Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

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The one thing I can't do with a Jody Hedlund book: Review of Hearts Made Whole

If you pay attention to and read the book reviews on this blog, you already know about my deep affection for Jody Hedlund as a writer. Her books are some of the ones I turn to when I’m in need of a guaranteed good story. Like comfort food, they always offer satisfaction.

hearts made wholeShe has a new book out this month–Hearts Made Whole–and no matter when I start reading or what else is going on in my life, there is one thing I just can’t do with one of her books–stop reading! (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my review through Litfuse Publicity Group.)

I can’t do it! My house could be a mess, the kids in need of dinner, chaos reigning all around me and still my nose is stuck in a Jody Hedlund book as I turn page after page to see what will happen to my new friends, er, the characters in the book.

Though I have trouble picking a favorite book she’s written, Hearts Made Whole is in the running for that title because of Ryan Chambers, a broken Civil War veteran who comes to take the job of lightkeeper in Grosse Point, Michigan, and Caroline Taylor, the woman who has been running the light since the death of her father.

Ryan’s struggles with addiction to pain medication and alcohol to numb the pain of his war injury and the demons in his head about past mistakes are heartbreakingly real. And Caroline’s struggle to assert herself as competent in a man’s world is surprisingly modern for a story set just about the Civil War. His desire to change and make amends, her desire to use her gifts to care for her family–well, let’s just say that that theme hits a little close to home.

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Hedlund’s stories always teach me something about history, and if you’re a fan of lighthouses, Hearts Made Whole is the second in a series of books she’s writing about Michigan’s lighthouses. It took me a while to catch on that there is a connection from this book to the first in the series, Love Unexpected, and it made me look forward to book three and the tie-in I’m hoping will be there. If you have not read the first book, though, don’t let it stop you from reading this one. (You can also read the novella that precedes the series for free on Kindle.)

And now for some details about how the author is celebrating the release!

Don’t miss Jody Hedlund’s new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan’s 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. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

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!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

One second-place winner will receive:

One third-place winner will receive:

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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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When women are heroes too: Review of Dauntless by Dina Sleiman

When I first saw the cover for Dauntless by Dina Sleiman, my initial reaction was, “Oh, so like Robin Hood only for girls.”

After reading the book, I’m happy to say that was a shallow assumption and a horrible first impression. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for my review.)

dauntlessDauntless does feature a strong female lead in Merry Ellison, a former noblewoman who has been forced into outlaw living because of the fickle and ruthless King John who ordered the murder of her family. And Merry does lead a band of fellow outcasts, mostly children, who steal to survive. But her story is much more than a retelling of Robin Hood. The similarities to that legend are few, but if you like Robin Hood, you’ll probably like this one.

This is the first in Sleiman’s Valiant Hearts series and each book will feature a strong, young female lead. (The next book has an aspiring knight on the cover!) Set in Medieval times in fictional parts of England and Britain, the books are classified as juvenile fiction, but I think they have a wider appeal.

I enjoyed the story and appreciate tales where the female is not always the “damsel in distress.” Merry has a leadership role among her group but learns that she cannot, nor does she need to, handle everything all by herself. She leads with wisdom but lets others in. She learns to trust her instincts but also to delegate and trust others.

These are valuable lessons for women of any age. I’m excited for what this series has to offer.

Yes, there is a love story in this also, and while Merry tries to deny any ideas of romance because of her situation, she discovers it is a natural part of life. The romance is not what carries the story nor does it give false impressions for younger readers.

Overall, this is a great book to share with younger readers (and then read for yourself!).