*Hello everyone! Today I have something new to share with all of you that I am so excited about! Recently I joined the Bethany House book reviewing program. So, I'll be sharing book reviews with all of you now and in the future (hopefully once a month). Hope you all enjoy! -Haley*
Rebellious Heart
by Jody Hedlund
My rating // 4 out of 5 stars
About the Book
from
Goodreads
In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.
Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.
My Review
This is the first of Jody Hedlund's books I've ever read. I loved the era (1700's) the story took place in and how the reader is given more information about that timeframe in this book, as a good bit of history is woven through the story. Also, I thought it was very neat how the characters are based on actual well-known people from history.
This book had a lot happening and I loved that! Every chapter there was something new going on. There was never a dull moment and it most definitely kept me wanting to read more. I also enjoyed Jody's writing style. She did a good job of developing the characters through their conversations with one another.
This book definitely had more romance in it than I am usually comfortable with reading. In the first part of the book an assumed criminal is severly punished. Also, part of the plot deals with an abusive master of indentured servants. There is one scene where a victim in described.
Because of these things that I would consider this mature content I would recommend this book only for older readers.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this suspenseful and wonderfully written book and look forward to checking out some more of Jody Hedlund's novels!
*I would like to thank Bethany House Pulishers for provding me with this free copy of Rebellious Heart by Judy Hedlund. All opinions expressed here are my own and unbiased.*
