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?
You can purchase the book here.
Publisher’s Weekly calls Unending Devotion ” A meaty tale of life amid the debauchery of the lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . . exciting and unpredictable to the very 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 at JodyHedlund.com.
Secret #10: One of the hardest things I’ve ever done. By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund
I’ve done many hard things in my life. One of the hardest was having five kids. Having children stretches our comfort zones, patience, endurance, and hopefully diminishes our selfishness. Homeschooling my kids has been incredibly difficult too for many of the same reasons.
Another hard thing I’ve done is become a published author. Not only was the journey to publication fraught with fears, rejection, and many demands. But the path afterward has also been a difficult steep uphill climb.
But aside from having five kids and becoming an author, one of the most difficult things I’ve ever physically accomplished was climbing one of Colorado’s fourteeners.
Okay, you Colorado people who climb 14,000 feet mountains for fun every day can go ahead and laugh. Cackle away. I deserve it. I’m a mid-western girl through-and-through, and climbing mountains just isn’t in my blood.
Even so, I DID live in Colorado at two different points in my life. One of those times was when my husband went to graduate school. We lived in Denver for three years. In fact, that’s where our oldest son was born.
When we first moved to the mile-high city, we couldn’t wait to go hiking in the mountains. So a couple of weeks after we settled into our little apartment, we decided to drive up to the nearest fourteener and enjoy a leisurely climb.
From the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain, we glanced ahead at the gradual climb and thought, “This doesn’t look so bad. We can do this.”
Little did we know what really awaited us.
It took us over five grueling hours to finally reach the summit. By that point we were completely exhausted and wondered what in the world ever made us believe we could climb a mountain.
As we dragged ourselves to the top, the view was stunning. All we could do was sit and stare breathlessly at the miles and miles of beautiful valleys, lakes, and peaks that surrounded us. At that point, we decided the horrible, painful climb was all worth it.
Until of course, we started the decent which was surprisingly difficult too. When we reached home later that night, we both fell onto the couches sick to our stomachs—which we later heard was a result of our bodies not being acclimated to the high altitude.
We learned a number of lessons about persevering, about the beauty that comes out of hardship, and about the sense of accomplishment we would have missed if we’d turned back too soon.
What about you? What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
For more secrets about Jody and additional chances to win her newest release, visit her Events Page to see where she’ll be next in her “Fun Secrets About Author Jody Hedlund” blog tour.
Also join in the Pinterest Photo Contest she’s hosting. Find more information about it on her Contest Page.
Jody would love to connect with you! Find her in one of these places:
Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/
Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
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My Review
Quite the dilemma befell me while reading this book.
The villain was so dastardly, that I was nervous to continue reading on. A first to be sure!
Plus, the villain’s wife was just as evil as he was. Double the trouble. How could I possibly continue on reading, my mind racing with all of the terrible things I knew were going to happen to our hero and heroine? My poor aching nerves just could not take it I tell you!
Finally, after contacting Jody herself, and confirming with her that a happily ever after was coming, I girded myself up to carry on. The book is definitely her best yet. This one had a little bit more romance added to this historical novel and I love that she included her home state of Michigan as the setting.
It is not included in the book blurb, but much of this story revolves around Lily’s search for her sister in brothels, as Daisy has turned to prostitution. There are also many allusions to abuse and rapes included in the story. Human trafficking was alive and well hundreds of years ago and is unfortunately, still alive and prospering in the world today. I usually let my 12 year old daughter also read many of the novels I enjoy, but this one will have to wait a few years before I allow it. The subject matter is definitely for a more mature reader.
A book that challenges the reader to not only see the injustice around them, but also when called upon, to act. We all can only do our part, just as Lily and Connell followed their convictions and did theirs.
The Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Unending Devotion, Jody is giving away a signed copy to one of my readers. Valid only with US or Canadian addresses. Jump on the Rafflecopter in order to be entered to win a copy of Unending Devotion!
Bethany House and Jody Hedlund sent me the above book for review purposes. They will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Bethany House.
{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }
Ohhh I have been wanting to read this book. Sounds GOOD!
Jody's written another wonderful book. I love tagging along as the story unfolds; you never know what is going to happen! Thanks Diane, and Jody, for sharing this interview with us.
One of the hardest things I've ever had to do is willingly give up a full time job because continuing with it would have gone against my religious beliefs. Even though it was difficult and I felt uncertainty about the future, I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do. Now looking back, it all worked out for the best.
Wow, giving up a job would have been hard. I can only imagine the insecurity you felt at the time! I'm glad it worked out for the best!
I think the hardest thing I ever did was go off to college 8 hours away. At one point during my senior year I thought it would be the best thing, to get away from my small town, start over and get away from my back-stabbing friends and my ex-boyfriend. Little did I know I would start dating the boy I would marry right before graduation (who I actually had known since 1st grade). Also I am really a homebody, an only child who is very close to her parents. The next year I transferred to a college that was 3 hours away, lol! Loved the first school I went to and in some ways I regret not finishing there, but I needed to be closer to home. I know this is trivial to some, and shows my life is actually rather easy I guess
I'm thankful for that.
Thanks for sharing, Crystal! I love hearing that leaving your family was difficult! Just shows that you have a great family! That is indeed something to be thankful for!
One of the hardest things I ever did was to leave a job I loved on a question of principle. I won't go into the specifics of the case, but let's say I ended up severely disappointed with people whom I should have respected. Yet the initial shock and depression that followed this decision was accompanied by an amazing creative surge, and it was then that I started writing fiction. God is good!
Sounds like the move away from the job truly was a blessing in disguise!
I knew Jody was writing this book, and I've been waiting to read it. I have lots of loggers in my family tree. The hardest thing I've ever done is to step up and take care of my grandma who has Alzheimers. It zaps my time, energy, and creativity, but it is a labor of love.
Thanks, Haley! Yes, taking care of someone with Alzheimers is very difficult. When I was in college I worked in a nursing home as a nurse's aid and I took care of many Alzheimer patients. It was one of the hardest jobs I've ever had! It truly is a labor of love!
An excellent review. Definitely the hardest thing I've done is continued to live at home. I'd much rather be on my own, but finances prohibit me from doing that. I worry that I will never be in a position to move out.
Best yet? But the others were so good! I still have to read this one. Looking forward to it.
The hardest thing I've ever done: Learn to drive a standard. Still can't do it!
My hardest thing just happened this weekend….taking my daughter 3 states away to spend three months training for mission work and then she'll go overseas after Christmas. It is hard, hard, hard but God definitely wants her there. A difficult transition but a necessary one to be sure.
I've already read the book and it is excellent. One of those books that stays with you for a long time.
I think the hardest thing I've done thus far is stay at a job that made me miserable. I was so grateful for the job and we needed the income desperately, but I cried everyday. I am grateful now for the time I spent there because I'm stronger for it, and it really made me appreciate my job now!
Beth
I've read Jody's other books and loved them. I'm looking forward to this one.
The hardest thing I went through was making health decisions for my husband at the end of his life.
The hardest thing I've ever done … it's nothing compared to a lot of you, but just trusting in God, trusting that He has a plan for me right now, where I'm at. Trusting that where I am in college and my life right now is where He wants me. =)
Looks like an interesting book, different from what I have read before.
I have loved Jody's first two books, can't wait to read this one!
'I know the plans I have for you , says the Lord'. The hardest thing I do on a regular basis is to trust in that fact!
Patty
I love Jody's writing! I can't wait to read this one!
The hardest thing I've ever done is moving on and getting past an abusive childhood. I'm grateful to God for all He has done. <3
Thank you ALL so much for sharing your hardest moments! Isn't it amazing how often our hardships make us stronger as a result? If only we could remember that better when we're in the midst of them!
Hi ladies,
I think being a mom is one of the most difficult and most rewarding jobs there is. It amazes me that the human race hasn't died out long before, isn't it!!! But I think even harder, in today's society, is being a Proverbs 31 wife. I love my husband and I love my marriage, but when things get tough, the world would have us believe that the best thing to do is quit, walk away, stop choosing to love. NOT TRUE. But just because I know it isn't true, just because he knows it isn't true, doesn't make it easy. After 24 years, we're in it for the long haul, but we have to proactively invest every day, every hour, every minute, in making our marriage the wonderful and rewarding treasure it is.
Blessings,
Becky
I'm looking forward to reading this book! Looks good Jody!
The hardest thing I've ever done…what a loaded question. Loved your answer, Judy.
For me, it entailed taking off on my first plane trip, leaving home and family behind, to go on a week-long missions trip to Costa Rica (where we didn't have Internet ~ thus, no contact with mom or dad whatsoever). It was definitely daring. But worth it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
biblioprincess15 (at) yahoo (dot) com
{Good grief, I misspelled your name. I'm so sorry! And I should so know better, having experienced that many a time!}
I gave up pursuing my career in music to move back in with my elderly mom after my dad passed away. It felt like the right thing to do so no regrets really.
I'd say the hardest thing I've ever done is be a mom. My daughter is five and getting "quite assertive" as her Kindergarten teacher says (and rightly so). So I don't see that job getting easier any time soon.
The women in the last four generations of my family have lead incredibly hard lives and dealt with things like death, abandonment, and unfaithfulness of husbands. I often wonder if I'm as strong as they all were, and worry that I'm not. Then God reminds me they were strong because they had to be strong. Then I thank God for the life I have that heretofore has not required such strength.
I enjoyed Jody's first two book, and would love to win the third.
I said third book…Is this really the fourth? Either way, I'd love to win it!
The hardest time in my life was having a stillborn son. By God's grace we found strength to go forward. I'd love to be entered for Jody's book. Thanks!
The hardest thing I have ever done is to let go and let God take charge in my life.
… I am looking forward to reading this book! All the others were great reads, so I know this one will be too!!
Wow, I guess the hardest thing I've had to do is be a mom. I never know if I'm doing the right thing. And I won't know until they are grown adults and are leading happy lives. The fruit of my labor is seeing my child smile and getting unsolicited hugs. Then I know I'm doing okay.
Hardest thing? Staying constant! I've been married over 55 years. A good marriage and 5 wonderful children, but it has not always been easy – on many fronts! Stay constant! Let God be God.
The hardest thing I have ever done—saying a final goodbye to my beloved parents. I know I will see them again but I still miss them after 30 years.
I’d love to win this book–please enter my name in the drawing. Blessings!
the hardest thing I’ve ever done. That is difficult but it’s probably learning to accept myself for who I am and the way I look. Because so many people judge now days when they don’t really know you and it can discourage you a lot! So I have to learn daily to accept myself and see myself through God’s eyes.
I have had to do many very hard things in life. I think the hardest was seven years in and out of the hospital for nine months out of the year and very few days I could breath enough to eat or speak . I had eight children when I finally became well enough to function.
I had a husband who had excessive demands on his time and no family near me.
After a couple of years I began to lose hope and frequently contemplated suicide. My faith in Gid and eternity is the only thing that kept me alive.
A drug was developed that helped me get my condition under control and since then I have been able to mostly control it. I have other serious issues but that is one thing I pray I never have to suffer through again.
The hardest thing I have ever done is raise my daughter.
I ran a marathon.