The Runaway Bride - The Bride Ships Book 2 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

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

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town’s baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella’s affections, but 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 abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, 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? (From the author's website)

My Thoughts

Eeeeep! Another Jody Hedlund Book!!! She is a FOREVER favorite and I will literally read anything she writes! A fabulous FABULOUS escape from this crazy life right now. Although it DID take me much longer than normal to finish...due to life upending...this story is rich and delicious. Like biting into a piece of rich dark chocolate that melts on your tongue.

The land...the people...the story...the romance...(Can I just say...baking bread...mmmmhmmm)...Jody Hedlund has a way of portraying the emotions and feelings in a way that touches the very core of your soul.

Pete Kelly...All the feels y'all! His compassionate heart. His sense of justice. His passion and determination. Combine that with the God-fearin' man that he is...and WOW! Where is my fan???

Arabella comes to British Columbia battered and bruised with scars deeper than the eye could see. Her self worth was shattered and she believes that all she has left is to find a "good match" among the upper-class society of this new land.

If you are in need of a GOOD read...One that speaks to your heart. Portrays beauty in a multitude of ways. And makes you weak in the knees...Grab The Runaway Bride now! (Kindle version recommended for immediate enjoyment since Amazon is delaying delivery of most orders right now. 😭)

I received a complimentary copy of The Runaway Bride from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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More Books in the Series

  

Hereafter - The Lost Princesses Book 3 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

The third lost princess. The final key to the treasure. And a battle for the throne.

Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.

Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.

Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart? 

My Thoughts

What an exciting and thrilling conclusion to this incredible series! The final sister...The final key...The lost treasure...And a whole lot of the unexpected!

I have been so blown away by this whole series. These sisters, driven by the call on their lives, overcoming the enemy, fighting for good, together...Drawn by the bond of family.

Emmeline has grown up KNOWING who she is, PREPARING for the day that she would have to step into her birthright...But at the same time, hoping that day would never come. She was happy in her life. She was content...She was comfortable. It wasn't until she was swept away from everything that she held dear...From the only life that she'd known...That she began to understand the depth of who she is and who she was supposed to be. Drawing out the courage...The Survivor...The Fighter.

This book, I think, is my favorite of the series. All I kept thinking of was this verse...

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20 NLT

How many times have we seen God working this way in our lives? Taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it for good? Probably more times than we know. One of my favorite songs right now is See a Victory by Elevation Worship (see video below).

In the face of danger...In the face of defeat, Emmeline put her foot down and said, "NO! I will not back down. I will not surrender the fight." And in the end....Well...You'll just have to read it yourself. 😉

Rex...I admit...He had to grow on me. While I respected that he was put in a tough position...It wasn't until HE finally stood up for HIMSELF that I started to fall in love with him. His kind heart, his caring spirit endears him to Emmeline and to myself. A redemption story if ever there was one. #VillianTurnedHero for the win.

I want to thank Jody Hedlund for writing a story with depth, with truth, with emotion for Young Adults. A story of high quality and so exciting! It was a blessing to be able to read them all in quick succession. I don't think my heart would have been able to handle waiting months between releases.

I strongly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA lit and medieval settings...with a taste for the fantastical. 

I received a complimentary copy of Hereafter from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Also Available

  

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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Foremost - The Lost Princesses Book 2 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return? (from the author's website)

My Thoughts

This series just keeps getting better and better! I am thoroughly captivated and addicted to these characters and the story! The plot thickens in this book (the second full book in the series) and I am so anxious to see how the whole series wraps up!

Ms. Hedlund has woven a story of pure brilliance and creativity. New adventures around every corner. New dangers. New love. And such sweet reunions and romance. Maribel and Edmund lived such an isolated and quiet life...And in an instant, their lives are turned upsidedown. One thing that really struck me was how both Edmund and Maribel were trained from childhood to fulfill their callings. God places guardians and mentors in our lives strategically. To prepare us for our future. It's truly beautiful.

If you haven't read the first books, I recommend starting with Always, the novella. Thankfully these books are being released in quick order. There is still time to catch up before book 3 releases at the end of October.

I received a complimentary copy of Foremost from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Also Available

 

Coming Soon

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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First Line Friday - Evermore

Happy Friday!

Today’s first line is from...

Evermore
Jody Hedlund

Adelaide

"I shall ride the final course." I grabbed the great helm. "You know I have a better chance at vanquishing Lord Mortimer."

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Head over to Hoarding Books to link up with your own FLF post! (Please keep it family 

friendly...Or note otherwise in the link up)

Giveaway & Excerpt - Evermore by Jody Hedlund - #EverTour with Prism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Always
(The Lost Princesses #0.5)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 136 Pages
August 13th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

Evermore
(The Lost Princesses #1)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 222 Pages
August 27th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

Excerpt

Mitchell patted the charger one last time and whispered an endearment in his ear before going after my lance. I, too, leaned into Roland and rubbed the roan’s shoulder with affection. He nickered his response as though he sensed how much was at stake.

“We shall do just fine,” I said more to myself than to the horse. I’d ridden Roland as much as Mitchell—if not more. As a charger and medium-weight horse, he’d been bred for agility and stamina. He wouldn’t be as muscular or heavy as Lord Mortimer’s warhorse. But I’d learned size didn’t necessarily equate strength, that strength could be found in many different forms.

Mitchell handed me a lance made of solid oak and decorated with red and white to match the Langley heraldry. I braced the long weapon under my arm and against my ribs, tilting it slightly forward to maintain my balance. I pressed my thighs into Roland’s flank, needing to become one with the beast. This tournament was a partnership. I couldn’t succeed without Roland’s cooperation—his measured speed, his balance against the pressure of our opponent, and the ability to sense my needs. 

My Thoughts

You can find my reviews at the links below (spoiler: I LOVE THESE BOOKS!!!)

 Always and Evermore

Other Books in the Series

Coming late September and October. Pre-order now! (Affiliate links included.)

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram│BookBub

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive the prequel and all three books in The Lost Princesses series (Always, Evermore, Foremost and Hereafter) in paperback or ebook (winner's choice, if winner is outside the US ebooks only)

Ends September 25, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Evermore - The Lost Princesses Book 1 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever. (From author website)

My Thoughts

THIS STORY! Y'all....if you are an avid fan of medieval YA fiction...GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS BOOK! *ahem*...excuse me...What I mean to say is...You will really enjoy this one! Fast-paced with lots of adventure, sweet romance, and sacrifice, you will devour this story for sure.

Adelaide is the very image of faithfulness. Her devotion to her family and country are to be admired, while also feeling for her with all the changes when her life was tipped upsidedown. Without giving away spoilers, I want to say that this story was an emotional rollercoaster for sure! Betrayals, alliances, deceptions, and teamwork brings it all together into perfect harmony. This is the first full-length book of the series, but you will want to read the Prequel, Always (found below), to really understand the depth of this story.

Ms. Hedlund delivers a tasteful romance thread that is appropriate for the YA genre (in my own opinion). So many books these days are questionable for the YA genre and it makes me sad. SO, I am thrilled to be able to promote and point y'all to Ms. Hedlund's series. Safe, clean, and so well-written, adults and YA alike will be on the edge of your seat hanging on every word.

I received a complimentary copy of Evermore from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Also Available

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter // Website