Undaunted Hope - a book review

 

 I love a story that draws you into the lives of the characters. So it is with Undaunted Hope.
 
Undaunted Hope is the story of a young woman who, desiring to make a new life, finds herself in the upper Michigan wilderness. Applying for the position of teacher in a coal mining village, she is at once scoffed at being a woman. Once the weather has locked the community in, Tessa Taylor finds she must make her way, refusing the advances of the town superintendent and chief mine clerk. Realizing this man holds the town in his grip, Tessa longs to free the people from the evil and cruelty. Tessa is drawn to the lighthouse keepers assistant, Alex, who tries to woo her, but Alex finds he is fighting a losing battle when his brother and his children stake a claim on Tessa's affections. Who will win her heart?

I've read two other novels by Jody Hedlund, and I think I enjoyed this one the most. I would suggest reading the novella Out of the Storm, as there are parts that introduce and intertwine much of the story line. Jody Hedlund is an excellent author. She gives each of her characters so much heart and brings them to life. She excels in her research which gave me new insights into the lives of lighthouse keepers and those who lived by mining.

This is the third book in the Beacons of Hope series, but I would recommend it as a stand alone novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.