Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer’s assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan—and into the sights of Connell McCormick.
Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.
Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell’s help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what’s right cost them both everything?
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"I finished reading Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund yesterday afternoon, and I will truly miss Lily, Connell and the residents of Harrison. Jody's scenes are wonderfully rich in detail. From the warm blazing fire of the Northern Hotel with the smell of fresh baked molasses cookies, strong coffee, pork and beans, and wet socks drying on the line by the hearth...to the scratching and pawing of the wolves just inches away from ripping Lily and Connell apart.... to bracing the bitter cold winds in the logging camps under majestic white pines that reach the sky. The characters are unforgettable: Strong willed Lily does everything in her power, and most times to her own detriment, to not only find and save her sister Daisy, but to help other young enslaved girls be free of their oppressors and the horrible lives imposed on them. She'll stop at nothing. Proper yet feisty, she is adorable. Connell, honest and hardworking, oversees his father's logging camps. He is every woman's dream. A real gentleman, proper, and as honorable inside as he is handsome on the outside. He will risk everything to save Lily, including his own life. A great guy from the onset, but even a better man after knowing and loving Lily. There is not enough space here to mention all the unique characters, for instance: Lovable old men like Oren, who will kill any man for laying so much as a pinkie on Lily... Mr. Heller who is reduced to whittling away the hours, and Vera, who owns the Northern Hotel. She takes no guff, has a heart bigger than herself, and runs a reputable establishment amid the chaos and corruption in town... Or poor Stuart, owner and operator of the only newspaper in town, the Harrison Herald, has lost so much. He carries the residue of grief in his eyes ....And what would Unending Devotion be without characters like James Carr. An evil man who lives, and destroys the lives of young girls, guarded by his cronies in the disgusting place he calls home, the stockade. He's greatly feared, and rightly so, since he holds the town in the palm of his hand through intimidation and murder. He never banked on Lily though. This is a real page turner, can't put it down, have to know what happens next, please don't let this be the last page kind of book! I will not only miss the little town of Harrison, but the people who call it home too. I highly recommend this book."
— Pamela (5 out of 5 stars)
" Great read! I just couldn't put it down! "
— Erin, 2/13/2014" This author is from my home town and this book is about my state and area history. Of course it is interesting, but it is an average read. I liked her first two books better. "
— Lena, 1/29/2014" Based on real events, Unending Devotion is thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys faith based historical fiction. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE. "
— Book, 11/19/2013" *Very good. Love Jody Hedlund. "
— Mackenzie, 9/7/2013" Based on real events, Unending Devotion is thought-provoking novel that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys faith based historical fiction. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE. "
— Kathy, 2/22/2013" Well-researched and well written. In fact, some of the characters and events in the story are actually historically accurate, including the existence of The Stockade and its owner, James Carr. "
— Cresanna, 1/31/2013" I enjoyed this book. The romance was really sweet :) The only thing that bugged me was the main character Lily. She got on my nerves a lot. Just take a chill pill girl! "
— Sarah, 12/5/2012" LOVED THIS BOOK ITS WAS AMAZING... WON THIS BOOK ON GR GIVEAWAYS... "
— Shelly, 12/1/2012" These types of books get old and trite after awhile and this one is more of the same. It was too melodramatic and contrived - not great writing and not that engaging of a story. "
— Laura, 11/18/2012Jody 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.
Julia Whelan is a novelist, screenwriter, lifelong actor, and multiple award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. She is a former child actor who has appeared in multiple films and television shows.