Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund Book Review

// Love Unexpected //

Beacons of Hope // Book #1
 

By Jody Hedlund

{Review by Bethany}

Publisher: Bethany House
Source: Review copy provided by the author
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2014
Number of Pages: 348
  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

// Author Website //

// Purchase on Amazon //

 

// Book Synopsis //
Taken from Good Reads

 

 "A Perfect Blend of History and Romance, with a Whisper of Mystery

All she's ever wanted was a home. But stranded at Presque Isle port after their steamboat sank, Emma Chambers and her brother, Ryan, couldn't be farther away from security. While Ryan at least can find work, Emma can't even find a place to stay. An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper, who recently lost his wife and is struggling to raise his young son, arrives in town. A traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems, and after a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger.

But nothing in her wandering life has prepared her for suddenly being asked to raise a child and keep a house. Struggling at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous."

 

// Bethany's Book Review // 

Love Unexpected, the first book in the Beacons of Hope series, is a tender story of hope and redemption. Charmingly set in Michigan by the sea and lighthouses, this sweet story is a heart- warming one that is sure to delight and inspire. 

One of my favorite parts of this story was the setting and characters. There is just something very calming about lighthouses; and the tenderness of the storyline combined with the backdrop made for a very pleasurable read, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While reading this book, I could almost feel the sea spraying on my face, and feel the wind blowing my hair. I easily got into the story and connected with the characters. The story was so sweet and endearing, and I loved reading Patrick and Emma's story.

Each of the characters were meaningful, and I'd have to say that my favorite was Patrick's son Josiah. I've always particularly enjoyed stories where the story has a young child, as it really helps bring the characters personalities out. I think this was especially true for Patrick and Emma. Josiah had such a huge part in bringing out the other characters personalities, and I loved seeing him in the story and the warmth and humor that he brought into the novel. I also admired Patrick's character. He was such an honorable person, and I loved learning more about him as the story progressed! The mystery aspect of his past kept me turning pages!

The story was very easy to get into, and had a nice mix of tender romance with a hint of mystery. The story flowed very consistently, and there weren't any dry bits that hindered the reading experience. The story line itself was masterfully written, and I loved seeing how the themes of love and redemption came out. 

Hedlund's writing style is so easy and fun to read, and I loved how she combined a sweet story that is interesting, with historical bits that added even more to the story. I loved how the story was loosely based on a true story of a light-keeper. I always enjoy stories that are based on real events as they make learning history fun and memorable, and this story is no exception!

In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of sweet historical fiction! I eagerly await book number two in the Beacons of Hope series!

D I S C L A I M E R :: I  received a complementary copy of Love Unexpected from the author and publisher, for the purpose of this review. I was not paid to promote this book, and all thoughts expressed are completely honest and unbiased.

KINDLE FREEBIE ALERT! Interested in the Beacons of Hope series? If so then you should check out the free e-novella prequel to the series, Out of the Storm, available for free on Amazon HERE! I really enjoyed this quick read, and would recommend it if you are interested in reading Love Unexpected or looking for a good weekend read! If you are interested in hearing my thoughts on the novella, then check out my short review over on Good Reads.

Captured by Love by Jody Hedlund // Guest Post + Giveaway

Hello friends! Today I'm very excited to have a special guest here on The Literary Maidens, Mrs. Jody Hedlund, author of Captured by Love. I was blessed to be able to review Jody's newest release, Captured by Love, as well as be a part of the blog tour going on to celebrate the release! If you'd like to check out the other blog tour stops, you can view the schedule HERE. You can also read my review of Captured by Love by clicking HERE.

So today Jody is here with us, and will be sharing about the true people and events in Captured by Love. For those who have read Captured by Love already, then you'll know exactly what Jody is talking about when she shares bits of the story, and if not then I hope learning about the true events in the story inspires you to get your hands on a copy a read it for yourself! We hope that you enjoy reading this guest post, and be sure to stick around until the end because we are doing a special giveaway for a copy of Captured by Love!

// Behind the Scenes of 

Captured By Love //

The True People and Events 

in Captured by Love

Most of my readers know by now that I LOVE to write about true people and events. The books in my Hearts of Faith series are inspired by great women from history including Elizabeth Bunyan in The Preacher's Bride, Narcissa Whitman in The Doctor's Lady, Abigail Adams in Rebellious Heart.

My Michigan Brides Collection, Unending Devotion, A Noble Groom, and now Captured by Love, aren't based on big-name historical women like in my other books. But I do add in real people and facts from Michigan history that make the books especially intriguing.

If you've read any of my other books, you'll quickly realize that I explain what's true and what's not in the Author's Note at the end of my books. Captured by Love is no different. So make sure you don't skip my Author's Notes!

So what really happened and what are the wild wanderings of a writer's imagination?

The entire story itself is rooted in authentic Mackinac Island aura, from the wildlife to the scenery descriptions. I tried to stay as true to the historical setting as possible.

But here are some actual historical events and people that made their way into the book:

It's true that after the British took over the island, American men (not women) had to sign the Oath of Allegiance to the British or leave their homes. Many of the islands residents, rather than lose their land and homes, signed the Oath and stayed on the island. In Captured by Love, I had Angelique's fiancé stay loyal to the Americans and refuse to sign the Oath. Then I tried to show how difficult life would have been for the women and family left behind.

It's true that the once the British took over the island, they really had no clue about how to deal with the harsh Michigan winters. They were ill prepared with both clothing and food supplies. The army rationed food to prevent starvation. They had to eat their horses. And they confiscated food from the island residents.

A close-up of the wood palisades that surrounded the fort.

At the start of 1814 (as Captured by Love opens), the war had been ongoing for almost two years. The new captain that arrived on the island, Captain McDouall, required that all the island residents spend three days working on building a new fort (named Fort George after their king). Can you imagine if you were an American woman or child forced to help fortify your enemy's position?

One view of inside of the fort.

(Mild spoiler alert!) Obviously the Americans hoped to win the island back from the British. During the summer of 1814, after much delay, the Americans finally attacked. I tried to retell the battle the way that it really happened including an odd diversion in which the British left the battlefield supposing an attack was happening elsewhere on the island. (Of course, I offer my own fictionalized theory for why that diversion happened!)

I also used the names of real war heroes, captains, and colonels as well as the names of places that exist on the island today. The fort still sits on the bluffs of the island with the original stone officer's quarters, soldier's barracks, and storehouse. In fact, you can even peer down into the infamous Black Hole.

One of the blockhouses that was a part of the wall of the fort and used for keeping watch as well as fighting against invaders.

Essentially the book is centered around that real attack by the Americans and the ensuing events.

Here's what Publisher's Weekly had to say about the book: "Award-winning author Hedlund (The Preacher’s Bride) continues to perfect her craft, combining drama, geography, and military strategy into an engaging historical romance. Superbly written romantic tension comes together with rich historical and scenic detail in this third novel in the Michigan Brides Collection that will leave readers eager for a fourth."

What about you? If you could pick one event or era from history and command an author to write a story set around that event or era, what would it be? (Who knows, maybe you'll spark an idea for a new book!)

// About Jody Hedlund //

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling books, The Preacher's Bride, Unending Devotion, and A Noble Groom. 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.

Where readers can find me:

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
Or you're welcome to email me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

// Captured by Love Book Giveaway //

In celebration of the release of Captured by Love, Jody is giving away a signed copy of her newest release on each of her blog tour stops, which means that on of you will win a signed copy of Captured by Love to read for yourself or give to a friend. Yay!

To enter this giveaway, please use the Raffle Copter widget below. You can sign in using either your email or Facebook, and from there you can complete certain activities which will give you giveaway entries. The giveaway will take entries until July 25th, 2014 and is only open to U.S. residents due to shipping costs. Once the giveaway has ended, I will use Random.com to generate one random winner and they will be emailed with information on redeeming their prize in addition to their name being displayed on the widget. 

I'd like to thank Jody for stopping by and sharing about the real events in Captured by Love, as well as for giving away a a copy of her newest book to one of you readers! Have a blessed day!

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Rebellious Heart By Jody Hedlund Book Review

// Rebellious Heart //

 

By Jody Hedlund

 

{Review By Bethany}

 

Title: Rebellious Heart

Author: Jody Hedlund
Source: I received a copy from the author after requesting to be an influencer for this novel
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 0764210483
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: September 15th, 2013
Bethany's Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
 

// Book Synopsis //

"In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice."

