Today I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite authors, Jody Hedlund!

I found Jody’s blog a little less than a year ago, when I was looking for good writers’ resources online.  I have been reading her blog faithfully ever since.  She posts on her blog every Tuesday and always has great writing tips and advice to share.  I began reading her blog before I ever read any of her books.

I was blessed, about two months ago, when a friend handed me one of Jody’s books and said I could read it.  She said that she had read on my blog that I hadn’t read any of Jody’s books yet.  I devoured that book, which is pictured down a little way in this post, Love Unexpected.  I became hooked and recently picked up a copy of The Doctor’s Lady which I look forward to reading soon.  I hope to read all of Jody’s books eventually.

I have found that, though, Jody is a very busy lady:  homeschooling her children, writing, traveling to research her writing, and I’m sure the list has more on it, she cares about her readers and other writers and really wants to be available to them.  She has contact information on her website and on her blog, and she will email you, if you email her.  I have emailed her twice to ask questions and she has been kind enough to respond with information that was very helpful to me.

 

It is also my pleasure to introduce you to Jody’s newest book — her first YA book! (Pictured above).  It is a story set in medieval times.  She is currently hosting a give away on her blog, where she will be giving a signed copy away!

The following is the description of the book on Amazon:

Due to her parents’ promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father’s enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents’ will left a second choice–if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the convent is the best place after all. If only one of the knights–the one who appears the most guilty–had not already captured her heart.

I am not a YA reader, but I think I would still like to read this book!  I’m also certain that this would be a wonderful story for you to suggest or give to a young adult lady in your life.

 

Jody also has one historical book published.  It is:

It is a story about Katharina escaping from a cloister and finding refuge with Martin Luther.  She seeks his help, but a war is about to break out and Martin Luther doesn’t think he has much time.  It is one of the greatest love stories in history.

 

Jody has written three historical romance series so far.

Love Unexpected is the first book in the Beacons of Hope series, but this book was preceded by an enovella that introduced the series, which I also read.  It is Out of the Storm, which is currently available for free here.

Her other series include:  The Michigan Brides collection and The Hearts of Faith series (The Doctor’s Lady is the second book in this series).

Her stories have well developed characters.  The women in her stories are strong, though they may not know it.  Her stories are romantic and inspirational and you may even learn some history you are not aware of as you read her books.  I have found her books hard to put down, and in Love Unexpected, I grew to love Emma and Patrick so much that it was sad to reach the end of the story and have to say goodbye to them.  I wrote a book review on this book here.

If you’re not familiar with Jody and her books, I encourage you to click one of the links in this post and find our more about her or download her free novella and introduce yourself to her writing.  If you are a writer who is still working toward becoming published or just want to learn more about writing, I encourage you to join me in reading her blog.