Tag Archives: Jody Hedlund

#BookReview: Searching for You by Jody Hedlund

27 Dec

Oh, how I loved Sophie’s story! I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the plight of orphaned and homeless children during the orphan train movement, and Hedlund has done an excellent job of bringing their stories to life. Heart-wrenching and hopeful, Searching for You is a compelling tale and a wonderful conclusion to the Orphan Train series. While this novel can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

About the book:

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won’t abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: A Worthy Rebel by Jody Hedlund

26 Sep

A Worthy Rebel is an enchanting tale! Rebellion and desperation collide as Cole Warwick discovers an injured runaway and offers her aide. However, the rebellious peasant feels deceived by Izzy when her true identity is revealed. The story that unfolds is dramatic and romantic, captivating me from beginning to end. Izzy and Cole are endearing characters, and I delighted in their story!

The fifth book in the An Uncertain Choice series, A Worthy Rebel can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this series and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

While fleeing an arranged betrothal to a heartless lord, Lady Isabelle becomes injured and lost. Rescued by a young peasant man, she hides her identity as a noblewoman for fear of reprisal from the peasants who are bitter and angry toward the nobility.

Cole Warwick cannot turn his back on a person in need and soon finds himself falling for Izzy, the gentle and beautiful runaway who is mending in his cottage. As the leader of an imminent uprising against the nobility, he tries to resist his growing feelings for Izzy to protect her from the dangerous life he’s chosen. But the longer she stays, the more he hopes she’ll never leave.

When Izzy’s true identity is revealed, Cole feels betrayed. With the rebellion underway, can Cole forgive Izzy and find a way to save her from an unhappy marriage? Or will he and his peasant army be destroyed before he has the chance to fight for the people and the woman he loves?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

16 May

I adore historical fiction, and Jody Hedlund’s orphan train series is one of my favorites! The details and descriptions are vivid and bring to life a compelling tale. Marianne Neumann, her fellow Children’s Aid Society agent Andrew Brady, and their young charges are well-crafted and endearing characters, and I loved experiencing their emotional journey. Together Forever is a beautiful blend of history and romance, and I can’t wait to continue this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the  book:

Marianne Neumann became a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society with one goal: to find her lost sister. Her fellow agent, Andrew Brady, is a former schoolteacher with a way with children and a hidden past. As they team up placing orphans in homes in Illinois, they grow ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy changes one of their lives forever.

Learn more about Together Forever.

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#BookReview: A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

12 Mar

Adventure and romance collide in this enchanting story! Sir Aldric is a knight and a man of honor and valor. Lady Olivia is a woman of wealth who embodies courage and conviction. Their pairing is an unlikely one, and the emotional journey they embark on is teeming with drama and danger. A Loyal Heart is a most captivating tale and one that leaves me begging for more!

The fourth book in the An Uncertain Choice series, A Loyal Heart can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this series and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

17 Jun

With You Always is a beautifully told tale of strength and survival! Jody Hedlund brings history to life in her novels, and I loved the lesser known details she highlights in this story. While familiar with the history of orphan trains, I was not aware of the women who also traveled on the trains seeking employment.

Elise Neumann is an endearing character, and my heart ached for her and her sisters. I delighted in Elise crossing paths with businessman Thornton Quincy, and their unexpected journey stirred my emotions. I loved this compelling story of history and romance and eagerly await the next book in the Orphan Train series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

 

About the book:

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She’s had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children’s Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn’t want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother’s shadow and is determined to win his father’s challenge. He doesn’t plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

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#BookReview: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

16 Mar

For Love and Honor is a beautiful story with a beautiful message! Jody Hedlund never fails to charm me with her medieval tales, and For Love and Honor is no exception. Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet stole my heart, and their story of valor and romance captivated me from beginning to end.

