Wednesday, November 3, 2010

On My Nightstand - The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

Elizabeth Whitbread's heart is torn by the cries of motherless infant, Thomas Costin. Her intervention earns her an enemy and sets her on a path that will forever change her life.

John Costin, devastated by his wife's death, resists all efforts to help him with the four children. He soon realizes the value of Elizabeth's housekeeping and nurture. With her taking on those responsibilities, he's free to travel and preach the gospel.

Elizabeth's future husband, Samuel, is upset with the arrangement but agrees to wait for her until the end of summer. Will Elizabeth be able to break free from her mission to watch over the Costin children or will she give up all hopes of having her own family?

In her debut as an author, Jody Hedlund does a stunning job of hooking the reader from the first paragraph. Her writing is textbook perfect without seeming forced. The characters radiate life, vitality, and passion.

Jody's jumped into the publishing world with an effort worthy of well-known, historical fiction writers such as Kim Vogel Sawyer, Julie Klassen, and others. I can't say enough good things about her writing or this book. Run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore and grab a copy for yourself plus one for a Christmas gift.

12 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I agree! An excellent debut. ;-)

Heather Sunseri said...

Oh, yes, everyone should run to the book store for this beautifully written novel!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

It's hard to believe this is her debut book. I can see it winning an award down the road.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heather -

The timing of the book's release was ideal. Jody has a bright future.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jody Hedlund said...

THANK YOU, Susan!!! What a beautiful reveiw!! I can't tell you how much your compliments mean to me! I was worried about how all of my writing friends would view my writing skills. So thank you for the highest praise! I appreciate it!

Love,

Jody

P.S. I'm putting a link on my website to your review!

Jeanette Levellie said...

I agree, Susan--this was one of the best books I've read all year! I can't wait for Jody's next one to come out.

Great reveiw,
Jen

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I finished reading this book over the weekend and can't say enough good things about it. A great read and I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jody -

The pleasure is all mine. What a wonderful, well-written book! Thanks for giving me a satisfying reading experience. :)

I'm honored that you're linking to my review. As I said in another comment, I can see awards down the road for you.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

I think Jody already has a strong fan base with her debut novel. We're not the only ones who will be grabbing her next book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

Thanks for adding your cheers for Jody's book. My mother and her friend read it in record time. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Bess said...

Oh, how I want to read this book. Someday, somehow, I will have the time. I've heard many good reviews about her book. I'm so proud of Jody.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Britt -

I pushed this to the top of my TBR list, and it was the right decision. :)

Blessings,
Susan