The Adventures of the McQuaid Family Continue

Jody Hedlund’s “Colorado Cowboys” series continues with the fourth story of the adventurous McQuaid siblings.  This time it is the only sister Ivy getting the spotlight, as “Falling for the Cowgirl” ropes us into a dramatic adventure.  

From the start, I always guessed who Ivy’s hero would be…
Jericho Bliss.  I knew this simply because we’ve witnessed her feelings for him grow and continue throughout the previous three books in the series, and it is high time this romance was brought to the forefront and given the attention it deserved!  Ivy as a protagonist is both entertaining and frustrating, because although her big heart cannot be ignored, her strong will is sometimes hard to take.  Jericho’s intentions towards her, to protect her from his own life choices, are admirable but as he quickly discovers, feelings can sometimes derail our best intentions. Continue reading

Not The Series’ Finest

The “Colorado Cowboys” saga continues in book #3, “To Tame a Cowboy”, written by talented author Jody Hedlund and published by Bethany House.  I know there will be at least one more book to come in the series later this fall, and I’m expecting two more – so that each McQuaid sibling gets to tell their story.  Filled with plenty of adventure and romance set on the Western frontier, “To Tame a Cowboy” is an interesting addition to the series.  But, it is not my favourite for a few reasons… Continue reading

The Colorado Cowboys Story Continues

Jody Hedlund’s name is synonymous with masterfully written, historically accurate, compelling and immersive novels that transport you back in time and make you never want to leave!  Her new series is a bit unusual (for her) because it’s a western cowboy saga (her usual setting is earlier in history, and often in the UK), but still features all the elements we’ve come to expect from her writing.  The Heart of a Cowboy” is the second instalment in the “Colorado Cowboys” series from Bethany House, and is a high-stakes adventure that was nearly impossible to put down. Continue reading

Jody Hedlund Opens Her New “Colorado Cowboys” Series With A Bang!

Although it’s a little out of the ordinary from her typical setting and style, after reading Jody Hedlund’s newest release from Bethany House I would never guess that faith-based western romances aren’t her primary genre! “A Cowboy For Keeps” is the first book in her new “Colorado Cowboys” series, and is a must-read for fans of Christian Historical Fiction, particularly Westerns. (Basically, if you enjoy authors such as Karen Witemeyer, this story will be right at home on your shelf!) Continue reading

Compelling Continuation of “The Bride Ships” series

I can always count on Jody Hedlund to deliver a compelling story that is filled with a memorable romance, a unique peek into history, and a plot that sweeps readers away. Her newest installment in “The Bride Ships” series from Bethany House, “A Bride of Convenience”, does not disappoint!

“A Bride of Convenience” tells the story of Zoe Hart, who left England on a bride ship bound for British Columbia, and pastor Abe Merivale who has lived in the rugged land for several years. Reluctantly they are shoved together when an orphaned baby is left in their care, but are they willing to alter their entire futures when caring for the baby leaves them no choice but to marry someone they hardly know? Continue reading

You Won’t Be Able to Stop Reading “The Bride Ships” Book #2!

When I pick up a Jody Hedlund novel, I expect a story that completely captivates my imagination with vivid characters, while immersing me in a unique time and place in history. She rarely disappoints. “The Runaway Bride” is the second book in “The Bride Ships” series published by Bethany House, and is at fault for causing me to read late into the night (and simultaneously wake up tired the next morning) because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! Continue reading

Powerful Start To A New Series From Jody Hedlund

It is always exciting when a favorite author begins a brand new series, don’t you think? This time it’s Jody Hedlund who has released the first installment of a new story from Bethany House Publishers, entitled “A Reluctant Bride” – book number one in “The Bride Ships” series. The fascinating premise of dozens of poor London women leaving behind all they know and setting sail for British Columbia, where potential husbands await them, is based on true events of the 1860s. This unique scenario, combined with Jody’s masterful skill at weaving a compelling story, allows us to quickly be swept away in a story of hope, healing, and love – all of which come to pass in the most unexpected of ways. Continue reading

Finally We Discover Where Sophie Disappeared To!

Title: “Searching for You”

Author: Jody Hedlund

Publishing House/Publication Date: Bethany House / December 2018

Genres: Christian Historical Fiction; Christian Romance

Time Period: 1859

Number of Pages: 341

Series: Book #3 of the “Orphan Train” series

You should read this book if… You have previously read (and enjoyed) “With You Always” and “Together Forever”, the first two books in the “Orphan Train” series. In theory this book could also be read alone, but you will understand the back-story and enjoy it SO much more if you’ve read the entire saga in sequence! Continue reading

A Sweet Historical Novella Collection By 3 Favorite Authors

When I saw a collection of historical romance novellas by three of my favorite authors, I knew it needed to be added to my reading list! “All My Tomorrows” was published by Bethany House in the summer of 2018, and includes:

  • Karen Witemeyer’s “Worth the Wait” (a “Ladies of Harper Station” novella)
  • Jody Hedlund’s “An Awakened Heart” (a prequel to her “Orphan Train” series)
  • Elizabeth Camden’s “Toward the Sunrise” (joining her novel “Until the Dawn”)

Continue reading

A Sweetly Irresistible Sequel

A question for readers: Isn’t it fun when you adore the first book in a new series, then you anticipate the next installment for months (hoping you won’t be disappointed) only to discover that book number two is even better than the first?! For me, Jody Hedlund’s “Orphan Train” series from Bethany House is the perfect example. “With You Always” was an excellent Christian Historical Novel, but “Together Forever” resonated with me even more… Perhaps because I could relate to the characters in big ways, and I loved the inclusion of the young orphans – in search of new families – who really added to the story with color, vivacity, and depth of emotion. Continue reading