Friday, September 9, 2011

5 Reasons to Read Jody Hedlund's The Doctor's Lady

The Doctor's Lady arrived in my mailbox and my heartbeat quickened as I skipped back inside. (Yes, I turn into a seven-year-old girl when extremely excited! And, for the record, I received a review copy from Bethany House Publishers.)


I couldn't wait to open this book! I knew from watching the trailer--embedded later in the post--it would be delightful. First of all, I love books set in the American west. Secondly, I adore marriage of convenience plots, and thirdly, I could NOT put down Jody's first book, The Preacher's Bride. Bonus points for such a gorgeous cover.

So I had to wait until I had a somewhat open schedule to begin reading The Doctor's Lady. I'm the type of reader who will ignore a house fire and zombie attacks if I'm into a book. When I found that pocket of time, I dove in and hoped my expectations weren't too high.

They weren't. I was BLOWN AWAY by this book!




Here are 5 reasons to read Jody Hedlund's The Doctor's Lady.

1. Excellent Writing

Jody's passion for writing pulses on each page of this book. It's a smooth, fast-paced, incredibly researched romance novel. Her use of language triggered my emotions. I've selected a few passages that really stood out for me.
          - He lifted his face to a sky covered with a sagging dirty blanket of clouds. (I live in Michigan where every February and March I gaze up to a sagging dirty blanket of clouds.)
          - Through blurry eyes, she glanced at the deserted chest. The spiraling pattern of brass dots stared back at her, dull from the dust of their travel. (Four words in these two lines pack a whopping punch: blurry eyes, spiraling pattern. They convey everything I need to know, that the sight of the chest is extremely painful to her. My heart tugged just typing this in!)

2. Adventure

I had no idea this was going to be such an adventure. From the opening chapters to the final page, this book doesn't let up, and I loved it. Fast-paced, high-tension, and a bird's-eye-view of traveling across America before the West had been settled--each chapter kept me riveted. Indeed, I read it in less than 24 hours. It was THAT good.

3. The Romance

Authors of inspirational romance have a special challenge when writing romance. How can we show chemistry and affection in a Christian manner that speaks to the reader without crossing a line? Jody mastered it here. Priscilla and Eli each have huge emotional obstacles to overcome before they can love each other, but their growing admiration for each others' strengths coupled with their natural chemistry sealed the deal for me. I felt Priscilla's thrill to be near Eli, understood his instinct to not get too close, and fell in love with both of them as they continued their journey.

4. History

When I finished the book, it hit me how much I learned about American history. Every page brims with historical details that really brought the book alive to me. I really grasped the difficulties of traveling across the country before it had been settled, and it made me sympathize with the characters even more.

5. Twists

No spoilers, I promise!! But I will say that there are several twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Wait until you find out who Priscilla's and Eli's traveling companions are! Oh boy! Good stuff.
Here is the trailer:




To celebrate the debut of The Doctor's Lady, Jody Hedlund is graciously giving away a copy to one of my readers! Simply include your e-mail address in the comment section below by Friday, September 16, 2011. This contest is open only to U.S. residents with a U.S. mailing adress. I will put all entries into a hat and have my assistant (that's fancy talk for one of my kids) draw a name. Winner will be announced Monday, September 19, 2011 here on my blog!

And, whoa, there's more!! Jody is hosting an epic giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a prize package worth $300, including an antique trunk, a gorgeous ring, and assorted other prizes. For more information about the contest, here's an easy link.

Enter the Be A Trailblazer Contest!

Congratulations!



You've just discovered Puzzle Piece #4, in Jody Hedlund's BE A TRAILBLAZER Scavenger Hunt! If you want to learn more about the scavenger hunt, and earn 20 extra entries to her contest, visit this page on her web site: http://jodyhedlund.com/contest/earn-extra-entries/!

Have I convinced you to give The Doctor's Lady a try? Not yet? Read my 5-star review of The Doctor's Lady on Goodreads. And remember to

1. Leave your e-mail address in the comments below for a chance to win a copy!
2. Earn extra points for Jody's contest by clicking on the link http://jodyhedlund.com/contest/earn-extra-entries/
3. Tell your friends about Jody's contest! Click on the "retweet" button at the end of this post or click on the Facebook share button below this post.

Do you get giddy when you pick up a much anticipated book?

Have a terrific weekend!!

35 comments:

  1. Agree with all five, Jill! It's a great book!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Don't you just love it when you pick up a book and fall in love with it?

    Happy Friday, Jill!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Can't wait to read Jody's latest, Jill!

