Monday, April 15, 2013

A Book Review and a Quiz

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund      

Bethany House Publishers


The Description

Michigan, 1880 - Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That’ll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.



My Review 
 
I have yet to read a book by Jody Hedlund that I did not like. Her latest, A Noble Groom, is no exception. Set in her home state of Michigan, this book tells an engaging story of perseverance and trust. The main characters, the recently widowed Annalisa Werner and new immigrant Carl Richards, are the kind of characters that Hedlund has a knack for creating - memorable ones. 

Annalisa and Carl watch their worlds shift and collide through circumstances beyond their control. To survive, they must adjust accordingly. Despite the fact that they are drawn to each other, their relationship is hindered by well-kept secrets. 

This book’s main characters are deep but likeable. Their lives intertwine, and the reader watches as they learn hard lessons, yet maintain an admirable resilience. I enjoyed all of this, along with a seamless plot filled with great action, and yes, even a bit of intrigue and suspense. Ms. Hedlund delivers a wonderful tale that surrounds and entertains the reader. In addition, she provides a story that speaks perspective regarding all things important – faith and family. 


Memorable Characters Quiz

Can you name the memorable characters from these books and/or films? You get bonus brownie points if you can name both! (Sorry, no real brownies are involved.) Answers below. :)

  1. Scout called her father, a lawyer in the Deep South, by his first name. Who is he?
  2. Name Heathcliff's love in the dark but classic Emily Bronte tale.
  3. Prince Humperdinck and Princess Buttercup are characters in this 1987 film. What is the name of the Spanish swordsman?
  4. What is the name of the photographer portrayed by Jimmy Stewart in the 1954 Hitchcock thriller?
  5. L.M. Montgomery wrote a few adult fiction stories (still G rated, btw). One featured a timid female character who finally got the nerve to stand up to overbearing relatives after a startling diagnosis from her doctor. What is her name?


Need advice on creating memorable characters? Check out Jody's post entitled 3 Tips for Creating Enthralling Characters.

If you'd like more info on Jody and her books, visit her website at jodyhedlund.com.

Purchase A Noble Groom at Amazon.

Congratulations Jody, on another great book! Wishing you all the best!





What elements make a character memorable? What are you reading this week?

Happy reading and writing,
Karen


Kindly note: As an influencer for author Jody Hedlund, I received this book free of charge from Bethany House.

Answer key:

1. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Catherine Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights
3. Inigo Montoya played by Mandy Patinkin in The Princess Bride
4. L.B "Jeff" Jefferies in Rear Window 
5. Valancy Stirling in The Blue Castle



22 comments :

  1. I've read all of Jody's books, and look forward to this one. Love her voice!

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  2. Sorry, I only knew The Princess Bride answer.

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  3. I look forward to reading this book: all of Jody's novels are wonderful!

    Fun Quiz. I didn't know #4 or #5 though. Ah well!

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  4. Loree,
    Yes, I love her voice too! Hope you read it soon. :)

    Alex,
    I knew you would know that one! :)

    Susie,
    I'm thinking you'll enjoy this one too! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. In your quiz, I go the first one easily (one of my favorite books.) The second one I thought might be Catherine with a K. The third one I guessed "Iago something, something, prepare to die." I saw the fourth movie, but hadn't a clue of the name.
    The last one,I never heard of at all, but it sounds good.(So I have a good book suggestion to look up.) Thanks

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  6. Karen:
    I need to start a list of authors I need to read. I like the plot of Jody's book.
    On the quiz, I got two right. The one from TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD. and the L.B."JEFF" JEFFERIES. That's because I am 'Old'.

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  7. I knew 1,2 and 3 but that's it. Jody's new book sounds great!

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  8. ooh. I'll have to check out Jody's books. She sounds like a marvelous writer

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  9. Nancy,
    Sounds like you did pretty well with the quiz! Hope you get a chance to read The Blue Castle; it is one of my all time favorite books! :)

    Cecelia,
    I beg to differ - you are not old! :) I didn't know how hard these would be for everyone, since we all have different taste in books.

    Lydia,
    I think that's great! I thought for sure you would know the L.M. Montgomery one. I think you would enjoy it! :)

    Nutschell,
    She is! You just might like her stories! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  10. Thank you so much for the lovely review, Karen! I'm always delighted when my stories resonate!

    And thank you everyone else for the kind words! I sincerely hope all of you will have the chance to read and enjoy my newest! :-)

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  11. Catherine is his love in Wuthering Heights.
    The name of the swordsman is Inigo.
    And that's all I could recall off the cuff!

    I'll be googling the rest for sure. lol

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  12. Thanks for another awesome review, Karen. You won't be believe how long my BTR list is. I need a cook, maid, and housekeeper!

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  13. Oh, dear, trivia. I recognize all the movies, books, characters but do I know the answers. No, my hubby would, but he's asleep.

    Quiz's are fun, the review -- awesome!

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  14. I flunked! Couldn't answer one of those, Karen. :/

    But I'm impressed at how she's turning out books! Good for Jody!

    And good for you with a great review, as always. You're a writer's best friend, Miss K. :)

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  15. Jody,
    You are welcome. It is a wonderful read! :)

    Joy,
    I think that's pretty good! Wasn't sure how obscure or obvious these would be. :)

    Joylene,
    I'm glad you liked it. Hope you get to read it! Yes, I could get a lot more done, and read, with some help around the house! LOL :)

    Yolanda,
    Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the review and the quiz! It's great to meet you. Thanks also for following. Look forward to checking out your blog! :)

    Rhonda,
    Well now if I had thrown something in about the BOP, you'd have gotten it right away, right? :) Jody is a writing wonder, isn't she? Thanks for your sweet words!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  16. 4 and 5 stumped me but I got the others. :) Thanks for the review. It sounds like another good read.

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  17. I have been in the mood for a good love story. My reading time has fallen off with all the sewing. I've started to recover the footstool that goes with the chair recovered earlier. Thought I'd better get after it before another 10 years passed! :)

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  18. Ooh, I actually knew most of those answers! LOL

    I'm reading book IV Wizard and Glass. Good story so far.

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  19. The Princess Bride is such a GREAT movie!! One of my favorite of all-time :)

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  20. Lisa,
    You are welcome! Glad you knew some of these answers. Wasn't sure who would know what. :)

    Sally,
    You just might enjoy this one. I love the way Jody told the story. :)

    Jessica,
    Hooray! :) Hope you continue to enjoy the book.

    Keith,
    I know it; it's one of my favorites too! Our family tosses around many of the lines. "Life is pain, highness." LOL :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  21. dropping by to say hello!
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  22. Jody is a wonderful writer. Her stories are heart tugging with memorable characters.

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!