Tag Archives: Michigan

Whiter than Snow

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Deppa, Joan. Whiter than Snow: Seasons of Love- Book 1. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Recently moving to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Bonnie Turner is only just beginning to realize the vastness, beauty and opportunity of the area. As a UP native, Brad Jorgenson takes it upon himself to turn Bonnie into a true “Yooper”, a person who lives in the UP of Michigan and follows certain cultural norms. (Using “yah” instead of “yes”, enjoying the possible 300+ inches of snow each season.) While exploring the UP, Bonnie recognizes that anger and bitterness are holding Brad back from truly appreciating the beauty and receiving forgiveness, things she hopes to change.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Very familiar with the area of the UP of Michigan, I could surely relate to this book. Written in a calming manner, with a focus on faith and the charm of the region, this novella packed a lot of miles into a shortened story. Sweet, graceful and engaging, I found Whiter than Snow, by author Joan Deppa, to be an inspirational read with a gorgeous book cover.

RATING:
3.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Whiter than Snow from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

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Love’s Winter Hope

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Rawlings, Naomi. Love’s Winter Hope: An Eagle Harbor Novel- Book 5. Cedar Lake Press Publishing. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Set in Michigan’s Upper Keweenaw Peninsula, in the remote town of Eagle Harbor, Love’s Winter Hope continues the Eagle Harbor series with the story of Thomas and Jessalyn. Having left home 5 years prior to make a better life for his family, Thomas writes weekly and sends money for Jessalyn and his daughters to join him. Never receiving the letters, Jessalyn considers herself abandoned and needing to care for herself and young children. When Thomas finally arrives in Eagle Harbor to bring his family back to South Dakota, he discovers a different reception than planned. Still legally married yet experiencing troubles, Thomas vows to spend the winter in Eagle Harbor trying to change his wife’s mind…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Faithfully a fan of the Eagle Harbor series, I was excited to read the newest book in the series, Love’s Winter Hope. With a gorgeous cover and a brilliant story within, I loved it from start to finish. Enjoying revisiting characters from previous novels while focusing on Thomas and Jessalyn this time, I was captured by the storyline of the married couple taking place in the middle of winter (as spring is sprung). Very glad there will be more books coming within this series though I will need to find patience to wait until winter of next year for the release. One of my favorite authors and definitely one of my favorite series!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Love’s Winter Hope from the author for my honest review*

Hearts Made Whole

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Hedlund, Jody. Hearts Made Whole: Beacons Of Hope-Book 2. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2105.

SUMMARY:
hearstmadewholeAs the keeper of the Windmill Point Lighthouse in Michigan, Caroline Taylor defies the norm. Usually a man’s position only, Caroline continues on after witnessing her father’s death until the newly appointed lighthouse keeper appears, Ryan Chambers. A Civil War veteran with battles of his own, Caroline feels a tug of her heart towards him yet circumstances may stand in the way…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Loving the Michigan lighthouse settings of this new series, Beacons of Hope, this book was no exception. Not only a favorite author of mine but a truly good writer, Jody Hedlund pens an exciting albeit difficult story set in the mid 1800’s. With references to some of the characters from Book 1, Love Unexpected, this novel could also be a stand-alone without issue. I found it interesting that this novel was inspired by a true light-keeper heroine from Michigan, along with the author’s hope that readers will turn to God for their every need. Again, well done!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Hearts Made Whole from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Love Unexpected

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Hedlund, Jody. Love Unexpected: Beacons of Hope-Book One. Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House Publishers. 2014.

SUMMARY:
hedlundWanting only to have a permanent home to call her own, Emma Chambers isn’t sure that will ever happen. When her steamboat catches on fire due to pirates and sinks, she and her brother find themselves near Presque Isle, Michigan. Meeting the new lighthouse keeper, Patrick, proves to be a possible answer to her hopes but he comes with baggage, history and a young son. After a quick marriage, Emma finds herself discovering parenthood, love, regret, faith and forgiveness stronger than she ever thought necessary…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Of course I was going to read this book…the author is one of my favorites and I just knew I would like it!  I was not disappointed as I encountered pirates, blossoming love, a rambunctious toddler, persevering strength, and forgiveness beyond measure- all along the shores of Michigan. As the first in the Beacons of Hope series, I am looking forward already to Book Two set to release in June. (Now, if only Jody Hedlund could write faster!)

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Love Unexpected from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Captured by Love

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Hedlund, Jody. Captured by Love. Bloomington, MN: Bethany house Publishers. 2014.

SUMMARY:
jodySet on Michilimackinac Island, Angelique MacKenzie endures a hard life. Having lost her parents, she is forced to live with Ebenezer Whiley (her cruel step-father), provide food for herself and the British Army invading the island, care for her elderly blind friend, and become betrothed to a man she respects but doesn’t love. When Pierre Durant returns after many years away to find his childhood friend, Angelique, all grown up, they both must decide where their loyalties and hearts truly lie…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Wow. Jody Hedlund does not disappoint! Through adventure, suspense, romance and history, the author tells a tale so artfully told it was hard to put down. Now a popular tourist spot, the telling of the history of Michilimackinac (Mackinac) Island was so very interesting and accurate. Alive with canoes, the Great Lakes, wilderness, forts and fur trading, the story was authentically real. Combined with those elements is a deep storyline strewn with pieces of faith which just keeps progressing. I only hope Jody Hedlund is in the writing process of her next book already. Again…wow.

RATING:
5+ (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Captured by Love from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*