Book Review: Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

Book Review:

I'm struggling to write this review. Here's the thing. It's a good story, and it's well written. However there were just certain things that made me cringe and rather uncomfortable. Not because it was inappropriate. Well, technically, drinking and drugs and taking both till you don't know what you are doing, and the choice of Caroline's sister at the end of the book was inappropriate, but it wasn't written in an inappropriate way, if that makes any sense. I know these are real topics, real problems, but it just wasn't for me.  I'm glad that Caroline was super forgiving and a wonderful person, and I'm glad Ryan realizes that he has to fix things without relying on her, but much of the book I was just uncomfortable with one situation and then another. 

This is the second book in the series, but it is a stand alone book. I haven't read the first one, and I wasn't lost and didn't feel like I was missing anything at all.

Overall I would recommend this author (I've enjoyed previous books of hers), but I can't say I'd recommend this book. I will keep trying more from her, however.


Title:  Hearts Made Whole
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Published: June 2015
ISBN:  1462116639
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.