Book Review: Unending Devotion

About the Book:

In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

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 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?

My Review:

Aren't books with heart-pounding plots just the best? Well, Jody Hedlund's novel Unending Devotion is just that type of book! The very first page thrust me into the dangerous rescue of a young girl from one of the many brothels in Michagan. As the story progressed, I found myself holding my breath several times beacase the unexpected continued to occur. Lily is determined to save as many young girls from a degrading life while in search of her sister who is bound to suffer the same fate. Eventually however, those impulse rescues get Lily in more trouble than she bargained for and almost costs her, her life!

The characters in this book are definitely compelling ones; some are sinister and others are sweet. Lily reminds me a lot of myself. She cannot stand injustices and is willing to do anything, to right as many wrongs as possible. The leader in Lily comes out when she begins a revolution with the townspeople to fight the evil in their midst. She fights with passion and of course, unending devotion. Connell is another main character and another favorite. His internal battle of choosing to put the lives of innocent young girls before the calls of business and his decision to do what's right is commendable. Though put in a compromising situation, Connell respected Lily's honor and I enjoyed reading how their love slowly unfolded. When you read this book, you'll also love Oren, Lily's adoptive "father." His protective character and grandfather-like features will warm your heart.

My eyes were opened to how low the men in the 1800's (and probable still today) stooped down to ensure that their business thrived, even if it means not standing up for the young women forced into a life of prostitution. Ali and I were talking about how after reading this book, we felt compelled to somehow help women in the same situation. I felt an aching for the girls like Daisy in this book, who's eyes were filled with pain and shame. Imagine the impact it would have if we told every woman we encountered that Jesus loves her!!!

This book is a definite page turner that will touch your heart. The "I-have-bitterflies-in-my-stomach-feeling' will abound, leaving you with a flurry of predictions. The thought-provoking story and lessons in this book will leave you with someting more... something your average chick-lit romance novel doesn't reveal. I'd willingly rate Unending Devotion 5 out of 5 stars! After reading this book, you will want to keep it on your shelf of favorites... especially with it's pretty cover:)