Never Leave Me (Waters of Time #2) by Jody Hedlund

 

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

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Yay!  Book two in this series is finally here!  I've been waiting to read this one because the first book was good and left things primed for this story.  You really need to read book one before reading this book.  The story is continuing and all the characters are in both books.  The first book really sets the stage for this one with background and explanations.

Time travel books are tricky to write, I think.  You have to make some sort of logical sense out of it and the author does a pretty good job of it here.  We start in the present day and are there for a bit, then we go with Ellen for a dip into the past.  It's quite eventful to say the least!  The first part of the book was really us getting to see Ellen and Harrison together, interacting and getting to know their relationship.  The second part was them apart, in desperate times, trying to help each other.  The pacing was good, building with tension and emotion all the way through.  

I especially loved Harrison.  He was so kind, gentle, and thoughtful.  Ever the gentleman.  He adored Ellen and it was expressed in his words and his actions.  He was the hero of this book for sure.  Harrison!  😍

This book was a good change of pace in my reading.  Time travel is a lesser written genre and I'm glad this author gave it a go.  It was fun!

Content:  peril, death, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Heart of a Cowboy (Colorado Cowboys #2) by Jody Hedlund

 

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be taken seriously by the other team members, but at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

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Oh!  I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.  Which is ridiculous to say because I knew I was going to like it.  I love this author and I liked the first book in this series so of course I was going to like it, right?  But I REALLY liked it.  Devoured it.  I had hours of uninterrupted reading time so I had minimal distractions and it was lovely.  

The characters really came to life for me throughout the course of this story.  My heart was bursting for Flynn and all he was dealing with.  What a loyal, hardworking and considerate man.  I wanted to wrap him up in a big mama bear hug with all kinds of "build him up" words.  Fortunately, Linnea is also good at building words and she uses them frequently and with kindness toward Flynn.  Beauty, smarts and kindness- the triple threat.  Flynn doesn't really ever stand a chance against Linnea.

I'm loving this series.  We get a little sneak peek at the next book and wow, I wish I could read it right now.  My heart.  The McQuaid family.  I just love them.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Come Back to Me (Waters of Time #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

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Time travel books are tricky, am I right?  Most of the time, you just can't think too hard or it just doesn't seem plausible but it's still fun.  This author definitely nailed the plausibility with a very in depth, detailed description of the why and how of it all.  Laying the foundation took pretty much half of the book.  We don't actually see the time travel until half way through and honestly?  I was growing impatient.  Sometimes it just felt too wordy and lengthy but I know, laying the foundation is important especially in stories like this and I actually thought the idea of the time travel was interesting.  I just really wanted more time with Will and Marian.  They are awesome together and I just didn't get enough of them.  I adored the second half of the book.  I didn't want to put it down.  Everyone should have a Will in their lives.  😍

I can see that the author set things up for future books and I'm excited to read them!  And hopefully Will and Marian will be in those too because that would make me happy.

The first half of the book gets 3.5 stars from me.  The second half, 5.

Content:  peril, mild violence, kissing (some thoughts about a husband wanting his wife physically, but nothing descriptive)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

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Ooh, I'm so excited about this new series by author Jody Hedlund and after reading this book I'm even more excited!!  

I love a good cowboy story and Wyatt is the very vision of all I imagine a strong, rugged cowboy to be.  This story has a lot of different dynamics with a mail order bride, a sick little girl, bandits, secrets, and unfortunate events but all throughout is growing friendship and trust, healing and love.  It was such a good blend of emotions, engaging me from start to finish.

The epilogue gives a glimpse into Wyatt's family and set things up nicely for the next book.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships #3) by Jody Hedlund

Upon discovering an abandoned baby, Pastor Abe Merivale joins efforts with Zoe Hart, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Abe offers his hand as Zoe's groom. But after a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.

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Happy release day to A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund!  I am really loving this Bride Ship series.  It's crazy and so interesting to me that these bride ships were a real thing.  This author does a great job of making her characters human with clear strengths and flaws that I can relate to.

