Jody Hedlund

Tag: Jody Hedlund

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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A Cowboy for Keeps

By Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW

I’m not a huge western fan, but I am a Jody Hedlund fan so I wasn’t about to miss out on her latest novel. I could relate to this in some interesting ways. I’m not a sick 11 year old as Astrid is, but I am a disabled and mostly homebound wife and mother. The thoughts of being a burden are frequent. Also, trust me, people do tire of a constant cough. My reactive airway disease causes an awful cough that annoys even myself. The feeling of being a burden and making life more difficult for those I love is definitely not a rare one for me.

The plot and storyline are simple and an easy read for me. It’s message and faith theme were good. It had a bit more romance than I tend to like in my historical fiction books. I love learning history, and I didn’t feel that happened in this book. I am not sure why, but I didn’t feel as if I traveled to Colorado. I’m not a big fan of constant physical attraction being a large part of a story which it was in this one. It’s just my personal preference, but a deeper storyline and historical details are things I find appealing in a book.

I did like the characters. I hope we learn more about Judd as the story continues. He was such a special part of this story with wonderful wisdom and wit. I just fell in love with Astrid! She is so trusting and fun…yet ornery and feisty. I love kids in books! Another aspect I liked was that Greta was very capable on a ranch. Many stories have a wimp of a woman who has a hard time adjusting…not true with this character.

Good characters, faith theme, and an interesting story has me waiting for the next book in the series.

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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The Reluctant Bride

by Jody Hedlund

This is a wonderful historical novel based on true events. Click on the image above for a full summary and review.

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