    And yes, I do get giddy when picking up a new book. I currently have a TBR basket beside my bed and I can't wait to dive into all of my treats!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Enjoyed Preacher's Bride so I knew I wanted to read Lady's Doctor and was trying to win a copy for fun. Happily my daughter loaned me her copy! If you don't see me for awhile it's because #Iamreading.
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would love to have a chance to win The Doctor's Lady!!!

    Thank you for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love to have a chance to win The Doctor's Lady!!!

    Thank you for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  7. How do we find out if we've won?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, it sounds like this book has everything!

    I am the same way when immersed in a great book -- you can't pry me out of my seat with a crowbar :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I realized that as Jody's CP, I'm biased, but I love The Doctor's Lady. I know how much work and how much heart she put into the story and am so impressed with the book.

    I've read her third book in manuscript form, and I think it just might be my favorite. I loved watching her hunky logger hero deal with the spunky heroine. Lotsa sparks. It's another trademark Jody Hedlund action-packed page-turner, and I know readers are gonna love it.

    Since I have an autographed copy of TDL on my writing desk, please don't enter me in the drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. When my book "The Doctor's Lady"arrived in the mail I was so excited and let out a holler that brought my hubby running to find out what was the matter, Oh just a book, No not just a book, The book I had wanted to read after having read Jodie's first book The Preachers Bride. I love her fact and fiction stories and was not dissappointed when I read this one. What a great story of history and fiction rolled into one. Loved this story and cant wait till her next book is here.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I loved Jody's writing in The Preacher's Bride. I have The Doctor's Lady sitting on my nightstand. It's my next read. I'm really looking forward to it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can't wait to read it. I just read The Preacher's Bride this week! :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Larry B Gray
    larrygraysells@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm patiently waiting to read Jody's latest, when it will be available in our Canadian stores and all of us in my book club can read her once again. I love receiving a book I have been anxious for in the mail! It has more impact than a click on my Kindle app on my Ipad!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This sounds like a great book! I'd love to be included in the drawing. :)
    Liz

    liz[at]lizjohnsonbooks[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  16. This sounds like such a great book and one that I would love to read. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am so excited to read your book. A friend told me about this .. I look forward to reading your stories. Have a blessed day


    Julie Lippo

    mrslippo@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi everyone!! Thank you for stopping by Jill's blog today! I wish you could ALL win a copy! If you don't today, make sure you check out the other giveaways in the coming weeks listed on my website!

    And JILL, THANK YOU for your very kind words about my book!! You're SO sweet! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I already won it on Katie Ganshert's blog, and am so excited to get it in my hands and read til I drop! Yes, I am giddy...

    ReplyDelete
  20. what a great review - I so want to read this book!

    babykf at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can wait to read this book. Have really come to love her books.

    kajunkaren50@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I REALLY want to read this book! Nothing but great reviews that I have seen!

    I absolutely get giddy when I grab a book that I have been anticipating; especially when I Have had it on my wishlist forever and finally find it! I actually think my hand has a grasp on it before my brain fully processes that I found it! :)

    Thanks for the opportunity and good luck to all!

    kendraedens@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Yousa making me so excited to read this book (in Jar Jar Binks language...I'm allowed, I've had internet issues all day & my brain is fried).

    She's truly gifted, that Jody girl!
    ~ Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd love to win a copy!

    caroline starr AT yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Woo-hoo!! Look at all these entries! Love it!!

    Welcome, to all the new guests today! Having technical problems today with my computer, but I'm looking forward to connecting with you all soon!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow, what a great contest!!


    And YES! I do get giddy over an anticipated book. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to have a chance at winning this book! Great review!

    Thanks!
    Rhonda

    rhonda.ritenour@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey, Jill! I'd loved to be entered in the contest! I'm at laurenfboyd@gmail.com.

    Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jody has been a great friend and support on Twitter. I'm adding this to my book list! Thanks, Jill. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Couldn't agree more! Jody's newest was a beautifully told story! Loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I can't wait to read this book, especially after an incredible review like this one; thank you!

    Michelle
    mefayard(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I loved "The Preacher's Wife" so I'm looking forward to this one too. kerrymeacham at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Everything Jodi Hedlund sounds wonderful. joanna@joannaaislinn.com
    Her writing style is absolutely lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm so happy for Jody. This package looks lovely and inviting.

    Yes, I do get very giddy when I get a book I have been wanting to read. That feeling is way at the top of my list.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I can't wait to dig into this too, but I have to be disciplined and wait until after conference. Too much prep for conference needed still. I'm taking my copy for the flight back, though. Definitely digging into it then!

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you!