// Resources //

 

Visit Jody's Blog

 

Read Jody's Blog

 

See Jody's Other Books

 

Meet Jody

 

Pre-Order Rebellious Heart

{Available September 15th, 2013}

 

 

// Bethany's Book Review //

One of the things that first sold me to Jody Hedlund's writing is the way she incorporates so much history into a wonderfully written work of fiction that not only delights, but also included a lot of history. Her newest novel Rebellious Heart is no exception and doesn't disappoint as it takes you back in time Colonial America in the 1700s when you were forced to choose between being loyal to the king or rebelling against him!

One of the things I loved so much about this novel was all the history involved, up to the point where the main characters were loosely based on famous people of our past that played a critical role in America's upcoming during the time when America was on the verge of the Revolutionary War. I was very impressed with all the research that Jody obviously did to make this novel as accurate as possible, and it lit a match in my heart to further study these great people of our past and this critical time in America's history.

I loved how despite the fact that the story was about real people, it still had a nice amount of fiction and was so interesting and such a page turner. This book literally kept me up until the wee hours of the next day despite my need for sleep, but I just couldn't put it down! Especially towards the second half of the novel where there is constantly something happening that makes you want to continue reading!

On the romance side, this novel definitely had a bunch of it. While I'm the kind of person that likes more history than romance, I think that the romance level in this novel did go over what I'm usually okay with reading. However, due to all the history involved in the story and the great story-line, I considered it more than worth the romance side, considering all the history that I feel like was very helpful and interesting along with the suspense of the story line.

                                             ::::::WARNING!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!:::::::

                                             To avoid spoilers skip the following paragraph.

However I will note that in the first chapter of the book, as well as a couple other times in the book there was some sensitive subjects that would make the novel only for mature readers. These things involving detailed scenes of a man receiving punishment for a crime he supposedly committed by being branded and having his ear cut off, as well as several scenes with a runaway slave who was abused by her master and is found pregnant later on, though details were not given. For those who have read Jody's last book Unending Devotion and are aware of the high level of adult content contained in that story, then just know that this novel is much more friendly towards young adult readers than Unending Devotion was, concerning the mature topic that largely made up the story. So while this novel does include a few sensitive scenes, there aren't near as many as Unending Devotion.

                                                          ::::::::SPOILER ENDING:::::::::

As far as characters go, Susanna definitely had a more determined and somewhat feministic character. Often times I'm not completely in support of hard-core feminists because of the disrespect for men that comes as a result of wanting to be not equal to men, but better than the males around them. But I didn't feel like Susanna's womanly confidence that I'd consider feminism to be disrespectful, however that isn't to say she didn't wasn't very strong in her belief that women could do anything a man could do. However when I compare her feminism to that of the lady whom she was supposed to represent in the story, I don't see the original woman as a disrespectful feminist, so it didn't really bother me so much with Susanna's character. Of course this is a small detail that certainly wouldn't make or break the novel, just something I observed.

Overall this novel was a delightfully irresistible read filled with an interesting plot that keeps you turning pages late into the night, as well as a good dose of history and a wonderful written story. Any fans of Jody Hedlund or historical fiction from the 1700s would love this novel, and I highly recommend it!

NOTE :: I'd like to sincerely thank author Jody Hedlund as well as Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a complementary copy of Rebellious Heart to read and influence for. I was not paid to write this review, and all thoughts expressed in my review are completely my own, honest and unbiased.

Author Interview + Giveaway / / The Doctor's Lady By Jody Hedlund

Good Morning Literary Maidens!
Today The Literary Maiden gals are super excited to have author Jody Hedlund stop by our blog for an author interview and special book giveaway! Both of us girls are big fans of Jody's novels, The Preacher's Bride, The Doctor's Lady, Unending Devotion, and A Noble Groom; and are looking forward to her upcoming novel, Rebellious Heart which will release in September. We hope you enjoy this fun interview with Jody, and that you'll enter our giveaway!

~The Literary Maidens {Madi & Bethany}

 

 A u t h o r   I n t e r v i e w 

W i t h    M r s .   J o d y    H e d l u n d

 

The Literary Maidens :: Hi Jody! Welcome to the Literary Maidens blog! Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

 

Jody :: I've been married to my college sweetheart for over twenty years, and we have five children ranging in ages from 15 down to 7. 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!

The Literary Maidens :: Could you tell us a little bit about your book "The Doctors Lady"?

Jody ::

Priscilla White bears the painful knowledge that she’ll never be able to be a mother. Having felt God’s call to missionary work, she determines to remain single, put her pain behind her, and answer God’s call.

