Virtual Book Party for Jody Hedlund!

Welcome! It's time to celebrate Jody Hedlund's debut novel, The Preacher's Bride!

If you aren't familiar with Jody Hedlund, I urge you to check out her fantastic blog and website. Besides writing inspirational historical romances, Jody shares excellent advice to writers on her blog. She's been an inspiration to me, and I'm thrilled to host this party!

Who is Jody Hedlund?

Jody is a mother of five who carves out time to write in between homeschooling her brood. If you follow Jody on Twitter, you'll soon find out that she's a nurturer. On more than one occasion, baby squirrels have dropped into her backyard, and each time Jody and her family fed them with an eye-dropper to give them a chance to survive. Let's just say she cares for everything that crosses her path.

Here is Jody (in the center) with her agent, Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary Agency and her editor at Bethany House Publishers, Dave Long. Photo courtesy of Keli Gwyn.





The Preacher's Bride

In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher—whether her assistance is wanted or not.

Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John’s protests of her aid. She’s even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family.

Yet Elizabeth’s new role as housekeeper takes a dangerous turn when John’s boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher’s enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she’s more determined than ever to save the child—and man—she’s come to love.

Interested in purchasing this book? Photo is linked to Amazon page.

And now to the festivities! Take your pick from the buffet of delicious treats and don't forget to grab a beverage!


What are readers saying about Jody Hedlund and The Preacher's Bride?

Jaime Wright ofThe Jaime Reportssays:

"The Preachers Bride is a love story throbbing with emotion of thwarted love, a passion for grace, and homecoming that will forever imprint itself on the reader's heart. Jody Hedlund presents a debut novel that will never collect dust on a bookshelf."





Janna Qualman of Something She Wrote says:

"The Preacher's Bride is a beautiful book on the outside, and the content within its covers is a perfect match. Jody Hedlund gives us a heroine of strength alongside a hero of substance, wrapped together in a phenomenal story of intention and inspiration. I can think of no better package for this novel's message of standing up for what you believe."

Erica Vetsch of On the Write Path says:


"Congratulations on the release of The Preacher's Bride. I know you've been waiting for this day for what seems forever. I wish you all the best with this book and your writing career, and I can't wait to dive into reading The Preacher's Bride. God Bless!"






Wendy Miller of All in a Day's Thought says:

"The beginning hooked me. The middle swept me off my feet and the end left me with an overall feeling of contentment. Now that’s the definition of a good book."

Keli Gwyn of Romance Writers on the Journey says:

"I was thrilled to find Jody's book at my local Christian bookstore on September 10. I longed to drop everything and read it, but I was preparing to head to the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, so I tucked her book in my bag and read half of it en route to Indianapolis. I devoured the remainder the day I arrived, staying up until 1:30 a.m. in order to finish it because I couldn't put it down. Yes, it's that good! Jody's readers are in for a real treat."


Katie Ganshert of Katie Ganshert says:

"I knew Jody was a good writer from her blog, but I had no idea what kind of a story teller she'd be. After reading the Preacher's Bride, I can safely say she's a very talented one. I couldn't put her book down. Just ask my husband. I picked it up and didn't resurface for two two whole days (I even went on a walk with it!). And this coming from a gal who hardly ever reads historicals. The characters are memorable, the plot is gripping, and the message is so beautifully interwoven into the story that I can't imagine anybody would feel they're being preached at. Overall, it was a page-turner and an extraordinary debut novel! I can't wait to read The Doctor's Lady!!"

T. Anne Adams of White Platonic Dreams says:


"It's been a pleasure watching Jody progress on her writing journey. I remember celebrating with her when she got the call for representation, then shortly after a three book deal! What an amazing wild ride the Lord has taken her on. It has been such fun cheering her along. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her!"







Heather Sunseri of Balance with Purpose says:


"Jody knows how to bring characters to life. I cried when they cried, laughed
when they laughed, and craved the love John and Elizabeth felt for each other."














Jill Kemerer--wait, that's me!--says:

This book is miss-your-own-birthday-party good! Imagine my frustration when my husband and kids started singing "Happy Birthday" and I only had ten pages left! Ten pages! What can I say? This book left me breathless! And yes, I promptly blew out my candles, shoved a wad of chocolate cake in my mouth, and finished the book. My only problem? I didn't want the story to end!



If you're in the Toledo, Ohio area on Saturday, October 9, 2010, stop by Lifeway Christian Store in the Talmadge Road Shopping Center between 11:00 and 1:00. Jody will be signing copies of The Preacher's Bride.

Also, Jody has generously donated a signed copy to one lucky winner today! Simply leave a comment with your e-mail addy if you'd like to be entered in the drawing.
(Your e-mail address will not be used for any purpose other than to contact you for a mailing address in the case you are the winner.)

Offer void where prohibited. Must be a USA resident and 18 or older. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Thank you, Jody, for letting me share this exciting event with you. And a huge thank you to all of the bloggers who contributed today.

I hope you all get a chance to read The Preacher's Bride, and mark your calendars next September for the release of Jody's second book, The Doctor's Lady.

Have a fantastic day!

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