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.
A Worthy Rebel by Jody Hedlund Series: An Uncertain Choice #5
Published by Northern Lights Press on September 4, 2018
Genres: Christian, Fiction, General, Historical, Romance
Pages: 208
Source: Northern Lights Press
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A desperate noblewoman, a rebellious peasant, and a forbidden love.
While fleeing an arranged betrothal to a heartless lord, Lady Isabelle becomes injured and lost. Rescued by a young peasant man, she hides her identity as a noblewoman for fear of reprisal from the peasants who are bitter and angry toward the nobility.
Cole Warwick cannot turn his back on a person in need and soon finds himself falling for Izzy, the gentle and beautiful runaway who is mending in his cottage. As the leader of an imminent uprising against the nobility, he tries to resist his growing feelings for Izzy to protect her from the dangerous life he’s chosen. But the longer she stays, the more he hopes she’ll never leave.
When Izzy’s true identity is revealed, Cole feels betrayed. With the rebellion underway, can Cole forgive Izzy and find a way to save her from an unhappy marriage? Or will he and his peasant army be destroyed before he has the chance to fight for the people and the woman he loves?
When I found out that Jody Hedlund was releasing another book in the An Uncertain Choice series I knew I had to read it. I HAD to have it, m’kay. It’s a thing. For the life of me I wasn’t sure who was left to write about but that didn’t matter, I mean it was a Jody Hedlund book first and second it was part of her amazing young adult medieval series, what’s not to love. I got this lovely book in my hands and dove in head first as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Now, mind you I still don’t have a clue who the book is about and the squeal of excitement when I figured it out might have been heard all the way to North Carolina. OK, it’s also possible Kristin and I were on the phone at the time as well 😀 Here in lies the great conundrum of new releases by favorite authors. It’s almost the lie you trap yourself in. I could have checked out Goodreads, Amazon, BookBub, or a host of other places to gather more information on this book (including, oh I don’t know the synopsis and who it was about) but I didn’t. I mean, why would I need to do that when I know that I will love this book? Right? Right!
Once I realized this book was all about Izzy, sorry Lady Isabelle, I was so exited and immersed in the story. Izzy feels like she’s always lived in her sister Olivia’s shadow (A Loyal Heart) and always rescued by her warrior sister. Now, however Olivia can’t rescue her. A match to a neighboring Lord that is anything but ideal (or wanted) ups the anti for Izzy and her need to find herself and her strength. Easy to write yet so hard to do. Jody takes real life things and makes the struggle relevant and embraces life’s struggles that everyone faces regardless of your status in life (Lady or peasant) or when you live (now or medieval). Her characters are so real, her compassion is tangible, and her foundation of faith is embracing in each book, with each story, and in such a way that your can’t closed the book without feeling empowered and strengthened.
This book is about more than just finding the courage to find your path and your strength. It’s also about the finding the courage to do the right thing, even when it’s the hardest thing. God may give you the way through it but you have grow the faith to take the path. That is where Izzy struggles. Finding her footing, not her sister’s, realizing that every person has a different strength. You don’t have to be a warrior to win the war. (Though having one in your corner helps!) Cole has the opposite problem. He’s ready for the battle, he’s ready to do what is necessary for the benefit of his community and neighbors. But he’s not ready to open his heart. . .until Izzy. Izzy who represents everything he is preparing to battle against. Izzy who breaks the mold and his barriers. Izzy who represents even new barriers, for both of them. For the record, I’d date Cole, he’s just that gallant and gentlemanly in his warrior peasant mold. For the sake of full honesty, there were a few times when this story lagged a little for me. The waiting for them to figure things out tests my patience. It wasn’t bad nor detracting and hardly worth mentioning but there you have it. Honestly, the ONLY thing I don’t love about this book is the purple cover 😀
About Jody Hedlund
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
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