A Loyal Heart

Once again, Jody Hedlund drew me into a first person story effortlessly, which is highly unusual. This segment of the series, like the others, was full of brave knights, honorable (and dishonorable) men, intrigue, suspense, and great love. I’m so glad I already have the next book on my shelf to read!

I adore anything written by Jody Hedlund. She is an amazing storyteller, and I devour her books. I must confess though, A Loyal Heart is the first of her YA novels that I have read. I spend ALL day with teenagers. From 6:45 am – 3:30 pm (and sometimes even later), I am entrenched in all things AP Lit and English 9 Honors and teenagers. So, when I read for fun, I tend to stay as far away from YA things as possible. But, I’m definitely going to relax this rule and read the first three books in this series because A Loyal Heart is an awesome story!!! I had so much fun reading this book, and I’m a little sad my time with Aldric and Olivia is over.

For this post, I’m going to review the book a little differently. I admit it, I had my teacher’s glasses on while reading. I am ALWAYS on the lookout for new novels to share with my 9th and 12th graders. As a teacher, I completely approve A Loyal Heart being a part of my classroom library. In fact, I’m going to purchase a set of this series as soon as I get paid. LOL!

As a teacher, here is why I LOVE this book:

The pacing is superb! It will grab the interest of my students immediately and will keep them reading. This is one of the biggest draws when I am looking for YA books for my class library. I was hooked from page 1 and truly struggled to put this book down. I can think of three students right off the top of my head who I would recommend A Loyal Heart to for this very reason.

The romance between Olivia and Aldric is age appropriate. I appreciated that both characters felt an instant attraction to one another, but tried their hardest to deny the chemistry until they really got to know one another. I think this sets a really good example for my students. Teens need to see what a relationship with healthy boundaries looks like, and A Loyal Heart does a good job of illustrating this through Olivia and Aldric.

Vocabulary! A Loyal Heart is a wonderful historical novel. At the start, Olivia is dressing for battle (because she is one seriously cool 18 year old!). I had to look up quite a few words to figure out all the armor pieces that she was putting on. I like when a book makes me go to my dictionary or to a Google search because I appreciate learning new things. This is a stellar skill that I love teaching my students, and a skill they can practice with this book.

The moral messages in this novel are exactly what kids need to hear today! Kids today are lost more so than ever. Our society has thrown God out of everything, and has tossed the rules out, too. Kids need and crave boundaries, and our society has done teenagers no good by throwing those boundary lines away. I do what I can as a teacher, but sometimes gleaning a positive message from a GOOD book sticks better than if I tell them. A Loyal Heart is replete with excellent messages that teenagers need to take to heart. I won’t list them all, but here are a few of my FAVORITE quotes that really illustrate these messages:

“Although Aldric had failed to be responsible for a time, he hadn’t let his failures destroy him but had let them make him stronger instead.” (Teaches kids that mistakes are good when we learn from them. It also teaches kids that we can come back from our pasts stronger. What kid doesn’t need to learn this?)

“Loyalty wasn’t a birthright. It was earned. And as much as it pained me to think of cutting myself off from Father, I had to stop living my life to please him and earn his favor. Instead, I had to live in allegiance to God and His ways first.” (I like this because it teaches kids to question their motivations. Why are they doing what they are doing? Who are they trying to impress?)

“But the more I contemplated my actions, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if the whole of civilization lived by my principle. Where would the wrongdoing stop if everyone acted out whatever moral code felt right in the moment?” (This may be the most important message to kids in this book. Kids need to learn this more now than ever before.)

There is literally like a 1000 more things I could discuss about this book, but then I would spoil something and I definitely do not want to do that to anyone. A Loyal Heart must be experienced! I love this story, and cannot recommend it enough. Whether you are 36 (like me) or 15 (like my students), you will enjoy this excellent story. Purchase a copy today. You will not be disappointed, and neither will your teen!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author and Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ah. Jody Hedlund. Need I say more?
I actually have not read the other three books in this series but did not feel I missed out on anything. Some of the characters from the previous books make cameo appearances and I will absolutely have to go back to read their stories, but this book works well as a stand-alone. It is an incredible journey through 1392 as knights and lords wage battles for control of land, wealth, and allegiance to the king of England. Although I’m not a huge fan of first person narrative, it was executed incredibly well in this book as the narrative shifts from Sir Aldric to Lady Olivia. The book is so well-written with:
1) lyrical and musical writing that captivates and engages from page one
2) an action-packed and fast-paced plot
3) delicious, humorous, and sharply witty dialogue
4) tenderly romantic and heart-seizing moments
5) beautiful, lovable, and memorable characters who grow and mature throughout the book
6) a steady undercurrent of faith and prayer
7) an amazing description of landscape and daily life in 1392 that brings the entire backdrop to vivid clarity.
Anyone who enjoys a well-written, satisfying historical romance will love this book.

