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Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund
September 16, 2016
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 379
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1238
Publication Date: June 2nd, 2015
Synopsis:
1865Review:
Windmill Point, Michigan
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?
Jody Hedlund is remarkable at finding interesting people in history and bringing them back to life in her stories. Hearts Made Whole is no different. This is book 2 in the Beacons of Hope Series that focuses on the women who helped keep the lights going in the light houses in Michigan.
This story focuses on Caroline Taylor and her siblings and they live in the Grosse Point Light House after their dad had died. Caroline had grown up helping her dad with his job, so when he died, she stepped in and did the job, hoping to keep the position to support her sibling. Her younger sister Tessa is the only one who wouldn't mind in Caroline had to move on, since she is tired of living in the town . Despite what her sister wants, Caroline fights for her job as the Light House Board member is determined to see her and her family gone.
Not knowing what all was going on at the light house, Ryan Chambers steps into the middle of everything when the Light House Board hires him for Grosse Point Light House job. However, he is battling personal demons and asks Caroline for help.
Caroline and Ryan make a good team and keep the Light going no matter what. Even as trials at thrown at them. They hold strong, even when the issues come closer and closer to them.
Jody Hedlund has a great ability of weaving history and fiction together. This was an enjoyable story and I can't wait to dive into book 3!
Too Read
4 out of 5
Author: Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1231-4
Publication Date: February 4th, 2014
Synopsis:
Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected . . .Review:
Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way.
But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men---both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once.
Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over?
Janette Oke's books hold a special place in my heart. Her books introduced me to Christian historical fiction. I have read all of her previous books and I still look forward to her new books. So, it was safe to say I was thrilled when I saw Janette Oke and her daughter Laurel Oke Logan were releasing a new novel, Where Courage Calls, part of When Calls the Heart.
It was enjoyable to dive back into the When Calls the Heart stories. Instead of continuing with the original characters, we are introduced to newer characters. We did see Beth briefly in the original series, but as a little girl. Here, Beth has grown and made it through college and is ready to put her knowledge to use, just like her aunt, in the wilds of the Canadian frontier.
It was a delight experiencing the quiet, but busy life Beth had as a teacher in a small coal mining town. Beth faces many challenges, but she does her best to push through with her intelligence and with her faith. She is also quick to make friends and as she becomes accustomed to the town, this small town starts to become her home.
There is a small romance that buds in these pages, but it isn't the main focus of the story. I saw this story as Beth finding out who she is and who God wants her to be. She has been led by her mother to be certain ways, but here in Coal Valley away from her mother's nudging, Beth is able to discover what her own strengths are. I liked how Beth was finding out who she was before pursuing a relationship. That shows a wonderful strength in her.
The story was left open to possibly continue, I hope it does, I would like to see where Beth's story takes her.
Too Read
4 out of 5
About the Author:
Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.
Giveaway:
Janette Oke's newest book, Where Courage Calls (co-written with her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan), is receiving rave reviews. It is the companion story to Hallmark Channel's TV series When Calls the Heart, set in the Canadian west.
Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.
- iPad Mini
- Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
- When Calls the Heart DVD
So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
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