Showing posts with label Jody Hedlund. Show all posts

Saturday, June 12, 2021

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

Come Back to Me

Book Summary

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a. vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

My Thoughts

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is the debut of Waters of Time series. Marian Creighton is a research scientist who travels to England to be with her father when he falls into a coma. Following the clues he left for her, Marian ends up in 1381 where she meets William Durham. Marian finds herself stuck in the turbulent Middle Ages with a handsome knight. Can she find a way to return back to her own time? Will she want to return after her adventures? Come Back to Me is an interesting story. I thought it contained good writing with solid characters. Marian is a smart, strong, and stubborn woman. She is a research scientist who has devoted her life to her work. William Durham is a handsome (we are told this often), strong, caring man. He does his duty to his family and his King. Something from his past is tormenting him. It did take me some time to get into the story. I liked that Marian goes back in time trying to help her father and sister. The author did her research for this story. She captured the time period with her vivid descriptions. I could imagine the area, the castle, the clothing, and more from the word imagery. The one misstep was the way Marian spoke. It would have been immediately obvious she was not from the Middle Ages by the way she talked (and her cleanliness). I was curious how the people understood her and why no one cried “witch”. The time travel theory was thought out and described in detail. It was unique and I liked how it tied to the Bible. I did feel that the details were repeated too often. I also felt that the romance was a little over-the-top. It became the focus of the book. The glances, touches, kisses, and desires were too much. There are sensual scenes (nothing explicit) as well. This was too much for me and for Christian novel. The faith element is not strong (prayer). I expected it to be more prevalent. I was also left with unanswered questions at the end of the book (I hope they are addressed in the next book). There were some compelling elements in Come Back to Me. I enjoyed identifying the mole. I wish there had been more about the competitors after the ultimate cure. There was action, mystery, and suspense during these sections. I am interested enough to read the next Waters of Time novel. Come Back to Me is an intriguing time-travel novel with Middle Ages mayhem, malodorous masses, a curious coma, a potent potion, and a handsome hero.

Come Back to Me can be purchased from Amazon*. You can find Jody Hedlund's other novels here. Thank you for visiting today. Tomorrow I am taking the day off. My fibromyalgia is flaring up so I need to rest. I will return, hopefully, on Monday with my thoughts on my latest read. I hope that you have a relaxing and joyful weekend. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund

A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships Book #3) by [Jody Hedlund]

Happy Sunday! I want to share with you some books that will be out in early July. Promises of Tomorrow by Shelley Shepard Gray releases July 6. A Springtime Heart by Marta Perry publishes July 7 along with The Amish Schoolteacher by Jerry Eicher and Steadfast Mercy by Ruth Reid. A Walk Along the Beach by Debbie Macomber publishes on July 14 and so does What You Wish For by Katherine Center. Are any of these upcoming releases on your wish list?

Victoria, Vancouver Island

A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund has Zoe Hart arriving in Victoria, Vancouver Island on a bride ship in January of 1863. Zoe was a mill worker in London along with many of the women on the ship. She is determined to find her brother, Zeke who left home a year ago bound for the gold fields of British Columbia. Zoe is visiting her dying friend in the hospital when she meets Pastor Abe Merivale. Herman Cox walks in with his infant daughter. He is no longer able to care for Violet and wants Pastor Abe to find her home. Zoe is instantly taken with Violet, a mixed breed child, that she wishes to keep. The only way to do that is to take a husband right away. Dexter Dawson, an unscrupulous man, offers to marry Zoe, but Pastor Abe cannot let that happen. After receiving surprising news, Abe marries Zoe upsetting Abe’s superior. Both have regrets after the ceremony, but they are determined to make this marriage of convenience work out. There will be difficulties ahead for this newly wedded couple. Can this convenient marriage become something more?

