Thursday, September 12, 2013

Book Review ~ GIVEAWAY Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund



Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Publishing Date: September 15, 2013

If you’ve ever been camping, you know the joy in stepping out of the car after your long drive and taking in that first breath of refreshing, clean air. This book is no different. It begins with a strong, clean start and then continues as if you’ve now jumped into a raft and are heading onto a whitewater adventure. We start with some class 2 rapids, a little bumpy to get you started, and the water continues to cascade from one rapid to another until you look around and realize that you’re in the midst of some class four and five rapids and the only way out is through. But really, you wouldn’t jump out if you could; you’re hooked and loving every moment of it! Then, when it couldn’t get any better, you reach the end of the rapids and land in the most beautiful, peaceful glen with the smoothest waters you’ve ever seen. Yes, that was an amazing ride.

Favorite Characters: Mr. Cranch & Grandmother Eve

Overall: Bookshelf worthy. This is one you'll want to share with a friend. 
5 Stars, Recommended for High School +

This book has it all and I was hooked from the first chapter! Beautiful. Thank you, Jody, for such an excellent end of summer read! 

What's better than reading an awesome, has-it-all book? Giving away a signed copy of the book as well as getting to know the author who wrote it, of course!



Hey Jody! Thanks for being here and sharing not only a signed copy of Rebellious Heart to one lucky winner but also sharing with us some inside info on you! We are so honored to have you with us.


If we were meeting at a coffee shop, what would you be drinking?


I'd be drinking a mocha cappuccino! What could be better than chocolate and strong coffee mixed together! 



Inquiring book-lovers want to know, what is one of your favorite books that you've read in the last 12 months?


I've read a LOT of great books over the past year! So it's difficult to narrow down one favorite since I enjoyed most of the books. But one that hits the top of my favorite list is The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale. It's a YA (young adult) historical novel based on the Brother's Grimm fairy tale Goose Girl. I'm really a sucker for fairy tales (and yes, I still watch and love all the Disney Princess movies with my youngest daughter!). I loved Hale's beautiful style of writing along with the fascinating, page-turning way she developed this classic fairy tale.



What is your inspiration to write?

I write because I love telling stories. I love the quote by Toni Morrison because it sums up part of why I write: "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." Essentially I write the stories that I LOVE to read! Of course there are other, deeper reasons I write too. But mostly I just really enjoy the process of creating imaginary people and places.



What has been one of the most encouraging things/moments involving someone not in your immediate circle that has encouraged you in regards to your writing?

I can't think of one particular incident because I'm blessed to have many encouraging readers. I'm always thrilled when readers tell me they couldn't put one of my books down or when they say the story kept them up late and deprived them of sleep. I always love ALL responses.
But I'm really blessed when I know readers are encouraged and uplifted in some way by the messages or themes of my books. I get regular emails from readers who thank me for my stories touching them and helping them grow.




If you could go on a 2 week vacation next summer (or winter!) where would you go & what would you do there?


I’d love to take a research trip to England or Germany and visit castles. I know my husband would enjoy going too and would put up with my obsessive need to read about and study all the historical details of everything I come across. 




What's one thing you wish you knew how to do really well?


I wish I knew how to be a photographer and take really good pictures! Most of mine come out blurry or with the wrong lighting. I'd love to take a class or at least have someone tutor me in the basics of photography and become more skilled at it.



You're so fun to hang out with, Jody! Where can we find you if we want to connect more with you?


I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com
Or you're welcome to email me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com


Allright Readers! Time for the giveaway! 

1) Leave a comment to answer one of the questions above with your own answer. 
(1 entry)
2) Go to Jody's FB page and like it; leave a comment here that you "Liked" it.
(1 entry)
3)  Tweet about the giveaway and RT it! (post the link here if you didn't RT but tweeted your own)  Link to my tweet: http://bit.ly/18fn0kP
 (1 entry)
4) Is there a historical character that you wish there was a novel about? (Example, the story Rebellious Heart is based on the courtship of John and Abigail Adams. I love it because it helps us "feel" history.)
(1 entry)

**Giveaway ends Saturday 6pm. Don't forget to check back then to see if you won. (Or you can leave your email address and I'll email you if you've won.)


33 comments:

  1. If I could go on a 2-week vacation next summer, I'd like to go to Glacier National Park. We'd make it a road trip and enjoy the scenery along the way from KS to Montana. I'd take tons of photos and enjoy the beauty of God's world.

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    1. Cheryl, that sounds beautiful! I went to the Grand Teton National Park last summer and totally fell in love with the Beauty of God's hand in that place. It is spectacular!

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  2. I love these interviews with Jody! I keep learning new things about her. Photography is one of my loves, but I've never had any instruction and am always wishing for better shots, too. I've read a few good How To books, follow an excellent instruction website, but still end up discarding the majority of the shots I take! :)

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  3. I would love to take a 2 week vacation and tour Europe. There is so much history there I would love to explore!
    I've liked Jody's FB page.
    I think a book on Alexander Graham Bell and his wife would be fascinating because she was deaf and he spent his inventing time creating ways to communicate (telegraph and telephone). Or Madame Curie and her husband... although sense they end up dead that might be a sad book.

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    1. Sarah, I love the idea of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife!

      And me too...I so want to go to Europe. I really can't decide between Italy/France/Spain/Germany or England/Scotland/Ireland. Guess I have to make 2 trips; or one REALLY long one. lol

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  4. This is the kind of book I enjoy reading. Thanks.
    MCantu1019 at aol dot com

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  5. I liked your Facebook page and I love to read your books.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I'm currently reading the book now, so no need to enter me in the giveaway! I'm just under 100 pages from the end, and I'm so eager to get back to it! :)

    I love how you compared the story to a whitewater adventure. I am so in the class 4 & 5 rapids right now, haha! Love it!

    Beth

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  7. I would love to go to Ireland & Scotland and roam the countryside. It's been a dream of mine for a while. On my Mom's side I am half Scotch-Irish. I am also a huge Celtic music fan. As for a historical character, how about Dietrich Bonhoeffer? I would be one of the first to read it. Thank you for the giveaway, Jody. I liked your FB page already..I LOVE The Goose Girl too and I cannot wait to read Rebellious heart!!!
    Blessings,
    Juli
    emeraldelena@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Juli, have you read "Five Days in Skye" by Carla Laureano yet? I reviewed it here a couple weeks ago. GREAT book set in Scotland. It's another "no bookmark required" kind of read.

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  8. Like Jody I wish I could get classes or tutoring for photography. I can take some pretty good pictures and sometimes I just get lucky. I would really like to become professional at it. Its what I love best, next to reading. I am already a fan of Jody and I 'like'd her page already.
    mc.williams@hotmail.com

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  9. If we were meeting in a coffee shop, I'd be drinking hot chocolate or tea. I don't like coffee.
    I've previously "liked" Jody's Facebook page.
    Since Jody really likes fairy tales and re-tellings of them, I'm wondering if she's read any of Melanie Dickerson's books. I really like the way Melanie has re-told the stories of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White. Her Cinderella story (The Captive Maiden) releases this fall so I'm looking forward to reading that book as well. They are considered YA but are suited also for older readers.
    I enjoy Jody's books; thanks for the chance to win a copy of Rebellious Heart.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  10. If I could go anywhere next summer for vacation I would go back to England where we went for my youth group's mission trip this last summer. I made lots of friends there and would love to see them again!

    Can't wait to read this book!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. I liked Jody's Facebook page!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. I retweeted!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. I wish there was a novel about Harriet Tubman or another famous slave during that time!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. Since it is almost fall, if I were in a coffee shop, I'd order pumpkin spice tea. I RT your tweet, Joleen. I already like Jody's Facebook page, so I left a comment that I was entering the giveaway here. Thank you for the upbeat interview. I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading Rebellious Heart.
    may_dayzee@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks for stoping by Kay! How's Five Days in Skye so far? :)

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  15. It is a lovely book Jody. I loved Lt. Wolfe character. Even the villian has to be etched properly for readers to really hate him or her. You have done a wonderful job.
    Rubina

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  16. If I could go anywhere on a 2 week vacation it would be either Ireland or go back to Maine where my hubby and I went for our honeymoon!

    Stephanie C.
    grumpysmurf817(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. I "liked" Jody's FB page! :)

    Stephanie C.
    grumpysmurf817(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  18. I think it would be interesting to have a novel about "The Unsinkable Molly Brown".

    Stephanie
    grumpysmurf817(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I retweeted! :)

    Stephanie C.
    grumpysmurf817(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. One thing I wish I knew how to do well is play the piano!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. I like Jody on facebook!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  22. Retweeted! @colorvibrant

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  23. A historical character I'd enjoy a novel about is Amelia Earheart. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

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  24. Congratulations Sarah Monzon, you are our winner! If I don't hear back from you by Wednesday, I will pick another winner for this giveaway so email me at

    joleeng (at) trclife.com

    to let me know where we can send your autographed copy! :)

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