Jody Hedlund's Lighthouse Research

I'm bursting at the seams to share this post today! First of all, I adore lighthouses! Secondly, I'm a huge fan of Jody Hedlund's inspirational historical romances. And thirdly, Jody shared EXCLUSIVE pictures AND is giving away a copy of her new book, Love Unexpected!! I loved this book. My review is below!

Let's get to it!!

1. Jody, you took a research trip to Presque Isle Lighthouse this summer. Did anything surprise you about lighthouses and their keepers?

During that particular research trip, I visited 3 lighthouses including the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse (which is the one that I used in the book). I learned a LOT about lighthouses from visiting them, and a few things did take me by surprise, especially regarding the physical aspects of lighthouses: the steepness and narrowness of the spiral stairway, the small space of the lantern room, the simplicity of the tower, and the stunning view from the top.

When I began to learn more about the keepers, I think the thing that surprised me most was how isolated they were. They had to work long, hard hours and could go days, even weeks without having contact with other people.

A few pictures of the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse:

2. What was your favorite thing about the trip?

I love nature and hiking. And so because lighthouses tend to be in remote places, I've always enjoyed hiking out to the lighthouse, walking along the beaches, and taking lots of pictures. My mom has come along with me on all of my lighthouse trips, and I've had lots of fun being able to do this with her and creating some special memories.

A memorial to the real Patrick Garrity.

Jody's daughter with a statue of Patrick Garrity!

Jody's adorable daughter hugging the lantern inside the lantern room!

The narrow staircase of the lighthouse!

3. Where will your next lighthouse books take place?

My second lighthouse book, Hearts Made Whole, is set at Windmill Point which is in Grosse Point, Michigan. At the time of the story, Windmill Point Lighthouse was in a remote marshy area on Lake St. Clair, a rural area that was about six miles north of Detroit (which at that time wasn't the sprawling metropolis that it is today). The original Windmill Point Lighthouse is no longer there and has instead been replaced by a smaller memorial version in the midst of park. And of course, the area now is very urban and developed.

My third lighthouse book takes place at the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the far northern part of Michigan on Lake Superior. I had the privilege of staying in the assistant keeper's cottage there at the lighthouse for a week this past summer. It was divine, but also gave me a taste for the cooler weather of the north!

The shores of Lake Huron! *swoon*

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When I read Love Unexpected, I enjoyed the historical details as much as the story. They really fascinated me, and I could picture the scenes so vividly! Your research trips sound amazing, especially the Eagle Harbor one. A week on Lake Michigan? Yes! I'm excited to read the rest of the series. Thanks so much for being my guest today!

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1859
Presque Isle, Michigan

What Is the Secret That Could Shipwreck Both of Their Lives?

All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she’s left destitute and with no place to stay.

An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He’s just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other’s dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife’s death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

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About Jody ~

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both adults and teens.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she’s not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

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Jody has graciously offered to give away one copy of Love Unexpected to one of my readers! Just enter your email address in a comment below for a chance to win!

Contest is open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Winner will be randomly selected from the comments on Monday, December 15 and  notified via email the following week.

Have you ever toured a lighthouse? If you could, would you stay in a lighthouse keeper's home for a week?

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

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