Victoria Harbor

A Bride of Convenience is the 3^rd novel in The Bride Ships series. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this engaging series in order. I thought A Bride of Convenience was well-written with developed characters. Jody Hedlund captured the time-period and I enjoyed her descriptions of Vancouver Island. I was especially taken with the cave with the hot spring. In A Bride of Convenience, it is women who worked in the cotton mills who are on the bride ship. They have been unemployed, and food was lacking at home. Zoe Hart’s family fell apart when her mother passed. Her father took to the bottle while her sister, Meg became addicted to laudanum. Two things haunt Zoe. The loss of her sister’s baby and the reason her brother, Zeke fled England. Zoe came on the bride ship to find Zeke and set things right for him. Pastor Abe Merivale is three years into a five-year assignment in British Columbia. After his time there, he wishes to return to England to marry his sweetheart and get his own parish. Abe has plans to become a bishop. First, though, he must do well on this assignment and get the local bishop’s recommendation. Zoe is a spunky woman who is kind, caring, and compassionate. She has a natural affinity with children. Abe has the same qualities. He wants to do more than just address his parishioners’ spiritual needs. Abe has a hands-on approach. He wishes to make sure they have a good home life, food, and shelter. Abe even finds ways to keep the kids occupied during the long winter months. The Christian element is developed and integrated into the book. I liked how all the various parts of the book worked together for one complete story. It was interesting learning about headache remedies utilized. I could feel for Zoe and the pain she suffered. I could tell the author did her research for this series, and I enjoyed reading the Author’s Note at the end of the book. A Bride of Convenience has drama, suspense, family, friendship, and romance. A Bride of Convenience is a captivating tale with a neglected newborn, a bullying bishop, an immoral man, an absent brother, and a wanton woman.

Men, women, and young children worked in the cotton mills in Lancashire, England weaving cloth from morning to night. Many died at a young age from working in these dirty, noisy, and dangerous conditions.

Cotton Mill in England

A Bride of Convenience comes out June 30 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon*. The other two novels in The Bride Ships series are A Reluctant Bride and The Runaway Bride. The next tale in the captivating The Bride Ships series is Almost a Bride which will be out on August 25. It will feature Zoe's brother, Zeke Hart and Kate Millington who traveled on the ship with Zoe. Thank you for reading my review. I will be reviewing His Pretend Amish Bride by Rachel J. Good tomorrow. It is the part of the Unexpected Amish Blessings series. I hope you have a bright day. My mask making project is not gotten farther than picking out the material (the fun part). I am off to watch a video tutorial that will hopefully spur me on to the next stage. I need to get to work since my county now requires the wearing of masks when out in public. I have a feeling I will be ordering one online. Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund

Good Day! I hope everyone is surviving this time of isolation. It is a good opportunity to catch up on chores at home (or sit and read). I collect vintage mystery series like Cherry Ames, Vicki Barr, Trixie Belden, and Beverly Gray. I have been hunting for one book to complete the Vicki Barr Flight Stewardess series for year. Whenever The Brass Idol Mystery is listed on Ebay, it is usually above my price point ($45 and up). I had an alert set up and this week I found it for $12.99. I was shocked and excited. I went online and purchased it immediately. Those of you who love books will understand my joy. Now I just need a vintage Ski Nurse Mystery from the Cherry Ames series to complete that collection. Here are some cozy mysteries that will be coming out this year. Mousse and Murder by Elizabeth Logan is the debut of An Alaskan Diner Mystery series. It comes out May 5 and I will be featuring it on May 6 as part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. Thread and Dead by Elizabeth Penney releases August 25. It is the second tale in The Apron Shop series. Goodnight Moo by Mollie Cox Bryan also comes out August 25. It is the second A Buttermilk Creek Mystery. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis is the third A Pen & Ink Mystery. It releases on October 26. All of these books are available for pre-order. I enjoy waking up and discovering new books on my kindle on release day (I am a book nerd).

Victoria, BC, incorporated as a city in 1862, population 85,792 (2016c), 80,017 (2011c). The capital of British Columbia, the City of Victoria is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, about 100 km south of Vancouver. Occupying a peninsular site, Victoria is bordered by the Juan de Fuca and Haro straits. In addition, the Olympic Mountains lie to the south, the San Juan Islands to the east, and the fjord-like Saanich Inlet and richly forested Malahat Ridge and Sooke Hills to the wes...

Victoria, British Columbia 1862

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund has Arabella Lawrence fleeing England aboard a bride ship Tynemouth for Victoria, British Columbia in September of 1862. Upon Arabella’s arrival, she has men vying for her attention. Two, though, are more ardent than the others. Lt. Richard Drummond, a gentleman in the Navy, who would provide Arabella with a life like she was accustomed to in England. Peter Kelly, the local baker, is working hard to make his business a success and to purchase land he has coveted. Arabella would not have fine clothes nor servants. The two men have history which adds tension as they compete for Arabella’s heart. Peter and Richard have different views regarding the natives and how they should be treated. Early one morning, Arabella discovers a native girl who is starving and ill. She immediately takes the girl to Peter knowing he will help. The more time Arabella spends with Peter, the more she is attracted to the charming baker. But she cannot help hearing her stepmother’s voice in her head lecturing her on the proper way to behave and act. Arabella also worries that the man she fled from in England has sent his servant to drag her back to England. Which man will win Arabella’s affections? Can Arabella get the courage to make the right decision?

1865 - A STREET IN VICTORIA Large and substantial stone and brick warehouses, well stocked with goods, line the upper part of the harbour on the town side. Between 1861 and 1862 alone, fifty-six brick buildings were erected and since that period, very rapid progress has been made in edifices of that character. Several spacious hotels, elegantly furnished, and supplied with every comfort which the most fastidious could wish, have been built.

Victoria 1865

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund grabbed by attention from the very first page. I have not yet had the opportunity to read The Reluctant Bride (I have moved it to the top of my pile). I was glad that The Runaway Bride could be read as a standalone. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Arabella Lawrence has left England for a new life in British Columbia. She fled England before her wedding to Mr. Major. The match was arranged between her father and Mr. Major. The man was old enough to be Arabella’s grandfather and his other wives only lived a couple of years after they were wed. Arabella has had rigid rules drilled into her by a nasty stepmother. She arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship and hopes to make an advantageous match that suits her position. Lt. Richard Drummond is among the dignitaries greeting the ship and he is instantly taken with Arabella. Peter Kelly, the local baker, meets Arabella the same day and knows she is the woman he wants to marry. Two very different men with differing belief systems vying for Arabella’s attention. Peter Kelly is a charmer from the very beginning. I can see why Arabella was taken with him. I could feel Arabella’s mind versus heart dilemma. She knows she should marry someone of her social station, but Arabella is attracted to Pete. She also feels she can talk to him and that he likes her despite her flaws. The author showed the contrast between the two men as well as how society would perceive Arabella if she did not do as expected of her. I thought Jody Hedlund captured the time period and how it felt to arrive in a new country on a bride ship. These women had no idea what the area would be like or what type of men would be waiting for them. I liked that none of the women were forced to marry. They were allowed to take their time in finding the right life partner. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the story alive for me. I could visualize the scenery and the characters. I felt I was in the canoe with Arabella as she saw the wildlife and traversed along the water to the native’s village. Included in the story is a little girl who needs help. Smallpox has infected the natives, and many were worried it would claim those in Victoria. There are those who wished to help the natives and others who wanted to drive them away. Why Arabella fled England is revealed a little bit at a time. I do want to let readers know there is violence which will make you cringe. My favorite phrase from The Runaway Bride is “If we’re living rightly before God and pleasing Him, then that’s all that matters.” Christian values were beautifully incorporate into the story. It is an integral part of The Runaway Bride. I stayed up very late to finish this moving historical novel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in The Bride Ships series. The Runaway Bride is a touching story with a beguiling baker, fierce frays, a shocking sickness, rapid rumors, a spiteful soldier, and beautiful brides.

Victorian Wedding Dresses: 27 Stunning Vintage Photographs of Brides Before 1900 ~ vintage everyday

The Runaway Bride is available from Amazon* (Barnes & Noble, CBD, Kobo, Google Play and other booksellers) along with the other novels in The Bride Ships series. The first novel in the series is The Reluctant Bride. A Bride of Convenience is available for pre-order and releases on June 30. The fourth book in The Bride Ships series is Almost A Bride which comes out August 25. I hope you find The Runaway Bride as enjoyable as I did. Thank you for visiting today. Tomorrow I am sharing my review of Light Shines on Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard. It is the fifth novel in The Promise Lodge series. I hope you have a day filled with joy. By the way. . .Why is Peter Pan always flying? He neverlands! Please stay home if you do not need to go out. Take care, stay safe and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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*This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund

Murder Once Removed (Ancestry Detective Book 1) by [Perkins, S. C.]

Welcome! I am still wading through my craft room trying to sort through the dozens of boxes. I have a feeling this is a long term project. I also keep finding books under furniture, in boxes, and tucked into corners. Of course, that does not stop me from obtaining new books! Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang will be out on March 13 with Something Read, Something Dead by Eva Gates. Murder Once Removed by S.C. Perkins publishes on March 19.

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund takes readers back to 1859. Sophie Neumann is seventeen years old and has been dating Danny Sullivan, a gang leader in the Bowery. After witnessing a shooting between two rival gangs with her friend Anna, they decide it would be in their best interest to leave town. Sophie has been caring for two orphans, Olivia and Nicholas and she will not abandon them. They head to Children’s Aid Society which has an orphan train heading for Illinois in two days. Sophie is hoping to find a family willing to take her and the children. When the train reaches Mayfield, Sophie is faced with a difficult decision. Reinhold Weiss has purchased a farm near Mayfield and is working hard to have a successful harvest. He is surprised when he goes to the Duff farm and finds Sophie. Reinhold knows that Sophie’s sisters have been diligently searching for her, but Sophie does not wish to be found. As time passes, Reinhold finds himself falling for Sophie. Reinhold, though, does not feel it is the right time to fall in love. But then Sophie needs his assistance and Reinhold cannot refuses her request. Find out how Sophie and Reinhold’s story plays out in Searching for You.

