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Jody Hedlund is award-winning American author of romance, historical fiction, and young adult novels. She is the winner of Christy Award for historical romance and Christian Book Award 2016 for the best fiction book. Hedlund is a resident of central Michigan and lives with her husband, five children, and her spoiled cats. Even though the author loves to explore the dangerous and daring adventures through her characters rather than real life, she has learned that calm existence merely is not meant to be, not in this phase of her life. When not writing another of her thrilling and page-turning tales, you will find her reading mainly when it involves consuming chocolate and drinking coffee.
The Preacher’s Bride
The Preachers Bride is the first book in Hearts of Faith series by Jody Hedlund. The narrative is based on the life of John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress and his beloved wife, Elizabeth. The author takes the readers to the scene where John’s first wife died after giving birth to their fourth child. Rarely having time to stay at home with his children, the church leaders insist on hiring a housekeeper to help manage his household affairs and his children. Enter Elizabeth’s life, which is intended to marry another at summer’s end. She falls in love with all John’s kids and fights for the life of John’s baby when others think that he is too weak to survive. She draws close to the 8-year old Mary, whose blindness allows her an inner perception into those around her.
John faces many adversaries simply because of his preaching. The Anglican Church disapproved him because he was neither professionally trainer nor had obtained a preaching license. Those with ill intentions about John’s ministry decide to punch where it hurts John the most- his children, and his housekeeper. Therefore Elizabeth must decide if the threats intended against her life are enough to make her step down from her position.
The first book in Hearts of Faith is a beautiful debut. John Hedlund took a famous figure in Christianity, and brought him back to life in the form of John Costin, therefore giving us a glimpse of what it could have been like back during the turbulent time. John Bunyan is the man who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Even though John Costin is the main character in this novel, he is not given the main focus in the story. But instead, the story focuses on Elizabeth Whitbread, a young girl, noted as plain but has the ability to speak as with as much authority and persuasion only compared to that of a lawyer. She adheres to the ways of the Puritan as strictly as possible, but she also knows when to break away from these rules as well. It is her leading role to break the rules, and this is what brings her to John Costin. John had just lost his wife and now is on the verge of losing his newborn son.
The Matron of the community do as they see fit, by adhering to the strict rules and in doing so, John’s new baby life hangs on the balance. Elizabeth, therefore, defies the Matrons and goes in search of a wet nurse to help the baby. Her compassion and desire to do what God commands her makes her such an interesting character. She faces many different battles, one including the ever-growing tension between her and the matron who considers herself as the leader of the community. There is also growing tension between Elizabeth and her own sister and a man who wants to take down John Costin. Even though the challenges in her life are hard to deal with, she thinks through her decisions and choices and goes for what is best, and she does not fly off the handle when overwhelmed by emotions.
The character are beautifully woven and come to life in the story. The passion and the compassion shared between Elizabeth and John is sincere and so is the controlling, anger, manipulation and hatred shown in the other characters.
The Doctor’s Lady
Priscilla knows that she will never be a mother or a wife and feels devotion to lords call to the operation field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is returning from his trip in Oregon County only long to raise realization of missions to the residents before heading back to the West.
But Pricilla and Elli both receive shocking news from the board and no longer will the church send unmarried people into the field. Left searching for the way out, the two soon discover that they might be the answers to their needs. Eli and Priscilla agree to partner and conduct a marriage in the name that will only allow them to carry on God’s mission. But as the deep journey West, their decision will be put to the test by the hardships of the trip and the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
Once again Jody has created a wonderful masterpiece for The Doctor’s Lady. You will enjoy Eli and Priscilla’s relationship. This is not your normal marriage of convenience story either. Eli and Priscilla’s wedding is quickly thrust in mortal danger of what could become the Oregon Trail as they deal with dishonest guides, rapid rivers, and deadly diseases. Not only did they engage in conflicts with their traveling companions but also they struggled to share their inner thoughts with each other which created unnecessary emotional turmoil.
For the fans of Deeanne Gist or Laura Frantz novels, you will find The Doctor’s Lady story quite interesting with realistic characters, romantic tensions, and plenty of action. Jody Hedlund has woven beautiful characters easy to relate to, and likable as well. Priscilla is the type of character as a reader you can easily connect with. She has strong desires to serve God and to be a missionary, but she doubts her skills once she is out of the comfort zone. She knows that she has lived a sheltered life and this at times makes her feel weak and selfish. She is a beautiful character. The historical aspect of the novel and how Jody Hedlund took the real-life story of Narcissa and Marcus Whitman and wove it into a book that explores the struggles of westward expansion is interesting as well.
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2 Responses to “Jody Hedlund”
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Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
I have never read your books until now. I have just finished your Orphan Train books. I enjoyed immensely! So back to the library with my list of all of your books – in hopes I can read them all over time.
Thank you!
Linda
Got your books at our library for the first time. I am enjoying your books, but not only me, my husband is a big fan too. Thank you for explaining about the books at the end of them. At 68 I still love to learn new things.