Carole J. (PianoLady357) reviewed on 6/30/2015 + 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.

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