Undaunted Hope

Happy Cuddle Up Day (January 6)!  It is a good day (especially when it is cold and dreary outside) to snuggle up with your sweetie or (in my case) your pet (Doozy loves to cuddle as long as you rub his belly).  I enjoy when it is cold outside, snuggling under a comfy blanket, have a good show on the television, and a good book in my hand.

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund is the third book in the Beacons of Hope series.   It is 1871 and Tessa Taylor is heading to Eagle Harbor, Michigan to teach school.  Tessa is hoping for a new start on her life.  She wanted to get away from home where everyone knew what she had done.  Unfortunately, the town thought she was male.  They wanted a male teacher for their students and Tessa had signed her letters T. Taylor (couldn’t they tell from the handwriting).  Since the ship that Tessa came in on is one of the last ships before winter sets in, Percival Updegraff (Chief Clerk for Cole Mine Company Store and Office) decides that Tessa can stay the winter.  Tessa wants to prove what a good teacher she is and how she can help the children as well as the adults in the community.

Michael and Alex Bjorklund are brothers that run the lighthouse.  Michael is a widower with two children.  Alex joined him to help him with the lighthouse and the children.  Ingrid (six) and Gunnar (eight) decide that Tessa would be the perfect wife and mother for their father.  However, Alex is quite taken with Tessa.  Tessa, though, wants nothing to do with lighthouses (nor keepers).  She feels they have taken enough from her.  But can Tessa fight God’s will and his plan for her life? 

Undaunted Hope is just delightful.  It is my favorite book in the Beacons of Hope series.  Undaunted Hope is well-written and very engaging.  My interest was captured right away and was held throughout the whole book (it will also provide some good laughs).  Undaunted Hope can be read alone, but I would highly recommend reading the previous books in this series (it does help).  I give Undaunted Hope 5 out of 5 stars.  I look forward to reading more books by Jody Hedlund in the future.  You can get more information about Jody Hedlund and her books at www.JodyHedlund.com. 

The other novels in the series are Love Unexpected, Hearts Made Whole, and Out of the Storm (a novella).  I received a complimentary copy of Undaunted Hope from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I also hope you have a good Epiphany (if you celebrate).  This is the last day we will enjoy our tree.  I start taking it down tomorrow. I think our dog, Doozy will miss it the most.  I have caught him sleeping next to it the last few nights (I think he likes the warmth from the lights).  Thank you so much for stopping by!  Take care  (stay safe) and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader