angel chorus. And those lovely angelic voices will accompany you as you read this A-mazing book. Yes, my friends. UNENDING DEVOTION is pure heaven.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Well, Jody’s next book got my highest rating…no surprise there! (I haven't given that rating to any book in quite some time...) All her books have received top honors, and for good reason. Not only can Jody weave a delicious romance, but she sprinkles in the most wonderful Christian message through the story—she is an amazingly talented writer. God has truly given her a gift.

I shed many a tear when I read this. It’s been a long time since I have been so moved by a story and it’s message that I was sniffling my way through the end.

Lily Young is desperately searching for her run-away sister. She knows Daisy is somewhere nearby and will stop at nothing to take her away from a life of unspeakable horrors. (Let me say real quick...Lily has brown eyes! I was bound to like her from the beginning. *teehee* Also, the "Lily" on the cover is freaking gorgeous, and it's one of the very few times I've been satisfied with a "face" of a character on the cover of a book.)

Connell McCormick works for his father’s lumber company. (He’s 100% dreamy…and I like to think he looks like Chris Hemsworth…only with green eyes. I’m hearing that angel chorus again… *wink *)  Connell is fascinated with this spunky, beautiful and fearless woman and her quest to find her sister. She makes him do and think things he’s never done or thought. Connell is a wonderful leading man by the way--he's strong, courageous, and he sticks to his morals--what's not to like about that?!

Their romance is so passionate and at the same time so pure, you will LOVE it.

I took away many different spiritual messages from this book, I can’t begin to name them all. I just know that my testimony of God’s unending devotion to His children was truly strengthened through this magnificent story.

This book reminded me (a little bit) of THE MEASURE OF A LADY—and I lo-HOVE that story as well!

I can't remember the last time I read a book and loved it this much. I can't wait to hear what you think about it!

One word: PRE-ORDER!! This book will be available Sep 1!!!!

Congratulations, Jody on another magnificent and inspiring novel. God Bless!


Happy Reading!
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*Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy of this book*

The Preacher's Bride

Here is yet another story of strength and fearlessness through Christ, in the face of severe difficulties.  (Funny side note here...no matter how many times I have read this title, I still want to say The Preacher's Wife!  Duh?!  What's my problem?!  I think I'm broken...)

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

I fell in love with Hedlund's writing after I read The Doctor’s Lady.  I immediately ordered The Preacher's Bride, and waited (quite impatiently, I might add) for it to arrive at my door. It came by way of UPS and no one saw me for the next 24 hours.  OK, not really—but I did spend every spare moment reading it.  As with The Doctor's Lady, this book is based on truth--I just love that!

If you are a mother, (and even if you are not…) the first pages will tug, violently at your heart, and you will not be able to stop reading!

Elizabeth Whitbread is a sweet, caring, and unassuming looking woman, who feels that God is leading her to take care of John Costin’s children, in the wake of his wife’s death.  (Let me say quickly here, that I had no idea about this time in England’s history, and I was SO fascinated!  Wow. You will simply love this time-period!)

John Costin, the leading man, believes it is his mission to spread the word of God, no matter how he is threatened or abused.

As his grief over his wife’s death passes, John begins to fall in love with Elizabeth and sees her as the perfect companion for him.  She is already deeply in love with him—for his faith, his strength, his determination and not to mention dashingly good looks!  *sigh * Love it!  But the obstacles they face are almost too oppressive to bear.

There is a wonderful rescue scene in this book…I dog-eared the page, so if I just wanna go back and read that part I can. (teehee...)  I have been found, numerous times, reading that particular part with a big, silly grin on my face.  It’s at those moments my husband knows I must have had a particularly stressful day chasing my kiddos around.  So, wisely, he let’s me finish, before he asks what we are having for dinner.

Your faith will be strengthened when you read this book, no doubt.  Enjoy!

Happy Reading!
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The Doctor's Lady

Do you like a good rescue?  Raise your hand and say, “Me!  I do!”  Good.  Because this book is loaded, and you won’t be disappointed.  I can’t get enough of the heroine being rescued by the leading man.  It’s great romance.

 

Book rating:  Best of the Best

The first thing you’re gonna want to know about this book is that it’s based on truth.  That fact alone makes the book worth reading.  It’s another one of those stories where the couple has to get married when they really don’t want to and eventually end up falling in love.  Hehehe!  Those are so much fun.  

The leading lady is Priscilla White, a young woman determined to be a missionary no matter what.  Eli is a doctor traveling to Oregon territory, also determined to serve God.  However, the only way for them both to do that is by becoming man and wife.  He is convinced she will not survive the treacherous journey, but she does her best to prove him wrong.  There are many dangers along the way, and that’s where the rescuing comes in.  Love it!  I have to say that one of my favorite characters is a supporting role, by the name of Mabel.  I loved her faith and strength.

This book is full of wonderful faith-promoting lessons, and the romance is first rate.  It does seem at times like the dangers just never stop and at first you may feel like, “Sheesh! This could never really happen.  This is over the top.” Cuz, that’s exactly what I thought the first time I read it.  (Yes, I have read it more than once.) But when you read about the history, it’s not far from the truth.  SPOILER ALERT:  OK, not a total spoiler, but when I read the very, very end where you learn more about what happened to these people in real life, I was completely shocked and saddened!  One thing's for sure though, when you are in the service of God; fear departs when faith endures.

Bottom line: great story, great message, great book.

Happy reading!

Buy it!