Showing posts with label Jody Hedlund. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jody Hedlund. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Review: With You Always by Jody Hedlund


Heidi Reads... With You Always by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

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.


My Review

The plot of this book is not quite what I expected- when I hear "orphan train" I picture the children from the city getting placed in families out West. The author instead focuses on an orphaned family being torn apart as unemployed women are sent on trains to help establish new towns where there are jobs waiting to be filled. Of course, my expectations of the quality of writing were met- I learned so much history, was immersed in the setting, and the characters came to life with emotion and feeling as they navigate complex relationship dynamics and uncertain and desperate circumstances. The main perspectives are Elise and Thorton as they embark on new ventures in Illinois, but we also see some scenes from Elise's family she had to leave behind in New York. While Elise is the strong and stalwart oldest sister who takes on the responsibility of her sisters and the young children they take under their wing, on her journey we see her vulnerability and innocence as well as her fortitude and spunk. Thorton is drawn to her and his protective feelings quickly develop into something more, despite his plan to court and marry a high society lady he believes his father would approve of. Elise challenges his town development methods and unequal treatment of the female employees, and grows to admire him as he meets her challenges and is changed through the experience. There are villains lurking and conflict arises as Thorton's deadline grows closer, and Elise's concern for her sisters is validated. They both struggle with faith but their trials prove to be a refiner's fire that strengthens them as they reconcile with the Lord and turn to Him for guidance. Highly recommend to fans of historical fiction!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't Miss the FREE prequel novella in the Orphan Train series, An Awakened Heart

http://amzn.to/2rYCxG2


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Trying to heal the ache she feels in her empty life, wealthy Christine Pendleton decides to volunteer at Centre Street Chapel. Ministering to one of the most deprived parts of New York City, the chapel aims at making a difference in the lives of the impoverished immigrants flooding the city. After seeing firsthand the hopelessness of the poor women and orphans, Christine is convinced more can be done to help them.

Guy Bedell has been serving at the chapel and pouring his heart out for the people he's grown to care about. When Christine begins to challenge his methods and offers a new vision for reaching out to the community, can he trust that perhaps God has bigger plans in store for him--plans that may include this feisty socialite?


Thursday, April 27, 2017

Review: An Awakened Heart by Jody Hedlund


Heidi Reads... An Awakened Heart by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Trying to heal the ache she feels in her empty life, wealthy Christine Pendleton decides to volunteer at Centre Street Chapel. Ministering to one of the most deprived parts of New York City, the chapel aims at making a difference in the lives of the impoverished immigrants flooding the city. After seeing firsthand the hopelessness of the poor women and orphans, Christine is convinced more can be done to help them.

Guy Bedell has been serving at the chapel and pouring his heart out for the people he's grown to care about. When Christine begins to challenge his methods and offers a new vision for reaching out to the community, can he trust that perhaps God has bigger plans in store for him--plans that may include this feisty socialite?


My Review

I loved this novella! Such a good introduction to the characters that will be in the author's new Orphan Train series. There is a sweet romance in this story with Christine and Guy who are amazing characters, which made the novella feel complete, while at the same time introducing us to the sisters and children who will become part of their lives. I seriously cannot wait to read the first full-length book in the series, With You Always.



Don't miss the first book in the Orphan Train series!

http://amzn.to/2q8iUGj

Releasing June 2017! Available for pre-order.

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis
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.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Can't Wait Wednesday: With You Always by Jody Hedlund


http://www.wishfulendings.com

I'm so looking forward to Jody Hedlund's next book which starts a new series for her about the Orphan Train. I've been fascinated by this topic in our country's history since I read the Orphan Train Adventures series by Joan Lowery Nixon as a preteen. Isn't the cover of With You Always simply gorgeous?! It releases June 6, 2017 and is available for pre-order.

http://amzn.to/2kT9srK


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

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.





Saturday, January 28, 2017

Review: Never Forget by Jody Hedlund


Heidi Reads... Never Forget by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island
June 1880

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


Abbie Watson 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?


