Jody Hedlund

Category: Jody Hedlund

Calling on the Matchmaker

by Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The storyline is well done in this book, and the writing style is wonderful which is always what a reader expects from this author.

I really enjoyed the main characters and secondary characters in this story as well. The shenanigans of Finola are funny, and she has become quite adept at getting suitors to leave. Then she meets her match. Riley is well done in his role as well.

I enjoyed the history of this read. I prefer my historical fiction to have more history than romance so this was not my favorite book by this author. I am probably in the minority in this, but I read historical novels to learn. There are a few interesting historical facts, but the romance takes center stage. If that’s your jam then this will be your book!

My favorite part of this book is the faith theme of forgiveness and recognizing that Christ can forgive anything that we have done. There is also much in charity and helping those in need. The inspirational part of the story is strong.

If you enjoy historical reads with much romance than pick this book to read! Most that enjoy Roseanne White, Julie Lessman, or Tamera Leigh( I’m getting help in these recommendations from other readers) enjoy this author’s books.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Last Chance Cowboy

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The last of the siblings gets his story. I always love a good redemption story, and a marriage of convenience plot. The characters are well done, and the witty banter between siblings is fun. I have four siblings of my own.

I enjoyed the action and the forgiveness/ redemption topic. I do wish the redemption part had taken place during the story. I did enjoy the action in the story and the wonderful midwifery stories.

I’m not much into overly romantic stories…I prefer more the historical side of a book. I would have preferred it to be more like her previous series where I learned so many interesting historical facts. I am in the minority on this subject, though. Jody Hedlund fans and fans of cowboy romance will be sure to love the final story in the Colorado Cowboy series- characters, action, forgiveness, and a marriage of convenience story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Falling for the Cowgirl

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

This book follows in the style of the previous three books in the series. A feisty girl and a guy who can’t decide what he wants to do. If you like a romance read, this is for you. It was an easy read for me, and I’m not big on the romance. This series seems to have that more at the center than previously written books by this author. I prefer more history…just my preference.

The plot seemed a bit weak in this one, but it has some interesting intrigue moments and a bit of suspense/mystery thrown in if ( like me) you like suspense in your stories. This book is definitely driven by the characters.

Ivy feels as if she doesn’t really have a place, but she does know exactly what she wants. I grew up doing the things my brothers did so I understand that part of her character. I wasn’t a huge Jericho fan, but he figures it out, of course.

If you are a romance fan and love Cowboy stories, you will enjoy this entire series by Jody Hedlund.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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To Tame a Cowboy

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

The characters are vivid and well done in this third book of the Colorado Cowboys. This author always does such a great job of making her characters come alive. Even the secondary characters become interesting for the reader.

The setting is a beautiful one. I’ve never been to Colorado, and this book may be the closest I get.

I read historical fiction for the history. I love to learn as I read fiction. This book, to me, seemed much more about romance and the attraction between the main characters than it did about anything else. Since I’m not a reader of just romance novels that was not a bonus for me,

If you like historical fiction with swooning romance then this is definitely a book for you.

There is a faith theme present in this read which is what gave its value to me. Christian fiction should have something of Christian in its pages. It isn’t a large one, but it is present and well woven into the story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Heart of a Cowboy

Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

This is the second book in this series, Colorado Cowboys. It states it is Historical Fiction, but it really is far more a romance story

I liked the main characters in the story. I didn’t particularly care for their love story. There was a lot of physical attraction mentioned, and they kiss several times then decide to make nothing of it. I found that a bit strange for this historical time. Nowadays, that’s certainly a far more commonplace idea and happening. In the past, though, a kiss really meant something.

It was interesting to read how far they drove the cattle, the dangers along the way, what they did when water was scarce, and how they overcame other obstacles as they made their way on the Santa Fe Trail.

I also enjoyed the family dynamics in the story. They are interesting, really, for both the female and male heroine. There is more complexity in the hero’s story and family. I enjoyed getting to know Wyatt’s ( hero from the previous book) family in this book.

More history and deeper character development than romance is my “cup of tea”, but this book is a favorite among fans. For Jody Hedlund fans, her writing is vivid and detailed as always…and a bit of mystery to the story as well. So if you are interested in taking a historical trip on the Santa Fe trail, grab a copy.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Runaway Bride

By Jody Hedlund

MY THOUGHTS

What another terrific read by Jody Hedlund. I knew nothing about the bride ships until her first book. I had to wonder what would make a woman do something that seemed so drastic…England to Canada. Not only do they plan on marrying someone they don’t know yet, but they are in a totally new country across many miles of seas.
Ms. Hedlund does a great job of answering those questions by using probable situations. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book…their faults and all. The struggling of class really wasn’t important in Canada…but that was how these women were reared.

