Litfuse Blog Tour + My Review: A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom
by Jody Hedlund
Copyright 2013
Bethany House Publishers
ISBN: 9780764210471

The Story:
Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That’ll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom. 

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.


My Thoughts:
Jody Hedlund is a stellar storyteller and A Noble Groom once again proves why she's one of my all-time favorite historical fiction writers. As always with her stories this book is captivating from the first. The romance is right up there with that of my favorite "edgy" inspirational fiction writers, Julie Lessman and Deeanne Gist. It's simply a spectacular story!

As poorly as Annalisa had to live, especially dealing with her good for nothing first husband, she still had the true pioneer spirit that I like to think all of our real ancestors had. She didn't give up even when her very life was threatened by the man who possibly murdered her husband. Resilient is the one word that comes to mind with each of Hedlund's heroines and Annalisa is no different. I immediately liked the hero too. Even though he was somewhat snobbish fallen nobleman I still felt that character connection that is absolutely necessary for me when reading any book, but especially in romance. The chemistry between both Annalisa and Carl smoldered but I liked that it developed naturally as they got to know each other and wasn't really a love at first sight, dive-into-the-romance, story.

As I noted earlier, this is definitely a bit edgier than Jody's previous novels but that made me love it all the more. It's passionate, moving, and inspirational with the potential to be a true Christian fiction classic! A Noble Groom is a book for even the pickiest reader's keeper shelf.

*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.* 

To read what other reviewers are saying about the book go HERE.

Buy your own copy HERE.

~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ~

Meet Jody:

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, www.jodyhedlund.com

*****************************

Giveaway!

Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of A Noble Groom by giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party {5/8}! 




One "noble" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• A copy of A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced at the "A Noble Groom" Author Chat Party on May 8th. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of A Noble Groom and join Jody on the evening of May 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Happy Reading!