Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

I had the advantage of reading her previous books in this series.  I knew before I read the first page that I would love Tessa's story.  Ms. Hedlund has a way of making her characters real.   You can't help to love Tessa and the Bjorklund brothers.  And you can't help to dislike Percival Updegraff.

This book shows how people live their lives in fear instead of trusting God.  We become prisoners of our fears and are trapped by being afraid to escape this prison.  We forget that God does have a plan for us.  It is not a plan of condemnation.  Tessa was so afraid that the citizens of Eagle Harbor would find out about her past.  She was convinced that her friends would look at her differently and not allow her to teach.    She was afraid of showing her true feelings to Alex.  She would have to give up teaching.  She was afraid of having to live in a lighthouse. It prevented her from being joyful.

Then there are people like Percival. Percival knew exactly how to prey on people's fears.  He was used to getting his own way and knew how to manipulate people.  His dear precious brother, Samuel, could not be manipulated by Percival.  He lived his life without fear until he was facing the possibility of losing Tessa and the Bjorklunds.  Others in the community feared what Percival could do to them if they refused him.

Alex was so used to protecting and helping his brother.  He had a difficult time putting his needs first.
His role was to be his brother's keeper.  He was convinced that he had to do this.

Fear can be a crippler.  Sometimes what we fear is fear itself.  Tessa and Alex each had their fears but with time they both realized they had nothing to fear.  They both forgot to put their fears before God and ask for his guidance.  When they finally did this, things turned out for them.

Excellent read.  If I see Jody's name on a book, I'm reading it!

After The Rain by Rita Gerlach

I was given this ebook to read for free.  I always start to read these books with some apprehension.  What if I don't like it?  What if I can't finish it?    Well, I didn't have that problem at all with this story.

The first chapter grabbed my attention and had me right until the last page.   I loved the main character, Louisa.  Her compassion for others even when she was up against adversity was such a joy.  Louisa saw the need and she would step right in and do what she could to help.  She was criticized for her compassion but she wouldn't let it stop her from doing her upmost to make the world a better place.  She had an inner strength that I admired.


The Title, After The Rain, signifies to me that after the rain the sun will come out and there is a new day to embrace and start over.  Louisa had her troubles.  She had her sorrow.  At times, she was hurt and confused. But she never gave up.  She kept looking to the future and knew things would be better
AFTER THE RAIN.

Five stars!  Absolutely loved it!