Sir Aldric begins the story by saying “but these things were superficial. It a woman was attracted to me for such qualities, then she was shallow, and I didn’t want a shallow relationship. Actually, I didn’t want any kind of relationship. Not shallow. Not deep. Not any.” This quote is the epitome of Sir Aldric. He is a strong and skilled knight with a broken past and heavy burdens that weigh down his heart and soul. He is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, and noble though he wasn’t always that way. He is sent in to capture Lady Olivia and her sister Lady Isabelle because of their father’s infractions against the king.
Lady Olivia is strong, unconventional, bold, determined, proud, and stubborn yet loyal to a fault and inevitably a woman at heart with tender feelings. As their relationship grows, she admits “I realized then, this connection with him would be difficult to cut loose, that his presence was weaving into the tapestry of my life, and that I had no wish to untangle the woven strands any more than I wished to release his hold on my hand.” Wow, such poetic musings!

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Twists and turns in the plot kept the story moving quickly and yet I didn’t want the story to end! Will there be another book in the series? And on which knight and noblewoman will the next book spotlight? I must go back to read the previous three stories, especially the one about Sir Aldric’s brother Sir Bennet and his wife Lady Sabine (For Love and Honor).

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher and also through Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

A Loyal Heart is a YA Christian historical romance set in the medieval era.

Sword-wielding Lady Olivia is dismayed when her castle is overrun by Lord Pitt’s knights and she and her sister are taken hostage until her father meets the requirements. But despite her fears, the hands commanding knight, Sir Aldric, treats both women with utmost respect … in spite of Olivia’s frequent escape attempts.

As book 4 in Jody Hedlund’s YA medieval series, An Uncertain Choice, I had already met Aldric in the previous book. He was the widower older brother of the main character who had a gambling problem. By the time this book starts, he has cleaned up his life and worked off his debt to Lord Pitt. But although the outer problems seem to have been fixed, he still struggles internally. It was cool to see him grow further into a man of good character who faces his fears.

Olivia was a cool! She’s that “kick-butt princess” that is so popular to read about these days. Trained to fight since her youth, she doesn’t hesitate to defend herself against men twice her size, even if she does lose because of size or skill. However, she, too, had some inter battles to face. She was trying desperately to win her father’s love, not understanding that love isn’t something that can be earned, only given freely. It was a lot of fun to see her and Aldric fall for each other and overcome the obstacles in order to become a strong couple.

I really enjoyed A Loyal Heart and am looking forward to the final book in the series.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. All options are my own, and I was not compensated for sharing them.

Travel back through the mist of time. Walk the chilly stone halls of medieval castles, hear the clang of swords as the knights hone their skills, and smell…ok, well don’t breath too deeply! Picking up a Jody Hedlund book is akin to holding a treasure trove of history in your hands. Sit back, and enjoy the travel through time from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

Olivia isn’t your typical lady of the castle. She is no shrinking violet. Fiercely loyal, Olivia is an independent, sword-wielding heroine, ready to take on anything, or anyone that stands in her way.

Aldric, tasked with the quest to capture Olivia and bring her to Lord Pit. Didn’t realize what he was getting into. Secretly impressed with her creative attempts to escape her capture, he feels a responsibility to keep her safe, even from herself.

Written in alternating point of view, readers are invited directly into the personal thoughts and feelings of the characters. While written for a young adult audience, readers of all ages will fall in love with these characters and their story.

I loved everything about this exciting story, and highly recommend it to anyone to enjoys reading stories of castles, knights & ladies. You won’t want to miss out on this story!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

This is an absolutely fantastic medieval romance!

Both of the main characters are incredible! They each have lessons to learn about how to treat others. Their journeys intersect and seem to be a odds with each other multiple times.

This tale is filled with sword fights, captures, and escape attempts. The cast is full of lords, ladies, and knights in shining armor. All the things to make a girl’s heart go pitter pat.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I really hope that this isn’t the last medieval romance Jody Hedlund writes. She is a master at them. I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

When I heard through the grapevine that there was going to be another book in the Uncertain Choices series I was positively gleeful. I had a small hope that it was to be Aldric’s story. As more information trickled my way I was over the moon to discover that Aldric’s story would be continued! He was a man of great flaws and yet also a man of great valor. Realizing his errors he set out to remedy them at the end of ‘For Love and Honor‘. And there we left him, bonding himself in servitude to Lord Pitt to repay his debts. And hide from his past mistakes. And avoid love and all the trappings that it entails.

