Review: Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

About the book:

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Beacons of Hope: Book 2

Bethany House

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 secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels 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?

My review:

At this point it is a given that I will devour anything Jody Hedlund publishes and her new Beacons of hope series is no exception. For some reason I always seem to be start reading a series with the middle book but that was not a problem. Each of these beautiful stories can stand alone with only a little reference to the previous works.

Ryan Chambers is a beautifully flawed character who is looking to start his life over and make amends for past mistakes. When he discovers light keeper jobs are being offered to injured war veterans he sees the perfect opportunity. Caroline Taylor, after the death of her father, has been masterfully running the Windmill Point Lighthouse but soon finds herself being forced from the job she loves because of her gender. This is a touching story of healing and second chances told through captivating writing and in a setting I had never really given much thought to.

Tessa was such a fun character and I truly felt sad for her as she learned from her mistakes just a little too late but bravely faced the consequences of her actions. I am truly happy she has her own installment of this series as well.  

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. *