About the book: Hearts Made Whole (Bethany House, June 2015)
Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper---even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation---the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his 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. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?
My review:
This was an amazing story about redemption, forgiveness and love I had a hard time putting down! I loved Caroline and Ryan; they were wonderful characters and Ryan especially, was a decent man who struggled with horrible memories, guilt and intense pain, which drove him to drink and pain pills. I admired how Caroline saw the good in him even though he failed again and again to do what he should. I was getting frustrated with him! Her lack of judgment made him want to be better and it was great to see his progress. Caroline struggled, too, with worry and panic attacks. They both had a hard time turning to God and letting Him take their burdens. I thought Caroline made a pretty stupid decision near the end that wouldn't have solved anything and I'm glad it didn't turn out that way. I also thought she and Ryan should have figured something out sooner than they did. I was pretty angry with her sister, Tessa, and with what a selfish and hurtful thing she did to them, but at least she made up for it. I really appreciated the reminder that Caroline's dad would say, "God is good all the time" no matter what hard times someone is going through and that we need to give our burdens to Him. The romance was wonderful, with many sweet and passionate moments while keeping it clean. I enjoyed how her friend was involved in women's suffrage and fought for Caroline to keep her job. This is book two, but works great as a stand-alone. This was my first Jody Hedlund book and I'll definitely be reading more! This was a very well-written story sure to please fans of historical romance!
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
About the author:
Jody Hedlund
is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won
the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of
Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best
Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home
in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves
hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.
Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook
Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook
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!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A picnic basket set
- A beach bag
- Flip flops
- A beach towel
One second-place winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A lighthouse journal
One third-place winner will receive:
- A copy of Hearts Made Whole
- A lighthouse necklace
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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