Lady Olivia is a perfect match to Aldric. She has a brazen strength and belief in herself and abilities. She is not content to be a mere lady but approaches life as an adventure and she in the saddle right forefront. Aldric has turned his back on his title, even though he has paid off his debts many times over and fancies himself a protector. Until he finds himself in a battle of wills with Olivia who wants no protection. I LOVED that this was written in first person changing viewpoints between these two strong personalities. Olivia and Aldric drew you into their story, immersed you in their intensity, and made you take sides in their battles.

Olivia: For the first time in my life, I’d met a man who neither feared me nor bowed to my wishes. And I liked it.
Aldric: Every encounter with her was like an exhilarating challenge. I never knew what to expect, never knew what she might say or do. She was unconventional and bold and determined. Somehow that sparked life inside me in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever. And that scared me.

With interactions like that I didn’t even care that they fell in insta-love! And insta-love is an intense pet peeve of mine.

To be fair, there were a few scenes that I felt might be a bit risque for a younger reader. Nothing that would not fit within the Christian fiction young adult genre, however more a ‘know your reader’ and what is appropriate for them. Captivating dialogue between characters that have depth and personality to spare cares this book forward while also providing such detailed and vivid imagery of the locations and landscape. ‘A Loyal Heart’ reads perfectly fine as a stand alone novel what does not require having read the previous titles to be able to immerse yourself into their world. However, you should read them all for your own sake! This is the perfect book for teen to adult alike who enjoy strongly woven Christian themes, historical romance, and a lot of personality.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Northern Lights Press. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book 4 in her Young Adult An Uncertain Choice series

Jody Hedlund writes another admirable novel sure to inspire readers. At the end, A Loyal Heart gives readers the embodiment of what an equally respected relationship should be. It is a remarkable portrayal of how real Love with integrity, admiration and consideration actually is valued and should be emulated.

As with all of Hedlund’s Heroines, Lady Olivia defies convention by being strongfully willed and adaptable to harrowing situations. Hedlund’s Heroines are women of strength and fortitude with a little bit of sass sprinkled on top. It is refreshing to follow along with these female characters as they strategize the situations in which they find themselves. A Loyal Heart is no exception to these awe-inspiring ladies.

In the beginning, Sir Aldric is surprised to find out the knight he had been fighting was actually the prey he was tasked to find. When he stormed the castle in order to abduct the Earl of Ulster’s daughters he certainly didn’t think he’d find one ready to battle him sword in hand. Thus his introduction to Lady Olivia.

This action filled adventure takes flight from there, with promises to keep you turning pages to find out what will happen next. Will Lady Olivia be able to free herself and her younger sister? Will she finally realize her aspiration to win her father’s favor is wildly misplaced? Will both she and Sir Aldric see that not all is as it seems and one certainly shouldn’t judge a book by its cover? (Well, except this one- A Loyal Heart has a wonderful cover which actually gives you a hint at what’s inside).

This is a fun filled adventure romance that is not only entertaining, but also an excellent relationship role model with which to aspire. (Withstanding the abduction against Lady Olivia’s will of course.) The growth of these two characters is one to root for, especially to end up together by choice.

“For the first time in my life, I’d met a man who neither feared me nor bowed to my wishes. And I liked it.”

Lady Olivia is captivating, but extensive training with the sword has made her surprisingly lethal. When her castle residence is infiltrated by enemy soldiers, Olivia fights with strength and valor to protect her younger sister, only to admit that she is no match for Lord Pitt’s captain of the guard. Taken captive, Olivia determines to find a way to escape, until a series of circumstances make her question the motives of those she was certain would have her best interests in mind.

Aldric Windsor, Baron of Hampton, is making amends for past mistakes. After losing his young wife, he fell into all sorts of disreputable activities, spiraling downward until Lord Pitt granted him a second chance. When commanded to kidnap the two lovely daughters of a suspected enemy of the crown; the Earl of Ulster, in order to bring the earl’s traitorous activities to a halt, Aldric is stunned to discover unparalleled beauty disguised under the garb of a young soldier.

As Olivia yearns to earn the respect of her father and Aldric endeavors to regain his honor, two “overly stubborn” and “overly protective” souls find that “loyalty wasn’t a birthright . . . it was earned”.

I received a copy of this story from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.