Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope #2) by Jody Hedlund is one the suspenseful, romance novels of the summer.  From beginning to end the story feels like an episode of Dateline "Who did it?" mixed in with two characters finding love and comfort while depending on God.  This novel will keep you anticipating the end and holding out for the war torn hero and the burdens that hang on the young heroine's shoulders.  This is a must read for summer! 

Giveaway info at end of review! 

Summary

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 been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s 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 Thoughts  

Wow. I just finished this book and my blood is still pumping from the most intense and heart wrenching ending chapters I've ever read in a Jody Hedlund book.  She has definitely stepped up her game when it comes to making the reader physically shake the book with anticipation of the next event.  I liked this book.  There were a few qualities that were easy to figure out before it was revealed.  Yet, still it kept me on my toes as I was reading in eagerness of how it was going to be revealed to me as the reader. 

This is the second book in the Beacon of Hope series and I am pleased to say that you don't have to read the first book to get to enjoy the characters of this book.  I did not expect this book to be as intense as it was, there was some crazy things that took place in this book so if you are squeamish or don't like to read sections that could make you slightly uncomfortable I'm not sure if this is the book for you.  I would recommend another Hedlund book if you are looking for something a little more calm.  But if you like books that make you search for clues in the actions and responses of character's then this is the book for you.  This book also deals with addiction and substance abuse and how healing comes into that.  So this is not a light book, but there are light scenes that break up those sections that make it more enjoyable for the reader. 

There were writing decisions for characters that I felt were a little overboard in my opinion, but then again this is set in a different era such as the late 1850s and people did act differently then. So that is probably just a personal commentary on my account.

I did like how independent and strong Caroline was as a character.  I did wish that I got to see more interactions with her other siblings instead of just Tessa.  And Ryan was as complex as it gets with character development.  He was wounded physically and mentally and was constantly working on his spiritual walk with God. Yet, there is one quality that really struck me that was a writing choice and it was Ryan knew he couldn't marry Caroline until he got better himself instead of relying on her.  He knew he had to rely on God and that it was a battle within himself that God could help him defeat.  Great writing choice on Hedlund's part! 

I think that this will be an enjoyable read for those who already love Hedlund's stories and those who haven't even read anything by her yet.  It's a suspenseful read that has just the right amount of romance that will leave the reader satisfied. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves  
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.    

About the Author  

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances including books for adults and youth. She currently makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and their five busy children.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N 

Happy Reading~! 
 
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Don't miss Jody Hedlund's new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan's 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. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

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!