Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #19

Welcome! You have arrived at Stop #19 in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt.

WHERE: The hunt begins with Stop #1 at Lisa Bergren's site. (Hunt through the site using Chrome or Firefox, NOT Explorer.)

WHEN: Starts on Thursday 10/21 at noon, mountain time and ends on Sunday 10/24 at midnight.

HOW: Collect clues (in RED) at each stop. Write them down as you go. Submit your entry at the final stop in a Rafflecopter back on Lisa Bergren’s site.

WHAT: Win one of top 5 grand prizes and plenty of other prizes along the way!

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Hey everyone! I'm Jody Hedlund, and I write historical romance for both adults and teens. You can learn more about me and all my books here on my site and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

THE HEART OF A COWBOY is a sweet but sizzling historical romance set in the high country of Colorado in the 1860's:  After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications, especially when he finds himself rescuing a beautiful botanist from one trouble after another. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

 

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Christian Fiction that Sizzles

By Jody Hedlund

Sizzle in Christian fiction? Isn’t that an oxymoron? I mean c’mon, isn’t Christian fiction supposed to be clean, chaste, pure, and above reproach? 

For so many years, Christian romance has been known for being very clean, to the point that the sensuality on the page is nearly non-existent. Most of the time, kisses are brief, the physical reactions barely described, and sexual desires are downplayed in light of the emotional connections. 

While the emotional connections are incredibly important and necessary, it’s all too easy for zealous readers to push all Christian fiction to the same chaste standard (usually wielding a Bible verse or two on purity while ignoring an entire sensual book of the Bible—Song of Songs).

 

Nowadays in an age where sex is splashed across every movie, TV show, and book, the need for CLEAN reads is only growing. Readers, whether Christian or not, crave alternative reading experiences that don’t involve naming every body part and sexual experience in graphic detail.

 

But in closing the bedroom door, readers don’t want their reading experiences to become sterile, stuffy, and stale. Instead, they crave CLEAN reads that include sizzle, sensuality, and swoon-worthy passion. They want the whole package—emotional and physical connection portrayed in an honorable but realistic way.

 

Whatever your opinions are about how much sensuality is too much in Christian fiction, the really cool thing is that nowadays Christian readers have a wide variety to choose from. If readers prefer to keep the sensuality at a minimum, then they can find many sweeter romances to fit their needs. Those who like a lot of sizzle on the page can also find authors who write more to their preference. We’re blessed to have so many choices! 

So, if you’re a reader who likes a clean read that includes more sizzle, then give my Colorado Cowboy Series a try. Readers are saying things like this about my newest release, The Heart of a Cowboy: 

 

“Their chemistry was undeniable! Appreciated that while it was a clean romance, it was still passionate.”

“The chemistry between Linnea and Flynn is apparent from the moment they meet … The Heart of a Cowboy is jam-packed with thrilling adventure and heart-throbbing romance.”

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the book, you can find out more HERE on my website or order the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Baker Book House, Christianbook.com or at your local bookstore!

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WRITE DOWN THIS CLUE: Books  

NEXT STOP: Link to Stop #20: Susan May Warren's site!    

BEFORE YOU GO: Please Enter the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win THE HEART OF A COWBOY.

LEAVE A COMMENT: What qualities do you like best about cowboys?

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Book Release: October 2021

 

 

Are you ready for another sweet and clean but sizzling cowboy romance? Then you’re in luck! The Heart of a Cowboy is now available. Even though it’s the second book in the Colorado Cowboy series, it can be read as a standalone (although I highly recommend reading A Cowboy for Keeps first).

This story is about the second hunky McQuaid brother, Flynn. He’s the responsible, fatherly figure who’s been taking care of his three younger siblings and helping to raise them. After getting kicked off their family farm, Flynn and his siblings decide to move to Colorado, leading a big herd of cattle up to their brother's ranch in the high country.

At the beginning of their trip, the McQuaid family comes across a party of botanists. Amidst the group is a vivacious, beautiful, redheaded botanist, Linnea, who captures Flynn’s attention. Of course, from the moment they meet, lots of sparks start flying between the lovely lead couple. And the sparks only keep getting hotter the longer they travel together down the Santa Fe Trail to Colorado.

But a romance would be boring if the couple didn’t face obstacles to overcome on their journey to find lasting love. In the end, the hardships make the relationship all the stronger and sweeter.

Early readers have already been enjoying this new story! Here’s what they’re saying:

“An amazing read that had me ignore everything else to finish it! Ever since reading A Cowboy for Keeps, I have been eagerly awaiting Flynn's story, and I was blown away. Whether it be the dynamics between siblings or the slow burn romance, everything about this story kept me so engaged and entertained. Highly recommend grabbing a copy today!"

 

“The Heart of a Cowboy is jam-packed with thrilling adventure and heart-throbbing romance.”