My Review

Boy, does this story give its characters quite a dilemma! I was initially disappointed in Abbie's choice to deceive Nathaniel, and was surprised that she easily dismissed any concern for his family. However as she got to know Nathaniel she started exhibiting more feelings of conflict over her decision and taking his happiness into consideration. I admired Nathaniel's thoughtful insights and determination to use his second chance at life to become a better man. He developed a relationship with Abbie's Gramps and treated him compassionately, which spoke to his true character. There was strong romantic chemistry between Abbie and Nathaniel; he appreciated Abbie's strength and inner beauty, while Abbie realized that the goodness and kindness of Nathaniel showed how different he was from her former husband. The threats from a rival lightkeeper and a looming deadline kept the tension high as Abbie is desperate to find a way to prove that she can manage the lighthouse so she can keep Gramps on the island, all the while dreading the day she would have to reveal the truth to Nathaniel. Some of the twists kept me guessing how the story would end, but don't worry, this amazing series dedicated to female lighthouse keepers ends with a happily ever after in its final book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Friday, January 6, 2017

Favorites of 2016: Historical

I've been inspired by several blogs I follow to make a "Best of 2016" post. But I quickly ran into a problem. Of the 197 books I read last year, 74 of them were ones I rated 5 stars! How do you narrow that down?! I bit the bullet and got it down to 37, but that still seemed like too many for one blog post. So I've divided my favorites up by genre and I'll be sharing them in four separate posts: historical, contemporary, novellas, and series. 

Here are the amazing historical novels I read in 2016 in no particular order. I highly recommend all of them and they are all ones I plan to re-read again in the future!

A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

 Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

The Express Rider's Lady by Stacy Henrie

 No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

 The Moses Chronicles: Deliverance by H. B. Moore

 Willowkeep by Julie Daines

 So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

 A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

The Governess by Kristen McKendry

What were your favorite historical novels that you read in 2016?








Thursday, September 22, 2016

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


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

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

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

 
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.

My Review

Previous to reading this book I was only vaguely familiar with the story of John Newton, gleaned from the movie Amazing Grace in which he is a minor character. It made me more fully appreciate the powerful simplicity of the hymn, so I was thrilled when I learned that one of my favorite authors was writing a book about the love of his life and her role in his transformation.

I thoroughly enjoyed their early romance, but had an underlying feeling of trepidation, knowing that John would be somehow reduced to the most humbling of circumstances. The characters and setting are depicted so vividly that I was instantly drawn to Polly's devout sweetness and John as the charming rogue. There is a stark contrast in how they interact with their family members that foreshadows their future paths. Polly is respectful and compliant, while John kicks against the opportunities that his father lines up for him. There are harsh realities of life to be dealt with and accepted, and the more John fights against them the more trouble he gets himself into, but always finds someone else to blame. I admired that Polly stalwartly continues with her life even though she longs for the chance to receive more education and wonders what God has in store for her.

The times are turbulent with dangerous smugglers threatening the townspeople who don't look the other way, press gangs abducting men to serve in the navy to fight the war with France, and abolitionists pursuing the unpopular cause of freedom for slaves. Suspense is woven throughout the story as John and Polly's relationship strengthens each time their paths briefly cross, just to be pulled apart as John faces the serious consequences to his reckless decisions. His flaws and dark experiences are realistically portrayed, as well as his yearnings for a better life with Polly and struggles with accepting the God his beloved mother was devoted to.

Along with the powerful themes of forgiveness and grace, I loved that Polly's father exhibited unwavering integrity in his career and taught his children by example. He reminded me of my own father with his gentle and loving manner. Despite their difficulties with each other, John's father proved to his son his unconditional love over time and his relationship with John could be seen as a metaphor for the attributes of justice and mercy of God. John's transformation brings a sense of light and hope to the remainder of the story as it becomes Polly's turn to make a momentous decision that will affect her and John's futures. Highly recommend!!!

(Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Giveaway Opportunity 

Participate in #MyAmazingGraceMoment for a chance to win one of three copies the publisher is giving away!

Newton and Polly Giveaway from Waterbrook Multnomah

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 8 & 9


http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html

Day 8 & 9

I finally was able to finish Newton and Polly!!! It was amazing. Posting review ASAP. I'm reading a light novella next which will be a big contrast.

I had a blast at the #TackleTBRchat on Twitter (my first Twitter chat party and I was proud for being able to keep up!) and even won the $5 Amazon giveaway, woo-hoo! Thanks Tressa! Excited to pick an e-book from my wishlist :)

Planning on digging through my book boxes to complete both the duo-color challenge and name challenge from Tressa at Wishful Endings, which will be super fun, and I'm sure I'll find a bunch of books I'll want to re-read :)

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1,614
Total Books Finished: 5