Entwined by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Despite recently learning that she is heir to the throne of Norvegia, Lis resigns herself to staying on her small rural farm and helping her elderly father.  Sir Ansgar, esteemed knight, is determined to save the king, even though the sovereign is losing his mind.  However, soon Ansgar is caught in a web of deceit and must flee for his life—straight to Lis’s farm.  There he and Lis form an unlikely friendship and must fight together to save the kingdom from evil.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty 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.

Purchase Links

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Books-A-Million

My Thoughts

This book has it all—princesses, knights, intrigue, and romance!  Like all Jody Hedlund’s young adult books, this one is easy to devour and I think I read it in only two sittings.  The plot flows well and the twists and turns of danger kept my attention easily.  Both Lis and Ansgar have troubles they must handle, but I enjoyed their character development and their relationship as it grew in the story.  The descriptions and scenes are well written such that as a reader you have no problem picturing this fantastical land.  I think it is best to read this series in order as the storyline does continue between novels (and this one leaves some unfinished details).  I simply cannot wait to read the next two books in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Enamored by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Princess Elinor, the only heir to the throne of Norvegia, has come of age and must choose a husband.  However, the parade of suitors who have come to seek her hand do not interest her.  Instead she enjoys spending time with her childhood friend, Maxim, who has returned home to aid his father.  But soon Maxim and Elinor realize that Maxim’s father is up to something dangerous, and as the web of deceit tightens around them, they must rely only on each other to survive.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty 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.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

My Thoughts

It is not hard to love everything Jody Hedlund writes!  Enamored is full of intrigue, danger, and romance, and it is the perfect start to a new series.  This novel is targeted to young adults, so the content is clean and appropriate, but as an adult who cannot claim to be young anymore, I too found this novel to be very enjoyable.  I mean, who doesn’t love a book about princesses and conspiracies to take over the throne?  The characters are well developed and their romance is believable, especially with their history as good friends (friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes!).  I thought the plot was creative and the descriptions were well written.  I heartedly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for book two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Linnea Newberry longs to be taken seriously as a scientist, so she is excited to travel on the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, botanist Dr. Howell.  However, situation after situation threatens to send her packing.  After a particularly harrowing disaster, her grandfather hires Flynn McQuaid as a bodyguard for Linnea.  Flynn has sworn off all women after his mother passed away in childbirth.  But as he gets to know Linnea more and more, he starts to wonder if perhaps he could make an exception to his rule about women.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty 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.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Baker Book House

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Christian Book

My Thoughts

Jody Hedlund once again knocks it out of the park!  I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and this second book is a wonderful addition to the series.  I really liked Linnea for her spunk, her tenacity, and her passion.  The chemistry she has with Flynn is perfect and the right amount of romance for this western tale.  The author did a great job of balancing the independence of Linnea against the knight-in-shining-armor heroism of Flynn.  There is some exciting action packed among the romance and the Civil War era is interesting to read.  I also liked the theme of trusting in God despite our own human fears.  I really loved this novel and look forward to the next one.  Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Marian Creighton did not believe in time travel—that is, until her father drank water supposedly from the Tree of Life in an attempt to try to cure her ailing sister and went into a coma, forcing Marian to test his theories.  She is suddenly transported from modern day to the Middle Ages.  There she meets William Durham, a knight determined to protect Marian.  However, as Marian begins to develop feelings for William, she is torn between wanting to go back to present day to try to save her sister and staying in the past to find her father and perhaps even follow her heart.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty 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.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Baker Book House

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

Christian Book Distributors

My Thoughts

Is there anything that Jody Hedland cannot write?!  This is the first time travel story she’s written and she knocked it out of the park!  I love how she engaged me early on in the book as I became invested in the intriguing and unique plot.  The characters do not take long to tug at my heartstrings and I could not put the book down, as I wanted to know what happened next!  I liked the medieval history in the novel, as this is not an era that I commonly read.  This book is more than just a struggle of will-they-won’t-they romance, because there is about 700 years standing in the way of the characters’ romance.  This allowed the story to have more depth and interest as I found the plot unpredictable and fascinating.  I really enjoyed this book (as I do all of Jody Hedlund’s!) and I am eagerly looking forward to what she writes next!  Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Favorite Quotes

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A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

Greta Nilsson responds to an ad for a mail order bride in Colorado with hopes that the Western mountain air will help her sister Astrid with her chronic lung problems.  Upon arrival to Fairplay, Colorado, however, she is stunned to discover that her soon-to-be husband is dead.  With no home and no money, she rashly accepts a proposal from Wyatt McQuaid, a local rancher who agrees to marry Greta in exchange for partnership with the mayor to purchase cattle.  As Wyatt and Greta attempt to navigate their new relationship, danger from a pesky neighbor threatens to take all that they’ve started to build together.

This new series has it all—a swoon worthy cowboy, a strong female lead, and a marriage of convenience story with clean steamy romance!  I greatly enjoyed this first book in Jody Hedlund’s new Western series.  The historical details are well written and provide a great backdrop to the story.  The setting is easy to picture with the beautiful descriptions.  I liked Greta and her gumption immediately—she does not let the hardships in life get the best of her as she navigates tough situations, always putting her family first.  Wyatt is also an admirable hero; he may have married Greta for a hidden reason, but he is honorable and works hard for her.  The romance builds in a realistic manner and the kissing scenes are definitely steamy but still clean for Christian fiction.  I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to more in the series!  I recommend this new historical series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Besotted by Jody Hedlund

Queen Aurora of Mercia is hiding as a peasant in the secluded Inglewood Forest from the evil Queen Margery, who is determined to harm her.  There she meets a mysterious woodcutter, who is also concealing his identity as Prince Kresten of Scania.  As Queen Margery closes in, intent on killing Queen Aurora, Prince Kresten desperately tries to save Aurora before it is too late.

