Happy Release Day & Author Q&A: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

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With You Always

by Jody Hedlund

A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

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.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

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For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book: For Love & Honor
Author: Jody Helund
Genre: Young Adult Historical
Release Date: March 7, 2017

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?

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Never Forget by Jody Hedlund

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Book: Never Forget
Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2017

Never Forget by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island
June 1880

Will she betray his trust to stay on the island she loves?

Abbie Wilson 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?

Review: Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund

Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

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.

Review: A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The only thing harder than fighting for what’s right…is fighting their feelings for each other.

For three years, the Cloaked Bandit has terrorized Wessex, robbing the nobility by knifepoint and a well-placed arrow. But little does anyone know, this bandit is in fact Juliana Wessex, the rightful ruler of the land and a girl her tyrannical uncle—the current Lord Wessex—believes was killed along with her father.

Juliana has become skilled at hiding from Lord Wessex in the forest, using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs Collin Goodrich, her red hair betrays her true identity. Lord Collin remembers Juliana from their childhood—and challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more. Juliana is intrigued by Collin and his charms, but only time will tell if he can overcome her distaste of the nobility—as well as win her heart.

Review: Luther and Katharina

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About This Book

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther. His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.

Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different.

But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.
- See more at: www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

My Review

What a gripping story!  The courage, the persecution, the loneliness, the faith!  The depth of this book is amazing.   With plenty of rich drama, action, history, and romance, you'll be glad you picked up this book to read.  It is very well written!

If you've ever wanted to know more about Martin Luther, this book will satisfy.  The reformation of the Catholic church came about with much blood, sweat, and tears.  The life of persecution that Martin Luther lived was more than any of us could ever imagine.  I like the thought that the last 20 or so years of his life was brightened by his marriage to Katharina.

Although this book is heavy with history and the persecution that was prevalent in that time period, the author does not neglect the romance.  The attraction that Luther and Katharina feel towards one another is denied by both to the point that I wanted to slap both of them...lol.  Katharina has a warm heart despite being strong-willed and yearns to have the family that she was denied when her father took her to the Abbey at the age of 5.  However, she struggles with the pride of being of noble birth and through many trials has to learn to let go of her lineage in order to move on to a future of love and family.  Luther struggles with the fear of being rejected by this woman that has created passionate feelings in a man that believed he would be alone all his persecuted life.  He also fears for her safety and well being if she were to marry him.  They go through a lot before they find the path that God has laid out for their future.

Content warning:  The reality of the persecution of the time is not glossed over in this book.  Although not graphic, there are mentions of physical persecution and violence (some sexual).  Like I said, not graphic but still there.  (Probably less graphic than some crime shows on TV.)


See the Author's website page for information, reviews, discussion questions, trailers, and more!
Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion & Additional Information About Luther and Katharina

*Thanks to Blogging For Books for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

View all my reviews

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About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling author of ten books. Her first novel, The Preacher’s Bride, won the Reader’s Choice Award as part of the RWA Faith, Hope, and Love contest. Her book, A Noble Groom, was the winner of the 2014 Carol Award and INSPYs Award. She received a bachelor's from Taylor university and a master's from University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Hedlund revels in bringing forgotten historic women to life and can usually be found with a book, a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate. She lives in Midland, Michigan with her husband and five children.   You can find her on her website jodyhedlund.com as well as:

 Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Instagram / Amazon / Pinterest




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Review: An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

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Synopsis

The first book in a new YA historical fiction series from bestselling author Jody Hedlund.

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice-if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights-the one who appears the most guilty-had not already captured her heart.

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Summary

As we learn in the companion novella The Vow, Rosemarie is in the first bloom of womanhood and love when her world falls apart.  A plague sweeps her land and she is rushed to the convent to protect her from the disease.  When everything settles down she returns to find her father and mother, who have selflessly served their plagued kingdom, dying of the disease.  Upon their death she learns that, at her birth, her parents pledged her to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen.  Now, four years later and just one month shy of her 18th birthday, she is told that if she marries before the eve of that day, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.  She is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land.  As she struggles with this change in her everyday life, she tries to discern what choice she should make and who she should be listening to.  And as the day draws near it becomes clear that someone doesn't want her to take her rightful place as ruler.   Who can she trust and who will she give her heart to?

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Review

I enjoyed this YA medieval romance.  It was an easy read that was well written and flowed smoothly.  There was intrigue, romance, danger, honor, betrayal, suspense, and a sweet heartfelt ending.  :)  Rosemarie had great character and I admired her dedication to her people and doing what was right for them.  The shortness of the time-span that she had to choose a life mate was a little alarming but the danger at the time served to show the true worth of the people around her.

*Thanks to Zondervan and BookLook Bloggers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*