Love the quotes from the pastor that enter Peter’s mind as he lives his life after Christ changed his heart which changed his actions. The faith theme in this book is a good one. The theme of loving all of God’s children is terrific as well. I want to point out this is an adult read, at least in my opinion. If you think you have someone young in mind for it, I do recommend reading it yourself first. It’s a terrific story, but not all stories were meant for all ages. The carefulness that Peter shows in the relationship is terrific, and that is what true love is!

The continuing story of Mercy from the first book was a special treat. I enjoyed hearing about the other characters as well.

The story has terrific and realistic characters, a wonderful plot, and a natural and well woven hope and faith thread. I really enjoy historical fiction as I learn much that I never learned from a history book. I even read an article by a Canadian that mentioned she had no idea of several facts in Canadian history that happened right in her own backyard until she read historical fiction.

I am so eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! It’s history come to life.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Hereafter

by Jody Hedlund

“Perhaps real treasure lies not in the wealth deep in the labyrinth, but in the gifts God has bestowed upon us- gifts we can use for the greater good of the kingdom and the people.”

This series ended with the best book yet!! This book was fantastic. I loved the characters, the interesting plots, subplots and twists and turns of the story. The reader knows they are going to get the “Happily-ever-after.” This book, tho, isn’t entirely predictable…I love it for that!

So much of want I would like to say gives away far too much. If you want to lose yourself in a book that is just plain a terrific story, go get this book and this series. It’s fantastic reading. I’ve never been a fan of fairy tale stories, but Jody Hedlund made me one with this book! So all I can say is read it. It’s the third in a series, and I highly recommend starting with the novella to get the full scope of the story.

The characters, plot, story, and faith theme make this a terrific, interesting, and enjoyable story.

“Now in the face of the biggest challenges yet, God was helping to unleash the gift.”

The complete series The Lost Princesses by Jody Hedlund.
All reviews of each book can be found on the home page.

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Foremost

by Jody Hedlund

Another fantastic medieval YA read by Jody Hedlund. So many interesting fairy tale events and characters, an amazing warrior hero, and a beautiful princess in need of safety. All the wonderful elements of a well told fairytale are wrapped in a beautiful book that has a cover as spectacular as the story. In this book, more than the previous, the reader gets a real feel of a fairy tale story.

The spiritual elements of forgiveness, self control, and selfishness are addressed in this novel. Maribel wishes to be a nun, and rosary beads are mentioned in the story- these staying true to the medieval times. The story itself holds more of a fairytale feel than the previous book, at least it did for me, and the reader gets a beautiful happily ever after. This book is a great addition to the story as a whole, and the series in no way loses its momentum. ( Which is saying something considering how well done the first book was written! ) I’m so looking forward to the conclusion of this series, though I know I’ll be disappointed when it’s over. However, a wonderful thing about books, they can be enjoyed over and over again.

Jody Hedlund has produced such a treat in these novels, and her writing skills come through magnificently. This had been a fantastically fun and adventurous series!

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Always

by Jody Hedlund

What a wonderful novella to introduce a new YA series by Jody Hedlund! It remains true to what she always puts in her YA reads. The importance of inner beauty and strength, the truth that we can’t live all on our own, and the truth that love grows and happiness can be a choice.

I eagerly wait for the series to begin! This was a fantastic start, and I’m not a big fan of novellas. This one was very well done. I don’t usually review a novella that introduces a series, but I felt this one was vital to the series as a whole.

“…happiness is a choice we make no matter what life brings us, is it not?”

“God, I whispered as I stared unseeingly at the glowing coals. I haven’t wanted to rely upon anyone, have only leaned on my own strength and determination. But I have nothing left. I can do no more.”

I knew now as I’d known then that my father depended upon God for strength and guidance in a way I never had.”

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Evermore

by Jody Hedlund

Terrific YA fairytale read by Jody Hedlund. Though I’m no YA, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wonderful characters, terrific story, suspense, and a fantastic backdrop with knights, kings, and queens the reader is drawn into an exciting tale of a Princess who needs to regain her kingdom and become queen.

Some surprising twists and turns make this an even better read. I love the important morals and choices that are made, and the message that is given to young readers through this story.

I definitely am looking forward to the rest of the series, and I do recommend the novella that sets up the story. I rarely say they are necessary, but to get a complete picture I highly recommend reading the novella “Always” before reading this one.

I bought the paperbacks, and they are gorgeous! Go get your ebook or paperback and be enchanted into another time and place!

The book Evermore and the novella that begins the series Always.

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