The third book in the An Uncertain Choice series, For Love and Honor can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this collection and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

 

 

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

 

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest | Instagram

 

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: Never Forget by Jody Hedlund

4 Jan

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Never Forget captivated me from beginning to end!

Abbie Watson is an endearing character, and my heart ached for her and the situation she was in. I admired her unwavering dedication to Gramps and her determination to maintain their post at the Rose Island Lighthouse.

Fans of this series will remember Nathaniel Winthrop III from Book 4, Forever Safe, and are sure to delight in his transformation. The events that transpired between Abbie and Nathaniel and the twists and turns along their journey were completely unexpected and quite compelling!

Never Forget is the fifth and final novel in the Beacons of Hope series, one I’m sad to see come to an end. I highly recommend this beautiful story, as well as the many others Hedlund has written!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

never-forget-cover

About the book:

Abbie Watson is content to spend her days clamming, crabbing, and tending Rose Island Lighthouse. Her grandpa is the head light keeper, but his senility may lead to their eviction. Since leaving the island would kill her beloved Gramps, Abbie will do anything to keep him in the one place he knows and loves.

Wealthy Nathaniel Winthrop III’s wild living has gained him a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ among the elite social circles of Newport. After a blow to the head in a yachting accident washes him up on Rose Island, Nathaniel has no memories of his past.

Abbie tends the wounded stranger in her home only to realize he assumes they’re married. Although she knows she needs to correct Nathaniel’s mistake, his presence calms Gramps and provides a way to prevent eviction from the lighthouse.

The longer the charade continues, the harder it gets for Abbie to tell Nathaniel the truth, more so as she begins to fall in love. Everyone she’s ever loved has abandoned her. Will Nathaniel leave her too, once he discovers he’s not really her husband?

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2hRMPyb

Visit the author: http://jodyhedlund.com/

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#BookReview: Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

29 Oct

newton-and-polly

Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2d5psSh

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

 

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My thoughts:

“Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.”

A true love story like no other! Jody Hedlund brings her characters and their stories to life, and I was captivated by John Newton and Polly Catlett. A powerful story of redemption, their dramatic experiences and emotions were palpable on every page.

Impeccably researched and beautifully rendered, Newton and Polly is not to be missed!

 

newton-and-polly-book-club-collection

Newton and Polly would make a wonderful book club selection!  Jody has created a collection of material to add substance and interest to the discussion of this novel.  Download the collection!

 

Jody Hedlund bio pic

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters.  She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Connect with Jody:
Facebook | Twitter | Website | Pinterest | Instagram

 

newton-and-polly

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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Newton and Polly Pre-Order Offer + Sweepstakes

13 Sep

newton-and-polly

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

 

PRE-ORDER OFFER!

newton-and-polly-pre-order-offer

Pre-order a copy of Newton & Polly before September 20, 2016 and receive a printable “Amazing Grace” pdf!  

 

SWEEPSTAKES!

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Enter to win a copy of Newton & Polly!  

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#BookReview: Forever Safe | Goodreads #Giveaway

10 Jun

Forever Safe

Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1thi1MY

Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancé. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard.

Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe.

As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for?

 

Graphic- Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund

My thoughts:

I loved this enthralling story! Jody Hedlund masterfully weaves history, mystery, and romance, creating a tender tale that is not to be missed!

Victoria Cole and Tom Cushman are wounded characters who share a beautiful and inspiring journey. Both running from past hurts and fears, I really appreciated their emotional and spiritual growth, and I loved the development of their relationship. I also delighted in Tom’s parents, James and Zelma. The wit and wisdom they offered Tom and Victoria was such a wonderful part of the narrative.

I have loved each Beacons of Hope novel, and I believe Forever Safe is my favorite of the series! I do hope Jody Hedlund will continue sharing these beautiful novels set among our nation’s lighthouses!

Enter the Goodreads giveaway now to win 1 of 5 copies of Forever Safe!

 

Jody Hedlund bio pic

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest| Instagram

 

Forever Safe

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.

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