Book Review and Giveaway: Unending Devotion - Jody Hedlund

I must admit I wasn’t expecting much from Jody Hedlund’s newest novel. Even though I greatly admire the author and enjoyed her previous two books, a string of recent disappointments by other writers left me pessimistic.

Unending Devotion became a rejuvenating balm to the injured book worm within. I was so enveloped in the 1883 world of logging towns and the worries of these beautifully crafted characters that I found myself stealing minutes to read when I should have been watching the dinner I burned, the street light that turned green and finally the sleep I should have gotten before beginning a full day.

Hedlund’s newest release was everything I enjoy in historical fiction. Just as with her previous two novels, she weaves true places, characters and actions into a beautiful story with wonderful examples of God’s love for us.

Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father.

Posing during the day as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father's lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he's interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters.

Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long.

Lily is a strong, sympathetic and heroic girl with real desires, dreams and flaws. Connell’s patience and devotion make him a man any woman would be proud to call hers. Their faith in God, each other and friends helps them develop into the best version of themselves.

I highly recommend you read all three of Hedlund’s books. However, Unending Devotion is my favorite. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and am anticipating the release of her fourth book in the spring.

For a chance to win a copy:

1. Leave a comment with this post by September 14, 2012.

2. Each mention of this post on Twitter, facebook, your own blog/website etc. will earn you an additional entry. Again, this must be done by September 14, 2012. Just leave me a link in the comments below.

3. A winner will be announced here by September 17, 2012.

To learn more about Jody Hedlund, her books, or some of her other giveaways, please visit her blog.