Hello, dear readers! I’m so excited to welcome Jody Hedlund here today! She has graciously answered a few questions about her latest release Undaunted Hope and is offering a print copy for giveaway. You can read my review of this captivating story here.
Please enjoy the interview and enter the giveaway below!
Welcome, Jody! How did you come up with the idea for Undaunted Hope?
For this third book in my Michigan lighthouse series, I wanted to pick a location that was different than the other books. The first two books, Love Unexpected and Hearts Made Whole, are set in the “Mitten” of Michigan. So to add variety to the series, I decided to place Undaunted Hope in the Upper Peninsula on Lake Superior.
In doing my research of Michigan lighthouses, I learned that there are lighthouses dotted all over the coast of Lake Superior since it was such a treacherous lake to traverse and an important place for steamers due to the rich natural resources that were available. As I studied the various lighthouses, I finally landed upon Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the Keweenau Peninsula because not only was the area rich in resources, but it was rich in history and the makings of a really great story!
What special research did you do in writing Undaunted Hope?
As I wrote this third book in the Beacon’s of Hope Lighthouse Series, I had the wonderful privilege of visiting Eagle Harbor and the lighthouse that serves as the setting for this book. In fact, I was able to stay for a whole week in the assistant keeper’s cottage that now sits next to the lighthouse.
The large covered front porch of the assistant keeper’s house overlooked Eagle Harbor and Lake Superior, so it was a gorgeous view! Every morning I woke up to the sound of the crashing waves and every evening I watched the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I’ve ever stayed.
Not only did I get to do in-depth research on the lighthouse (and walk around inside it as many times as I wanted!), but I also was able to research the entire area taking lots of pictures of the lake, flowers, wildlife, and the numerous waterfalls throughout the peninsula. It’s a remote wilderness area of Michigan, sparsely populated, and cold! I visited at the end of June and brought short sleeve shirts. I had to wear sweatshirts almost every day instead.
This is now the sixth book that you’ve written with a Michigan setting. What draws you to write stories set in Michigan?
I’ve lived in central Michigan for the past sixteen years. All but one of my five children have been born in Michigan, and this is where I’ve raised my family. So Michigan definitely has a special place in my heart.
Not only has it been a wonderful place to raise a family, but it’s also a beautiful state. Michigan is a peninsula and is bordered by 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, giving it approximately 3,200 miles of shoreline which is the most of any state except Alaska. Michigan not only has lots of beaches and sand dunes and hiking trails and state parks, but it also is home to the most lighthouses.
Aside from the beauty of the state (which makes for very picturesque book settings!), Michigan has a rich history due to the lumber and mining era that attracted many settlers to the state, but also attracted plenty of colorful and dangerous characters as well.
What have you enjoyed most in writing this lighthouse series?
Over the past couple of years of writing this series, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to visit numerous lighthouses throughout the state. Not only have I attempted to visit the lighthouses that are used as settings for the books, but I’ve also been inspired to visit many others. Every time I do, I learn a little bit more about how lighthouses were operated and have come to realize that they’re all so unique.
During the past summer of 2015 I toured several lighthouses including: Tawas Point Lighthouse, St. Joseph Lighthouses, and Mackinac City Lighthouse.
Each time I climb a tower, reach the top, and gaze out at the spectacular view, I’m always amazed by the beauty. I never tire of the experience and can completely understand the fascination so many people have with lighthouses. I think I caught the “lighthouse bug” and will forever be visiting them!
You have a fourth lighthouse book releasing in June of 2016. Can you tell us a little bit more about this story? Is it connected to your first three lighthouse books?
The fourth book is titled Forever Safe. Like the others, it can completely stand alone. There’s no need to read the others first to enjoy the story.
However, the main character in Forever Safe does make an appearance at the end of the third lighthouse book, Undaunted Hope. I won’t say who it is, so that I don’t spoil the surprise for those who haven’t read Undaunted Hope. But I hope that readers will be excited about this particular character getting a story in Forever Safe.
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful interview and giveaway, Jody! Do you have any parting words?
I love hearing from readers! Make sure you stop by one of these places and say hello!
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
Find me on Instagram: instagram.com/jodyhedlund/
Come pin with me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/pins/
GIVEAWAY DETAILS – (US only)
One lucky reader will win a print copy of Undaunted Hope!
To enter the giveaway:
Comment about a lighthouse you have visited, and be sure to include your email address in your comment. The giveaway ends Saturday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be drawn and announced on January 31.
To earn additional entries:
Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, and/or share the giveaway via social media. Be sure to let me know what you’ve done to earn additional entries!
Buzzing About Books 
I actually have never visited any lighthouses before. I’ve always found them intriguing and hope to visit some. I’ve seen little shops decorated with images or paintings of lighthouses and that always seem nice. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m a follower via email, and I’ve shared on twitter, facebook & google+. Here’s the FB group I’ve shared in: https://www.facebook.com/groups/426961564169538/permalink/442488385950189/
Thank you
Annie JC
justcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com
I don’t see where to post on here so I am using a reply. I hope this gets to the right people. I have never been to a lighthouse, but have read about them before. I signed up to follow this blog and shared on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/debbie.clatterbuck.9/posts/10204288499771664 and Twitter, https://twitter.com/princessdebbie1/status/692829140530126848
My email address is princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway. Good luck to all.
My late husband and I visited all the lighthouses in NC one summer. It was so much fun, touring them all. The most famous of our lighthouses is Cape Hatteras. We climbed all 268 steps to the top! That was a milestone for both of us! Precious memories…..
Susan in NC
susanlulu@yahoo.com
A lighthouse? Well, I’ve never visited a lighthouse before; never had the opportunity. Did see a lighthouse from afar when I was on the Biloxi Beach in Mississippi. One day I hope to remedy that lack of traveling in my future. But I do collect postcards of lighthouses, would that count. 🙂
BTW, I’ve followed through email.
I visited a lighthouse on Rock Island, Door County. It was beautiful. There was a couple staying there, doing reenactments and giving tours, which made it even more interesting. I can’t imagine what living there as like, but it’s fun to think about.
kathrynlvoss(at)gmail(dot)com
I have visited lighthouses before. Being near the coast has an advantage of not traveling as far to see one. I also have a collection of lighthouse ornaments for my tree, lighthouse paintings and picture and a few ceramic ones. It runs in my blood I guess. My grandfather was a fisherman and their was a historic lighthouse near the place he fished and lived.
Blessings
CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT com
I haven’t ever had the privilege of visiting a lighthouse but I would love to do that at some point in my life. I love reading about them in novels. spotts06 (at) comcast (dot) net
Living along the northeast shore of Lake Erie, I have been to several lighthouses. The one that is my favorite is the one located in Fairport Harbor, OH. It no longer functions and is actually a museum now. Another I love is the one at Presque Isle in Erie, PA. It is located in a state park and there are all types of wildlife within the area too. robeader53@yahoo.com
I live in Michigan also, so I have visited a few lighthouses! I love them. The Ludington one, Big Sable, is one of our favorites. lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom
I follow your blog! 🙂 lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom
I love lighthouses and Eagle Harbor Lighthouse is one of my favorites. We have a summer home in the town directly next to Eagle Harbor (Eagle River) and love the area, especially the Lake! Thanks for the interview!
phoneticpanda(at)gmail(dot)com
chatty61kath(at)gmail(dot)com
phoneticpanda2004(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you so much for offering this giveaway. I enjoyed finding out more information about a new to me author.
Jody, I like to sightsee and explore the areas where I live as well. Nothing like discovering hidden treasures in your own state.
Yes, I have visited lighthouses. I visited the following lighthouses with my brother (he was in the Coast Guard and charged with maintaining their lights) North Head Light at Ilwaco, WA; Cape Disappointment at Cape Disappoint State Park, Wa.; and Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Westport, WA.
