A Loyal Heart Review, Guest Post by Jody Hedlund and a Giveaway!

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 16 Comments

A Loyal Heart FB Banner copy

I’m so happy to welcome Jody Hedlund to the blog today talking about her latest book, A Loyal Heart. Not only did I enjoy this book, but I feel it is something I feel comfortable with giving to my teenage daughter to read. A book that isn’t laced with sex, suicide and other things I don’t really want her reading about. Although I have mostly read Jody’s historic novels, I think I’m going to start reading more of these medieval ones. I loved it!

About the Book

Title: A Loyal Heart

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Adult medieval romance

Release Date: March 6, 2018

A Loyal Heart Web CopyHe’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

 

Click here to purchase your copy!

 

My Perspective

The cover of a book is always something that grabs my attention, whether good or bad. This cover really set the tone for the book –  a strong minded heroine who looks ready to take on any battle. And that is exactly what her character was. Lady Olivia was strong, fierce, and wasn’t afraid to stand on her own. Loyal to a fault she was prepared to fight for her family, and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save them – herself. Throughout the book she struggles with her growing attraction to Lord Pitt (swoon) and her remaining loyalty to family. It was interesting to see her character grow and change throughout the story, and to begin to learn to trust her own instincts.

The banter between Lady Olivia and Lord Pitt was amusing and fun to read. I think this is the fastest I have read a book in awhile because I just could not get enough of them. They had an obvious spark (g rated), but being on opposite sides of the equation made it hard for them to immediately pursue and investigate those feelings. Seeing them take a step back and reassess their situation almost constantly actually makes a great example for young people today to read about. I am happy to share this book with my teenage daughter and show her an example of waiting on the Lord, and not jumping in head first just because you feel a pull. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are some swoon worthy, get an ice pack for your head, moments. And I devoured them up and couldn’t wait for the next. But they were still innocent, sweet, and everything I thought they should be.

I was attached to this story from beginning to end. With a few twists later on in the story, it made for a fun and exciting read. I think women (and even men!) of all ages would enjoy – well teenage years and up anyways. If you’re a mom, read it with your teenager. Aunt, uncle, grandma, read it with your family members. You get the drift. You will get hooked and you will want to read more. So be prepared for an all night reading session. It’ll be totally worth it! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

 

JJody Hedlund. Web - Copyody Hedlund is the author of over twenty 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.

 

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She 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.

 

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 27

Lighthouse Academy, March 27

Neverending Stories, March 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28

books n baubles, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

By The Book, March 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, March 29

Genesis 5020, March 29

Books, Books, and More Books., March 29

Have A Wonderful Day, March 30

Blogging With Carol, March 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 30

Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, March 31

Book by Book, March 31

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 31

God’s Little Bookworm, April 1

The Christian Fiction Girl, April 1

Mary Hake, April 1

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 2

Daysong Reflections, April 2

Novels Corner, April 2

Remembrancy, April 3

proud to be an autism mom, April 3

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Janices book reviews, April 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 4

Romances of the Cross, April 5

Carpe Diem, April 5

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 6

Karen Sue Hadley, April 6

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 6

Red Headed Book Lady, April 7

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, April 8

Bigreadersite, April 8

margaret kazmierczak, April 8 (interview)

Henry Happens, April 9

Faery Tales Are Real, April 9

Joy of Reading, April 9

Giveaway

 

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To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76

16 responses to “A Loyal Heart Review, Guest Post by Jody Hedlund and a Giveaway!

  1. I teach high school English and would love to see more clean, wholesome young adult books available for my students to read. Please keep writing!

    • Jessica

      Yes! There is way too many books out there today that teens are gravitating towards that just are not appropriate, even for someone my age!

  2. Amanda

    I loved the first two books! I appreciate that Christian authors are starting to write YA fiction, since it’s so needed!

    • Jessica

      Yes I agree!! I hope there’s much more to come in the future 🙂

  3. Paula

    I read the first three books and loved them. They are not just for YA. I’m old and I gobbled them up! They are just good writing! I have read others of Jody and my favorites are Newton and Polly and Luther and Katharina!

    • Jessica

      Haha! I’m old too…..doesn’t mean I can’t like them. I’ve read several of my daughter’s YA books and have fallen in love with the genre!

  4. Thanks for giving me a chance to read these books..it us so important to have great books for teens that everyone in the family can enjoy. I thought the story was interesting and historical and twists just adds for spice to it thanks god a chance.

    • Jessica

      Yes! Agree that we need more great Christian books that everyone in the family can read together!

  5. Kathleen

    I just love a twist in a story. Thanks for sharing the review. I just finished book one and loved it. Adventure, romance, and humor appropriate for any age. I’m working my way through the series and enjoying every minute. Thanks authors and reviewers!

  6. Kay Garrett

    Thank you for your review and the information on “A Loyal Heart Review” by Jody Hedlund as well as being part of the book tour.

    I have this book on my TBR list and would love the opportunity to read it.

  7. Connie

    Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed the books in this series that I’ve read and look forward to reading the rest.