Searching for You is the third book in Orphan Train series. I find it beneficial to have read the books in order. Sophie’s story is a little darker than that of her sister’s, but it suits the character. Sophie is trying so hard to make a home for Nicholas and Olivia. Her actions are driven by her love for them as well as the shame she feels. It is this shame that prevents Sophie from reuniting with her older sisters. I thought Searching for You was well-written and it captured my attention. I enjoyed the author’s writing. She has created solid characters that are real. Jody Hedlund provides descriptions, but she is not overly descriptive (we are not bogged down with unnecessary details). You can feel the emotions of the characters. I thought the time period was captured with the attitudes of the people, the clothing, conveyances, the homes, goods available and the descriptions of the towns. Orphan trains were not always welcome and, unfortunately, not every child ended up in a good home. Sophie is high-spirited and determined young woman with a big heart. Euphemia Duff is a delightful character. She is a warm, loving woman with a large family (would love a book with Euphemia’s story). I like that she took Sophie into her home and treated her like a daughter. Some of the Christian elements mentioned are forgiveness of others and oneself, praying to God, and the God loves us and guides us. The Orphan Train series has an ending that will delight readers.

Searching for You is available on Kindle Unlimited. With You Always and Together Forever are the first two books in the Orphan Train series. Thank you for joining me today. I am going to share my review of Eclairs, Scares and Haunted Home Repairs by Erin Johnson tomorrow. It is the ninth book in the Spells & Caramels series and there will be a giveaway. I hope you have a magical day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Saturday, May 26, 2018

My Review of Together Forever by Jody Hedlund plus a giveaway!

Welcome! I am featuring Jody Hedlund and her Orphan Train series today. The book in the series include: An Awakened Heart (a prequel), With You Always, Together Forever, and Searching for You (December 2018). Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels including those above as well as Love Unexpected, The Preacher's Bride, and A Loyal Heart. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. You can follow Ms. Hedlund on Facebook, Bookbub, Amazon, and Goodreads. You can find out more about Jody Hedlund, her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund is the second novel in Orphan Train series. Our journey begins in 1858 in New York City where Marianne Neumann has taken a job with the Children’s Aid Society. While Marianne could life a life of luxury since her sister married Thornton Quincy, she is determined to find her sister, Sophie. Marianne will be embarking on her first tour the next day, and the other agent who will be accompanying her is Andrew “Drew” Brady. Drew is a former schoolteacher who is good with children. He has a way of making things fun and entertaining for them. Drew, though, has secrets from his own past that continue to haunt him. The pair journey across Illinois finding homes for their children in their charge. They get to know each other and grow closer on the tour. Then an unfortunate tragedy occurs that will change the future they had planned. Will they be able to overcome this tremendous obstacle? Hop on for trip into the past in Together Forever.

Together Forever is well-written and an engaging novel. The book has a gentle pacing, good flow and smooth transitions between sections. While it is the second book in the series, Together Forever can be read alone. With You Always is summarized in this installment in the Orphan Train series. However, I recommend reading the series in order. You get to see the characters mature. Marianne has changed and regrets her actions in With You Always. It was interesting to find out more about the orphan trains and how they operated. What these children suffered is just heartbreaking (living on the streets, being abandoned, having no food, abusive homes). As Marianne soon discovers, you can only pray that God will deliver them into good Christian homes and that the children will not be harmed or used for free labor. I appreciated that we get to see a variety of people in the story. Farmers, shopkeepers, housewives, business people, and children. Many of them are wholesome Christians, but there are a couple of bad seeds. They are realistic characters with flaws, issues, and concerns. It was pleasurable to catch up with Elise and Reinhold. There are good and valuable life lessons in the story (keeping Faith, importance of prayers, violence is wrong, forgiving yourself as well as others). Together Forever is a heartwarming, Christian novel. It is an emotional book that will tug at your heartstrings. I am curious to read Sophie’s story and look forward to the release of Searching for You (December 2018).

Thank you for visiting today. I will return tomorrow with my review of Heart of the Witch by Deanna Chase. May you have a merry day. Before you depart, make sure to leave a comment and then enter the giveaway. I hope you will take the time to check out the other stops on the tour. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader