"unending devotion" by jody hedlund

About the book: In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is desperate to find her sister, who Lily fears has sold herself into prostitution. She travels from logging town to logging town with her boss Oren, a photographer, and searches each “hotel” she comes across. When she arrives in Harrison, she butts heads with logging boss Connell McCormick, a good man who is content to turn a blind eye to the debauchery in town as long as his business remains profitable. But when Lily's life is threatened, Connell begins to realize that some things are more important than business.

My take: Lessons abound in Unending Devotion—about following God’s leading, fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, learning patience, and resisting temptation. But these lessons come packaged in such a compelling story that at first you don’t even notice—and when you do, you’re left pondering what God might be leading you to do.

I absolutely loved this story, and I saw a bit too much of myself in Lily. No, I’m not out recklessly risking my life as I fight injustice, but I do tend to want to orchestrate things myself, rather than trusting God to guide me and work things out. Not often do I think so much while reading fiction, and it was a nice change. Rather than pure fluff, Jody Hedlund has written a novel that, while set more than 100 years in the past, is quite relevant today.

I would consider Unending Devotion to be edgy Christian fiction because of the subject matter (prostitution), the language (one curse word, and it was very fitting), and the focus on physical attraction and desire. I was not at all offended by anything I read, but someone whose normal reading consists of Janette Oke might find this book to be scandalous. (Basically, I’d say it’s completely suitable for older teens, but I wouldn’t donate it to my Christian school library, which serves students in grades 7-12.)

I loved this book, and I will definitely be checking out Hedlund’s other books. 5 stars.

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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.

About the giveaway: Celebrate with Jody by entering to win a Nikon Camera Prize Pack!

See what folks are saying about Unending Devotion!

One “devoted” winner will receive:

• A Nikon COOLPIX Digital Camera
• $25 Shutterfly gift certficate
• Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 17th. Winner will be announced at the “Unending Deovtion” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/18. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Unending Devotion and join Jody on the evening of the September 18th for a chance to connect with Jody 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 18th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."