Undaunted Hope Jody Hedlund (Beacons of Hope #3)

Tessa left her home to go to the middle of nowhere. She came to be a school teacher, but not everything always goes according to plan. Upon her arrival, they inform her that they don't want a female teacher. This is about to be a huge issue. She can't when suddenly things change and they decide to keep her as a teacher. Alex saved her dignity not too long after her arrival. Tessa might really like him, but as a teacher, she is suppose to be above reproach. 

Tessa soon loves her students, but some major foul issues are occurring in this mining town. Secrets are starting to come to the surface. Dangerous secrets, not just gossipy secrets. To make matters more complicated, this tiny town doesn't have a lot of single women. Now Tessa is going to have to face some of her fears, including her fear of lighthouses and the reason why they scare her. Lots of trust, and broken trust, forgiveness, love and so much more!

This book stands alone, but is part of a wonderful series. I really enjoyed this rapidly moving story. It was finished far faster than I expected. 

My copy came from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review, and nothing more. 

Carol :) 

1871
Eagle Harbor, Michigan
In a Town Mired in Darkness, 
She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her. Tessa can't help but thank him and say she is in his debt. 

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students have decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at www.jodyhedlund.com.