Undaunted Hope is the third book in the Beacons of Hope series and another good read. I was glad that we got to see Tessa’s story after what happened with her in the second book. I was really curious what her future was going to hold.

This story was unique and definitely had some intense moments. I didn't particularly like the romance - mainly because the brothers were both fighting for Tessa’s attention and I didn't personally like the rivalry...

All in all, Undaunted Hope was a good read and I'm glad I read the book.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Jody Hedlund is one of my all time favorite authors. Her books are masterpieces, true pieces of art. Her words paint a picture in your mind and I am always drawn into her novels. Undaunted Hope reinforced my love for this author! It is the third book in The Beacons of Hope series and I have absolutely loved this series on lighthouses. I am a little sad to see this series end.

This book is set in the 1870 in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Tessa Taylor arrives in town to accept the job as teacher, but upon arriving she realizes there was a mistake made and the town had requested a male teacher. She is allowed to stay through the winter as teacher, but in the spring the town will find a replacement. Two of Tessa's students decide to do some matchmaking and think that their new teacher would be the perfect match for their own widowed father. At the same time, the light keeper Alex Bjorkland starts making his feelings for Tessa known. Now it seems like she has two men fighting for her attention. All the while she feels like someone is watching her every move.

There is the perfect amount of adventure, romance and even a little humor in this book. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. The author always researches the time periods she writes about and it shines through. I love how Mrs. Hedlund always includes a little of the true history at the end her books. This gives the reader a little glimpse of what is true and where the author got her inspiration.

I can't wait to read Jody Hedlund's next book. I'm sure it will be great a always!

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

Undaunted Hope is a cozy read full of romance and life on the lighthouse island. Even if you haven’t read the others in the lighthouse series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

I cannot manage to put my finger on a precise reason that I don't fully enjoy this series. Midway through the second book, which I was reading only to continue a series I had started, I resolved not to continue the series but then was intrigued by the thought of Tessa as a protagonist. I do enjoy a redemption story line, and Tessa had a bit of redeeming to do with her ruined reputation.
There are elements here that should mean I would love the book - unique historical setting and occupation (lighthouse/light-keepers), suitably rugged male characters, a villain to make things interesting, a relatable heroine. Well, sort of relatable. I did find her to be a bit high-handed in her thought that she would be the one to improve the lives of all of the miners and their families in Eagle Harbor.
What I did enjoy was the Bjorklund family. Brothers Alex and Michael provided some of the most entertaining scenes with their sibling rivalry centered on which of them would win Tessa. The brothers were an interesting contrast to each other, and Michael's children were adorable. Particularly little Ingrid, with her repeated luring of Tessa out to the lighthouse in hopes of gaining a new mother.
It was the interaction with the Bjorklunds that were the most enjoyable parts of this story, from Tessa's first meeting with Alex to the romantic denouement, and the relationship between the brothers held my interest throughout. Writing about them, I can almost convince myself that I truly did like the whole story, but this was sadly not the case.
This, I think, is just a matter of a series and a reader not quite meant for each other. Perhaps the predatory villain was just a tad too skeevy (and his being based on an actual person just makes it that much worse) and the situations a bit too uncomfortable. I think it likely that my lack of enthusiasm for the previous installments in the series may have become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
While this is possibly my favorite of the series, and in isolation there are aspects of this story that I quite enjoyed, it is not one I would reread. That said, if you enjoy historical fiction and stories that are centered on lighthouse keepers intrigue you, then by all means give it a go. Perhaps this series will be just the ticket for you. At the very least, you will experience sweet light-house romances with faith renewed or strengthened.
This review refers to a print copy purchased at a library book-sale. An e-galley was previously received through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

I’ve enjoyed all the titles I’ve read in this romantic series centered around lighthouses and their keepers. This one is no exception. In fact, this one features particularly great banter between Tessa and Alex. And yet, I’ve got some catching up to do. Somehow, I’ve fallen 2 books behind in the series! Which means all the more fun still ahead for me. :)

Tessa and Alex’s story took me a bit longer to get through than some of the earlier ones in this series that I simply couldn’t put down. In part, I blame my busier schedule with a full time job, kids, and commute. But, even in the time I had with the book, I don’t think I got quite as drawn into the story as I did the earlier ones. I think it may have had to do with the love triangle, and the immature behavior it brought out in the hero and his brother. That aspect annoyed me and detracted from what I thought was an otherwise excellent story.

Tessa’s challenge to bring education to the kids and to the miners despite numerous obstacles, the need to set things right in the coal mining town with the cruel and controlling boss, as well as the main characters’ past hurts and fears to be overcome contribute to the story’s appeal and keep it interesting. But the relationship between Tessa and Alex is the crowning jewel of the story. They seem so well matched, and I love their witty repartee.

Fans of historical romance with suspense interwoven will want to read this story for sure. And yes, I’m looking forward to checking out the next two books in this series… when time allows.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley for review purposes.

UNDAUNTED HOPE is a really good book. It is book three in Ms. Hedlund's Beacon's of Hope series. It was really emotional. It had me crying at times and laughing at times.

I really liked Tessa because she wasn't afraid to speak her mind even if it got her in trouble like countless times.

The hero, Michael, he lost his wife five years ago. I understand him grieving for five years. I was waiting the entire book for him to wake up but he never really did. He was like the Walking Dead the entire book. I asked my Mom where the hope was because I was waiting for the hope in the title to come too. (It did come at the end.)

I loved the twist at the end that I never saw coming! That was so great.

I really enjoyed this book.

Jody Hedlund pens the third installment in her historical fiction series set in the coastal villages of Michigan’s Great Lakes during the 1870s. Hearts Made Whole and Love Unexpected, the first two books in this series, were reviewed by CLJ in Sept./Oct. 2015.

In Undaunted Hope, Tessa Taylor arrives to teach the miners’ children, unaware that the town requested a male teacher. Since it is too close to winter and too late to replace her, she is allowed to stay.

Two of her students decide she should marry their widowed father, Michael Bjorklund the lightkeeper. Meanwhile his brother Alex, the assistant lightkeeper, is also interested in her – she has never had two men interested in her before! But she wants nothing to do with their life -- she was raised in a lightkeeper’s family and hated that life. She wasn’t bitter, just afraid to be open to loving a lightkeeper.

In this northern town, the mining supervisor runs the town like a tyrant. None of the other mining families want to stand up to him because they fear losing their jobs. As Tessa teaches, she feels someone is watching her every move, laying a trap that will reveal her past mistakes. Which brother will she choose? Will her past overcome her possible future?

Hedlund creates believable, flawed characters, making them easy for the reader to relate to. While this book stands alone, readers might find it helpful to read the earlier books (Hearts Made Whole and Love Unexpected) to understand the significance of the driftwood cross. These books are a blend of romance and mystery with well-researched historical detail.