What an exciting end to a fantastic series!  I have enjoyed every one of these stories, rich with enchanting settings, captivating characters, and clean romance.  This novel also incorporated sweet moments of faithfulness and hope woven among the suspense of the evil Queen determined to harm Princess Aurora.  The characters once again were easy to love and it did not take long for me to develop a fierce loyalty to the sweet Aurora and the arrogant but tender Kresten.  This story is based on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale but with a surprising twist!  I greatly enjoyed the novel and have truly loved every one of these stories.  I am sorry to see the series end!  This book is highly recommended not only to young adults, but also to readers of all ages!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Beguiled by Jody Hedlund

Princess Pearl is forced to flee after her mother attempts to kill her during a hunting expedition. She wears a veil to conceal herself among the Outcasts, hiding and biding her time until she can return home to rescue her sister Ruby.  However, she is coerced to wed the also disguised Prince Mikkel of Scania. Hoping that her marriage to Mikkel will protect her and Ruby, she does not expect that this will only cause her mother to be more determined to kill her than ever.

Based on the Snow White fairytale, this second book in the Fairest Maidens Series is a great read! The characters are rich and deep, their personalities a joy to read as they grow and develop in the story.  The romance is steamy but clean and suitable for younger readers.  There is also intrigue and secrets that are surprising and unpredictable.  I loved the setting and medieval time period of the story as well!  I also really appreciated the theme of focusing on inner beauty instead of external looks, a great lesson for young adults reading this story.  I also love the loose ties to The Lost Princesses Series. This series continues to get better and better!  I highly recommend this novel!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Beholden by Jody Hedlund

Lady Gabriella is forced to work in Warwick’s gem mine after her father passes away.  She vows to avenge her father’s death and stop Queen Margery’s cruelty.  While in the mines, she meets Prince Vilmar, who has gone undercover to work the mine to prove to this father that he has what it takes to be a good successor. However, he finds himself drawn to Gabriella’s cause and is determined to do whatever he can to aid in her quest—even if that means giving up his chance at being a successor or even his very life.

Jody Hedlund writes some of the best young adult stories and I greatly enjoyed this first book in her new series, The Fairest Maidens.  This particular novel is based on the story of Cinderella.  There are some mentions of characters from her last young adult series, The Lost Princesses, but you do not necessarily need to read those books first. I am an adult but I have still very much enjoyed reading these books tailored for younger audiences.  There are fairytales, villains, goodness, and love in this novel and it is a very enjoyable read!  It was easy to get drawn into the story and I had a hard time putting it down.  Jody Hedlund is such a great writer and storyteller that time passed easily as I read chapter after chapter.  I really liked Gabriella and her sweet kindness that was evident throughout the novel. There are spiritual truths intertwined in the book well.  This is a great novel and definitely recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

Kate Millington leaves a destitute situation in England to join a bride ship in hopes of finding a husband in British Columbia.  She has no difficulty finding several interested men, but Kate has trouble staying engaged, doubting the intentions of the men as wedding days draw near. She is surprised to encounter an old childhood friend of her brother’s, Zeke Hart, in the remote mining town of Williamsville.  Zeke has struck gold and made a comfortable life for himself, causing him to begin to think about marriage and a family.  He admires his friend’s little sister, Kate, but he worries that he may not be enough for her.  As tragedy hits their small town, Zeke and Kate begin to question what is truly important in their lives.

I was excited to read this final book in the Bride Ship Series as we were introduced to Zeke in book three.  I enjoyed the banter and easy friendship of Zeke and Kate as they are reintroduced after years apart, their previous friendship allowing for them to quickly establish a deeper relationship.  However, I do not think I connected with Kate and Zeke as much as I did the main characters in the other books in this series, perhaps because I did not like some early aspects of their romance, but I do think it allowed for growth in both characters in the book.  I loved Mr. Peabody and some of the secondary characters.  I also liked the element of mystery to the novel and had trouble guessing the villain until the end.  The history is fascinating and well researched as well.  The book is overall well written and a good addition to the series. I recommend it to those who love historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund

Zoe Hart has lost her home and her job in England, so she decides to join a bride ship heading to British Columbia in 1863, hoping to find a husband and a new home as well as her brother, who immigrated to the area several years earlier.  However, after arriving to British Columbia, she suffers another loss, during which she meets local pastor Abe Merivale.  Abe has recently had an infant thrust into his care, and he enlists Zoe’s help with the babe.  Zoe realizes that she cannot raise the baby on her own, so she accepts the hand of a questionable miner who promises her to take her to her missing brother.  But when Abe hears that Zoe is making a mistake, he offers his own hand in marriage instead.  As Abe and Zoe struggle through a marriage of convenience, Zoe begins to wonder if she will ever have a marriage of love.

I have really loved this series by Jody Hedlund!  This might be my favorite book thus far (although I think I say that every time I read her next book!).  I absolutely loved Zoe and Abe—they both have such dear, giving hearts and are absolutely perfect for each other.  Their relationship has trials and struggles, which make their marriage of convenience more realistic and their growth that much sweeter.  There are a few surprises that make the plot interesting.  I liked a lot of the secondary characters and really disliked the villains in the story.  The setting was well described and there were times when I felt like I could feel the bitter cold of the winter mountains and see the stunning northern lights.  The storyline is engaging and I had a hard time putting the book down!  I highly recommend this book, and honestly, anything by this talented author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.