Review of Jody Hedlund’s ‘Hearts Made Whole’ (and Prize Pack Giveaway and Facebook Party!)
about the book...
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?
my review...
Jody Hedlund continues her "Beacons of Hope" series in fine fashion with "Hearts Made Whole", a wonderful historical fiction novel that will please her longtime fans and garner new ones along the way. Those readers who missed the first book in the series don't need to worry as you don't have to have read that one to enjoy this story; although there is some connection between the two, they can be read as stand alone novels, each great novels in their own right. But though I enjoyed the first novel in the series (Love Unexpected), I think I like this one even more!
Both Caroline and Ryan are wonderfully-developed characters that live and breathe on the pages, working through the baggage from their past and the difficult current circumstances they find themselves in. The story is jam-packed full of dramatic twists and turns that make for absorbing reading. Ryan garnered my sympathy with his struggles with substance misuse stemming from his experience in the Civil War, while Caroline inspired with her determination to care for her family. Heart-break and sorrow are balanced by blossoming love and a completely satisfying ending, making for a truly good book.
I award this story 4 out of 5 stars, and look forward to more to come in the Beacons of Hope series.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and the Litfuse Publicity Group, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
about the author...
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of seven novels, including Captured by Love, A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and The Preacher's Bride, winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives inMidland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She can be found online at www.jodyhedlund.com.
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And now for the giveaway...
Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody's June 23rd author chat party!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A picnic basket set
- A beach bag
- Flip flops
- A beach towel
One second-place winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A lighthouse journal
One third-place winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A lighthouse necklace
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 23rd.Winner will be announced June 23rd at Jody's Facebook party. RSVP here!
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