Hearts Made Whole is book two in a series entitled "Beacons of Hope". Caroline Taylor has assisted her father, the lighthouse keeper, for several years with all of the lighthouse duties. After her father's unexpected death, Caroline continues to faithfully fill the duties of tending the light. One day the district lighthouse inspector unexpectedly informs Caroline that she has one week to pack her belongings and move. Ryan Chambers, a veteran of the War Between the States, has been appointed as the new head keeper.
This can be read as a stand-alone book, rather than part of a series. The main characters face daily issues much like people today. Ryan battles his reliance upon drugs and alcohol to ease the pain resulting from injuries received during the war. Caroline worries about where she and her siblings will have to move and what work is available for her to support her family. The book follows these and other trials, and in the end, both learn to trust God more. The problems Ryan and Caroline face are believable; the other characters are interesting as well. Also there is a bit of mystery because someone is trying to get Caroline to leave the lighthouse.
Although this book had redeeming features such as learning to rely on God's strength, not that of oneself or another individual, I was disappointed in it and have no desire to finish the series. There were more sexual content references than I expected in a Christian novel and for this time period (1865). About two-thirds into the book, the story took a ludicrous turn, in my opinion. It seemed very contrived. I have read Jody Hedlund's early books and enjoyed them very much. I haven't read her more recent novels, so I was glad to get the opportunity to read another book by this author. Again, there were worthwhile portions in the book, but overall, I was glad when it ended.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
This can be read as a stand-alone book, rather than part of a series. The main characters face daily issues much like people today. Ryan battles his reliance upon drugs and alcohol to ease the pain resulting from injuries received during the war. Caroline worries about where she and her siblings will have to move and what work is available for her to support her family. The book follows these and other trials, and in the end, both learn to trust God more. The problems Ryan and Caroline face are believable; the other characters are interesting as well. Also there is a bit of mystery because someone is trying to get Caroline to leave the lighthouse.
Although this book had redeeming features such as learning to rely on God's strength, not that of oneself or another individual, I was disappointed in it and have no desire to finish the series. There were more sexual content references than I expected in a Christian novel and for this time period (1865). About two-thirds into the book, the story took a ludicrous turn, in my opinion. It seemed very contrived. I have read Jody Hedlund's early books and enjoyed them very much. I haven't read her more recent novels, so I was glad to get the opportunity to read another book by this author. Again, there were worthwhile portions in the book, but overall, I was glad when it ended.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
"Hearts Made Whole" is the second in the "Beacons of Light" series by Jody Hedlund. Centering of lighthouses in bygone years, she features a strong female lead loosely based on a real-life female lighthouse a keeper. Showing their strength and courage in the face of an extremely challenging job, Hedlund weaves a sweet and complex story. This story brings back Ryan Chambers, previously introduced in the first book of the series, as a Civil War veteran in desperate need of a job. Struggling with addiction after his war injuries, Ryan quickly realizes he has a lot to learn before he can fully assume his new duties. Caroline Taylor took over the running of Windmill Point Lighthouse after the death of her father. Despite her flawless keeping of the light, the lighthouse inspector replaces her with Ryan simply because she is female.
The story unfolds over the course of nearly a year. The characters are well developed and enjoyable to read about. As the challenges and adventures unfold, the emotional depth of the characters grows and they become more real as the story progresses. The lighthouse setting is creative and adds a romantic feeling to the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is highly engaging and I would highly recommend this book. Despite it being part of a series, it could easily read as a stand-alone novel. I'm eager to read the next book in this series!
(Ive received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers through the Book Blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
The story unfolds over the course of nearly a year. The characters are well developed and enjoyable to read about. As the challenges and adventures unfold, the emotional depth of the characters grows and they become more real as the story progresses. The lighthouse setting is creative and adds a romantic feeling to the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The story is highly engaging and I would highly recommend this book. Despite it being part of a series, it could easily read as a stand-alone novel. I'm eager to read the next book in this series!
(Ive received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers through the Book Blogger program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)
Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope, Bk 2) on + 157 more book reviews
All the trademarks of a Jody Hedlund novel are here - tender romance, poignant drama, and gripping suspense, all set within the framework of an interesting period in America's history. As with all of Jody's stories, my attention was captured on page one and never waned. There are a few instances of animal cruelty and while uncomfortable to read, they are realistic for the time period and a particularly villainous character, appropriately fitting into the overall storyline. Hearts Made Whole is #2 in the Beacons of Hope series, but easily stands alone.
Jody excels at drawing from actual people, events, and locations in history and weaving together a fascinating story. Michigan's Windmill Point Lighthouse is the setting for Hearts Made Whole, beginning in the year 1865. Something that I'm especially enjoying is the historical background this series conveys about Michigan lighthouses of the past.
Characterization is another strong point and I found Ryan and Caroline, as well as several secondary characters, extremely appealing. Ryan, a wounded Civil War veteran, is appointed lightkeeper at Windmill Point, effectively replacing Caroline, who had faithfully kept the light since the death of her father. Caroline is a strong yet feminine woman, dedicated, who unselfishly takes care of her younger siblings. Ryan is the flawed hero type that I love so much in literature - wounded during the war, plagued by inner demons, and with a hard-to-resist need for opium and alcohol to assuage physical pain and haunting memories.
Lighthouses are always a strong draw for me, because I can't help but reflect on the spiritual themes they represent - danger, lostness, rescue, hope, safety, all epitomized in Jesus. Jody uses one of my pastor's favorite sayings, that "God is good . . . all the time" - and sometimes we just need to be reminded again of that truth. For a long time, Ryan sought relief from sources that could never heal or fulfill, just as we often do. It is so touching to see how the message of the beloved hymn, I Need Thee, is woven throughout. I loved the scene where, as Ryan looks out over the vast ocean and colorful sky, he first admits his need for God.
I don't know what Jody has planned next, but we see a cross carved from driftwood being passed on through this series, and Ryan gives it to Caroline's sister, Tessa, toward the end of this story. Tessa's actions often made her difficult to like, but the promise of change is evident and I hope to see more of her.
Hearts Made Whole is a wonderfully entertaining story that I am glad to recommend to all who enjoy historical romance.
Thank you to Jody Hedlund and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jody excels at drawing from actual people, events, and locations in history and weaving together a fascinating story. Michigan's Windmill Point Lighthouse is the setting for Hearts Made Whole, beginning in the year 1865. Something that I'm especially enjoying is the historical background this series conveys about Michigan lighthouses of the past.
Characterization is another strong point and I found Ryan and Caroline, as well as several secondary characters, extremely appealing. Ryan, a wounded Civil War veteran, is appointed lightkeeper at Windmill Point, effectively replacing Caroline, who had faithfully kept the light since the death of her father. Caroline is a strong yet feminine woman, dedicated, who unselfishly takes care of her younger siblings. Ryan is the flawed hero type that I love so much in literature - wounded during the war, plagued by inner demons, and with a hard-to-resist need for opium and alcohol to assuage physical pain and haunting memories.
Lighthouses are always a strong draw for me, because I can't help but reflect on the spiritual themes they represent - danger, lostness, rescue, hope, safety, all epitomized in Jesus. Jody uses one of my pastor's favorite sayings, that "God is good . . . all the time" - and sometimes we just need to be reminded again of that truth. For a long time, Ryan sought relief from sources that could never heal or fulfill, just as we often do. It is so touching to see how the message of the beloved hymn, I Need Thee, is woven throughout. I loved the scene where, as Ryan looks out over the vast ocean and colorful sky, he first admits his need for God.
I don't know what Jody has planned next, but we see a cross carved from driftwood being passed on through this series, and Ryan gives it to Caroline's sister, Tessa, toward the end of this story. Tessa's actions often made her difficult to like, but the promise of change is evident and I hope to see more of her.
Hearts Made Whole is a wonderfully entertaining story that I am glad to recommend to all who enjoy historical romance.
Thank you to Jody Hedlund and Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Leanne D. (eclecticmusicmama) reviewed Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope, Bk 2) on + 426 more book reviews
Carole, your review of this book was so complete and great that there's nothing I can really add to improve on it, except to say I'm enjoying this author's work tremendously and look forward to the next book in this series.