 

To find out more about The Heart of a Cowboy visit my website at: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/the-heart-of-a-cowboy/

 

 

 

COVER REVEAL!!

 

Today, I’m super excited to share with you more about my next medieval series, Knights of Brethren. This is a six-book series, and the first two books release later this year.

 

Set in a new story world with new people, places, and plots, the Knights of Brethren series is loosely inspired by the legends of King Arthur and his knights. (And if you don’t know anything about King Arthur and his knights, that’s okay! Think: stories with handsome and brave knights and you’ll have all you need to know!)

 

While this series is new and changes things up from my previous two series (The Lost Princesses and The Fairest Maidens, which were both set in the same story world), there are plenty of things that remain the same: medieval adventure, dangerous dilemmas, and plenty of sweet romance. 

 

The first book, ENAMORED, sets the stage for the series and is inspired by the wizard, Merlin. In this book, however, the character’s name is Maxim. And instead of wielding magic, he wields his wisdom. Of course, he also wields his influence to woo the woman he loves. If you’re familiar with my writing, then you already know you’ll get a delicious but clean love story.

 

The sequel, ENTWINED, is inspired by King Arthur and his famous sword. In this book, instead of Arthur, our hero is Ansgar, a bold and handsome leader who is on the run for his life. In the end, the Knights of Brethren (inspired by the Knights of the Round Table) help him rise up to defeat evil and win the woman he loves.

 

Enamored and Entwined release later this year, 2021. The subsequent books (involving more knights of the Knights of Brethren) will be released in pairs in 2022 and 2023.

 

Without further ado, here are the covers! Drumroll, please!

 

 

ENAMORED

Releases Nov. 9, 2021

More info. here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/enamored/

Pre-order here: Amazon

 

ENTWINED

Releases Dec. 7, 2021

More info. here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/entwined/

Pre-order here: Amazon

 

A HUGE thank you to Roseanna White Designs for putting together such stunning covers! 

 

If you have enjoyed my previous medieval YA’s and want to be informed on Launch Crew happenings for the upcoming Knights of Brethren series, please make sure to join my Facebook Reader Room where I post sign-ups for early reading/reviewing opportunities.

 

 

New Book Release: June 2021

 

Yes, you did hear correctly! Come Back to Me IS a time-crossing novel (aka time travel)! 

 

Yes, I really did write one! And yes, it is a slight step away from my usual historical romance. I’ve gotten such enthusiasm from so many readers who are excited about going on this new adventure into a new genre with me. 

 

It has vibes similar to Gabaldon’s Outlander series and Susanna Kearsley’s The Rose Garden. Already early reviews are pouring in and expressing delight in the story! 

 

For those who don’t quite know what to think, let me reassure you that I am continuing to write my usual historical romance and my medieval young adult. I have absolutely no plans to stop! In fact, you can expect my second Colorado Cowboys book, The Heart of a Cowboy, to release in October (along with two more in 2022). 

 

And you can also expect two books in a brand new medieval YA series to release in November and December. 

 

But what about Come Back to Me? Should you give it a chance? 

 

This story is about young and talented research scientist Marian Creighton. She and her father share one goal—to find a remedy that can help cure her sister Ellen of a deadly genetic disease that already stole their mother away. However, she is skeptical of her father’s methods. She feels his long-time fixation with ancient holy water and its healing properties are both crazy and a waste of time.

 

But when Marian’s father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water, she’s determined to test his theories for herself. However, she soon realizes that she is not the only one interested in his research. A break-in and a kidnapping convince her that she must take the plunge and follow her father back to the Middle Ages in order to save both her father and her sister. 

 

Come Back to Me takes readers on a wild adventure between two eras, a dangerous present with comas, car chases, and kidnappings, AND a dangerous past in the middle of a bloody peasant revolt. Amidst it all, I make sure to add in a heavy dose of the sizzling romance that readers have come to expect from my novels! 

 

I hope that you’ll dive into the twisting waters of time in the pages of Come Back to Me. To read reviews, watch the trailer, and find out more, visit the book page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/come-back-to-me/

 

 

New Book Release: January 2021

A cowboy, a mail-order bride, and a marriage of convenience?

 

Those are the ingredients for a fun and sizzling romance! And A Cowboy for Keeps is just that! It’s the first book in my newest series, Colorado Cowboys, and is now available! 

 

No, I’m not switching genres and writing westerns! This new series is another historical romance with my trademark plot twists, vibrant settings, and deeply emotional characters. But this time the package includes hunky cowboys! 

 

For as much as the story delivers a satisfying and entertaining romance, the book is much more than that. It’s also a journey into the McQuaid family saga. After losing both of their parents and their family farm, four brothers and a sister move to Colorado Territory and the Wild West to begin a new chapter of their lives. The series explores what it really means to be a family, to look out for each other, remain loyal, learn to forgive, and stand together against adversity. 

