Captured by Love

(Michigan Brides Collection #3)

by Jody Hedlund

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating!

Description

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 British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's 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 they'll risk for love.

Read an Excerpt from Captured by Love!

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Biography

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

She can be contacted at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJodyHedlund & http://jodyhedlund.com/

My Review ~

In the year 1814 Michilimackinac Island was under British control, a strategic location for the fur trading industry. Pierre Durant was a voyageur returning to the island after several years of hunting and fur trading. Upon his return he discovered his mother alone, his family farm in ruins, island residents starving, and his younger brother gone, enlisted in the American army. His childhood friend, Angelique MacKenzie suffered the ravages of poverty and was at the mercy of a cruel guardian. Upon discovering Angelique had grown into a beautiful woman Pierre was quickly attracted to her, but Angelique had committed herself to marrying his younger brother upon his return to the island.

Jody Hedlund portrays the island in rich detail, delineating the rugged beauty of the landscape with artistry and charm, from the rock formations and cliffs to the sandy shores, and the glistening beauty of the lake beyond. Her research and documentation of the history and terrain of the island is accurate and precise. This narrative of romance and conflicting emotions, devotion to another versus surrender to love is defined by realism and a depth of emotion that awakens the senses. The strength of appeal and attraction between characters is depicted with intensity, sensitivity and tenderness, leaving the reader filled with emotion. The dangers that lie in wait on the island are described with factualism and accuracy.

"Captured by Love" is rich in history and authenticity, creating a credible and captivating story of survival, love and compromise. This book surpassed my expectations. I've enjoyed Jody's other books, and each creation has captured my attention throughout the book, to the very last page. There is mystery and intrigue, along with a truthfulness that grounds the underlying layers to an exhilarating and believable conclusion. I will be reading this book again in the future!

After the conclusion of the book Jody has written a brief history of Michilimackinac Island which details the background and location for "Captured by Love." More recently referred to as Mackinac Island, it is one of Michigan's most beautiful vacation spots, visited by people from all over the world.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author through Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.