Stay with Me by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Sybil Huxham is fascinated by the ancient holy water that she has seen miraculously cure many diseases.  As she discovers the holy water, she starts to experience flashes to the past, where she encounters Nicolas Worth in the Middle Ages trapped in the dungeon.  She finally decides to live in the past in order to save him.  Sybil intrigues Nicholas, but when circumstances lead them to wed, he finds himself unprepared for their changing relationship. Danger closes in ever closer and they must work past their strange differences to try to save the world before its too late.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty sweet historical romances and is the winner of numerous awards. She lives in central Michigan with her husband and is the mother of five wonderful children and five spoiled cats. 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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My Thoughts

I was thrilled to learn that Jody Hedlund wrote another book in this fantastic series!  I do recommend reading the books in order as it gives you the best background to the holy water and its impact.  This time slip novel is so unique and the plot so engaging that I had a hard time putting it down.  I really liked the two main characters and their developing relationship in the book.  And, of course, I loved the sizzling romance between Sybil and Nicholas, in true Jody Hedlund fashion.  The action and twists in the book were so well written I found myself reading late into the night to finish the story.  I loved reading about the way the characters grew closer together through the trials they faced.  I highly recommend this 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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Enflamed by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Sylvi Prestegard has no desire to marry the evil man her father has picked for her.  Instead, she turns to Espen, a Knight of the Brethren and a dear friend, for help.  Espen is eager to help his childhood friend and agrees to aid Sylvi in escaping her father, deciding to bring her on his mission to locate the holy lamp.  Sylvi’s father is furious when he discovers Syliv’s duplicity and will stop at nothing to find her and Espen and thwart their plans.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes clean, sweet romances with plenty of sizzle. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Purchase Links

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My Thoughts

A wonderful addition to the amazing Knights of Brethren series, Enflamed is full of action, romance, and mystery.  I love friends to lovers tropes because the romance develops so realistically, and I really liked reading about the evolving relationship of Sylvi and Espen.  The quest for the holy lamp is packed with intrigue as Sylvi and Espen seek to find it.  There were twists that kept my attention and made it hard to put the book down.  The romance has a perfect blend of swoony chemistry characteristic of all of Jody Hedlund’s novels, yet is still clean enough for young readers.  I am always amazed at the author’s ability to consistently deliver creative plots, exciting characters, and fresh romance!  I have greatly enjoyed this series and cannot wait for the next book!  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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Enriched by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

Lady Karina desires to please her father, so when he asks her to marry a Knights of the Brethren, she agrees.  Torvald is paired with Karina to save his family’s estate, but he is not thrilled to marry after his father’s failed love.  He initially does everything in his power to reject Karina, despite her kind and gentle nature.  As he hunts for the royal chalice, however, Karina sacrifices everything for Torvald, causing him to realize that love may be greater than what he had been raised to believe.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes clean, sweet romances with plenty of sizzle. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. 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. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Books-A-Million

My Thoughts

This series just gets better and better!  The fantasy world that Jody Hedlund is creating with this series is phenomenal and it is easy to immerse yourself into the settings and lives of the characters in each individual novel.  Karina is compassionate, kind, and selfless while Torvald is the grumpy brooding hero that makes an interesting dynamic for their developing relationship.  Their romance is clean but still full of swoon worthy kisses.  I also loved the interwoven themes of forgiveness and unconditional love.  The quest and mystery in the book kept my attention from beginning to end.  Even though this series has been marketed to young adults, I think readers of any age will enjoy these novels!  I am excited to read the rest of the series.  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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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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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.

Favorite Quotes

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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.

Hereafter by Jody Hedlund

Emmeline has always known what her adoptive parents have sacrificed to keep her identity as the one of the lost princesses a secret.  She does not mind living in the secluded forest, so when her father returns from town and tells her they must move to find her sisters participating in the rebellion, she is hesitant to leave her comfortable home.  But it is not long before Prince Ethelrex finds her and forces her to marry him.  Faced with the loss of her family, her home, and her freedom, Emmeline is not sure she has the courage to overcome all the odds to join her sisters in the war for the throne.

A perfect end to a great series!  I loved the characters in this book and really enjoyed reading about how their love, which was initially forced, develops and changes as it faces trials over and over again.  The romance is clean and certainly appropriate for young adults.  The characters were also individually challenged to grow into strong and courageous people.  The ending has a wonderful conclusion to the fight for the crown and the lost princesses we have met in the other books.  I think it is best to read this series in order as it gives you the most background for this final story.  There are great lessons of faith and life, applicable for any reader, intertwined among beautiful descriptions of dense forests, majestic castles, and dashing knights and princesses.  This series is directed toward young adult readers, but I think you will enjoy the books no matter your age!  I was a little sad as I read the last page, simply because I never wanted this series to end, but the conclusion to this series was absolutely perfect!  I highly recommend this novel and this series!

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