Review of Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About the Book ~

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 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.

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is SO enthralling, riveting, and consuming that I am utterly distraught that I don't have the next book in the series RIGHT NOW! Excuse me while I weep bitterly for a moment...

Come Back to Me is a marvelous blend of time-traveling fantasy and romance! The author crafted a stunningly unique story with whispers of National Treasure meets the Bible meets a Christian version of Outlander. And while I've never been a fan of Outlander (we've all got our quirks, so please don't throw imaginary tomatoes at me!), I am going to be obsessed with the Waters of Time Series thanks to the awesome sauce that is Come Back to Me! Without giving away spoilers, I was very impressed and riveted by the author's ability to weave a Biblically-inspired, time-traveling tale with a high-stake modern suspense and a sweeping Medieval romance.

While some of Will and Marian's romance was tinged a touch of insta-love, I thought it worked for their story. Additionally, I appreciated how the author steered away from the physical side of their marriage and onto establishing love on a mind, body, and soul level. Will and Marian each bore scars and thus choose to bury their hearts into the routines of their respective lives before they met. Their love story is a beautifully imaginative look at how Godly love not only knows no bounds but also has the power to heal a broken heart. I also loved how the author was able to include a stirring message about living in the present -- achieved by a little trip to the past!  

Five Stars ~ Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund is a romantic tale that will hold readers in rapt awe! Come Back to Me is the first book in the author's new Waters of Time Series, and I would highly recommend reading the books in order.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

About the Book ~ 

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revelations arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is destined to be on the keeper shelf (or library if you're like me) of fans of Jody Hedlund and cowboy lovers alike! 

There's something about a cowboy-loaded romance that is equal parts idyllic and perilous, and A Cowboy for Keeps is no exception! From the sweeping fields to mail-order brides to danger on every side, A Cowboy for Keeps is loaded with everything a reader craves in a good western.

The author has a real talent for writing romance, attraction, and all the Godly things that entails in a way that is both sizzling and God-honoring -- just as God always intended it! While the romance in A Cowboy for Keeps between Greta and Wyatt is definitely attraction at first sight, it's not love at first sight. The love builds over time, though a fair amount of that deepening connection is alluded to happening off the page. 

I loved the deep, realistic, all-encompassing way the author wrote the manipulative lies that shaped and dictated Greta and Wyatt's lives! From the subtle to the tragic, the lies the couple had to overcome before they could truly come together as one were heart wrenching with its exceptional accuracy. Ultimately, Greta and Wyatt's victories offer a profound message of hope to their readers, showing the freedom one can take back as they start weeding out the lies from their souls.

Four Stars ~ A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund is a keeper! A Cowboy for Keeps is the first book in the author's new Colorado Cowboys Series, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book! 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund

About the Book ~

Haunted by mistakes in her past, will she ever again trust her heart to another?

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship, still bearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately attracts suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by making a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy, held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker who has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but also clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need -- a starving girl left behind by her tribe. Intent on helping the child, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I am pleased to report that despite the horrifying concept of bride ships, The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is a delight!

While I've read some mail-order bride stories in the past, the bride ships in England's (at this time) British Columbia is an era of history I had not explored. This event and setting in history adds a unique twist to an already beloved trope. Additionally, the author did a wonderful job bringing this boomtown to life. As I read, I watched the upper-class try to grasp for the old ways of England as those born without privilege fight to carve a new life in this land of opportunities while the natives determine who is friend or foe. Also, I am always happy when an author is able to portray that physical attraction between a husband and wife is a good thing and created by God. Truly, the author did a wonderful job at providing readers with a sizzling yet clean story!

Arabella is a wonderful heroine to add to the Christian Fiction market! Arabella came from an upper-class family in England. While she wanted affection in her future marriage, she fully planned and expected to marry a man of a similar social station. Additionally, Arabella is a survivor of abuse. While potentially triggering, I found this to be handled with grace and tact. As I watched her break free from the restrictive chains of her upbringing while finding healing in God's love, I was blessed and convicted in my own walk with God. And Pete -- all the bookish heart eyes! I love a hero who's fighting to overcome the chains of his past sins while also making the hard choice to stand for what's right. I one hundred percent routed for Pete and his desire to be worthy of forgiveness, love, and a better life! And that ending -- gloriously happy tears!

Five Stars ~ The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance with a stirring message! The Runaway Bride is the author's second book in The Bride Ships Series from Bethany House, but this can be read as a standalone without any issue!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

Description:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

For more information about Jody Hedlund and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts:

I should inform you that Lady Sabine happens to be my long lost ancestor. Don't be intimidated. ; )

Ok, while I'm regretfully not really related to Lady Sabine, I found her to be a lot of fun! She's witty and has a bit of a smart mouth. Also, I found her to be genuine. Sabine has this terrible, purple birth mark on her arm, one that she has struggled with all her life. People have feared her, rejected her, and treated her with disdain - all for something God used to make her unique! I liked the back and forth battle Sabine endured as she learned to accept herself.

And Sir Bennet is such a knight. "Honor" is his middle name. (I mean, I assume it is. I don't think we actually learn his middle name, so it must be "Honor." That's logical.) However, this handsome knight still has a lot to learn when it comes to God, mercy, and yes, honor.

It still had its fluffy moments, but a bit of fluff never hurt anyone. It can be rather nice. All things considered, this was such an enjoyable story and an easy read! Anyone who loves knights and fairytales should definitely read this book. Right. Now. This may be my favorite story in the series!!

Five Stars. I very much enjoyed the conclusion to this sweet series! For Love and Honor is the third and final book in Jody Hedlund's young adult, medieval series. If you enjoyed An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice, then you will want to meet Sir Bennet and Lady Sabine. Fans of Melanie Dickerson would probably enjoy these books, also!

I received For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund published by Zondervan from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

God bless you guys, and I'll see you next time!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer