No matter the sacrifice, Elizabeth Whitbread would serve a wounded family. No matter the danger, John Costin was determined to speak God’s word. Neither expected to fall in love. As enemies threaten to silence Costin - and those close to him - will following their hearts cost John and Elizabeth everything?
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"I love Jody Hedlund's books. She writes love stories using real people or events from Christian history. This book is about John Bunyan, a puritan, who wrote Pilgrim's Progress while in prison for 12 years for preaching. Sure she changes a little bit the history of the person or persons involved in the story to make it also a happy ending love story, but I love happy ending so I don't care.I love her Author's note at the end when she tells about the real person or persons and what really happened."
— Monique (4 out of 5 stars)
“A fine beginning for a writer we’ll hear from again.”
— Publishers Weekly“A penetrating narrative about loss, love, and the sacrifices that are made for one’s faith…Hedlund’s novel exemplifies the struggles of the Puritan preachers and their ‘well-beloved’ wives.”
— Booklist“In this remarkable debut based on the life of Pilgrim’s Progress author John Bunyan, Hedlund shows a great talent for immediately transporting readers into her story. The pages turn faster with each chapter and the characters seem like old friends from the beginning.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)" A very good book! I connected with the main character very well and the hardships were believable and exciting. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a good book. "
— Abby, 2/11/2014" A very well-written novel about a Puritan woman in the 1600's. I learned a lot about the political upheaval that was caused by ministers preaching without ordination. "
— Leanne, 2/10/2014" This was one of the best debut novels I've ever read. Author Jody Hedlund did an awesome job weaving historical detail of the Paul Bunyan era into her very poignant love story. The story was filled with tenderness, believable danger, and had me glued to the pages. I recommend this one highly. "
— Christine, 2/8/2014" I enjoyed this book...and read it in one day. I didn't realize until the end that it is a true story with some fictional license taken. I kept on hoping that the family would emigrate to America. They didn't (in the book). It makes me curious as to other happenings in the Puritan times of England. "
— Bridget, 12/10/2013" This is a delightful read, heart wrenching at times. The setting is the 1600's Puritan New England and the author describes life quite well. "
— Karla, 12/8/2013" Definitely enjoyed this couple's story, based on John and Elizabeth Bunyan. Their trying life situations were difficult to read at times thanks to the reality of the social environment, language, and religious climate. The book oozes authenticity; I was impressed with it throughout the book. "
— Serenity, 10/21/2013" I cared about the characters from the first moment and was engaged throughout. was captivated throughout. will definitely be reading more by Judy hedlund! "
— Joanne, 9/28/2013" My favorite thing about this book was the setting. Puritans in England in the 1600's? Interesting! This book does a great job of showing the life of ordinary people during this time- the good, the bad, and the ugly.I'd definately recomment it to others! "
— Michele, 9/10/2013" I'll have a review posted on Sept. 24 on my blog, My Own Little Corner of the World. "
— Julie, 4/7/2013" I really enjoyed reading the book. "
— Jeanette, 12/22/2012" Wonderful story of love, trust and forbearance. I can't wait to read her newest release! "
— Sylvia, 9/7/2012" Loved it! Full review soon... "
— Kara, 3/29/2012" 4.5 Stars. Review to come... "
— Jane, 12/17/2011" I could not put this book down! It is a great piece of Historical fiction! "
— Jodi, 12/12/2011" LOVED this book! So glad for a fresh new author in Christian historical romance. This book moved me when Christian historical books have grown a little stale for me right now. Will follow Hedlund and can't wait for the next! "
— Tara, 10/16/2011" It was a good story and I especially liked the fact that the author based it off of John Bunyan's life. "
— melody, 9/5/2011" Loved this book~Beautifully written and such a wonderful story... "
— Janine, 6/15/2011" I would have enjoyed this book more if I'd read the author’s note first. Historical fiction based on the life of the author of The Pilgrim’s Progress. "
— Mary, 5/8/2011" LOVED this book! So glad for a fresh new author in Christian historical romance. This book moved me when Christian historical books have grown a little stale for me right now. Will follow Hedlund and can't wait for the next! "
— Tara, 4/23/2011" Superb biographical fiction based on the life of John Bunyan's second wife. "
— Melissa, 4/20/2011" This was one of the best debut novels I've ever read. Author Jody Hedlund did an awesome job weaving historical detail of the Paul Bunyan era into her very poignant love story. The story was filled with tenderness, believable danger, and had me glued to the pages. I recommend this one highly. "
— Christine, 4/20/2011" I really liked that although this is fiction there was quite a bit of factual information as well. I liked learning about this religion and this time period. It was a bit of a sad story. Overall it was a nice pleasant read. "
— Tannya, 3/24/2011" It was an interesting book about the John Bunyan and his wife. "
— Alexandra, 3/10/2011" Historical romance based on a true story. Listened to the audio book. Really enjoyed it. Warning: Tissues needed. "
— Kimberly, 3/9/2011" I really enjoyed this read. I didn't realize until I began this story, but it is based on Elizabeth Bunyan's story, though the author took a few liberties. But it was still a wonderful read that I could not put down. "
— Katy, 2/28/2011" A VERY fictionalized story of the life of John Bunyan and his wife Elizabeth. "
— Susan, 12/6/2010Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of more than thirty historical novels for both adults and teens. She has won numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. For more, go to www.jodyhedlund.com.
Mimi Black is a professional voice talent with more than twenty years of experience in television, radio, web, audio books, phone systems, and trade shows on behalf of hundreds of US and international clients.