An interesting aside is my brother told me when The Goonies was filmed it included a scene for Lighthouse Lounge. The Lounge was built by the set designers but the lighthouse was actually Cape Diappointment Light House.
I would like to visit some of the lighthouses around Lake Michigan. My father bought a puzzle for me with all the lighthouses in Michigan. Now that I have made the puzzle I would like to visit the sites and have a collage of photos next to the puzzle.
I am a follower of the blog. I shared on Twitter, Facebook, and Google +
I’ve never visited a lighthouse but it would be fun to do so. If I had the opportunity, it would be fun to visit the lighthouses where Jody’s books are set.
I follow your blog. Thanks for the giveaway and the interview with Jody.
Only visited on the outside, but not the inside. I have a real fascination with them, though. The one I liked was in Minnesota, somewhere probably around Duluth and Lake Superior. Went with my daughter and had a great time. I follow your blog and my email is sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
US Coast Guard
600 Lighthouse Rd
East Tawas, MI 48730 is our favorite close trip. We love to camp near the beach and day-trip when we cannot camp. God has such beauty for us to enjoy when we cease striving and are still!
I love lighthouses! Visiting the Outer Banks is magical with all of its lighthouses. Bodie Island Lighthouse is so magestic when you stand near and take it all in.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
I’m from Michigan, so I’ve seen lots of lighthouses, especially on the Lake Michigan side. However, the last lighthouse I saw in person was in Cape May, New Jersey!
my email: mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo dot com
I don’t know where my other comment went, but I forgot to include my email address. Here it is! mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo dot com
I also shared the giveaway on Facebook and Twitter!
I’ve always loved lighthouses! I live in the beautiful state of Michigan about a 5 minute drive from Lake Michigan. Some lighthouses I’ve visited in Michigan are Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light; Big Red in Holland; Tawas Point; Old Mackinac Point Light; Round Island Light; New Presque Isle Lighthouse, and many more.
Following your blog and shared on Twitter.
I grew up in Michigan and I have been to almost all of the lighthouses in the lower peninsula. My favorite is the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I follow your blog on Bloglovin’ and have shared your giveaway on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.
momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
I don’t think I’ve visited a lighthouse before but would love to someday. I shared on my Cheryl Barker, Writer Facebook page!
ckbarker at gmail dot com
I haven’t ever visited a lighthouse, but I hope to next month when I visit my sister in Hawaii.
I follow your blog and shared on Facebook.
susanmsj@msn.com
I haven’t visited a light house.
kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com
I have never visited a lighthouse. I don’t have the opportunity to travel, but I would like to visit one someday!
Enjoyed the interview and learning about your research for your books Jody. How exciting you got to spend some time at the assistant keeper’s cottage and tour the light house.
I have been to the light houses in Outer Banks, North Carolina and climbed Cape Hatteras a few years ago. I find them fascinating.
Blessings,Tina
tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net
I shared on facebook.
Blessings, Tina
A number of years ago my Husband & I did a Circle Lighthouse Tour starting in Wisconsin, going to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan & on down from there. I have to say it was one of my greatest experiences of my life. I loved going inside the Lighthouse to see how the people who took care of the lights lived. I can’t just choose one Lighthouse I loved them all. I know have a collection of Lighthouse plates, Lighthouse buildings & I would love the chance to add this book to my collection. Thanks for this awesome chance. Linda May
My email is ahissler@ymail.com . I love lighthouses. I live in Maine and have been to see some. One of the calendars I have is all lighthouse photos, . I took a trip to one and loved it also visited the Maine lighthouse museum . I loved it , looking at all the old lamp and listening to lighthouse history. I hope I win this giveaway. Thank you!
One lighthouse I have visited is on Cape Lookout, NC. There are several undeveloped islands by this seashore. One has wild horses on it. You take a boat out there and they drop you off for a few hours to spend time at the beach and lighthouse. It was just beautiful. I loved seeing the lighthouse and touring the light keeper’s house also.
http://www.nps.gov/calo/index.htm
My e-mail address is nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com.
I love lighthouses. And I have visited one as well as the Maine lighthouse museum . I loved it. I enjoyed hearing about the the lighthouse history and seeing all the old lights. My email is ahissler@ymail.com , I would love to win. Thank you.
I visited the one in Aruba! Lovely!
My email is meryl007@gmail.com
I grew up near a light house along the Texas Gulf Coast. I don’t remember visiting it….
Shared on facebook
We went on vacation in New England in September and saw several, but the prettiest one we saw was Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine.
I have never visited a lighthouse. I have read about several in books and enjoyed reading about them. Thanks for the interview and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
We operated a Christian radio station for 38 years called “The Caribbean Radio Lighthouse.” So lighthouses have always had a special place in my heart. North Carolina and cape Hatteras was a favorite. As retired missionary I love both reading and writing. This book looks interesting.
Living in the desert, I am woefully far from lighthouses. I did go to one in Michigan on one of my trips home several years ago, but don’t remember the name. It was not active or open to the public, so I don’t have much to say except that I appreciate them and the light house keepers so much through this author’s current series! So glad there will be another one to look forward to after this. I very much look forward to reading this one! Thank you for the chance to win!
I haven’t visited a lighthouse but I would should an opportunity arise! I love ocean/river/lake/stream views!
I’m subscribed to your blog, shared on pinterest, facebook, and twitter!
Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy!
I have seen the outside of a lighthouse in Branson MO. But we didn’t get to go inside. I would love to go in one but I don’t like heights so I probably would stay right at the bottom. But I love to read about them.
I climbed to the top of Cape Hatteras lighthouse once.
We visited a lighthouse in Port Clint ton, OH on Lake Erie before school started back in August. Our youngest son and I couldn’t make the climb up. Our jelly legs would not hold us up! We are both afraid of heights, but our daughters took the camera and they have some great photos.
I have toured a lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. tormhake @ netzero. com
I have never been to a lighthouse but would love to. My mother is a big fan of lighthouses. She has been to a few and collects lighthouses. She has a large bookcase full of lighthouses.
When my friends took me on a cruise to Nova Scotia, we passed several lighthouses but didn’t get to tour them. I’ve read many a story involving them though.
Not 10 minutes ago, I picked out Love’s Fortune, to read on the plane to Nicaragua, on Monday. Meeting my husband for 3 months of mission work.
missionwife AT hotmail DOT com
I have never really visited a lighthouse. There is a replica on Lake Barkley at Lighthouse Landing here in Kentucky. It’s probably my favorite place to visit because on how relaxing it to walk out on the pier and just sit.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Blessings
eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
I have lighthouse on Point Lookout in Southern Maryland. I love the History of lighthouses. Unfortunately it was closed when we went but we stayed for 3 hours enjoying the beach and tides that came with it. Looking at shells and smelling the water as it would splash up. I know Tybee Island in SC has one that I hear it is wonderful.
I’ve visited the lighthouse in St. Augustine! It is beautiful! 🙂
Many Blessings, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
I live in Michigan so this book grabbed my attention. I have never been to a lighthouse…..something I need to do, for sure. I have never read any of Jody Hedlund’s books. This series sounds wonderful & Undaunted Hope sounds intriguing! I like that each book is a stand alone & that you dont miss out if you haven’t read the other books in the series. Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway! ~Alison Boss
nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
I have visited and climbed two lighthouses. The first lighthouse was in St. Augustine when I was in my 20’s. The second lighthouse was in Key West when I was in my 30’s. The views from up above were unbeliveable. I can only imagine what the view looked like when they were first built.
Janet E.
I’ve visited the Harbortowne lighthouse on Hilton head Island, not sure that it was ever actually working Lakehouse . I think it might just be a tourist attraction.