By
Kelly Bridgewater
Back Cover Copy:
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| From Amazon |
1865
Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?
Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?
My Review:
I
have heard a lot of good things about Jody Hedlund’s writing, but I haven’t
gotten around to reading any of her books yet. Some of the covers for her books
like the one for Unending Devotion
really grabs my attention. I love that cover. So when Bethany House offered the
chance to read and review one of her books I jumped on it.
Jody
Hedlund’s writing is great. I really felt like I was in a Lighthouse, looking
out at the ocean on a daily basis. I understood Caroline’s and Ryan’s struggles
as they learned how to deal with the dilemmas from their past. I felt move by
all the problems Caroline and Ryan had to overcome to succeed. I enjoyed
watching their journey of Transformation.
Hedlund’s
research into the lifestyles of 1865 and 1866 rang true for me. Caroline’s
struggle as a woman lightkeeper proved true. The clothes, customs, and the
values floated off the page, wrapping me in the time period. One of Hedlund’s
strength was allowing Ryan to experience PTSD. This is an issue that has come
to light with the warriors from Iraq, but like Hedlund, I believe this would affect
any soldier of any war. She allowed Ryan to live a solitary life, avoid
relationships, and overdose on pain pills to deal with his choices during the
war. This was unique, and I really enjoyed the perspective.
No
offense to Hedlund, but I had a hard time staying focused on the book. Not that
she isn’t a great writer because I believe she is, but I have a hard time
following historical books, which is why I stay away from Amish books and
frontier books. There isn’t enough action on the page for me to follow. I get
bored easily. That is why I enjoy mysteries, suspense, and thrillers.
In
short, Jody Hedlund’s Hearts Made Whole
is a good addition to the historical fiction genre with its realistic
characters, memorable settings, and a current dilemma affecting the hero. Fans
of Karen Witemeyer and Lori Benton would love this book.
I
received a complimentary copy of Jody Hedlund’s Heart Made Whole from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions
stated are all my own.
Jody Hedlund’s Writing Bio:
Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling
author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.
She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.
As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.
She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.
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| From Hedlund's Amazon Author Page |
Where to connect with Jody Hedlund:
Where to purchase Hearts Made Whole:
Your
Local Favorite bookstore
What
is your favorite aspect of Jody Hedlund’s writing?
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