Zoe is such a gentle person, full of kindness and compassion.  I loved how quickly and easily she shared her love with those who needed it most.  It was so easy to love her character and her intentions.  Abe struggled with his situation and his follow through a bit more than Zoe but his intentions were usually noble.  He definitely became a better man and found sure footing in the wake of Zoe's love and compassion for others.

I enjoyed the setting and I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books pop up in this story.  It gives the series a sense of community and I like that.  If you haven't started this series yet, now is the time!  It's so good.  I've loved every book so far.

Content:  mild violence, mild peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships #2) by Jody Hedlund

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?

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This is a series I am so interested in and excited about.  I love the way this author infuses bits of history into these romances.  It makes the story come alive for me.  This is the second book in this series and while I think it can stand alone, I would recommend reading the first book before this one just because it really sets the stage for these women that came over from England on bride ships.  It's also really good.  You won't regret it.

Arabella is an interesting character.  Her backstory unfolds in bits as we get to know her.  I loved how she gradually came into her own and learned to think and feel for herself.  It was a precarious road for her but it felt real, vulnerable and human to me.  

Peter Kelly is larger than life.  I loved his character so much and I loved how he viewed Arabella.  The alternating perspectives in this book really helped hone in on Peter's motivations and his desires.  

This story had my heart fluttering.  The flames of attraction were burning bright and the love came softly, at least for Arabella.  For Pete it all came on rather strongly.  There were so many memorable moments in this book and I really, really enjoyed it.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, physical abuse, kissing, light Christian fiction.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

On Tour With Always (The Lost Princesses #0.5) & Evermore (The Lost Princesses #1) by Jody Hedlund + Win This Whole Series (ebook or paperback)!

 

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.

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Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

I've been anticipating this book and this new series by Jody Hedlund since I first heard about it!  I was so anxious to get started.  This novella really sets the stage for the following books.  It's an in-depth look into the series of unfortunate events leading up to the lost princesses.  Honestly, it was heartbreaking.  Two countries are at war, there is death and destruction everywhere.  King Ethelwulf is a brute and will stop at nothing to gain the victory, the throne and the treasure.  What he doesn't count on is the loyalty and devotion of two brave people who are willing to risk everything to see the future of their country preserved through the three young princesses.

Both Lady Felicia and Lance are fierce in their loyalty.  The vows they made to the queen and king are binding to them and come before all else.  I loved them both.  They fought hard, they committed and they stayed the course no matter what was against them.  How can you not love that?!   Honestly.

I loved the pacing of this book- fast and exciting.  There was hardly time to breathe!  I am so glad I got to immediately read the next book without waiting.  #EverTour

Content:  peril, some violence, kissing

 

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.

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Also FREE through KindleUnlimited

Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing.  No doubt about it.  This Lost Princesses series falls right in my sweet spot for reading.  I am transported to the world she created with characters I can love and root for without even thinking about it.  I love it.

Lady Adelaide is exactly how I think a lady should be.  Smart, compassionate, strong and passionate.  She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes is right but she does it in a smart and compassionate way, ensuring the loyalty and love of all those who feel the effects of those traits.  Lady Adelaide is everything you would envision a young queen to be. 

The pacing in this book is excellent.  I had heart pounding moments of running and fighting, heart warming moments of character development and connection, heart skipping moments of new love and attraction and even a couple heart breaking moments of loss.  My heart sure got a workout!  It was an awesome ride from beginning to end. But wait, it isn't over!  The next book will be coming out at the end of this month and I cannot wait!  What a fun series this is.  Oh, and don't even get me started on these gorgeous covers.  They are absolutely beautiful, right?  #EverTour

Content:  violence, peril, kissing


Other Books in the Series

 

Coming late September and October. Pre-order now!

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

 On Tour with Prism Book Tours

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

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A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships #1) by Jody Hedlund

After facing desperate heartache and loss, Mercy agrees to escape a bleak future in London and join a bride ship. Wealthy and titled, Joseph leaves home and takes to the sea as the ships surgeon to escape the pain of losing his family. He has no intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, they must fight against a forbidden love.

