Hearts Made Whole {Review}

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Beacons of Hope #2

Visit the Author's Website Here

Publisher: Bethany House 

Publishing Date: June 2, 2015

Goodreads Summary:

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Buy a copy today! 

My Thoughts:

I read book one last month and totally loved it. Hedlund has quickly become one of my favorite authors for developing well rounded characters. 'Hearts Made Whole' is no different. 

Caroline Taylor has helped her father run the lighthouse for years and also taken care of her younger siblings. When her father dies, all the duties fall on her. Tough, but she enjoys keeping the lighthouse. Suddenly the lighthouse inspector wants her kicked out just because she is a woman. The new keeper, Ryan, shows up sooner than expected and Caroline is at a complete loss. 

Ryan is Emma's brother from book one. He has very little lighthouse experience, but is a veteran of the war which earns him the position. The war has also earned him a debilitating arm injury that has led to an addiction to opium and whiskey. Ryan knows he is not fit for lighthouse duty, but he also has little where else to turn. He agrees to let Caroline stay on and teach him the job. Their closeness leads to an adorable attraction that they both fight to deny. This romance runs thick and passionate throughout the whole book.

The story and plot were enjoyable and included a bit of mystery. It was a bit on the slow side for the first half. A lot of adorable and mysterious things happen, but the climax! The plot's climax was full of danger, intrigue and violence even! Hedlund doesn't get graphic, but she sure doesn't shy away from the evil of this world like some Christian authors may. 

I suppose the story had an overarching 'message' but it got lost in the muddle of excitement and action. Slightly disappointing to me: Ryan's Aha! moment is neatly tied up into two short paragraphs. I would have loved to see his change and development, although this most certainly would have meant a loong meandering ending or even a second book. 

Lastly, don't skip that author's note at the end! The historical facts are so much fun.

I didn't find 'Heart Made Whole' to be overall as enjoyable as 'Love Unexpected', but it was still an enthralling and entertaining read. Should you read it? Most certainly if you like slow budding romances, mystery, danger and adorableness. Four Stars from me without a doubt. And I thought I liked this cover more than the previous? Check out book three's cover HERE. Even better :)
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Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody's June 23rd author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A picnic basket set
• A beach bag
• Flip flops
• A beach towel

One second-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse journal

One third-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse necklace

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 23rd.Winner will be announced June 23rd at Jody's Facebook party. RSVP here!