My Review:
A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups
So far I have read all but one of Jody’s books, and have enjoyed them all. I really like how Jody draws me into the pages, so that I feel like I am a part of the story. Her newest book, A Noble Groom, was no exception; Jody captured my attention and held it from the first page to the last.
Set in Michigan in the early 1880’s…Annalisa Werner, a German immigrant, is doing everything she can to keep her farm-- especially after she discovers her husband dead in the fields. As she works she tells her daughter, Gretchen, fairy tales about princesses and their princes, but believes real life doesn’t hold a fairy tale ending for her. She was taught while growing-up that a daughter must be obedient to her father, and then her husband, and love does need to exist.
Her father, thinking he is doing what is best for his daughter, has decided to write to his brother, Matthias, who still lives in Germany, to request that he send cousin Dirk to them so that he can marry her. Annalisa knows she must comply and marry when her cousin arrives, and resigns herself to another loveless marriage.
Gottfried Charles (Carl) von Reichart is a nobleman’s son, who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Sentenced to death for the crime, he is held in his fathers’ dungeon. During the early morning hours before his execution, his servant Matthias helps Carl to escape giving him a letter to take to his brother Peter Bernthal in America. Matthias tells him to change his name to Carl Richards, that he is a poor schoolteacher accused by the duke of a crime he didn’t commit, and never to reveal his true identity or Peter would kill him.
When Carl arrives at the Bernthal house everyone thinks he must be Dirk and wants Annalisa to marry him immediately. Carl soon straightens things out by handing Matthias’ letter to Peter. Although there wasn’t a wedding it is arranged that Carl would stay and help Annalisa to take care of the farm.
Annalisa planned to keep her distance from Carl, but wasn’t prepared to be treated with the kindness that Carl bestowed on her and Gretchen. But over time she begins to wonder if she was wrong about fairy tales not coming to life.
A Noble Groom is a fairy tale for grown-ups. It includes all the elements that I enjoyed as a little girl…from the prince and princess (Carl and Annalisa), to hardships, and evil overlords. I think that Carl and Annalisa’s story will wind itself around your heart and then find a home on your favorite book shelf.
About the Book:
Michigan, 1880
Annalisa Werner’s hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That’ll be enough. A marriage for love…that’s something she’s given up on.
So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.
Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher–or so he says. He’s looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.
With time running out, she accepts his help, but there’s more to this man than he’s admitting. He’s also gentle, kind, charming–unlike any man she’s ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.
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Meet Jody:
Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.
Jody invites you to visit her website to learn more.
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Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of A Noble Groom by giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party {5/8}!
One "noble" winner will receive: - A Kindle Fire
- A copy of A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced at the
"A Noble Groom" Author Chat Party on May 8th. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!
So grab your copy of A Noble Groom and join Jody on the evening of May 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!
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Blessings,
**A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.
Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest in Historical Romance. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Visit her website at 