A Debut Novel and a Give-Away!

Though I'm not an avid reader of historical fiction, I couldn't wait to read Jody Hedlund's debut novel, The Preacher's Bride. Jody shared so much about the process of writing this book on her blog, I practically feel like I walked along side her through it all.

I liked this book so much that I decided to share my 5-star review, along with a chance for you to win it!

The Preacher's Bride captured my heart and immersed me into 17th century England—where social status determines destiny, petticoats and propriety reign, and where slanderous gossip can tragically alter a young Puritan woman’s life…even when the words are painfully untrue.

I instantly admired and identified with Elizabeth Whitbread, an intelligent, big hearted baker’s daughter who bravely answers God’s calling to step in and temporarily help a handsome, grieving widower with his four young children. What Elizabeth doesn’t expect is to be overwhelmed by such strong feelings for the children, and eventually for their tinker-turned-preacher father.

An emotional, exhilarating story that often moved me to tears, Jody Hedlund makes good use of her experience as a mom of five in her stunning, tender portrayal of a mother’s fierce love. Through grievous hardships and many trials, the author brilliantly portrays the Puritan way of life, and the biblical truth that all things truly work for the good of those who love God.

The Preacher's Bride is an inspiring, powerful, and beautifully written debut novel.

For a chance to win a free copy of The Preacher's Bride, leave a comment telling me about one of your favorite books so far this year, (either fiction or non-fiction) and why you liked it.



18 comments:

Jan Cline said...

I'd have to say Grace In Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs. Her style of writing is so complelling and her characters become so real. I love her balance of historical information. I've heard good reports on this one too. Hope to win.
jancline(at)ymail(dot)com

Keli Gwyn said...

Julie, what a wonderful review of The Preacher's Bride! Like you, I loved Jody's story. She's a gifted storyteller.

I've read the book and have an autographed copy, so please don't enter me in the drawing. =)

Cheryl Barker said...

Hey Julie, thanks for the chance to win this book!

My favorite reads so far this year have been Same Kind of Different as Me (amazing story, amazing writing) by Ron Hall & Denver Moore and Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart and Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth both had great writing that made the characters come alive. Will definitely read the rest of Mary's triology...

Karen said...

Oh, Julie, I just read your post about the pit bull. That is so scary. Your doggie is so sweet, too! PTL that you were protected. Hopefully the owner will do something about that.

And your book sounds wonderful. The last book I read was by Don Brown, "The Malacca Conspiracy." It was trilling with adventure.

Blessings

Anonymous said...

I love historical fiction, it always seems a treat to me to learn something along the way besides enjoying a good story.

Buying Time by Pamela Smauels Young is a great read.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Laura Chase said...

You make the novel sound De-LISH!
My 2 fave non-fictions this year are by Bruce McIver. He is a retired pastor that is have a heart of gold and a belly full of laughter. The 2 books go hand in hand, "Stories I Couldn't Tell While I Was a Pastor" and "Just As Long As I'm Riding Up Front".

achildoftheking said...

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers [still reading].

I so relate to this girl. Abused by a harsh father and forced to work. She still beats all odds and overcomes. [The parts I've read so far].

I love stories with some truth of history and those based on true stories where the underdog beats all odds because God is in control and they know it! AMEN!

Jody Hedlund said...

Thanks for highlighting my book today, Julie! Your review was so heartfelt and beautiful! Thank you! And thanks for everyone else for stopping by!

Thou Art Jules said...

oh I would love to read this book!

So far my favorite was my most recent which was The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher but often thats the way it goes with me :-)

julia[at]thouartjules[dot]com

Janice Johnson said...

Just yesterday I finished reading a novel by Catherine Marshall that I have had on my "intend to read" shelf for a couple of years. It took 2 weeks of pneumonia for me to get it read during all my required resting! What a treat this book was! I hated to see it end.

Catherine Marshall is best known for the book "Christy" that became a film series..but I think "Julie" is even better. Julie Wallace, the central character in Julie, is in part drawn fron Catherine's own memories of her life in Keyser, West Virginia, as an eighteen-year-old.

Research on Julie began in 1977 as Catherine became fascinated by both the Johnstown Flood of 1889 and and the inner workings and mechanics of operating a small weekly newspaper. She also took a refresher course in the events of the depression years of the thirties. Soon the research spilled over into dam construction, the early union movement in America, steel making, private railroad cars.

I loved learning the interesting history of America during this time period. I had never heard of the terrible flood that happened in Pennsylvania during the depression.

And it was awesome to follow Julie as she finds a deeper walk in Christ, and an understanding of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives in this novel. Catherine Marshall took 7 years to write Julie, and Cathrine died within months after finishing the novel.

Extremely good writing; extremely good entertainment for this bedridden reader! I highly recommend this classic book.

Ginny said...

Hi Julie, Well, this book looks so intereting. If I do not win your giveaway, i will have to purchse it myself.
I have not read any books this past summer. I simply did not have an opportunity to sit and just be. But one of the gals from our church is a novelist. Her name is Colleen Gleason and she has written the "Gardella Chronicles" a five book series about good and evil (vampires)
I wanted to read her books to see for myself just how good they are. She is in Italy right now doing book signings, interviews, and whatever else writers do to promote their books.
I liked your review of "the Preachers Bride" very much.

Sara-the-Ladybug said...

I personally love historical fiction. And one of my favorite authors is Lauraine Snelling. My favorite read this year has been Lauraine's book "A Distance Too Far".
That said, I have really been looking forward to this books release! I would love to win this book!
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I so want to win, I love fiction. I haven't had a chance to ready any fiction this year...just focusing on the real life right now at this stage....

The book I'm reading right now is Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl...by Lysa Terkeurst...
REAL LIFE..all I can say!! Real life!

Unknown said...

Julie, your excellent review of Jodi's book interested me in reading this story, and I hope I can soon.
I have read so many books this summer and it's hard to pick just one favorite, I'll say Michelle Sutton's "Never Without Hope" "A Stray Drop of Blood," by Roseanna White; Julie Lessman's "A Passion Most Pure;" and "Killing Time" by K.Dawn Byrd. Well, I can't help it..I have to give them all credit for enjoying their reads.
Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win this wonderful book. I hope I do!!

Sharing Christ's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Dana said...

The book sounds great! It's been on my to-read list for a while. :-)

I've read a number of great books lately; hopefully it's alright if I mention a handful rather than just one?

I'm currently reading "The Well-Educated Mind: A guide to the classical education you never had" by Susan Wise Bauer. Very excited about this one!

I've also just started "Respectable Sins: Confronting the sins we tolerate" by Jerry Bridges. Already in the introduction I feel drawn in by his gentle and humble tone. This is another exciting book on my plate!

I've just finished "Hood" by Stephen Lawhead, a fabulous adventure for anyone who loves Arthurian legend-style stories.

"Masquerade" by Nancy Moser was also fantastic; it's a romance that takes place in late 1800s New York City.

Lastly, "Bittersweet: Thoughts on change, grace, and learning the hard way" by Shauna Niequist was really quite moving. It's a series of semi-autobiographical/ motivational chapters that touched on pain and the beauty we can find in it. I'll be re-reading this many times over.

It's great to read everyone else's recommendations here too, and I'll be adding some of these to my to-read list. :-)

childofprussia[at]gmail[dot]com

MaureenT said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book! I enjoy Historical fiction!
There are so many books I've read this year...but right now the book that is lingering with me is Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers...I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Okay after Janice J comments about the book Julie, I decided to look it up at the library. They had it, I got it out and read it in three days!! I loved it!

Julie Gillies said...

Love reading about all the books everyone is reading! I'll be posting the winner of "The Preacher's Bride" on Sunday at 2pm.

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