It's always nice to read a book that has romance, drama and at the same time is based on historical fact or a real person in history. Author Jody Hedlund has a real talent for writing a story that does all these things and more! In her latest book Unending Devotion Hedlund explores what life may have been like for a young woman searching for her young sister in the logging towns of 19th century Michigan and how her search leads her to discover the horrors of white slavery and prostitution that runs rampant because of corrupt James Carr and the government who's in his pocket. Along the way Lily also discovers that true love is within reach even in the darkest places.
At first I didn't think I would like Lily since she was so impetuous and unthinking at times. It was a wonder to me how she survived at all in the rough logging camps as long as she did even with the help of her guardian Oren. As the story went on she definitely became more likable and it was great to see her stand up for her passion to see young girls freed from sexual slavery as well as preserving the forest lands surrounding the logging towns.
Connell McCormick, the numbers guy and manager of three logging camps was instantly a favorite of mine. The moment Lily ended up on his lap at the very beginning I knew this would be a very interesting romance. I loved that he had such a pure heart but he wasn't immune to Lily's charms. It was refreshing to see that back and forth tug-of-war inside his head where she was concerned. Did I mention he's great with a knife? He's definitely a romance hero in every sense - brave, true, and yummy! ;-)
This book definitely had a more serious undertones than The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride but it is written with the same heart-tugging style that Hedlund does so well. Anytime a book deals with human trafficking it's rough to handle, especially since it's still a relevant (terrifyingly so) issue in our country today. Ms. Hedlund definitely dealt with the issues in a manner that was tasteful but didn't gloss over the bad realities. Both Frankie's and Daisy's stories broke my heart. Thankfully the conclusion wasn't sappy where everyone lived Happily Ever After and got a pony but fitting to the tone of the rest of the story without being disappointing for those who love romance.
Unending Devotion is a terrific book that is worth reading and keeping. Jody Hedlund is a writer of the highest caliber. Thank goodness we don't have to wait very long for her next book, A Noble Groom.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
At first I didn't think I would like Lily since she was so impetuous and unthinking at times. It was a wonder to me how she survived at all in the rough logging camps as long as she did even with the help of her guardian Oren. As the story went on she definitely became more likable and it was great to see her stand up for her passion to see young girls freed from sexual slavery as well as preserving the forest lands surrounding the logging towns.
Connell McCormick, the numbers guy and manager of three logging camps was instantly a favorite of mine. The moment Lily ended up on his lap at the very beginning I knew this would be a very interesting romance. I loved that he had such a pure heart but he wasn't immune to Lily's charms. It was refreshing to see that back and forth tug-of-war inside his head where she was concerned. Did I mention he's great with a knife? He's definitely a romance hero in every sense - brave, true, and yummy! ;-)
This book definitely had a more serious undertones than The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride but it is written with the same heart-tugging style that Hedlund does so well. Anytime a book deals with human trafficking it's rough to handle, especially since it's still a relevant (terrifyingly so) issue in our country today. Ms. Hedlund definitely dealt with the issues in a manner that was tasteful but didn't gloss over the bad realities. Both Frankie's and Daisy's stories broke my heart. Thankfully the conclusion wasn't sappy where everyone lived Happily Ever After and got a pony but fitting to the tone of the rest of the story without being disappointing for those who love romance.
Unending Devotion is a terrific book that is worth reading and keeping. Jody Hedlund is a writer of the highest caliber. Thank goodness we don't have to wait very long for her next book, A Noble Groom.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
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