 

A Cowboy for Keeps starts with Wyatt McQuaid the oldest of the brothers. Wyatt is attempting to make a go of homesteading and ranching in Colorado’s high country in South Park. But with all the obstacles he faces, he’s having a hard time making a new home. When Fairplay’s mayor offers him a deal, one that involves taking a bride in exchange for cattle, Wyatt can’t resist. 

 

Already readers are falling in love with Wyatt and the rest of the cast of endearing characters. Here’s what a couple of readers had to say in early reviews: 

 

“The characters are well drawn, there are plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat, and plenty of swoon-worthy kisses. I really enjoyed reading the book, and look forward to the next in the series!”

 

“This book truly has it all: historical fiction, romance, suspense, a wonderful character cast, and an enthralling narrative that was addictive and entertaining until the end.” 

 

To find out more about A Cowboy for Keeps visit my website at http://jodyhedlund.com/books/a-cowboy-for-keeps/

 

 

New Book Release: November 2020

 

Do you like Sleeping Beauty retellings? BESOTTED, the third and final book in The Fairest Maidens, is now available and is a unique retelling of the old classic fairy tale.

 

Each book of the series is fashioned after a fairy tale BEHOLDEN (September) is loosely tied to Cinderella,  BEGUILED (October) is developed around Snow White. And, as mentioned, BESOTTED (November) is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. 

 

While the heroines in this series are strong and daring and take center stage, the heroes are also very important young men. They are three brothers, princes, who are competing against each other for a chance at becoming the next king of their country. 

 

As part of the competition for the kingship, each of the princes must travel to a foreign land, live in obscurity for six months, and prove they have the character necessary for being a king. In order to do that, they each are given an individual challenge that is written onto their swords. A scribe (who is also a body guard) accompanies them on the journey and is tasked with writing down everything that the princes do during the six months so that a special council can determine who is worthiest of the crown.

 

So how do readers feel about this conclusion to the series? Here are just a few things early readers said:

 

“Like the other two books in the series, Besotted was an extremely clever twist to a classic fairytale. All the adventure and intrigue from the first two books come to a suspenseful conclusion.”

 

“The perfect title for this story because I was totally besotted with it. Wonderful conclusion to this fairytale series. I loved Aurora and Kresten’s story. The plot is well developed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. So many twists and turns.”

 

“The characters grew, matured and developed so much during the story that by the end they were my favorite couple of the three! Perfect is the only word I can use to describe the ending to this book and series!”

 

“What a wonderful conclusion to a beautiful Fairy tale series! Besotted is a book that leaves you with all the feels! I loved each book in this series but I particularly loved how Besotted wrapped up all the loose ends from the first two books leaving every reader very satisfied.”

 

If you love fairy tales, I invite you to give the series a try and let me know what you think!

 

To find out more about BESOTTED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/besotted/

 

 

 

New Book Release: October 2020

Are you ready for a Snow White retelling? If so, then dive in to BEGUILED, the second book of my Fairest Maidens series!  It’s now available in both paperback and ebook!

 

To be honest, Snow White is one of my least favorite fairy tales, particularly the Disney version, mainly because the romance feels underdeveloped. After all, Snow White barely meets the prince at the beginning and then doesn’t see him again until he gives her true love’s  kiss at the end.

 

The brief interactions just aren’t enough. Their relationship is too shallow. I never understand why they like each other and what qualities draw them together. They don’t have enough time together to get to know each other much less fall in love. And at the end, I’m left feeling like the prince is attracted to her primarily because of her beauty.

 

So, in rethinking the Snow White story, I wanted to give the hero and heroine plenty of time to get to know each other, develop a friendship, and learn to appreciate each other’s inner qualities more than the outer.

 

Here’s what a few readers said about how those things play out in BEGUILED:

 

Friendship: “Romantic novels that include a solid foundation of friendship between the two main characters are elevated stories in my eyes, and Pearl and Mikkel’s friendship is strong and deep.”

 

Friendship: “The notion that you should marry your best friend is very appealing to me and so the fact that Mikkel and Pearl are friends first then later become romantically interested in each other is very sweet and fulfilling.”

 

Beauty: “I loved the underlying message that the beauty on the inside of a person is what truly matters and not outward appearances.”

 

Beauty: “The theme of looking past outward appearances and finding a person’s worth in their heart and character is both timeless and timely. Pearl’s hope that her veil would cause others to love her for her heart and not her beauty, and Mikkel’s growing hope to see her as she was, even though he expected her to be scarred or damaged, were beautifully portrayed.”

 

I invite you to give this retelling of Snow White a try! To find out more about BEGUILED head over to my website page here: http://jodyhedlund.com/books/beguiled/