Hearts Made whole Review

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund is a 383 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre.  It is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series but can be read as a stand alone. Hearts Made Whole is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on June 2. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Can she forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

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 secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation—the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his 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. Caroline feels 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 Two Cents

I was immediately drawn into Hearts Made Whole and was easily able to connect to the characters.  Jody paints a picture of a beautiful setting in historical Massachusetts and the life of a lighthouse keeper.  The story she weaves exposes the plight of women and the difficult choices they faced during this era.  Jody also exposes the harsh realities of war veterans trying to assimilate back into everyday life and the scars they carry.

Jody creates very strong, well-developed characters in Hearts Made Whole. Caroline is a strong woman who is taking care of her siblings after they were orphaned. During an age where women struggled for equality, she struggles to keep her job, provide a roof over their heads, and be both mother and father to her siblings. Caroline faces tough choices but handles them with love and grace.

Hearts Made Whole has a storyline that is gripping.  Jody uses her characters to unfold mystery, jealousy, and tenacity.  She also uses those characters to inspire trust in the Lord, love, forgiveness and second chances. Some characters you can not help but love while others you make you so mad you want to scream.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  Hearts Made Whole is a story that fills your heart and gives you a wonderful reminder of how important it is to trust in the Lord.

Thank you to the Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Two Giveaways

Simple Harvest Reads Giveaway:

To enter Simple Harvest Reads giveaway, click on the words “Entry-Form” below:

Entry-Form

This giveaway ends on June 11, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT.

Jody Hedlund’s Giveaway

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