Jody Hedlund is by far one of my favorite authors. She so wonderfully writes Christian fiction that, in my opinion, is never your typical "run-of-the-mill" cheesy romances. She is very good at creating three dimensional characters, with real hurts, real problems and real struggles. Her characters are relatable, in every way. They are never perfect, and Hedlund has a unique style of putting her characters in tempting and difficult situations in which they have to decide if they will follow after God or succumb to their own fleshly desires. She does it again in this beautifully written book, "Captured by Love."

One of my favorite attributes to Jody Hedlund's writing style is how she is able to bring a historical setting to life, without bogging the pages down with frivolous details and description. She includes detail, but just enough that your imagination can still kick in. I have always been a fan or historical fiction, and the setting for this book made me jump with excitement. The Ware of 1812 is often neglected, but it was just as tumultuous time in our history as the battle for our independence. I loved that she chose such a harsh setting as Mackinac Island in Michigan. The struggles and hardships of the day were well presented.

In general, the story woven between the main characters was sweet and often broke my heart. There were so many instances where the characters could have taken the easy, safe, way out that would have given them what they wanted. But they were selfishly motivated and not seeking after God. I love how the author tempted them! There were times when they failed, but then there were times when they overcame...and how true is this to our lives?

It is so easy to take the easy road, and for a while it may bring happiness. But ultimately, that is not the kind of life God has called us to. This theme is threaded seamlessly throughout this sweet romance.

My only qualm with this story is that there was a lot of kissing scenes, that were borderline TMI (too much information). I would hesitate letting young girls under 18 read this book.

Other than that, this book was very sweet and I loved the challenging themes that Jody Hedlund included. She definitely challenged my personal walk with God in this book. I was convicted in several areas that I rely too much on my own strength in my job and in my relationships.

Thank you Ms. Hedlund, again, for a wonderful read.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

A well written historical fiction novel that includes actual historical facts and real life characters. The story takes place on Michilimackinac Island, Michigan Territory in 1814. The British army is in control of the island and if the people living there do not sign an oath of allegiance that they are on the side of the British and not the Americans they were forced to leave the island. It has been a harsh winter and the British supply ships have been unable to reach the island. People are starving, cold and weary. The soldiers are taking desperate measures to survive.

Angelique MacKenzie's guardian is Ebenezer Whiley who forces her to dress plain so she does not follow in her mothers footsteps. He is very abusive towards Angelique using harsh punishment and threatens to marry her off to the highest bidder if she does not obey him. She longs to be free of his control and cruelty. Angelique is selfless and giving. She gives up some of her own food to keep her nearly blind and future mother-in-law from starving. She is engaged to her son Jean but cares for the older son Pierre. Peter Durant is a fur trader and left the island several years ago because he would not sign the oath of allegiance. After being absent for so long he returns partly out of guilt and duty to his mother. He cares for Angelique his childhood friend but knows he must put his feelings aside as she to wed his brother.

Will Angelique and Pierre give into their passion for each other? Will she marry Jean? Will the Americans or the British win control of the island? There is so much in this story but written so well you do not get lost in it. This is an amazing and captivating story that I did not want to put down until the end. Humor, hardships, starvation, harsh conditions and struggles. Love and romance. Faith and trust in God. A fast paced action story. It has it all and more. A great read especially for those who love historical fiction,

I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

Angelique and Pierre are childhood friends who encounter one another again during 1814 on Mackinaw Island in Michigan. Under British control, the villagers must kowtow to the authority of the British command. Angelique also suffers punishment at the hands of her step-father, a rather nasty man. Engaged to Pierre's brother, Jean, Angelique falls in love with Pierre but struggles mightily to do right by Jean. (Jean is away fighting for the Americans in the war.) Pierre, a fur trader and voyageur, poses as a British sympathizer but he is really a spy for the Americans. His duplicity causes him danger and his wanderer's heart makes it hard for him to accept island life as his future. Angelique and Pierre are strong characters, even through Angelique's surely humbling "lessons" with Lavinia, the colonel's daughter. The two main characters are interesting and you are rooting for them from the start. Life, though, has a way of twisting and turning.

I've been a fan of Jody Hedlund's books and greatly enjoyed this one. It is in my top two of her books.

I had the privilege of interviewing Jody Hedlund for her new book Captured By Love Book Three in the Michigan Brides Collection series published by Bethany House Publishers takes us into the lives of Angelique MacKenzie and Pierre Durant.

From the back cover: Michigan Territory, 1814

A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger

discover firsthand the high price of freedom.

The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the Britishand into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend whos grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much theyll risk for love.

One of my favorite places on Earth is Mackinac Island. I have been in love with this place ever since I found out about it and it is on my bucket list to visit. I had no idea that the British had taken control over this island back in 1814. Tensions between the British and the Americans are high and Pierre is making the British believe that he is helping them when , in reality, he is on the American side. If he is found out they will execute him immediately. Angelique is betrothed to Jean, Pierres brother, but is really in love with Pierre. How this is all going to work out is what makes this story full os thrills and suspense. Ms. Hedlund has given us a book of history, that has an epic battle sequence in it. Dont start this book late at night because you are going to want to finish it before you go to bed. Ms. Hedlund has given us a very interesting book that is loaded with marvelous themes that make us think as well as enjoy the story. Great characters and a great romance. I really liked Captured By Love and look forward to more stories from Jody Hedlund.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Angelique is an incredible main character. She is so well developed and presented that it was very easy to feel a connection to her. Many times throughout the story my heart ached for the way she was treated as well as for the situations he was put in by others. Very early on it was apparent that her hearts desire was to do the right thing and to treat others with kindness. She is surrounded by a lot of additional character that are very important to the story. The development of these people is just as well thought out. Their characters and personalities are also clearly described.

Angelique, Pierre, and Miriam have faith in God that is clearly presented. Both Angelique and Pierre are on a journey in this story where they learn more about God and trusting Him. It was wonderful to go on this journey with them.

Jody Hedlund has a wonderful talent for description. It was very easy to form a mental picture of the surroundings and action taking place. It held my attention the whole way through the book.

I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.