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I don't think I've ever read anything about the bride ships that came to Canada from England.  It doesn't necessarily surprise me that something like that happened but what does surprise me is the "how" of it all, I guess.  The author took many of the events of this book from actual accounts so the story was very true to what really happened.  I really love that because it gives me such a good feel for where the brides came from and how they may have felt and acted.  It was so interesting!  I love learning about lesser known events in history which would explain my love for historical fiction.

Mercy is such an awesome character.  Despite her horrible upbringing she embodies everything kind, gentle and compassionate.  I loved her almost instantly.  The author does such an incredible job of bringing the characters in this book to life.  They felt like real people with struggles and growth.  The growing intensity between Mercy and Joseph was fantastic.  I was completely caught up in it and invested every step of the way.

This is one of my favorite books this year, I think.  I have a handful of them now.  I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

Content:  peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Release Day to A Worthy Rebel (An Uncertain Choice #5) by Jody Hedlund!

A desperate noblewoman, a rebellious peasant, and a forbidden love.

While fleeing an arranged betrothal to a heartless lord, Lady Isabelle becomes injured and lost. Rescued by a young peasant man, she hides her identity as a noblewoman for fear of reprisal from the peasants who are bitter and angry toward the nobility.

Cole Warwick cannot turn his back on a person in need and soon finds himself falling for Izzy, the gentle and beautiful runaway who is mending in his cottage. As the leader of an imminent uprising against the nobility, he tries to resist his growing feelings for Izzy to protect her from the dangerous life he’s chosen. But the longer she stays, the more he hopes she’ll never leave.

When Izzy’s true identity is revealed, Cole feels betrayed. With the rebellion underway, can Cole forgive Izzy and find a way to save her from an unhappy marriage? Or will he and his peasant army be destroyed before he has the chance to fight for the people and the woman he loves?

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I really, really love this series so it's a happy day when a new book releases!  Yay!

I think I loved Izzy and Cole from the very beginning.  They are both loyal and kind.  Cole is a fierce defender and leader for his people who are downtrodden and suffering.   He is smart and strong but he is also gentle and kind.  It's an awesome combination and I both loved and admired him.  I think the way he went from pretending to all in with Izzy was sigh worthy.  He didn't hum and haw too long, he knew and he jumped in.  He knew what he wanted, he let Izzy know and then pursued it.  Yumma.

Izzy is so determined to help her people.  She wants to be something noble and live up to her position and duty but doesn't know exactly how to do that, especially when she feels like she is living in her sister's shadow.  I thought she was brave and kind.  Especially in the end.  She was a rock star.  I really loved her.

The forward momentum was good and I was invested in the story the whole way through.  This is a fantastic addition to this series!  yay!

Content:  violence (some graphic in nature), kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Also, the author, Jody Hedlund is having a giveaway over on her Facebook page!  Check it out!  

 

With You Always (Orphan Train #1) by Jody Hedlund

Could following the opportunity of a lifetime cost them the love of their lives?

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

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This book is the exact reason I love historical fiction.  In it I am able to learn about events in history through characters that I can connect to.  Yes, the characters are fictional, but they represent the people of that time- their feelings, their struggles and their triumphs.

This particular book is set in the midst of the immigrants to America in the 1850's and their struggle to sustain life.  How awful it must have been to leave your home country in search of a better life only to find it worse than the one you left.  

I loved this story.  It was told in a way that connected to my heart.  I could so easily visualize everything that was happening- the places and the people.  My heart hurt for the struggles of Elise and her family.  Thornton's journey of self awareness, compassion and understanding were so satisfying.  So, so good.

I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.  This book sets things up perfectly for a continuation but still left me utterly satisfied.  That's how I like a series to be.

Content:  Clean, mild romance, some kissing.  A situation of abuse with no details, just the aftermath.  Mild peril.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.