Dr. Eli Ernest wants to start a medical clinic and mission in unsettled Oregon Country. He’s not interested in taking a wife because of the dangers of life in the west and the fact that no white woman has ever attempted the overland crossing.

But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field. Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs.

Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.

The Literary Maidens :: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

 

Jody :: This book is inspired by the true life story of Narcissa Whitman, the first white woman to brave the dangers of overland trail and travel west. In 1836, she married Dr. Whitman, and then the next day left her childhood home and would never return for the purpose of starting a mission among the Nez Perce natives.

It was my hope in this story to bring Narcissa Whitman to life. This heroic woman has often been ignored and at times even disparaged. In reality, she exuded incredible courage to attempt a trip many proclaimed foolishly dangerous. It was called an “unheard-of-journey for females.” Because of her willingness to brave the unknown, she led the way for the many women who would follow in her footsteps in what would later become known as the Oregon Trail.

The Literary Maidens :: Where are you in the process of your upcoming new release "Rebellious Heart"?

 

Jody :: A couple of weeks ago I completed my last set of edits known as the Galleys. I sent that back to my publisher and now they'll be making their last changes to the book as well. And very soon, they'll begin sending the book out to reviewers. My work is done on the book . . . until it releases, and then I'll be busy again doing interviews and helping to promote it.

The Literary Maidens :: Out of all your books, do you have a personal favorite?

 

Jody :: That's a hard one because I fall madly in love with all of my books as I'm writing them! I think they're all SO wonderful–until I beginning editing and then I loathe them. While I can't pick one book, I can say that one of my favorite heroes so far is Carl from A Noble Groom because he's so sweet and caring and funny.

The Literary Maidens :: What is something the average person doesn't know about you?

 

Jody :: I have most of the songs of Sound of Music memorized (due to watching it every year as a child). Now, whenever I watch the movie, I belt out the songs at the top of my lungs, much to the listening pleasure of my children. *Grin*

The Literary Maidens :: Do you have any writing quirks?

 

Jody :: I don't have too many quirks, other than needing a cup of coffee on hand while I'm writing

(especially in the morning!).

One of the things I like to do to help me keep on track with my writing is give myself half hour word count challenges–a specific goal of how many words I can get written in a thirty minute time span. Doing these mini-challenges keeps me from getting too distracted by other things while I'm in a writing mode.

The Literary Maidens :: Where do you usually write?

 

Jody :: Most days I sit in the kitchen or dining room where I’m able to keep my eyes and ears on all that’s going on around me. That way I can see when the dog is about to eat another sock, put a halt to my youngest riding down the steps in laundry baskets, and make sure my children are practicing piano diligently (rather than getting up to get a snack every few minutes). Of course, this is all hypothetical. None of this ever happens. And my writing time is always quiet and peaceful as my children go about their work without needing any of my intervention. *Wink*

I actually do my best writing in my office, which is upstairs away from the noise and chaos. But I don’t get to retreat there very often, just a few times a week for extended writing time.

Most of the time, I plug in headphones, put on Pandora, and write no matter what’s going on around me. I’ve had to learn to just do it and not wait for the perfect moment.

The Literary Maidens :: When did you decide to be an author, and what inspired you to write?

 

Jody :: I’m pretty sure I was born with a pen in one hand and a notebook in the other. Since my earliest days, I loved making up stories and writing them down. The passion followed me into adulthood. And after many twists and turns along the path, I’ve finally been able to channel that passion into a full time writing career.

My mom was the most influential person in my writing career. When I was young, she helped facilitate my love of writing by reading aloud to me, giving me good books to read, and providing the kind of environment that fostered my creativity (in fact we didn’t have a TV for a number of years). She always believed in me, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and rode alongside me cheering me on.

The Literary Maidens ::  Is there anything that you would like to share in closing?

 

Jody :: 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

 

   / / T h e    G i v e a w a y / /

Today we are delighted to be partnering with Jody for a giveaway! One blessed winner will receive a copy of The Doctor's Lady by Jody Hedlund. To enter this giveaway, use the RaffleCopter entry form below. Open to the U.S. and entries will be taken until June 24th, 2013. After the giveaway ends we will pick a winner using Random.org provided on RaffleCopter and will notify the winner via email. The winner's name will also be announced on the below giveaway entry form. Before you start entering, we'd like to sincerely thank Jody for letting us interview her as well as for helping make this giveaway happen! Thanks a million, Jody!

 

~ The Literary Maidens

 

 

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