Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Unending Devotion Book Review {Giveaway}


Don't miss your chance to win a copy of Sarah Sundin's With Every Letter!

About the book: 

Michigan, 1883
In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan–and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?

Watch the book trailer here!

My thoughts:
 

I was so excited to read Unending Devotion. I have read both of Jody Hedlund's other books and really enjoy her writing style and skill of drawing you into the story in such an amazing way. However, I couldn't wait to read this story because it was like picking up a piece of my family's past. My great, great-grandfather (and probably his father before) was a lumber jack in New York before the Civil War. After the war, they settled in central Michigan, where my great-grandfather grew up and became the first policeman of Midland Township. He married a first generation American and daughter of Scottish immigrants and they raised their family there. My grandfather became a doctor and would made house calls with his black bag into the 1950's and 60's.

Ms. Hedlund wove so many details into her story, I could just imagine what my great-grandmother thought when she moved from Bay City to these lumber towns. Did she feel the same way as Lily? For me, this book was a chance to step back into time. 


The sweet and tender love story between Lily and Connell was wonderful. Lily's love and concern for her sister, and her passion to rescue those around her, made my heart ache for her. Connell's devotion to his family - good and bad. Will Connell and Lily do what is right in the end or take the easy way out? The characters in the story became so real. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and was sad for it to end.


About the author: 

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Visit her website: http://jodyhedlund.com/

 

 The prize and fine print:
The winner will be mailed a copy of Jody Hedlund's Unending Devotion via media mail. This mailing is limited to USA (including APO/FPO) and CAN addresses.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed are all mine and I was not required to give a positive review.

 
Use the new, handy-dandy Rafflecopter widget to enter for the prize! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

9 comments:

  1. My parents families are both from the Boston area. They came from Norway, Poland, Ireland and Italy:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm really looking forward to reading this book! Enjoyed your review with all the personal touches about your family. :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just noticed I need to say where my family is from to enter! My mom is from England and came to Canada when she was 16. Her mom was English and her dad Scottish. My dad is from Canada. His ancestors were German and came to America from Russia, then moved up to Canada. :)

      Delete
  3. I have roots in Europe basically. Germany and England from what I know (which isn't much!)
    Thanks for the giveaway. I loved both of Jody's first two books!

    Patty

    ReplyDelete
  4. I 'm English, irish, and American India. Most of decendants here in the US came to TX, from NC's
    Don't know a lot. mac262@me.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    My family has English, Caraibean (mainly) and French origins.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My roots are Irish, English, Scottish and Cherokee. Thanks for the chance to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one, Athena! Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win. : )

    My family is from England and Montreal, Canada.

    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete