"Rebellious Heart" by Jody Hedlund

Rebellious Heart (Sept. 15, 2013) by +Jody Hedlund.*

Growing up a woman in 1763 puts expectations on Susanna Smith of domesticity and docility. Indeed, she has been an outwardly obedient daughter, and she has a compassionate heart, giving to the poor women of the parish and teaching their daughters to read and write. Susanna is quick-witted and wishes she had the learning opportunities of men regarding higher education. She’d even be happy to just sit in on her younger brother’s lessons. Susanna’s a young woman of faith, and she says, “Scripture commands us to obey our leaders and submit to those in authority. God’s Word isn’t open to subjective interpretation.” When Susanna crosses paths with a terrified runaway indentured servant who’s obviously been subjected to horrors, how will she proceed? To aid a runaway is treasonous, but how can she turn away the young woman?

            Benjamin Ross is a poor country lawyer Susanna hasn’t seen in years. She said something very regrettable to him in his youth, and Ben isn’t sure she’s changed in the intervening years. Ben witnesses her intelligence and independent spirit, and he’s unwittingly drawn to her. He tries not to think of Susanna; it’s useless anyway, as her parents don’t approve of him. He may be a Harvard-educated lawyer now, but her parents – and mother especially – still see him as the shoemaker’s son, which in Mrs. Smith’s mind, makes him a nobody. Pairing Ben and Susanna together would be a “disadvantageous match.”

            Besides, Ben has embarked on a dangerous road. He wants to impact the world for the better, which may mean opposing outrageous British taxes. Both Ben and Susanna get involved with the Redcoats in the area and not in a neutral way. It will be dangerous.

            Hedlund’s plot asks readers: Which is more important? Doing what is right or solely abiding by the rules of a sovereign? This Christian historical fiction novel is filled with faith and trepidation, compassion and ruthlessness, love and murder. It’s even loosely based on a specific couple from history. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys any or all of the following: Christian fiction, romance, historical tales and/or whodunit? plots.

            See also: A Noble Groom

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Stranded" by Dani Pettrey

Stranded (Oct. 1, 2013) by +Dani Pettrey.*

Investigative journalism isn’t for everyone, but Abby Walsh loves it. She’s onto a major story, but it’s scaring her, so she calls upon her friend and former college roommate to assist. Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join Abby, only to discover that Abby is no longer aboard the Bering cruise ship. She is troubled by the crew members’ indifference to her disappearance and is suspicious of some of the stories she hears. What story was Abby onto? And did it cost Abby her life?

            Darcy finds God’s role in her life to be a vital one, especially as she tries to locate Abby. Returning to Alaska brings her close to the McKenna family again. She’s thrilled to reunite with them, and she’s especially happy to see Gage McKenna. She may be unwilling to admit this, though. Gage is still as handsome and athletic and outdoorsy as she remembered; he’s still also judgmental and annoying in regard to her. It’s not that Gage doesn’t care; he wants to care, but he’s afraid to. Fortunately or unfortunately, they’ll see a lot of each other since Gage has been brought aboard the Bering to lead adventure excursions. Delving for information will prove to be a joint effort even bigger than those two can handle. It will put them in dangerous, exciting, uncomfortable, and yes, even jealous, situations. What they’ll uncover is worse than they thought.

            “Stranded” is the newest inspirational romantic suspense novel from Dani Pettrey. It’s the second book I’ve read by Pettrey, and since it’s part of a connected series, I enjoyed reading about characters I’d been introduced to in “Shattered.” Contrary to its title, it won’t leave you high and dry; there is closure. Pettrey seems to be especially good with weaving relationships of all kinds: family ties, romantic interests, friendships, faith. There’s nothing steamy about the novel, but there are harrowing moments and cold Alaskan adventures. And although “Stranded” is a work of fiction, somehow not going on a cruise sounds like a good plan …

            Book Two in the Alaskan Courage series: Shattered

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”